SUMMARY: The Shell Freedom Over Texas Fourth of July celebration in Houston begins Thursday at 4 p.m. at Eleanor Tinsley Park, culminating in a fireworks display. City leaders, including Mayor John Whitmire, urged safe celebrations, emphasizing water safety, fireworks caution, and avoiding drunk driving. The event will provide free water; attendees should bring empty bottles and wear light-colored clothing and sun protection. Tickets are $10, with free entry for children under 5. For those not attending, ABC13 will stream the event from 7 p.m. Susan Christian from the Mayor's Office emphasized preparedness for attendees.

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SUMMARY: Frank Rodriguez, a former senior policy advisor in Austin, was sentenced to three years of probation and ordered to pay $21,375 in restitution for conspiring to misapply federal funds and falsify records, according to the Department of Justice. Rodriguez had falsified a federal funding application in 2015 for a nonprofit he founded, leading to initial funding of approximately $190,000. He later received $21,375 in consulting fees from the nonprofit. While a city employee, Rodriguez advocated for the nonprofit, shared confidential information, and disparaged its competitors. He also provided false testimony during a city ethics investigation.

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The post Former advisor to Austin city official sentenced to probation in federal conspiracy case appeared first on www.kxan.com

SUMMARY: The US FDA announced it will ban brominated vegetable oil (BVO) in food products starting August 2, with companies given one year to comply. BVO, used in many sodas to stabilize citrus flavoring, has been linked to health risks like nervous system damage and organ damage. The decision follows years of scientific evidence and consumer advocacy, including a significant 2012 Change.org petition. Many manufacturers had already started to eliminate BVO. California has also banned BVO along with other harmful substances. Until the ban takes effect, consumers are advised to monitor their intake and check product ingredients for BVO.

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