Good morning, Texas. Here’s what you need to know today. 

Your Weather Planner

After a chilly start, Texas will experience bright and sunny skies with southerly winds. Temperatures will rise into the 60s and 70s. Wednesday morning will bring another chilly start, but temperatures will gradually climb toward the end of the week as high pressure moves over the state. This will result in summer-like temperatures tonight to kick off the official start of spring on Friday.

Get your 7-day forecast: Austin | San Antonio | Dallas

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Around Texas 

1. Austin Fire provides guidance on protecting your property during high fire risk

As strong winds and dry conditions continue to rattle Central Texas, the Austin Fire Department has created a tool to help mitigate the risk of wildfires around your home or property.

During high fire danger days, Austin Fire recommends moving any items within the immediate zone at least 5 feet away from one’s property, or store them in a closed structure.

2. Mother of Robb Elementary shooting victim gives speech at Oscars after ‘All the Empty Rooms’ wins best documentary

The mother of a victim in the 2022 mass shooting at an Uvalde, Texas, elementary school gave a speech at Sunday’s Oscar ceremony, after a documentary she was interviewed for won an award.

“All the Empty Rooms” won the Academy Award for best documentary short at Sunday’s Oscars. The film follows CBS News correspondent Steve Hartman and photographer Lou Bopp as they document the empty bedrooms of children lost to school shootings over seven years.

3. Democrat, Republican leaders discuss the importance of Latino vote at SXSW

In an Axios House South by Southwest Conference and Festival (SXSW) conversation on Saturday, some state leaders discussed how the power of the Latino vote is shaping up ahead of midterms. Democratic Rep. Greg Casar of Texas’ 35th Congressional District, Republican Party of Texas Chairman Abraham George and Univision Networks Group President Ignacio Meyer discussed how the Latino voting force could decide 2026’s razor-thin congressional battles.

Around The Nation

1. Major airlines warn of more travel chaos, urge end to DHS shutdown as political rhetoric ramps up

2. More than 7,000 military and commercial targets have been struck in Iran, Trump says

3. China warns Trump’s latest tariff moves could damage trade ties

Deep in the Heart of Texas

The sights and sounds of Western tradition were seen and heard at NRG Stadium on March 5, 2026, three days after the 20-day event started. Crowds of cowboys and cowgirls had their boots on the ground, exploring everything Rodeo Houston is best known for. (Photo: Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo)

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo continues over 90-year tradition

Nearly 3 million fans are expected to attend this year’s Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, which is happening now through March 22. It’s considered the largest rodeo in the world, drawing fans to Texas since 1932 and transforming over the decades.

AUSTIN, Texas, March 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Austin Natural Mattress is celebrating its 26th year serving Central Texas, marking a milestone that reflects how dramatically consumer awareness of mattress materials and sleep environments has evolved over the past two decades.

Austin Natural Mattress: Serving Austin Healthy Sleep Since 1999

Founded by Shane Coker, Austin Natural Mattress opened at a time when most shoppers focused primarily on mattress firmness, while synthetic petroleum-based foams such as memory foam had become the conventional industry norm. Today, many customers arrive asking detailed questions about mattress construction, materials, and whether products contain synthetics, fiberglass, or chemical fire retardants.

“Twenty-six years ago few thought twice about what their mattress was made of,” said Shane Coker, owner of Austin Natural Mattress. “Now customers regularly ask about natural latex, organic certifications, and whether mattresses contain fiberglass or chemical fire retardants.”

Americans spend roughly one-third of their lives in bed, and growing interest in sleep health has led many consumers to pay closer attention to the materials surrounding them during sleep.

That awareness has increased in recent years as conversations about indoor air quality, allergy season, and low-toxic homes have become more common among homeowners. News organizations, scientists, and whistle-blowers have also alerted the public & helped inform the discussion.

According to Amanda Demuth, MSN, RN, wellness advisor at Austin Natural Mattress, the bedroom environment plays a larger role in sleep health than many people realize.

“The materials in mattresses and bedding are in direct contact with people for eight hours every night and can influence the air they breathe,” Demuth said. “Many of our customers come in looking for relief from chemical sensitivities that can show up as morning congestion, headaches, sore throats, or itchy skin. Others have just done their research and have come to realize just how toxic many non-organic mattresses can be.”

Austin Natural Mattress specializes in natural, organic, and non-toxic mattresses made with materials such as certified organic latex, cotton, and wool, and maintains a showroom free of products containing fiberglass or chemical fire retardants.

The store carries natural, organic, and luxury brands including Avocado, Naturepedic, Vispring, and The Natural Mattress Home, all known for using natural materials and transparent construction.

Austin Natural Mattress has remained locally owned since its founding in 1999 and continues to serve customers across Central Texas and beyond. The company later expanded with a sister showroom, Houston Natural Mattress, serving the Greater Houston area.

Media tours of the showroom and interviews with owner Shane Coker and wellness advisor Amanda Demuth, MSN, RN are available upon request.

About Austin Natural Mattress

Locally owned since 1999, Austin Natural Mattress specializes in natural, organic, and luxury sleep solutions. Our curated selection includes premium, eco-friendly brands such as Avocado, Naturepedic, Vispring, Posh + Lavish, and The Natural Mattress Home. Dedicated to superior comfort, sustainability, and wellness, Austin Natural Mattress continues to set the benchmark for healthy, luxurious sleep.

Press Inquiries

Amanda Demuth
amanda@austinnaturalmattress.com
(512) 452-4444
https://www.austinnaturalmattress.com
Austin Natural Mattress
7530 Burnet Road
Austin, TX 78757

A video accompanying this announcement is available here: https://youtube.com/watch?v=uT6GLULk4GU

Good morning, Texas. Here’s what you need to know today. 

Your Weather Planner

TBD

Get your 7-day forecast: Austin | San Antonio | Dallas

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Introducing Spectrum News+
Watch the latest news and more local stories from across the country.

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Around Texas 

1. South Texans demand more dementia research

Experts say Latinos are 1.5 times more likely than non-Hispanic whites to develop dementia. However, Hispanics are still not represented in research. 

The South Texas Dementia Project is led by a council made up of patients, caregivers and researchers. They have taken platicas, or community chats, to 10 South Texas cities impacted by dementia to help determine priorities for how to better attack the issue. Rio Grande City is particularly important. 

Starr County — where Rio Grande City is located — is 97% Hispanic and has the highest rates of dementia in the country. 

2. Texas cities talk about dealing with autonomous vehicles during emergency situations

As first responders were responding to a mass shooting on Austin’s West 6th Street on March 1, a bystander recorded a driverless vehicle blocking an ambulance heading to the scene.

Despite an officer being able to move the vehicle, officials called the ambulance blockage another moment where autonomous vehicles (AVs) had not operated how they were supposed to. The AV was operated by Waymo, a company that has a strong presence in the capital city since initial testing in 2015.

3. Austin mayor describes ‘symbiotic’ relationship with UT at SXSW

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson talked about his administration’s “laser focus” on affordability and housing and many other topics at the South by Southwest Conference and Festival (SXSW) on Friday afternoon. He spoke at a panel called “Cities and Colleges Powering Innovation, Culture & Community” and was joined by Knoxville, Tenn., Mayor Indya Kincannon and Tuscaloosa, Ala., Mayor Walt Maddox.

Around The Nation

1. U.S.-China trade talks open in Paris, paving the way for Trump-Xi summit

2. American flag raised at U.S. Embassy in Venezuela for the 1st time since 2019

3. Trump seeks to close $1.6 trillion revenue gap with raft of new tariffs

Deep in the Heart of Texas

“Eat More Pie” sign inside the Texas Pie Company. (Spectrum News 1/Todd Boatwright)

Texas woman turns pie into a sweet business

When you own your own business, you wear a lot of hats. In Albertson’s case, she’s the boss and baker. She also wears a crown, so to speak. Albertson is known as the Texas Pie Queen.

“Who told you that?! Yes, I have been called that. I don’t call myself that. I’m very modest when it comes to stuff like that. I’m just a baker,” she said.