Austin, TX
Texas Evening Briefing March 11
Good evening, Texas. We’re wrapping up the day for you with the most important stories you need to know and your weather outlook.
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Today’s Big Stories
1. Talarico plans to win over Black voters after winning primary tinged with racial tension
State Rep. James Talarico, D-Austin, claimed the Democratic nomination after defeating U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas. Talarico had strong support from Latinos in the primary, but he’s missing support from a key bloc of voters.
Their race was tinged with racial tension after a social media influencer alleged Talarico called former U.S. Senate candidate Colin Allred a “mediocre Black man.” Talarico’s response was that he was referring to Allred’s campaign. And Crockett called an attack ad that used a filter, which darkened her skin, racist. Talarico said he had no control over the ad, which came from a pro-Talarico PAC, which the campaign can’t legally coordinate with.
2. City of Pflugerville says ‘it’s going to be a while’ before Stage 3 water restrictions lift
The City of Pflugerville is working to repair its fourth waterline break since September as residents operate under Stage 3 emergency water restrictions until further notice.
In a City Council meeting Tuesday, city officials provided a timeline of breaks to the existing raw waterline, which is a 30-inch waterline that connects the Colorado River Pump Station up to Lake Pflugerville. The first happened in September and took 12 days to fix. The next came in November and took 17 days to repair, and the third came in January and also took 17 days to fix.
Officials identified a fourth break on Feb. 6 but didn’t actually locate it roughly 20 feet under a creek until Feb. 17. Work began on a 24-inch temporary bypass waterline on Feb. 10.
3. President Trump announces first new U.S. oil refinery in 50 years to open in Brownsville, Texas
President Donald Trump announced plans to build the first oil refinery in the United States in 50 years, and it will be in Brownsville, Texas, according to a Truth Social post.
Notes for Tomorrow
Thursday, March 12
- PGA Tour golf continues
- Court hearing for Lil Nas X charged with assaulting police during arrest
- 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Paralympic Games continue, with three gold medals decided in a single sport
- Billy Joel honored at Michael Dorf’s annual Music Of tribute concert
- South by Southwest Festival and Conference kicks off in Austin
In Case You Missed It
Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) reacts after scoring a 3-point goal during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) reacts after scoring a 3-point goal during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
University of Texas with Kevin Durant partner with NIL, Nike for KD apparel
The University of Texas athletics, with former player Kevin Durant, announced an NIL partnership with Nike to allow specific student athletes to wear KD brand apparel.