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.