CapMetro Bikeshare suspended in Austin after a fire damaged bike batteries and charging equipment at the agency’s East Ben White facility. The service remains unavailable, and CapMetro has not announced a timeline for when Austin Bikeshare will return. CapMetro said the fire happened on May 23 at its Bikeshare facility in the 5300 block of East Ben White Boulevard in Austin, Texas. The source information did not provide the year,

Peelander-Z, the Austin-based Japanese punk band, is receiving support from fans after a serious New Mexico I-40 crash left all three members hospitalized during their spring tour. The crash happened on Monday afternoon, May 18, 2026, New Mexico time, while the band was traveling westbound on I-40 east of Albuquerque. KOB reported that authorities said a semi-truck rear-ended the band’s tour van less than an hour from the city. An exact crash time

Waterline tower Austin is moving toward its first major public opening in August 2026, when the lower portion of Texas’ tallest tower is expected to bring hotel rooms, restaurants and visitor amenities to downtown Austin. The project is drawing attention because it combines two major trends shaping the city: strong downtown tourism and a still-challenging office market. What Will Open Inside Waterline Tower Austin The lower portion of Waterli

The ACL Festival 2026 lineup is officially out, featuring Charli XCX, Lorde, and more. Tickets go live May 5 at 12 p.m. CT, with two weekends set for October in Austin. ACL Festival 2026 Lineup Highlights Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Austin City Limits Music Festival 2026 brings a powerful mix of global stars and rising talent. Headlin

Cinco de Mayo Austin 2026: What’s Happening Today Austin’s Cinco de Mayo 2026 celebrations are in full swing today, May 5, with citywide events, food specials, and nightlife drawing thousands across Central Texas. From cultural showcases to late-night parties, the city offers one of the most diverse Cinco de Mayo experiences in the U.S. Cultural Events & Daytime Highlights The celebration began with a packed weekend f

Legacy Texas chocolatier begins winding down operations A historic Texas confectionery business, Lammes Candies, is closing its operations after more than a century in business, citing mounting economic pressures and changing market conditions. The Austin-based company confirmed it will begin an orderly wind-down process after evaluating long-term sustainability challenges affecting the retail and confectionery sectors in the United States. Store closures confirmed across Austin and nearby cities The company has already shut down its Round Rock location as of Thursday, April 24, though the year was not specified. Additional closures include stores in Hillside and Lakeline Mall. Its flagship store in Austin will remain open temporarily, but no official closing date has been announced, leaving customers uncertain about final operations. Economic pressures and market shifts drive decision Lammes Candies stated that “unprecedented economic pressures and current market conditions” led to the decision. The company emphasized that it had carefully assessed shifts in consumer behavior, rising operational costs, and broader challenges facing family-owned retail businesses before deciding to cease operations. A family legacy spanning generations Founded in 1878 by William Wirt Lamme as the Red Front Candy Factory in Austin, the business officially became Lammes Candies on Thursday, July 10, 1885. After a temporary loss of the company due to a gambling debt, founder David Turner Lamme Sr. reclaimed it, establishing a legacy that continued for five generations. The company became known for handcrafted sweets, including its signature Texas Chewie Pecan Praline introduced in 1892. Final operations and transition for employees The company said it will fulfill remaining orders while supporting employees during the transition period. Ownership described the decision as difficult, highlighting the brand’s deep connection to the local community and its long-standing customer base. Since 2004, the business has been operated by fifth-generation family members, marking the end of a significant chapter in Texas retail history.

AUSTIN, Texas — U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas is scheduled to deliver a public lecture at University of Texas at Austin on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, as part of a series of events marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. According to university

AUSTIN, Texas — City officials in Austin are evaluating new regulations that could limit the sale of e-cigarettes and synthetic nicotine products near schools and daycare centers, as part of an effort to reduce youth exposure to tobacco-related products. The proposal follows a 2025 City Council resolution directing city staff to explore policy options aimed at protecting minors. During a Public Health Committee meeting held in early 2026, Austin Public Health (APH) reported that approximately 600 retailers currently operate within 1,000 feet of schools or daycare facilities. The agency recommended a zoning ordinance change that would apply only to new businesses, allowing existing retailers to continue operating under a “grandfather” provision. City officials noted that state law requires compensation if an existing business loses its land-use rights, which influenced the recommendation to limit the policy’s scope to future establishments. The proposal would also exempt large food retailers exceeding 12,000 square feet to avoid creating gaps in access to essential goods in certain neighborhoods. APH further suggested expanding the ordinance to include all nicotine and tobacco products, rather than focusing solely on e-cigarettes or synthetic alternatives. Officials say this broader approach would help address emerging products and reduce regulatory loopholes over time. Local business owners have expressed concern about the potential impact on retail operations and expansion opportunities. Some argue that strict age verification practices are already in place and that specialty vape shops are not the primary source of underage access. Others point to challenges in finding commercial spaces that meet distance requirements from schools or childcare centers. City Council has not yet scheduled a final vote on the proposal. Additional public hearings and discussions are expected to take place in the fall of 2026 as officials gather input from stakeholders and evaluate the broader implications of the policy.

A significant policy decision is underway in Texas that could influence how millions of students are taught subjects such as slavery, religion, and broader American history. The Texas State Board of Education is currently revising the state’s social studies curriculum, formally known as the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), which outlines academic standards for students from elementary through high school. The TEKS framework determines the scope and structure of instructi

A woman employed at Tesla’s gigafactory in Austin has filed a lawsuit against the company, claiming it failed to maintain a safe workplace after she was allegedly assaulted by a coworker months before he was accused in a deadly shooting on Sixth Street. The lawsuit was filed by 65-year-old Lillian Mendoza Brady, who said she first realized the identity of the man she claims attacked her when she saw his name reported in news coverage of the fatal shooting in Austin’s entertainment distri

Federal authorities are investigating whether a deadly shooting at a bar in Austin, Texas, may have been an act of terrorism after two people were killed and 14 others injured in a late-night attack that has shaken the city. The violence unfolded within hours of US airstrikes against Iran, prompting questions about whether the timing was coincidental or connected to broader geopolitical tensions. Officials have cautioned that the investigation remains in its early stages and that conclusions sho

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

Thousands of volunteers across Austin are preparing for one of the city’s most recognizable Thanksgiving traditions as Operation Turkey enters its 26th year of serving holiday meals to people in need. The annual event has grown into one of the largest community-led efforts in Texas, with organizers expecting an even bigger turnout this year. The volunteer-run nonprofit began its holiday preparations with a significant donation of 2,200 turkeys, a contribution that organizers say will help s

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

The City of Austin has concluded a three-week initiative aimed at addressing homelessness through both cleanup operations and social outreach. The campaign, coordinated by the city’s Homeless Strategies and Operations (HSO) team, sought to connect unhoused residents with essential services while restoring public areas impacted by encampments. Over the course of the operation, more than 1.3 million pounds of debris were collected from nearly 700 sites across the city, marking one of Austin??

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

Ten years have passed since the deadly flood that tore through neighborhoods along Onion Creek in South Austin, leaving behind devastation, loss, and a community forever changed. Residents and city leaders recently gathered to remember that tragic event, honor those who lost their lives, and reflect on how the area has transformed since 2015. What was once a dense neighborhood has now become a vast green space that stands as a symbol of recovery, resilience, and renewal. In late Octob

The Austin Police Department (APD) has issued a comprehensive public advisory to ensure a safe and enjoyable Halloween weekend for residents and visitors across the city. With festivities set to draw thousands to downtown Austin—especially to the bustling 6th Street entertainment district—officers are stepping up their presence and offering safety reminders for both trick-or-treaters and partygoers. A press conference will be held at noon at APD headquarters, where Commander Car