Texas
‘Extreme fire danger’ in Texas this week: Track potential fires, smoke on this wildfire map
Hundreds of NOAA employees laid off as part of federal workforce downsizing
Hundreds of NOAA employees are being laid off as part of President Trump’s federal workforce downsizing initiative.
Straight Arrow News
High winds and dry conditions have significantly heightened the fire risk across Texas, prompting officials to warn of “extreme fire danger” in West Texas, stretching from the Big Bend region through the Permian Basin and north to the South Plains.
The National Weather Service cautions that strong winds, low humidity, and warm temperatures could create “critical fire weather conditions” in southern New Mexico and far West Texas, increasing the wildfire threat Monday.
As of Monday morning, a red flag warning covered most of West Texas, including Lubbock, Odessa, and San Angelo, extending west to Hudspeth County. Meanwhile, fire risks in Central and North Texas had temporarily eased.
However, elevated fire danger is expected to return Tuesday, with “very high” to “extreme” risk— the highest of five levels — projected across at least 200 of Texas’ 254 counties, according to a map from the Texas A&M Forest Service.
The NWS forecasts 25 to 40 mph winds, with gusts up to 60 mph, and humidity dropping as low as 6%. While winds are expected to weaken Tuesday, fire risk still remains high, and strong gusts could return later in the week.
Wildfire map: Track potential fires and smoke in Texas
What is a Fire Weather Watch vs. Red Flag Warning?
A Fire Weather Watch or Red Flag Warning is issued when the combination of dry fuels and weather conditions supports extreme fire danger, according to the National Weather Service.
Each NWS office creates local criteria for fire weather watches and red flag warnings.
The key differences are that:
- A Fire Weather Watch is issued up to 72 hours before the above conditions are expected to occur.
- A Red Flag Warning is issued when the conditions above are expected to occur or are occurring within the next 24 hours.
Texas wildfire risk near you: Search by address
Texas
Painted Tree Boutiques abruptly closes all locations nationwide, including final Texas stores
Painted Tree Boutiques has abruptly closed all of its stores nationwide, blaming rising costs, shifting market conditions and changes in consumer shopping behavior.
The company, which grew to more than 60 locations nationally, leased booth space to vendors and took a commission on their sales, most often from craft and handmade items.
Texas’ stores included six in North Texas – Frisco, Grapevine, Highland Village, Lewisville, Mansfield and North Richland Hills – along with others in the Austin, San Antonio, Tyler and Houston areas.
Closure announced in company message
Painted Tree announced the closures in a message expressing gratitude to shoppers, vendors, and employees, noting its last day of business was Monday.
The Arkansas-originated company emphasized that Painted Tree was “never just a store,” but a community hub and launchpad for local makers.
“We are heartbroken by this outcome,” the company said.
“This decision has not come lightly, and it represents the end of a chapter that has meant everything to us,” the company said in a statement. “To our shoppers – you have made every single day worthwhile. You came to us not just to shop, but to discover, to support local makers, and to find something truly one-of-a-kind.
“To our dedicated team members – past and present – your commitment, creativity, and care have shaped everything we’ve accomplished. You showed up every day with kindness and purpose, and we are deeply thankful for every hour you gave to this community.”
Vendors told to retrieve inventory
Vendors were instructed to retrieve all inventory by April 24.
Texas
Gov. Abbott to tour South Plains College, discuss Texas Jobs Council
LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Gov. Greg Abbott is scheduled to tour the Automotive Technology and Welding Facility at South Plains College on Tuesday, April 14, and deliver remarks on the creation of the Texas Jobs Council and the state’s investments in career and technical education.
Abbott will be joined by Teamsters Local 988 President Robert Mele, South Plains College President Robin Satterwhite and Texas Association of Community Colleges President and CEO Ray Martinez III.
Copyright 2026 KCBD. All rights reserved.
Texas
Texas AG opens investigation into Austin over APD guidance on ICE warrants
AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Attorney General’s Office is launching an investigation into the City of Austin over recent changes to Austin Police Department policy involving immigration enforcement.
A news flash obtained by CBS Austin and sent to Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and city council confirms the review focuses on updated guidance for how officers handle administrative ICE warrants.
The investigation comes as the state claims those changes may violate Texas Senate Bill 4, a law banning sanctuary cities in the state.
The policy change follows the addition of more than 700,000 ICE administrative warrants to a national law enforcement database earlier this year. According to the city, the revised policy creates a process for officers who encounter a person with an ICE administrative warrant and allows officers to provide “reasonable or necessary assistance,” while taking into consideration legal constraints and limited police resources.
MORE NEWS | Texas higher-ed leaders urge lawmakers to reassess support ahead of midterms
City leaders maintain the policy is lawful.
“We believe our general orders are consistent with SB4 and will cooperate with the Attorney General’s investigation,” said the newsflash.
Officials say the changes were designed to provide clearer guidance for officers while balancing public safety priorities and constitutional requirements.
CBS Austin has reached out the Attorney General’s Office for comment.
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