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Three people were killed, including the suspect, and 14 people were injured in a mass shooting on West Sixth Street early March 1 that law enforcement officials are investigating as a "potential matter of terrorism."

The shooting near Buford's at 700 W. Sixth St. was reported shortly before 2 a.m. March 1. A suspect had driven a large SUV around the block several times before opening fire on bar patrons with a pistol, then parking nearby and shooting at people nearby with a rifle, Davis said. Police stationed around the East Sixth Street entertainment district arrived on scene in about a minute and killed the suspect.

Officials credited city police and paramedics for their coordination around weekend entertainment hours, and said first responders likely saved multiple lives.

The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating the shooting in coordination with APD and the incident may be linked to terrorism, although a federal official said it was too early to confirm as of March 1.

Austin officials authorized continuous third-party audits of citywide operations and services, a process partly prompted by the outcome of last year's Proposition Q tax rate election.

The details: The audit will analyze Austin's overall city government organization, public programs and services, third-party contracting practices, and financial comparisons to peer cities. Public progress reports will be made at least semiannually, and all project recommendations, results and other information will be posted online.

Going forward: The audit doesn't have a set price tag, and a contractor could be approved by early fall.

What else: The new assessment program's creation coincides with a similar effort led by the Save Austin Now political action committee, a top Proposition Q opponent last fall. The PAC is now running a petition campaign for a ballot measure to mandate third-party city auditing in Austin's charter, an issue that could be decided in this November's election.

U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited Cunningham Elementary in Southwest Austin on Feb. 27 to observe Austin ISD's school nutrition program.

Zooming out: Kennedy's visit comes weeks after the Trump administration released new U.S. dietary guidelines with an added emphasis on protein and avoiding highly-processed foods. AISD's school nutrition department has garnered national attention for serving scratch-made dishes free from additives.

A closer look: The new federal dietary guidelines, released in January, prioritize protein, dairy and healthy fats while avoiding highly-processed foods, sugars and refined carbohydrates.

AISD is "already pretty aligned" with the new standards and doesn't anticipate needing to make any sweeping changes, AISD Executive Chef Diane Grodek said. The district may offer larger protein servings for students if additional funding is provided, said Ryan Mikolaycik, AISD executive director of food service and warehouse.

In their own words: "We need a voice to lift up school nutrition," Mikolaycik said about Kennedy visiting the district. "We need a champion to elevate what we're doing, understand the true cost of what we're doing and to invest into us."

Over 1,000 cocktail lovers, hospitality professionals and community members will join together in April to celebrate the eighth Bloody Mary Festival in Austin.

What you need to know: Throughout the course of the one-day festival, guests can sample 15 bloody marys and vote for their favorite. The event will also feature curated tastings, interactive programming and live music from Austin-based band Pendulum Hearts.

All bloody marys will be crafted with local Goodnight Loving Vodka.

The local vendors and craft mix producers featured at the festival include:

• Vinaigrette
• Snooze A.M. Eatery
• Laurel Restaurant
• Texas Card House

• April 4, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; 3-6 p.m.
• Ticket prices vary
• 1100 E Fifth St., Austin

Check out the top six trending stories in the Austin area Feb. 23-27. 

1. Major highway overhaul underway between Leander and Georgetown

2. Updates on a dozen businesses serving west Georgetown

3. The League Kitchen & Tavern to close in Lakeway; Cousin Louie’s location announced

4. Costco to open new store in Liberty Hill this March

5. Lane closures over Mays Street bridge in effect

6. 9-mile stretch of US 183 expansion nears finish line