AUSTIN, Texas – Authorities are investigating a large overnight fire that erupted at an affordable housing development under construction in Southeast Austin, causing widespread damage and prompting concern among nearby residents. The Austin Fire Department reported that the intensity of the flames forced crews to take a defensive approach, battling the blaze from the outside due to rapidly growing heat and structural instability. The incident occurred at a building site along Sou

Hundreds of Austin families received meaningful holiday support on Sunday during a large Thanksgiving meal distribution hosted at Huston-Tillotson University. The event, which has become an anticipated annual tradition for many local residents, once again aimed to ease financial stress for households preparing for the holiday season. The Gamma Eta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity collaborated with students from the university’s honors program to organize the drive-thro

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is experiencing significant travel disruptions as the Federal Aviation Administration placed the facility under a ground delay effective Friday morning. The measure, which began at 9:30 a.m. on November 7, is expected to remain in place until 3:59 p.m., impacting all departing flights headed to domestic destinations across the United States. The FAA confirmed that the delay has been implemented due to staffing shortages, an issue that has perio

Texas homeowners and landlords now have stronger legal authority to protect their properties as two new state laws officially take effect. Senate Bill 38 and Senate Bill 1333 are designed to stop squatters, speed up eviction proceedings, and give property owners faster access to justice. For years, Texas landlords and property managers have faced an ongoing struggle against squatters occupying vacant or abandoned homes. These unauthorized occupants have often been difficult to remove,

AUSTIN, Texas — A major water main break in the Riverside area has led to an extended road closure, disrupting one of Austin’s key traffic corridors on Monday. The incident occurred near the intersection of East Riverside Drive and South Lakeshore Boulevard, prompting authorities to shut down all eastbound lanes to ensure public safety and facilitate emergency repairs. According to officials, the water main burst early in the day, flooding parts of the roadway and creating hazar

Austin, Texas — The Austin Independent School District (AISD) is confronting a budget deficit exceeding $19.7 million and the looming possibility of state intervention if it fails to stabilize its finances and improve underperforming campuses. While no final decisions have been made, district officials have begun a series of public meetings to address community concerns, explain their financial situation, and present a preliminary plan aimed at long-term sustainability. The distri

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott has ordered a large-scale deployment of state security forces, including personnel from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Texas National Guard, to the state capital in anticipation of a planned demonstration that officials say may involve groups linked to antifa. The governor’s directive, issued Thursday, aims to safeguard residents, businesses, and public property amid concerns that the protest could lead to unrest. According to t

The Austin Police Department is preparing to release new details about an officer-involved shooting that took place on August 28 in South Austin, leaving one man dead and a bystander injured. The incident happened at a Thundercloud Subs on Slaughter Lane and Manchaca Road, drawing widespread attention as video footage and eyewitness accounts revealed how quickly the situation escalated. Police said officers had been tracking a man wanted for multiple burglaries and a violent home in

In a surprising twist, pop sensation Taylor Swift showcased her newfound passion for football, specifically the Kansas City Chiefs' 2024 NFL Draft pick, Xavier Worthy. The 14-time Grammy Award winner, whose Eras Tour grossed over $2 billion, shared her excitement on the New Heights podcast, co-hosted by her boyfriend and Chiefs tight end, Travis Kelce, alongside his brother Jason. Taylor reveale

As autonomous vehicle companies rapidly expand operations in Austin, the city finds itself adjusting to a future driven by self-driving technology, even while holding limited authority over its arrival. With state legislators at the helm of regulation, Austin’s local government is working to keep pace, especially as companies like Waymo and Tesla continue to roll out more vehicles across the city. A recent meeting of the Austin City Council’s Mobility

In a significant move to combat homelessness in the Austin area, Travis County Commissioners Court has unanimously approved an $11.5 million contract to help fund a new affordable housing project. The contract, awarded to the Austin Area Urban League, supports the nonprofit’s Urban Empowerment Zone I, a supportive housing development that will bring 80 new affordable units for adults along with vital on-site services.

In a uniquely Texas-style traffic incident, a truck carrying Cheetos collided with an Amazon Prime delivery vehicle along SH 130 Southbound at Moore Road in Travis County. The crash, which occurred on Thursday, left the highway partially covered in orange snack puffs and packaging debris, but thankfully resulted in no injuries. The Mustang Ridge Police Department shared details of the crash via a Facebook post, notin

Tito's Handmade Vodka, a popular Austin-based brand, has launched a limited-edition Summer Variety Pack designed to elevate your summer beverage experience. This new product is aimed at encouraging Tito’s fans to enjoy their favorite drinks in style, while also supporting a good cause. The pack includes six shatterproof cups, including a stemless martini glass, stemless wine glass, rocks glass, collins glass, and two shot glasses. However, it’

Bill Spelman, the former Austin City Council member and University of Texas professor, passed away at the age of 68. Spelman, renowned for his work in public policy and criminology, was remembered for his commitment to data-driven policymaking and his significant contributions to the Austin community. The news was shared by U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, who paid tribute to Spelman, describing him as a man who brought intellect, integrity, and heart to everything he

Austin Wildlife Rescue (AWR) is urgently searching for a new location for its Intake Center before its current lease expires at the end of November. Having been based in East Austin for 25 years, AWR is looking for a new facility to continue its vital work rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife. The nonprofit posted on social media asking for help in finding a suitable property, as its current location on E. MLK Jr Boulevard no longer meets their needs.

A devastating fire broke out early Thursday morning at a mixed-use apartment building in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood, claiming the lives of three people, including a 5-year-old child, a 32-year-old pregnant woman, and a 76-year-old man. At least three others were injured, including a 4-year-old boy in critical condition. The fire, which occurred at 5222 W. North Ave., was extinguished before 4 a.m., but the damage was severe, particularly on the buildi

Austin is considering a new proposal to introduce a parks maintenance fee that could be added to residents' utility bills. The proposal, introduced by Council Member Paige Ellis of District 8, aims to address the city's growing park maintenance needs as the city expands. Ellis believes this fee will help Austin manage the rising demand for new park facilities, maintain older infrastructure, and fund new land acquisitions. According to the Austin Parks

A last-minute veto from Governor Greg Abbott has spared Texas’ growing hemp industry from a sweeping ban on THC products, prompting celebration from businesses across the state including in Cedar Park. At J Heart CBD, store manager Lizzie Taylor said the team was in disbelief on Sunday night as the news broke. “My coworker and I started screaming,” said Taylor. “We thought we were going to los

After years of hype, shifting timelines, and skepticism, Tesla has officially launched its fully driverless Robotaxi service marking a historic moment in the company’s journey toward autonomous transportation. The pilot service, which began on June 22 in Austin, Texas, offers paid rides to the public using Tesla Model Y vehicles with no one behind the wheel. A Limited Yet Landmark Rollout

Across Central Texas, dozens of school districts are stepping up to provide essential nutrition to children during the summer months through free meal programs. These programs are designed to support children and teens aged 18 and younger, as well as disabled students up to 21 who are enrolled in school programs. Families do not need to register, provide identification, proof of residency, or income to access these meals, making it one of the most accessible su