Austin, TX
Father of man stabbed after pro-Palestinian Austin rally speaks out: ’Stop this madness’
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/dmn/VBHFOEQWZVBAHFD7Y65UBOOA4Y.jpg?ssl=1 "Father of man stabbed after pro-Palestinian Austin rally speaks out: ’Stop this madness’")
Just days after his 23-year-old son was rushed to a hospital after being stabbed in Austin, Nizar Doar is still struggling to cope with what happened.
“I can’t make any sense out of it; that’s the problem,” he said.
Doar, 55, and his son Zacharia — both identify as Palestinian American — were at a rally at the state’s capital to protest Israel’s actions in Gaza during the Israel-Hamas war. After the demonstration, Zacharia, who lives in Arlington, decided to stay in Austin a while longer to eat with his friends, Doar said.
Doar was near Waco when one of Zacharia’s friends called to tell him his son had been stabbed.
“He said, ‘Uncle, you have to come back,’” Doar recalled. “It was the worst feeling I ever endured in my life. I felt like, ‘Oh my God, I’m going to lose my son.’”
A racial slur, then a stabbing
According to police, officers were notified at about 7 p.m. of a disturbance in the intersection of West 26th Street and Nueces Street in West Campus, near the University of Texas at Austin. Responding officers found a man with injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening, police said, adding that he was taken to a hospital.
One of the people with Zacharia during the stabbing told authorities that they, along with two other people, were in a pickup going southbound on Nueces Street when a man on a bicycle approached the truck, according to a probable-cause affidavit obtained by The Dallas Morning News.
The man, later identified by police as 36-year-oldBert James Baker, “put his bicycle down in front of the truck” and started yelling a racial slur at the people in the truck, according the affidavit. When they got out of the truck, Baker allegedly punched Zacharia in the shoulder and a fight ensued.
The witness told authorities Baker pulled out a knife at some point and ran toward the group. He then saw Zacharia “bleeding from his right ribs,” according to the affidavit. The same person told authorities that Zacharia, after being stabbed, “wrestled” Baker to the ground and “struck the knife out” of his hand.
Doar said he believes Baker targeted the truck because it had a keffiyeh, a traditional black and white head scarf, displayed on the passenger side of the vehicle.
Zacharia was stabbed “under the shoulder blade,” Doar said. The knife broke one of Zacharia’s ribs, and doctors told the family his recovery is expected to take at least six weeks. He is back in North Texas with his wife and son.
“He cannot attend to his son because he cannot carry him,” Doar said. “He can’t pick him up and comfort his son.”
Investigators mull a hate crime charge
Baker was arrested and accused of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. On Wednesday, Austin police announced that the department’s Hate Crimes Review Committee determined the stabbing met the definition of a hate crime.
“Per department policy, the information has been provided to the Travis County District Attorney’s Office. The prosecuting office will make the final decision on enhancing the offense to a Hate Crime,” Austin police said in a Wednesday news release.
Doar, who has lived in the United States since 1988, said he and Zacharia have been attending pro-Palestinian rallies in North Texas. He said what’s happening in Gaza is a “genocide” of Palestinians, adding that he thinks elected officials must do more to call for a cease-fire in the region.
“If we cannot do this as Americans, who else is going to stand in the front of this evil that’s going on in Gaza? We really need to stand together to stop this madness,” Doar said.
Doar said he is “110%” proud of his son and described him as his “pride and joy” and one of the “most helpful, wonderful, cheerful” people “you’ll ever meet.” His family has been moved by the outpouring of support for Zacharia following the stabbing, Doar said.
“I mean, I’m talking about Muslims, Christians, Jewish — people that I really never met call us to show their support for us,” he said.
The Palestinian Youth Movement Dallas has helped organize demonstrations in North Texas. Nidaa Lafi, a spokesperson for the organization, said she had met Zacharia at rallies in North Texas and described him as “outspoken and passionate.” The group is planning to participate in a rally Friday at Main Street Garden in response to the stabbing, Lafi said.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations, an advocacy group that works closely with the Muslim community, said it saw an alarming spike in the number of Islamophobic incidents following Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack in Israel. In November, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said the Justice Department had noticed “a significant increase in the volume and frequency of threats against Jewish, Muslim, and Arab communities” in the U.S. following the attack,
In a written statement, state Rep. Salman Bhojani said the rise in hate crimes in Texas is “utterly unacceptable.”
“The horrifying Austin stabbing shows a disturbing trend that cannot be ignored,” his statement read.
Doar has felt a range of emotions about the stabbing: confusion, anger, sadness.
But he isn’t afraid.
“No matter what it is, I’m going to participate in more protests,” Doar said. “I’m not going to let this evil stop the good we provided to show the world we stand with Gaza. I’m not going to let that deter us from getting our messages out there.”
The cost of raising a child has ballooned in major cities like Austin, forcing many families to weight the choice between paying for child care or having one parent stay home full-time.
A recent analysis from SmartAsset determined the minimum income one parent needs to earn to support their partner staying at home to raise one child in all 50 states. In Texas — not just Austin — that amount is just under $75,000.
The study used the MIT Living Wage Calculator to compare the annual living wages needed for a household with two working adults and one child, and a household with one working adult, a stay-at-home parent, and one child. The study also calculated how much it would cost to raise a child with two working parents based on factors such as “food, housing, childcare, healthcare, transportation, incremental income taxes and other necessities.”
A Texas household with one working parent would need to earn $74,734 a year to support a stay-at-home partner and a child, the report found. If two parents worked in the household, necessitating some additional costs like childcare and transportation, it would require an additional $10,504 in annual income to raise their child.
SmartAsset said the cost to raise a child in Texas in a two-working-parent household adds up to $23,587. Raising a child in Central Texas, however, is slightly more expensive. A separate SmartAsset study from June 2025 determined it costs $24,118 to raise a child in the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos metro.
In the report’s ranking of states with the highest minimum income needed to support a family with one working adult, a stay-at-home parent, and one child, Texas ranked 32nd on the list.
In other states like Massachusetts, where raising a child can cost more than $40,000 a year, the report acknowledges ways families are working to reduce any financial burdens.
“This often includes considerations around who’s going to work in the household, and whether young children will require paid daycare services while parents are occupied,” the report said. “With tradeoffs abound, many parents might seek to understand the minimum income needed to keep the family afloat while allowing the other parent to stay home to raise a young child.”
The top 10 states with the lowest minimum income threshold to support a three-person family on one income are:
- West Virginia – $68,099
- Arkansas – $68,141
- Mississippi – $70,242
- Kentucky – $70,408
- North Dakota – $70,949
- Oklahoma – $71,718
- Ohio – $72,114
- South Dakota – $72,218
- Alabama – $72,238
- Nebraska – $72,966
AUSTIN, Texas – The 2025 holiday season is here and with it comes lighting displays, parades and events.
FOX 7 Austin has gathered a list of where you can go to enjoy holiday lights and celebrate with your friends and family.
The list is arranged by county, then city.
Travis County
Austin
Austin Trail of Lights
- When: Dec. 10-23 from 6-10 p.m. each night
- Where: Zilker Park
- What: Annual event hosted by the Trail of Lights Foundation, trail features more than 2 million lights, 90 lighted holiday trees and more than 70 other displays and lighted tunnels; event also features live music, local food trucks, holiday vendors, and an opportunity to meet Santa and Mrs Claus
- Cost: General admission ranges from $0–$8 depending on the night. ZIP passes range from $20-$35 and include early access, an exclusive entrance and a special lounge area. Platinum passes range from $85-$480 and include valet parking, early access, a shuttle, a special lounge area and drink and ride tickets.
- Website: https://austintrailoflights.org/
Zilker Holiday Tree
- When: Nov. 30–Jan. 1 from 6-10 p.m. (Drive up visitation nights: Dec. 2-6, Dec. 8-9, Dec. 24-Jan. 1)
- Where: Zilker Park
- What: The Zilker Holiday Tree stands 155 feet tall and is composed of 39 streamers, each with 81 multi-colored lights, totaling about 3,309 lights. The lights are hung from the Zilker Moontower, one of 17 original Austin moontowers. It has been lit almost every year since 1967 (excluding 1973)
- Website: Zilker Holiday Tree | AustinTexas.gov
Luminations
- When: Dec. 5-Jan. 3, closed Dec. 24-25, Dec. 31 and Jan. 1
- Where: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
- What: Guests can enjoy a canopy of twinkling lights, glowing garden paths, nightly live music, festive photo moments, and hot chocolate and churros.
- Cost: $30 for adults ($23 for members), $20 for kids age 3-12 ($13 for members), free for kids 2 and under
- Website: www.wildflower.org/luminations
Del Valle
Peppermint Parkway at COTA
- When: Now until Jan. 4, open Monday-Friday 5:30-10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 3-10 p.m.
- Where: Circuit of the Americas, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd
- What: Walk-thru trail with millions of twinkling lights, whimsical characters, and more, leading to a plaza filled with delicious seasonal treats, joyful rides, lively activities and more
- Cost: Admission starts at $8 per person, kids 2 and under get in free; additional costs for other events, rides and amusements
- Website: Peppermint Parkway
Lake Austin
Mozart’s 2025 Lake Austin Festival of Lights
- When: Nov. 11-Dec. 11 with showtimes at 7, 8, 9, and 10 p.m.; Dec. 21-Jan. 3 with showtimes at 7, 8, 9, and 10 p.m. (closed Christmas Day); Triple feature experience from Dec. 12-20
- Where: 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin
- What: This year’s festival is themed “Heaven and Nature Sing,” and includes new and spectacular additions like a fire dancer waterfront battle from “The Nutcracker” and a limited-run Broadway-style Christmas concert. The Christmas village is also returning with hot chocolate and sweet treats. Millions of lights will also glow in the ever-expanding Lake Austin Nautical Light Show.
- Cost: General admission to the Holiday Village is $3; additional fees could apply for other parts of the event
- Website: www.mozartscoffee.com/pages/festival-of-lights
Pflugerville
Pfestival of Lights & Parade
- When: Saturday, Dec. 6 from 4-7:30 p.m.
- Where: Downtown Pflugerville
- What: Family friendly activities, hot cocoa, and festive performances behind City Hall; parade from Railroad Avenue to downtown starting at 5 p.m.; Santa arrives for tree lighting and photos at 6:30 p.m.
Menorah Lighting
- When: Sunday, Dec. 14 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
- Where: Downtown Pflugerville
- What: Third annual Menorah Lighting with Chabad of Round Rock/Pflugerville
Hays County
San Marcos
Lone Star Light Show
- When: Now until Dec. 31, open Sunday-Thursday 6-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 6-11 p.m.
- Where: 6218 I-35 South frontage road, northeast of Old Bastrop Road
- What: Interactive drive-thru light show with seven immersive tunnels, an entirely LED nativity, thousands of light strands, a 50-foot-high Christmas tree and more.
- Cost: $25 general vehicle admission for weekdays; $30 general vehicle admission for weekends
- Website: www.lonestarlightshow.com
Wimberley
EmilyAnn Theatre’s Trail of Lights
- When: Now until Dec. 26, open Sunday-Thursday 6-9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 6-10 p.m. (except Dec 21-23, open from 6-10 p.m.)
- Where: EmilyAnn Theatre, 1101 FM 2325, Wimberley
- What: A walking trail through about 8 acres of lighted exhibits; live entertainment onstage near the yule log where guests can enjoy complimentary marshmallows and hot chocolate; several special event nights throughout the run of the trail; a concession stand and an entrance store
- Cost: Free, but donations accepted as this is a fundraiser for the theatre
- Website: www.emilyann.org/trailoflights.html
Bastrop County
Bastrop
Bastrop River of Lights
- When: Now until Jan. 5, from dusk to 10 p.m. every night
- Where: 601 Chestnut Street, Bastrop
- What: Attendees can stroll the half-mile June Hill Pape Riverwalk and enjoy hundreds of sparkling displays in festive holiday themes
Lost Pines Lighted Christmas Parade
- When: Saturday, Dec. 13 starting at 6 p.m.
- Where: Downtown Bastrop
- What: More than 150 dazzling entries of floats, fire trucks, unicycles, vintage cars and even Santa himself. Event will travel south down Main Street
Bexar County
San Antonio
Zoo Lights at the San Antonio Zoo
- When: Now until Jan. 4
- Where: 3903 N. St. Mary’s St., San Antonio
- What: Multiple realms of twinkling lights, festive music and whimsical displays; daily activities like Pick-A-Present, S’mores Pits and photos with Santa; weekend activities and meet-and-greets with the zoo’s mascots;
- Cost: Free for San Antonio Zoo members or with a standard admission ticket; day memberships start at $44.99; daily admissions start at $21.91; children under 3 get in free
- Website: Zoo Lights at the San Antonio Zoo
Holiday Lights on the San Antonio River Walk
- When: Now until Jan. 11, from sundown to sunrise
- Where: San Antonio River Walk in Downtown San Antonio
- What: About 200,000 lights draped across the bald cypress trees lining the downtown portion of the River Walk
- Cost: Free
- Website: Holiday Lights on the San Antonio River Walk
Blanco County
Johnson City
Lights Spectacular 2025
- When: Now until Jan. 4, from dusk (about 5:45 p.m.) to midnight
- Where: Located at various locations throughout downtown Johnson City; Memorial Park; Pedernales Electric Coop HQ
- What: Laser show and fun lighted ornaments at courthouse; over 1 million lights on oak trees and colorful themed displays at Memorial Park and PEC HQ; interactive displays, carriage rides
- Cost: Free
- Website: www.lightsspectacular.com
Burnet County
Marble Falls
Walkway of Lights
- When: Now until Jan. 3, from 6-10 p.m. (weather permitting)
- Where: Lakeside Park & Beach, 205 Buena Vista Drive
- What: Attendees can stroll past Christmas sculptures on Marble Falls Lake and enjoy many different events, like pictures with Santa, a boat parade, movies in the park and more. Concessions will also be available such as cookies, hot chocolate and coffee
- Cost: $2 per person
- Website: Walkway of Lights
Comal County
New Braunfels
Santa’s Ranch
- When: Now through Jan. 4, open Sundays through Thursdays 6-10 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays 6-11 p.m.
- Where: 9561 I-35 North in New Braunfels, just southwest of San Marcos
- What: A drive-thru mile-long light display with over 3 million lights, a concession stand with hot chocolate, kettle corn, snacks, souvenirs and more
- Cost: $37 plus tax for a single pass per vehicle; $74 plus tax for a season pass per vehicle
- Website: www.santasranch.com
Gillespie County
Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg Christmas Nights of Lights
- When: Now until Jan. 6, nightly beginning at 5 p.m. (closed on Dec. 5 and Dec. 31)
- Where: Marktplatz in Fredericksburg
- What: Each evening will feature holiday music starting at 5 p.m., followed by a 10-minute audio presentation on the history of Fredericksburg’s German heritage at 6 p.m., then a countdown to the lighting of Marktplatz. The music will end at 6:30 p.m. following the countdown.
- Cost: Free
- Website: Visit Fredericksburg
The Source: Information in this report comes from a variety of sources, including city and county websites and event pages for individual displays.
TEXAS — Driving along State Highway 130 — the fastest highway in Texas — in the Austin area now means seeing driverless semi-trucks operate along the way.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has partnered with Cavnue, a smart road technology company, to pilot the “Smart Freight Corridor.” It’s a 21-mile highway stretch designed to “advance the future of freight mobility,” according to Cavnue’s description of the project. TxDOT and Cavnue announced this project in late 2023.
The corridor’s technology is designed to prioritize highway safety, and it’ll include sensors, cameras, radar and wireless communication systems that constantly update experts on the state of the highway: traffic, road conditions and hazards. It’s the first of its kind in the country.
“Safety is priority number one at TxDOT. The largest opportunity to reduce crashes is by improving the driver experience by broadcasting digital roadway information to on-board automated systems to help advanced and automated trucks navigate the roadway environment safely and more efficiently,” said Mike Arellano, who is the deputy district engineer at TxDOT.
The expansion comes just months after the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 2807, which set a standard statewide system to permit operation of autonomous vehicles.
Running from Georgetown, through Hutto and Pflugerville down to Del Valle, an average of 57,000 vehicles daily will travel through the corridor. Those trucks will also cut carbon emissions using Cavnue’s technology by alerting the trucks to potential debris and traffic.
The project first launched in late 2024 with only a 4-mile stretch. This expansion isn’t the end, Cavnue representatives wrote online.
“This corridor has the potential to expand across key interstate routes, including I-10, I-35 and I-45, strengthening freight movement within the Texas Triangle,” they wrote.
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