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
Introducing Spectrum News+
Watch the latest news and more local stories from across the country.
Introducing Spectrum News+
Watch the latest news and more local stories from across the country.
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, Texas — Iranian-American demonstrators gathered at the Texas Capitol on Saturday as part of a global week of action calling for a free Iran.
Organizers said the demonstration was one of many being held around the world this week. Sholeh Zendehdel, one of the demonstrators, said the global week of action was called by Iran’s exiled crown prince, Reza Pahlavi, who has lived outside the country since the 1979 revolution.
The group has held regular rallies in Austin for months protesting Iran’s current government. Demonstrators are calling on the U.S. government to stop negotiating with Iranian officials and to continue pushing for regime change.
“We just want to say, President Trump, please finish the job,” Zendehdel said. “All along, we’re hoping this whole negotiation isn’t just part of politics, and it doesn’t happen. We just need to get this done.”
Organizers said they plan to continue rallying and advocating for a free Iran as they press the U.S. to halt negotiations with Iran’s government.
To help families get moving together, South Texas Health System will host its 6th Annual Transform Your Life Health & Wellness Fair in just two weeks!
Join us on Saturday, July 18, at Tres Lagos North Park (@treslagosmcallen) in McAllen (@cityofmcallen) for a free morning of fitness, wellness and family fun, featuring:
💃 Zumba, yoga, pickleball and more
🍳 Healthy cooking demonstrations and food samples
🧘 Meditative and wellness activities
✅ Fun for all ages
For complete event details, visit https://sthsactive.com/ or the Facebook Events page at the link in our bio.”.
AUSTIN, Texas — Austin is losing several well-known street murals after the Texas Department of Transportation ordered the city to cover them, saying they violate state guidelines.
The city coated over multiple murals on Thursday, including the “Black Artists Matter” mural on East 11th Street and the Texas mural on Guadalupe Street near the University of Texas at Austin campus. People who live in Austin said the changes feel like a loss of culture and identity.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE | City of Austin memo lays out street art that may have to be removed under Abbott order
“Kind of ridiculous. It wasn’t hurting anybody,” said Orion Sun, an East Austinite.
Landry Knowles, an Austinite, said, “It makes me feel really sad and angry.”
In some places, remnants of the murals could still be seen beneath the street coating.
The directive to cover what were described as “political ideologies” came from TxDOT earlier this summer under the direction of Gov. Greg Abbott. In a letter to the city, TxDOT said “the current markings are not acceptable and do not fully comply with the Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (TMUTCD) and related federal guidance.”
Austin Transportation and Public Works confirmed it covered the murals on Thursday.
For some residents, the change went beyond paint on pavement.
“It gave the place character. Now, it’s just another black street,” Sun said.
Knowles said the Texas mural “was a symbol of school pride,” she said. “The fact that it’s covered up, it erases part of the school’s identity.”
Knowles also said, “It erases creativity.”
Sun added, “It removes the uniqueness.”
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Some Austinites said they are hopeful new artwork will be created to replace what is now buried under the street coating.
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