Latest News in Austin, TX

Police Find No Evidence of Hate Crime in Jonathan Josss Murder, Despite Husbands Allegation

Authorities in San Antonio found no evidence to support claims that actor Jonathan Joss's murder was a hate crime, despite allegations from his husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales. Joss was shot multiple times near his former home, and police have arrested 56-year-old Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja on murder charges. The investigation continues as Gonzales recounts a confrontation with the shooter that included homophobic slurs.

What did and didn't pass in the Texas Legislature

Texas lawmakers concluded their 140-day legislative session, passing significant bills on private school vouchers and school funding while failing to limit abortion pills and restrict transgender bathroom use. Governor Abbott plans to sign the approved funding for public schools, which allocates $8.5 billion. Other controversial measures include requiring the Ten Commandments in classrooms and banning THC.

Austin Faces Widespread Outages, 1 Dead After Destructive Storm

A severe hailstorm in Austin has left over 16,000 residents without power, following significant damage and at least one fatality. Emergency crews, supported by more than 200 teams from neighboring areas, are working to restore electricity after the storm caused extensive damage to power infrastructure.

Texas Legislature passes public school funding

The Texas Legislature passed a public school funding bill on May 30, 2025, aimed at enhancing educational resources across the state. This legislation is expected to address funding disparities and improve educational outcomes for students.

Here's how often lightning strikes in Austin

Lightning strikes frequently in Austin, making Texas one of America's lightning capitals. The article details the frequency and impact of lightning during storms in the region. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about weather conditions.

Thousands remain without power after storm

Storms in Austin left thousands without power after heavy rainfall caused significant disruptions. Some areas reported 2 to 3 inches of rain within just 30 minutes, leading to widespread outages. Utility crews are working to restore service.

Airbnb branches into exclusive Austin experiences

Airbnb expands its offerings in Austin by introducing exclusive experiences, including activities like pickleball lessons and historic tours. This move aims to enhance guest engagement and attract more visitors to the city.

Politics - Axios Austin

Axios Austin covers local political developments, including legislation impacting the abortion pill in Texas and federal funding for Austin-area school districts. The content provides insights into the Texas legislature's activities and their implications for residents.

Why we're sinking

Austin faces significant subsidence issues that threaten infrastructure, including roads and buildings. This phenomenon exacerbates flooding risks in low-lying areas, prompting concerns among residents and city planners.

Bill targeting abortion pills misses key deadline

A Texas bill aimed at restricting medication abortion has missed a crucial legislative deadline, hindering efforts by state Republicans to limit access to abortion pills. The failure to advance the bill marks a setback for anti-abortion advocates in Texas.