Austin, TX
Austin marchers say Martin Luther King Jr.’s movement lives on despite Trump administration policies
The climate at this year’s Martin Luther King Jr. march and rally was notably different. Many spoke out against the current Trump administration and drew throughlines between the resistance of the Civil Rights Movement and today’s pushback on recent efforts at the federal and state levels to diminish the impact of minorities in the U.S.
State Rep. Sheryl Cole, an Austin Democrat, said the current political climate is challenging, but King warned justice would not come easily.
“Let this be a day more than remembrance,” she said. “Let it be a renewal. Let it be a renewal of courage, a renewal of solidarity, a renewal of hope rooted in action. The struggle continues but so does the movement.”
Austinite Rick Hoff said for him, honoring King was about keeping his legacy alive despite efforts at the federal level to minimize its significance.
Lorianne Willett
/
KUT News
In a recent change, the Trump administration removed Martin Luther King Jr. Day from its list of free entry days into national parks and added President Trump’s birthday.
“I feel like it is really important to keep respecting what this man did for this country,” Hoff said. “And, unfortunately, with some of the administration we have right now, I get a little worried that maybe they are trying to ease it out, and I don’t like that at all. I think we should keep it completely.”
During his life, Dr. King led nonviolent movements, including efforts to integrate bus lines in Montgomery, Alabama, and the March on Washington where he delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech.
Lorianne Willett
/
KUT News
Shanice Brim marched with the Democratic Socialists of America. The group was among the thousands who marched Monday from the Texas Capitol to Huston-Tillotson University. She said honoring King’s legacy is more important now than ever.
“There is a lot of discord in the country right now,” Brim said. “It feels like those of us who believe in justice are getting hit on all sides whether it’s around abortion rights, immigration, or our endless need to fund wars instead of things we need here in the country like harm reduction and housing services.”
Those in attendance were also encouraged to bring canned goods to support the Central Texas Food Bank — a nod to King’s work advocating for the poor and the hungry.
This was the first march on MLK Day since 2024. The last two events were canceled because of winter weather.
AUSTIN, Texas — A man walking his dog with his son was fatally shot by a neighbor Friday evening in Northwest Austin, police said.
Billy Carlisle, 41, was shot at the intersection of Gardenridge Hollow and Wallace Drive at approximately 6:06 p.m. May 8. Austin-Travis County EMS attempted lifesaving measures, but Carlisle was pronounced dead at 6:45 p.m.
Hunter Buchmeyer, 36, was taken into custody in connection with the shooting.
According to APD, Carlisle was walking his dog with his son when he and Buchmeyer, also walking his dog, got into a verbal altercation. The two neighbors had “prior history,” APD said.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE | APD investigating deadly shooting in NW Austin; suspect in custody
The dispute escalated to the point that Buchmeyer called 911 to report the altercation before shooting Carlisle. According to police, Buchmeyer yelled at someone to “get back” before the call disconnected.
Buchmeyer remained at the scene and attempted CPR on Carlisle before officers arrived.
No charges have been filed. APD said the investigation remains open.
The case is being investigated as Austin’s 23rd homicide of 2026.
Anyone with information is asked to contact APD at 512-974-TIPS or submit an anonymous tip through Capital Area Crime Stoppers at austincrimestoppers.org or 512-472-8477. A reward of up to $1,000 may be available for information leading to an arrest.
There was a significant reduction in the number of antisemitic incidents in Rhode Island in 2025, according to a national Jewish advocacy group.
According to the Anti-Defamation League’s latest Audit of Antisemitic Incidents, there were 26 antisemitic incidents in the state last year. That’s down from the 52 incidents counted by the group in 2024.
Samantha Joseph, New England regional director of the Anti-Defamation League, says a big reason for the reduction is a steep decline in antisemitism on college campuses.
“It shows that campus administrators are taking their responsibilities very seriously to provide a safe environment for all of their students,” said Joseph.
Brown University had over $500 million in federal funding frozen by the Trump administration last year following investigations into alleged antisemitism on campus. The funding was restored after Brown reached a settlement with the administration.
The reduction in antisemitic incidents in Rhode Island reflects a wider trend in New England as a whole. According to the ADL’s report, there were 400 antisemitic incidents in the region in 2025, compared to 638 the previous year.
While she’s pleased about the overall drop in antisemitic incidents in Rhode Island, Joseph says a number of concerning trends continue to persist. In particular, the state is still seeing more anti-Jewish incidents than it did prior to the October 7 attacks on Israel that launched the Gaza War in 2023.
Joseph is also concerned about the violent nature of local incidents of antisemitism.
“Even though overall incidents are down, assaults are up and assaults with a deadly weapon are up significantly,” said Joseph. “Our communities remain concerned for their safety, and our work is far from done.”
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Severe thunderstorms are possible Sunday evening as a cold front arrives in Central Texas. KXAN’s First Warning Weather Team will keep you updated on the weather coverage.
Risks to be aware of are damaging wind gusts that could reach as high as 60 to 75 mph and large hail up to quarter size.
Weather Resources:
Live Updates:
5:22 p.m.: A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is issued for all counties except for Milam County.
3:51 p.m.: A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for Mason, San Saba, and Lampasas County until 9:00 p.m.
3:30 p.m.: The primary risk for Sunday’s severe weather is damaging wind gusts which could cause power outages.
3:26 p.m.: Storms will likely move toward the I-35 corridor around 6 p.m. Most of the storms will enter the Hill Country around 6 p.m. and the Austin metro counties after 8 p.m.
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