Austin, TX
Homeless man who terrorized south Austin neighborhood for months gets help
Homeless man Rami Zawaideh gets help
A homeless man who has terrorized a neighborhood in South Austin for years is finally getting help. Meredith Aldis has the details.
AUSTIN, Texas – A homeless man who has terrorized a neighborhood in South Austin for years is finally getting help. Neighbors are relieved and are hoping they can now enjoy some peace and quiet.
It’s been almost two years of what neighbors call “hell.”
“There is a guy with an ax just screaming violent profane and chopping on trees,” Westgate resident James Murff said.
“Always walking around with a chainsaw and then after a week he had a pole saw,” Westgate resident JJ Pepper said.
Residents in the Westgate and Cherry Creek neighborhoods know the man by name, Rami Zawaideh.
Man accused of carrying chainsaw, chopping down trees in Greenbelt
Court documents show the man has been arrested multiple times for criminal trespassing. Neighbors said they’re concerned for their safety and want something done.
He was first arrested in Travis County in July 2022 for criminal trespassing. The county attorney declined to prosecute.
Zawaideh was arrested again in August, twice in September, and again in October 2022, but he was quickly back in the greenbelt threatening residents, chopping down trees, making sculptures, and screaming early in the morning.
“There’s only so much we can do. We can arrest them. We can file the charges and after that, that’s up to the court,” Austin Police Sgt. William Beck said.
Residents said they thought charges were going to stick when Zawaideh took a sledgehammer to city property in January 2023.
“This level of escalation with the boulders is just really worrisome,” Cherry Creek resident Frankie Hefley said.
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Zawaideh was arrested and charged with felony criminal mischief, but the district attorney dropped the charges. Residents continued to push to get help for Zawaideh.
“Mental health is obviously an issue, and we just don’t know when he’s going to snap and take it to another level,” Hefley said.
“This person needs to be removed and rehabilitated, so they can be put back into society, because they’re just unwell,” Pepper said.
Zawaideh’s mother agreed. She drove from New York to Austin and spoke with FOX 7 last week. She said she had been in town for about a month because she was planning on taking Zawaideh back home with her. She said she was told city officials had come up with a plan for Zawaideh and that he would be picked up, not jailed, but taken to a hospital, evaluated, stabilized, and he’d then be on his way to New York.
Time passed though, and Zawaideh was still out in the greenbelt terrorizing a new neighbor.
Residents hope for more action on homeless man with chainsaw
Residents in the Westgate and Stassney Lane area have been reporting sightings of a homeless man chopping down trees with a chainsaw in a nearby greenbelt.
“He’s very profane, he’s beginning to target me and my little dog, talking about murder, calling me obscene names,” Westgate resident Debbie Horne said.
She said she called 911 more than 30 times but, “I just don’t have any help.”
Just hours after FOX 7 contacted council member Ryan Alter’s office, the district attorney’s office, county attorney’s office, sheriff’s office, and the Austin Police Department, Zawaideh was picked up and taken to a hospital. City officials said it was a voluntary commitment.
Zawaideh’s mother said an order of protective custody would be filed. She said she hasn’t been able to get in contact with her son since he’s been picked up but hopes he will call soon and agree to head north with her.
A city representative couldn’t tell FOX 7 how long Zawaideh would be receiving treatment in Austin.
The Texas Tech football team landed its first commitment out of the transfer portal on Sunday.
Kansas State transfer linebacker Austin Romaine announced his commitment on social media. A second-team all-Big 12 selection this season, Romaine joins Texas Tech with one year of eligibility plus a redshirt year available.
The 6-foot-2, 245-pound linebacker has been a fixture in the middle of the Kansas State defense since his true freshman season of 2023 — when he earned five starts and was named Big 12 defensive freshman of the year, an award he shared with his new teammate Ben Roberts. He started all 12 games in 2024 and had 66 tackles, six quarterback hurries, an interception and a fumble recovery in 2025.
What Kansas State transfer Austin Romaine brings to Texas Tech football
Romaine will likely be seen as Jacob Rodriguez’s replacement as the other starting linebacker next to Roberts next season. It would also indicate John Curry will remain at the STAR (the hybrid linebacker-safety position) in which he excelled this season.
For his career, Romaine has three forced fumbles (all in 2024) and had his first career fumble recovery and interception in 2025.
Updated: Sunday, January 4, 2026
Jump To: Full-Service | Affordable | Group
As the new year approaches, many Austinites are setting fresh fitness goals and rethinking their workout routines. Austin’s gym scene continues to evolve in 2026, offering everything from luxury athletic clubs to no-frills strength gyms and high-energy group fitness studios.
Whether you’re training for performance, looking for community, or simply trying to stay consistent, these gyms in Austin stand out for their programming, facilities, and overall value.
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 the Healthy Food Cedar Park, Healthy Food Round Rock, and Healthy Food in Austin!
Full-Service Gyms
Life Time
Image credit: Life Time Austin North
Life Time is ideal for those who want a premium, all-in-one fitness experience. Members have access to expansive workout floors, boutique-style classes, pools, recovery amenities, and family-friendly programming.
Where: 1301 S Lamar Blvd, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78704
Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday 6:00 am – 10:00 pm | Monday – Friday 4:00 am – 11:00 pm
Gold’s Gym
Gold’s Gym remains a staple for strength training and general fitness in Austin. With multiple locations, members benefit from large free-weight areas, machines, group classes, and personal training options.
Where: 13435 N Hwy 183, Austin, TX 78750
Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday 7:00 am – 9:00 pm | Monday – Friday 5:00 am – 11:00 pm
Hyde Park Gym
Hyde Park Gym is a longtime favorite among serious lifters in Austin. Known for its old-school atmosphere, it prioritizes heavy lifting, strength equipment, and a focused training environment.
Where: 4125 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78751
Operating Hours: Saturday 8:00 am – 7:00 pm | Monday – Friday 6:00 am – 9:00 pm | Saturday 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Affordable & Budget-Friendly Gyms
Korrect Fitness
Image credit: Korrect Fitness
Korrect Fitness is a premier 10,000-square-foot training facility in South Austin that specializes in functional performance through small group conditioning, unconventional equipment like steel maces and kettlebells, and elite recovery amenities including cold plunges and saunas.
Where: 4401 Freidrich Ln, Unit 301, Austin, TX 78744
Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday 7:00 am – 6:00 pm | Monday – Friday 5:00 am – 9:00 pm
Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness is best for beginners or anyone looking for a low-pressure, affordable gym membership. The gym focuses on cardio equipment, circuit training, and a welcoming environment.
Where: 1807 W Slaughter Ln, Austin, TX 78748
Operating Hours: 24/7
Anytime Fitness
Anytime Fitness offers 24-hour access and smaller gym footprints, making it a convenient option for busy schedules. It’s a solid choice for members who value consistency and flexibility.
Where: 8516 Anderson Mill Rd, Austin, TX 78729
Operating Hours: 24/7
FeV Iron Vault Gym
Image credit: FeV – Iron Vault Gym
Iron Vault Gym caters to powerlifters, bodybuilders, and experienced strength athletes. The gym emphasizes high-quality equipment and a no-frills approach to training.
Where: 2101 W. Ben White BLVD #105, Back of building facing Redd St, Austin, TX 78704
Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm | Monday = Friday 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
Group Fitness & Specialty Studios
Orangetheory
Orangetheory delivers coach-led group workouts combining cardio, rowing, and strength intervals. The structured format appeals to members who want accountability and efficient, results-driven sessions.
Where: 401 W 3rd St, Austin, TX 78701
Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday 7:00 am – 2:00 pm | Monday – Thursday 5:00 am – 8:00 pm | Friday 5:00 am – 6:00 pm
F45 Training
F45 focuses on fast-paced functional training in a group setting. Daily workout variations keep classes engaging, making it popular with members who enjoy high-energy, team-based fitness.
Where: 500 E 4th St, Austin, TX 78701
Operating Hours: Saturday 9:00 am – 12:00 pm | Sunday 9:30 am – 11:15 am | Monday – Thursday 5:30 am – 7:15 pm | Friday 5:30 am – 6:15 pm
Big Tex Gym
Image credit: Big Tex Gym
Big Tex Gym is a veteran-owned, old-school strength sanctuary in North Austin that provides 24/7 access to specialized equipment for powerlifting, bodybuilding, and strongman training within a supportive community atmosphere.
Where: 1921 Cedar Bend Dr A 130, Austin, TX 78758
Operating Hours: 24/7
Many gyms offer free trials or seasonal promotions at the start of the year, making January an ideal time to explore. And once you’ve locked in your workouts, you can also check out our weekend guide of activities and events!
Lacey is a freelancer and Austin local who’s always on the hunt for new restaurants to try, fun activities to do, and local events to attend. She loves sharing her discoveries with others through her writing and hopes her work encourages both visitors and locals to be active in the community. When she’s not writing, you can find her exploring one of the city’s many hiking trails with her Blue Heeler, Oreo, getting lost in a good book, or dancing the night away to some house or techno beats at one of her favorite rave spots.
Accident or crime scene cordon tape, police line do not cross. via Getty Images
WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas – A juvenile has been arrested Saturday after an early morning double-homicide near Round Rock.
The situation ended after officials successfully negotiated a barricade situation with the minor, they say.
Williamson County double-homicide
What we know:
Williamson County authorities got the shooting call around 2 a.m. from the 8900 block of Brushy Gate Cove, outside the Round Rock city limits.
Williamson County sheriff’s deputies found two men dead of gunshot wounds at the scene. The suspect was barricaded inside a bedroom in the home.
Williamson County SWAT and crisis negotiators responded, and the suspect peacefully surrendered around 6:30 a.m.
Officials say there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Williamson County officials comment
What they’re saying:
“On our arrival, we found two deceased people from the residence, adult males,” said Commander John Foster of the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.
“Anytime you have a barricaded subject inside of a home where we believe two people are deceased, you know, we’re going to take all precautionary measures that we can to ensure our safety and the safety of the neighbors as well,” said Foster.
Investigators say everyone involved resided in the house and that this was an isolated incident.
“Information is going to be very limited, because this is a juvenile investigation, and certain laws protect certain information regarding juveniles,” said Foster.
What we don’t know:
The identity of the minor suspect has not been released.
The victims were not identified.
The motive behind the shooting has not been commented on.
The Source: Information in this article came from the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.
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