Austin, TX
Morning Briefing Texas March 17
Good morning, Texas. Here’s what you need to know today.
Your Weather Planner
After a chilly start, Texas will experience bright and sunny skies with southerly winds. Temperatures will rise into the 60s and 70s. Wednesday morning will bring another chilly start, but temperatures will gradually climb toward the end of the week as high pressure moves over the state. This will result in summer-like temperatures tonight to kick off the official start of spring on Friday.
Get your 7-day forecast: Austin | San Antonio | Dallas
Around Texas
1. Austin Fire provides guidance on protecting your property during high fire risk
As strong winds and dry conditions continue to rattle Central Texas, the Austin Fire Department has created a tool to help mitigate the risk of wildfires around your home or property.
During high fire danger days, Austin Fire recommends moving any items within the immediate zone at least 5 feet away from one’s property, or store them in a closed structure.
2. Mother of Robb Elementary shooting victim gives speech at Oscars after ‘All the Empty Rooms’ wins best documentary
The mother of a victim in the 2022 mass shooting at an Uvalde, Texas, elementary school gave a speech at Sunday’s Oscar ceremony, after a documentary she was interviewed for won an award.
“All the Empty Rooms” won the Academy Award for best documentary short at Sunday’s Oscars. The film follows CBS News correspondent Steve Hartman and photographer Lou Bopp as they document the empty bedrooms of children lost to school shootings over seven years.
3. Democrat, Republican leaders discuss the importance of Latino vote at SXSW
In an Axios House South by Southwest Conference and Festival (SXSW) conversation on Saturday, some state leaders discussed how the power of the Latino vote is shaping up ahead of midterms. Democratic Rep. Greg Casar of Texas’ 35th Congressional District, Republican Party of Texas Chairman Abraham George and Univision Networks Group President Ignacio Meyer discussed how the Latino voting force could decide 2026’s razor-thin congressional battles.
Around The Nation
1. Major airlines warn of more travel chaos, urge end to DHS shutdown as political rhetoric ramps up
2. More than 7,000 military and commercial targets have been struck in Iran, Trump says
3. China warns Trump’s latest tariff moves could damage trade ties
Deep in the Heart of Texas
The sights and sounds of Western tradition were seen and heard at NRG Stadium on March 5, 2026, three days after the 20-day event started. Crowds of cowboys and cowgirls had their boots on the ground, exploring everything Rodeo Houston is best known for. (Photo: Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo)
The sights and sounds of Western tradition were seen and heard at NRG Stadium on March 5, 2026, three days after the 20-day event started. Crowds of cowboys and cowgirls had their boots on the ground, exploring everything Rodeo Houston is best known for. (Photo: Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo)
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo continues over 90-year tradition
Nearly 3 million fans are expected to attend this year’s Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, which is happening now through March 22. It’s considered the largest rodeo in the world, drawing fans to Texas since 1932 and transforming over the decades.
Austin, TX
Titanic: The Human Story Now Open in Austin, Texas
Austin, TX
2026 Pro Swim Series Kicks Off in Austin – Austin Today
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The 2026 Pro Swim Series, the first leg of the prestigious swimming competition, is set to begin tomorrow in Austin, Texas. This four-day event will showcase some of the fastest swimmers in the world as they compete in a variety of events, including new semifinal structures and updated prize money. Fans can look forward to comprehensive previews, live results, and multiple ways to watch the action unfold.
Why it matters
The Pro Swim Series is a critical stop on the road to the 2026 Olympics, with swimmers looking to qualify for national teams and secure valuable ranking points. The Austin event will also feature new event formats and prize money structures that could impact the competitive landscape and strategies of the top athletes.
The details
The 2026 Pro Swim Series in Austin will run from January 14-17, with preliminary sessions starting at 9:00 a.m. local time and finals kicking off at 6:00 p.m. local time. All sessions will be streamed live on the USA Swimming Network, and the finals on January 15 and 16 will also be aired on Peacock. The event schedule includes a variety of individual events, with the women’s and men’s 1500m freestyle, 800m freestyle, and 400m individual medley being the highlight distance races.
- The competition will begin on Wednesday, January 14 and run through Saturday, January 17.
- Preliminary sessions will start at 9:00 a.m. local time (CT) each day, with finals beginning at 6:00 p.m. local time.
The players
USA Swimming
The national governing body for the sport of swimming in the United States, responsible for organizing the Pro Swim Series.
Peacock
The streaming platform that will air the finals sessions on January 15 and 16.
SwimSwam
A leading swimming news and media outlet that has provided comprehensive previews and analysis of the 2026 Pro Swim Series event in Austin.
Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›
What’s next
Fans can look forward to additional previews and analysis from leading swimming media outlets in the days leading up to the event, as well as live results and coverage throughout the four-day competition.
The takeaway
The 2026 Pro Swim Series in Austin promises to be an exciting showcase of the sport’s top talent, with new event formats and prize money structures adding an extra layer of intrigue. Swimming fans won’t want to miss this must-watch competition as athletes vie for Olympic qualification and national team spots.
Austin, TX
El Paso family moves into the first in-hospital house in Austin
AUSTIN, Texas (KVIA) — A new partnership is helping provide revolutionary care for families as they wait in the hospital.
The Ronald McDonald House in Central Texas and Texas Children’s in Austin opened the first in-hospital Ronald McDonald House in the Central Texas region. The house includes nine family suites, a dining area, a lounge, complimentary laundry facilities, and a room for art and activities. Kitchen volunteers also provide meals.
The house provides a place for families to stay while their children receive care at Texas Children’s Hospital in Austin.
The first family to move into the house is from El Paso. Nathan and Yadira are currently waiting for the arrival of their daughter, Amelia. Yadira is currently nine months pregnant, and is set to give birth this week.
The family learned early in their pregnancy their daughter has omphalocele, a rare condition. It’s a birth defect of the abdominal wall, where intestines stick outside of the belly.
Her parents were referred to Texas Children’s Hospital because of the severity of Amelia’s case. After birth, Amelia will need close monitoring, specialized care, and eventually surgery.
The chief of surgery at Texas Children’s, Dr. Matias Burzoni, is in close contact with the family. He said both parents are still in good spirits.
“They have the best attitude I’ve seen in a long time. They’re extremely optimistic,” he told ABC-7 over a Zoom interview.
Following Amelia’s arrival, she will be receiving treatment at Texas Children’s, and her parents will be just steps away.
Dr. Bunzoni said this opportunity will be a game-changer for many families.
“We can chat with them any time during the day. They can come visit their baby any time during the day. And specifically when there are important decisions to be made, they are readily available,” he said.
He adds, the rooms are warm and welcoming. Meals and lodging are free to families.
“The fact that we have them just a few steps away from their kids makes a big difference. And that’s why I think the Ronald McDonald House is just so powerful because it really improves the outcomes of these babies,” he said.
Yadira and Nathan said they are grateful this place is available to them.
“It means a lot for us to be able to stay here because, you know, it takes away the final financial burden as well as the needs that our daughter will be needing,” Yadira said.
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