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First Amendment questions raised after UT Austin protest arrests

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First Amendment questions raised after UT Austin protest arrests


It was another day of protests on Thursday at the University of Texas at Austin with pushing and shoving between police and protesters.

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Nearly 60 people were arrested Wednesday, including a FOX 7 news photographer.

The arrests, especially of a journalist, raise questions about the right to assemble and freedom of the press.

Voices were raised in chants on the second day of protests at UT Austin.

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There were a number of different groups, including some university staff. 

AUSTIN, TEXAS – APRIL 24: Students rally together during a pro-Palestine protest at the The University of Texas at Austin on April 24, 2024 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

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Stewing at how the university and law enforcement responded to protests over the Israel-Hamas war Wednesday, some faculty members are now seeking a recall vote of UT President Jay Hartzell.

The FOX 7 photographer was released from jail Thursday morning as were many others who were arrested for criminal trespass on Wednesday.

Thomas Leatherbury is director of the First Amendment Clinic at SMU. He says journalists should not be jailed for covering public demonstrations.

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“I feel particularly pained by the arrest of photographers,” he said. “They’re not protesting; they’re covering the protest. And I wouldn’t be surprised if they caught footage of a disproportionate police response, and that’s why they were arrested.”

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Gov. Greg Abbott tweeted Wednesday in defense of his decision to send DPS officers to the campus, saying, “Students joining in hate-filled, antisemitic protests at any public college or university in Texas should be expelled”

The UT president is also defending the use of law enforcement against protest groups he said “tried to deliver on their stated intent to occupy campus.”

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But Thursday, the Travis County district attorney dropped all charges against the FOX 7 photographer and others, writing, “We individually reviewed each case that was presented… There were deficiencies in the probable cause affidavits. The court affirmed and ordered the release of those individuals.”

“I’m not surprised. That’s what District Attorney Creuzot did to the vast majority, if not all, of the criminal charges that were filed in Dallas after the murder of George Floyd, and I think that’s the right thing to do,” Leatherbury said. “Unless you have specific evidence that an individual was engaging in violent conduct, then I think err on the side of protecting protests and certainly err on the side of protecting peaceful protests.”

Colleges and universities do have the right to set reasonable time, place, manner and restrictions on peaceful public protests, and state officials can enforce criminal laws if the laws are applicable.

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“It’s going to be a real fact-intensive exercise to see, was the police response disproportionate to what was going on? Was there unprotected speech that was happening?” Leatherbury wondered. “For example, was it peaceful or was there true threats to Jewish students or true threats to Pro-Palestinian students?”

Leatherbury pointed out that even if the protests crossed the line into hate speech, that is still legally protected under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

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The news photographer now has outside private counsel and was advised to not talk about his arrest or night in jail.



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Austin, TX

What seed did Texas volleyball get in the NCAA Tournament?

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What seed did Texas volleyball get in the NCAA Tournament?


For the first time since 2022, Texas volleyball will enter the NCAA Tournament as a No. 1 seed.

The NCAA Tournament’s selection committee released its field of 64 Sunday, and Texas (23-3) received one of the coveted top-four seeds, which means the Longhorns won’t leave Austin until a possible trip to the Final Four Dec. 18-21 in Kansas City, Mo.

Texas, the No. 3 overall seed, will open the tournament Friday at 7 p.m. against Florida A&M at Gregory Gymnasium on the Longhorns’ campus. With a win, the Longhorns would face either No. 8 seed and defending national champion Penn State or South Florida this weekend in a second-round contest.

If Texas wins both its games this upcoming week, the Longhorns could face No. 4 Indiana, No. 3 Wisconsin or No. 2 Stanford in the regional tournament. Those programs are the other top-four teams in the Longhorns’ Austin Quadrant.

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The NCAA will release its full tournament schedule later Sunday.

The NCAA volleyball tournament is structured like college basketball’s postseason tournament and features 64 teams, including 31 automatic qualifiers and 33 at-large selections. The selection committee seeded the top 32 teams with the top 16 identified in rank order.

Top-ranked Nebraska, the nation’s only unbeaten team, is the No. 1 overall seed while SEC champion Kentucky is the No. 2 seed. Pittsburgh earned the final No. 1 seed and the fourth overall seed.



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Austin, TX

Pho Austin: Best Pho Restaurants In Austin (2025)

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Pho Austin: Best Pho Restaurants In Austin (2025)


Last Updated On – 30th November, 2025

Jump To: Affordable | Traditional | Modern & Trendy

Pho Austin lovers know that the city’s Vietnamese food scene continues to grow fast — and pho is one of the biggest standouts. Whether you’re craving a deep, traditional broth or a modern, creative take on the classic soup, Austin has something for every pho fan.

Below are the 10 best pho restaurants in Austin for 2025, organized into helpful categories so you can instantly find the perfect bowl.

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Warm up with a bowl of pho, then keep the day going with something fun. Check out the latest Things To Do in Austin This Weekend to find concerts, pop-ups, and seasonal happenings around the city.


Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out.

Also, check out our articles on Chinese Food Austin, Vietnamese Food in Austin, and Best Sushi Restaurants Austin.


Affordable Pho Austin

The One Pho

austin pho - The One Phoaustin pho - The One Pho

Image credit: The One Pho

The One Pho is a favorite Vietnamese spot in Austin, known for its extensive menu that includes classic noodle soups and innovative Asian fusion dishes. Locals often praise their signature Wagyu Beef Hot Stone Pho, where the broth is poured tableside over fresh ingredients in a piping hot stone bowl.

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Where: 10721 Research Blvd b110, Austin, TX 78759
Operating Hours: Thursday CLOSED | Friday – Wednesday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm


Pho Van

Pho Van is a highly-rated, no-frills Vietnamese restaurant in Austin, known for serving authentic dishes like flavorful pho, fresh spring rolls, and banh mi. Many regulars consider their broken rice plates, such as the grilled chicken or pork, to be an excellent alternative to the namesake soup.

Where: 8557 Research Blvd #120, Austin, TX 78758
Operating Hours: Daily 10:30 am – 9:00 pm


Tan My Restaurant

Tan My Restaurant is widely celebrated as one of Austin’s best for authentic Vietnamese cuisine, famous for its rich, aromatic broth that elevates their signature noodle soups. For an especially satisfying meal, be sure to try the Pho Dac Biet, a combination pho that features a generous variety of meats.

Where: 1601 Ohlen Rd # E, Austin, TX 78758
Operating Hours: Sunday CLOSED | Monday – Saturday 10:00 am – 8:30 pm

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888 Pan Asian Restaurant

 pho in austin - 888 Pan Asian Restaurant pho in austin - 888 Pan Asian Restaurant

Image credit: 888 Pan Asian Restaurant

888 Pan Asian Restaurant is a popular pho Austin spot known for its vast menu of well-priced, generously portioned Vietnamese, Thai, and Chinese dishes. Patrons especially praise the flavorful pho broth, and the crispy spring rolls are a highly recommended appetizer to start your meal.

Where: 2400 E Oltorf St #1A, Austin, TX 78741
Operating Hours: Sunday 12:00 pm – 9:45 pm | Monday – Saturday 12:00 pm – 10:45 pm


Once you’ve finished your pho adventure, explore what else Austin has brewing. Browse our guide to Things To Do in Austin This Weekend for festivals, outdoor fun, and can’t-miss local events.


Best Traditional Pho in Austin

Pho Saigon Noodle House

A long-loved staple of South Austin, Pho Saigon delivers a deep, rich broth and the classic herb-forward flavor that makes traditional pho irresistible. Its consistency and generous portions make it one of the city’s most reliable pho spots.

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Where: 10901 N Lamar Blvd A108, Austin, TX 78753
Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday 10:00 am – 8:00 pm | Friday – Saturday 10:00 am – 8:30 pm


Pho Dan

North Austin residents swear by Pho Dan. The broth here is clean and comforting, and the bowls come packed with noodles and meats. It’s a great everyday pho spot, especially for those who love straightforward, authentic flavors.

Where: 11220 N Lamar Blvd B-200, Austin, TX 78753
Operating Hours: Daily 9:00 am – 9:00 pm


Pho Phong Luu

pho austin - Phở Phong Lưupho austin - Phở Phong Lưu

Image credit: Phở Phong Lưu

Known for bold, aromatic broth and generous toppings, Pho Phong Luu offers classic Vietnamese flavors done right. It’s a go-to for long-time Austin residents seeking a consistently satisfying bowl.

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Where: 11800 Dessau Rd Suite 302, Austin, TX 78754
Operating Hours: Wednesday – Thursday CLOSED | Friday 10:00 am – 2:30 pm & 4:30 pm – 8:00 pm | Saturday – Sunday 10:00 am – 2:30 pm | Monday – Tuesday 10:00 am – 2:30 pm & 4:30 pm – 8:00 pm


Best Modern & Trendy Pho Spots in Austin

Sip Pho

pho austinpho austin

Image credit: Sip Pho

Sip Pho brings a modern, fresh aesthetic to the pho Austin scene. Expect beautifully plated bowls with a focus on clean flavors, perfect for diners who appreciate high-quality ingredients in a contemporary setting.

Where: 512 W 29th St, Austin, TX 78705
Operating Hours: Daily 11:00 am – 9:00 pm


Pho Please

Pho Please is one of the most popular modern Vietnamese spots in Austin. It has a bright, trendy atmosphere, fast service, and a broth that’s light yet incredibly flavorful. A reliable pick for young professionals and students.

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Where: 1920 E Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78741
Operating Hours: Daily 11:00 am – 9:00 pm


1618 Asian Fusion

While 1618 Asian Fusion isn’t strictly a pho restaurant, its version of the dish has earned a dedicated following. The flavors are balanced and the portions generous, making it ideal for mixed groups craving different Asian dishes.

Where: 1618 E Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78741
Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday 10:00 am – 9:30 pm | Friday – Saturday 10:00 am – 10:30 pm


Craving more ways to enjoy the city after your pho stop? Dive into our updated roundup of Things To Do in Austin This Weekend and discover what’s happening across Austin right now.

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Austin, TX

Austin police investigate early morning shooting outside club; victim stable

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Austin police investigate early morning shooting outside club; victim stable


Austin police are investigating a shooting that happened early Friday morning after an altercation in front of a north Austin night club.

Police say that the shooting happened just after 1 a.m. Friday morning in the parking lot at the Rodeo Night Club at 9515 N. Lamar Blvd.

APD says that a man in his 20s was taken to the hospital with gunshot wounds.

ALSO | Lawyer: 19-year-old student detained, deported before flight to Austin for Thanksgiving

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The injuries were first reported as critical, but the victim was later determined to be in stable condition, according to police.

Two suspects were detained at the scene, police say, and the incident is being investigated as an aggravated assault.



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