Austin police say 14 pickpocketing incidents at SXSW were tied to a coordinated team operation. Investigators urge festivalgoers to secure phones and share tips.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced a new Senate Select Committee on Religious Liberty, naming Phil King chair and Angela Paxton vice-chair as he continues to chair Trump's federal panel. Critics point to the panel's partisan mix and pending lawsuits.

The Supreme Court declined to review Rodney Reed’s bid to test DNA on a belt tied to the 1996 Bastrop killing, and Justice Sotomayor dissented over blocked testing.

A 19-year-old was killed and another teen injured after a shooting on eastbound I‑14 in Harker Heights. Police are searching for a dark Nissan and asking for tips.

Manor police and emergency crews responded to an incident in Presidential Heights; one person was injured, the suspect has been identified and there is no ongoing threat.

A 48-year-old woman died and another driver was hospitalized after a head-on collision on FM 110 Friday evening. San Marcos police say the Honda veered into oncoming traffic and the cause is under investigation.

Fusion Fast Food Cafe will open at 15181 Ronald Reagan Blvd in Leander; state filings and the owner say construction starts in May with a fall opening planned.

Daniel Perry returned to court in Austin for a misdemeanor deadly‑conduct case tied to a 2020 protest. The judge barred the fatal shooting from being discussed at the hearing.

Zoocade has taken a 32,900‑square‑foot warehouse on Middle Fiskville, turning the space into America’s first holographic zoo and arcade with a 60‑foot tunnel and party offerings.

Sixteen new Austin restaurants are in CultureMap's reader‑voted Best New Restaurant bracket; voting runs Mar 19–Apr 7 and the winner will be revealed Apr 9 at Distribution Hall.

Austin police say a pedestrian was struck and later died in the 9300 block of Menchaca Road. Detectives say the driver remained at the scene and is cooperating.

Abbott hosted Canada’s Conservative leader in Austin to tout trade and energy ties while Democrat Gina Hinojosa ramps up organizing and fundraising ahead of November.

Austin’s ACME announced more than $24 million in FY26 grants to 731 artists, venues and heritage projects, including a $7.14M Live Music Fund.