Austin, TX
Saddle up! Rodeo Austin returns with big goals of raising money for Texas kids
Rodeo Austin returns raising money for kids
Rodeo Austin is in full swing, about a week into its festivities. Every year thousands head to the rodeo for a taste of western culture in central Texas.
AUSTIN, Texas – It’s time to saddle up again for the return of Rodeo Austin.
“I’m amazed,” said first-time rodeo attendee Lisa Krzeczowski. “Like we pulled up, it’s so big. I wasn’t expecting anything this big, I mean the carnival is huge. We’re excited.”
Every year, almost half a million people break out their boots and hats for Rodeo Austin.
“We think every year is special out here,” said Glen Alan Phillips, the CEO of Rodeo Austin.
Rodeo Austin BBQ competition
The annual competition for Rodeo Austin, this year, is the largest since the event started. Some of the rigs that rolled in are elaborate.
Rodeo Austin is a more than 85-year-old tradition loved for its fierce rodeo competition, animals and the carnival food.
“Just walking around getting food from all of the little food stands and then playing games with my family,” said Jordyn Price, an attendee.
For the thrill seekers, the rides are also a hit.
“It goes really fast,” said Arlo Yentzen, referring to his favorite ride. “You can like climb up the wall. I went on it 3 times.”
Every ride and ticket is part of something bigger.
“We try and raise as much money as we can to help and then turn around and give to kids to help further their education whether that’s college scholarships or trade schools or whatever that may be,” said Phillips.
Phillips said last year the rodeo raised about 3.3 million dollars.
“We never settle. We always want to do more, so we have our eyes set on bigger and better,” said Phillips.
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His goal for this year: wrangle up about $3.5 to $3.7 million dollars for Texas kids.
“We walked through, and there were so many young kids like with their sheep and their goats, so it’s nice that they’re giving money back to the community to keep that tradition going,” said Krzeczowski.
Most rodeo goers, though, were just excited to give back while spending time with their loved ones.
“I’m excited that I get to have fun with my friends,” said Blaire Schempp.
“It’s just super awesome to have something like this to bring the family too,” said Darlene Price. “The food’s great, it’s fun, the kids love it, and actually, today’s a really nice day to be out here.”
The rodeo continues through March 23.
AUSTIN, Texas — A man walking his dog with his son was fatally shot by a neighbor Friday evening in Northwest Austin, police said.
Billy Carlisle, 41, was shot at the intersection of Gardenridge Hollow and Wallace Drive at approximately 6:06 p.m. May 8. Austin-Travis County EMS attempted lifesaving measures, but Carlisle was pronounced dead at 6:45 p.m.
Hunter Buchmeyer, 36, was taken into custody in connection with the shooting.
According to APD, Carlisle was walking his dog with his son when he and Buchmeyer, also walking his dog, got into a verbal altercation. The two neighbors had “prior history,” APD said.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE | APD investigating deadly shooting in NW Austin; suspect in custody
The dispute escalated to the point that Buchmeyer called 911 to report the altercation before shooting Carlisle. According to police, Buchmeyer yelled at someone to “get back” before the call disconnected.
Buchmeyer remained at the scene and attempted CPR on Carlisle before officers arrived.
No charges have been filed. APD said the investigation remains open.
The case is being investigated as Austin’s 23rd homicide of 2026.
Anyone with information is asked to contact APD at 512-974-TIPS or submit an anonymous tip through Capital Area Crime Stoppers at austincrimestoppers.org or 512-472-8477. A reward of up to $1,000 may be available for information leading to an arrest.
There was a significant reduction in the number of antisemitic incidents in Rhode Island in 2025, according to a national Jewish advocacy group.
According to the Anti-Defamation League’s latest Audit of Antisemitic Incidents, there were 26 antisemitic incidents in the state last year. That’s down from the 52 incidents counted by the group in 2024.
Samantha Joseph, New England regional director of the Anti-Defamation League, says a big reason for the reduction is a steep decline in antisemitism on college campuses.
“It shows that campus administrators are taking their responsibilities very seriously to provide a safe environment for all of their students,” said Joseph.
Brown University had over $500 million in federal funding frozen by the Trump administration last year following investigations into alleged antisemitism on campus. The funding was restored after Brown reached a settlement with the administration.
The reduction in antisemitic incidents in Rhode Island reflects a wider trend in New England as a whole. According to the ADL’s report, there were 400 antisemitic incidents in the region in 2025, compared to 638 the previous year.
While she’s pleased about the overall drop in antisemitic incidents in Rhode Island, Joseph says a number of concerning trends continue to persist. In particular, the state is still seeing more anti-Jewish incidents than it did prior to the October 7 attacks on Israel that launched the Gaza War in 2023.
Joseph is also concerned about the violent nature of local incidents of antisemitism.
“Even though overall incidents are down, assaults are up and assaults with a deadly weapon are up significantly,” said Joseph. “Our communities remain concerned for their safety, and our work is far from done.”
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Severe thunderstorms are possible Sunday evening as a cold front arrives in Central Texas. KXAN’s First Warning Weather Team will keep you updated on the weather coverage.
Risks to be aware of are damaging wind gusts that could reach as high as 60 to 75 mph and large hail up to quarter size.
Weather Resources:
Live Updates:
5:22 p.m.: A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is issued for all counties except for Milam County.
3:51 p.m.: A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for Mason, San Saba, and Lampasas County until 9:00 p.m.
3:30 p.m.: The primary risk for Sunday’s severe weather is damaging wind gusts which could cause power outages.
3:26 p.m.: Storms will likely move toward the I-35 corridor around 6 p.m. Most of the storms will enter the Hill Country around 6 p.m. and the Austin metro counties after 8 p.m.
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