Austin, TX
Austin mayor declares local state of disaster ahead of severe winter weather threat
AUSTIN, Texas — Austin Mayor Kirk Watson declared a preemptive local state of disaster Thursday as severe winter weather, including below-freezing temperatures and dangerous ice conditions, is expected to hit the city this weekend.
Watson said the declaration will allow the city to respond more quickly and organize more efficiently if a disaster occurs.
ALSO | Freezing temperatures, icy conditions in central Texas to begin Saturday evening
The mayor urged residents to prepare by protecting “people, pipes, pets, and plants.”
Watson advised residents to check on neighbors, especially those who might need assistance, and warned against using generators, grills, camp stoves or any gasoline, propane or charcoal-burning devices to heat homes, as they generate carbon monoxide gas.
He also recommended bringing pets inside, insulating exposed pipes, winterizing water heaters and outside faucets, and covering or bringing plants indoors.
Residents can find more information at ReadyCentralTexas.org and sign up for alerts at warncentraltexas.org.
ROUND ROCK, Texas — The family of a Round Rock ISD student that was hit by a car Wednesday issued a statement asking for prayers from the community following the incident.
The incident occurred just after 3:30 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of Teravista Club Drive and Teravista Parkway.
The child was riding a bicycle when he was struck by a vehicle while crossing in a crosswalk. He suffered from “incapacitating injuries,” according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
According to the family statement, the victim sustained major injuries to his brain and neck. The family asked for prayers on Easter Sunday in support of the victim.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Child bicyclist sent the hospital with “incapacitating injuries” after being hit by car
The family of the victim are “asking the Lord to perform a miracle” on their son. They also stated that he “walked through life as everyone’s friend. He is a kind person that would help friend’s in need and with great confidence and strength, stick up for others who couldn’t stick up for themselves.”
Round Rock ISD confirmed that the student was a Teravista Elementary School student. The principal stated in the shared statement that counselors are available to help support students during this time.
The lead agencies on the Wednesday incident are the Round Rock Police Department and Texas DPS.
AUSTIN (KXAN) — “Albino” bluebonnets were spotted Friday at Inks Lake State Park in Burnet.
Inks Lake said park rangers found the unique bluebonnets beside the park’s headquarters.
Bluebonnets, or Lupinus texensis, in the U.S. are found in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Florida. The species is one of the six Lupinus species that are collectively designated the State Flower of Texas, according to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
-
“Albino” Bluebonnets found at Texas state park in Burnet (Inks Lake State Park photo)
“This rare variation is the result of a recessive gene that must be carried by both parent plants, so it’s pretty cool to see,” the park said.
Hemp Rules Tighten – Texas regulators have officially banned intoxicating hemp flower, a move supporters say closes a loophole but critics warn could cripple a billion‑dollar industry. Adam Schwager looks at how retailers are scrambling to adjust, what products remain legal, and why some business owners believe the change will push buyers back toward the illicit market.
State Backs Psychedelic Research – Texas is investing $50 million into clinical trials for ibogaine, a powerful psychedelic some veterans say helped them overcome PTSD and addiction. Dylan McKim examines why the research plan hit a roadblock with private partners, the state’s decision to fully fund the studies, and questions about how much more Texas may need to spend to pursue FDA approval.
Lawmakers seek permanent funding for referral hotlines connecting families to mental health care
Overnight shooting along SC interstate under investigation
Contenders to watch in 2026 South Dakota high school softball season
Tennessee basketball freshman guard plans to transfer
11-year-old North Texas girl shot during domestic incident, Midlothian police say
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Indiana Members Credit Union announced as new anchor tenant at Bottleworks District
GOP races to pass ICE, Border Patrol funding bill as priorities pile up, divisions emerge
Jet fuel crisis: Rationing triggered at four airports in Italy
NASA’s Artemis II crew readies for Monday’s lunar flyby. Here’s what you need to know
Tax day is next week: Avoid these 5 common mistakes that can cost you money
Hamas armed wing says disarmament demands not acceptable
-
South-Carolina1 week agoSouth Carolina vs TCU predictions for Elite Eight game in March Madness
-
Atlanta, GA1 day ago1 teenage girl killed, another injured in shooting at Piedmont Park, police say
-
Vermont1 week agoSkier dies after fall at Sugarbush Resort
-
Movie Reviews4 days agoVaazha 2 first half review: Hashir anchors a lively, chaos-filled teen tale
-
Politics1 week agoTrump’s Ballroom Design Has Barely Been Scrutinized
-
Entertainment4 days agoInside Ye’s first comeback show at SoFi Stadium
-
Atlanta, GA1 week agoFetishist ‘No Kings’ protester in mask drags ‘Trump’ and ‘JD Vance’ behind her wheelchair
-
Politics1 week agoJD Vance says he was ‘obsessed’ with UFOs, believes aliens are actually ‘demons’