Reports of shots at Rodeo Austin sent crowds running on March 24; Travis County deputies say no gunfire was confirmed and the disturbance started with a fight among minors.

Austin launched an Austin Kiva Hub offering 0% interest microloans from $1,000 to $15,000, no minimum credit score, and hands-on City coaching for applicants.

Willie's Grill & Icehouse will open at 1412 Bright Lane in Leander in late March, offering Texas comfort food and frozen cocktails.

UT Austin will add digital university IDs to Apple and Android wallets in the 2027 6 28 academic year, eliminating replacement fees and modernizing campus access. Physical cards will remain during the phased rollout.

A paid ad in the March 19 Lockhart Post‑Register accused a Caldwell County animal‑control officer of cruelty; the sheriff's office posted body‑cam footage showing on‑site euthanasia.

Tesla is reportedly in talks to buy $2.9 billion in solar manufacturing equipment from Chinese firms, with some gear headed to its Texas factory as it scales U.S. production.

Aperí, an aperitivo-style wine bar, opened March 19 at Paggi House on The Loren Hotel grounds, serving 40+ bottles and Italian small plates Thu–Sun.

Owner Hoover Alexander is retiring and Hoover's Cooking will end full service on May 31 after more than 27 years.

Activision Blizzard renewed its lease at 9825 Spectrum Drive, keeping Building 1 of Davis Spring Corporate Center fully occupied in northwest Austin.

An investigation found Austin police sharply reduced in‑person compliance checks in 2025, leaving survivors worried that convicted sex offenders aren’t being monitored. Advocates are pressing for clearer oversight and notification.

TxDOT will lead Project Nexus, a three‑year pilot to test eVTOL air taxis across the Texas Triangle; Austin is part of the plan with cargo and medical trials slated for 2026.

At SXSW, Austin officials and advocates credited recent zoning and permitting changes — HOME, Affordability Unlocked and parking reform — with early gains in housing supply. City data show faster reviews and smaller builds, but advocates want clear targets to protect affordability.

Charlie Baird, 71, was arrested after a south Austin crash; police say he showed signs of intoxication, declined a breath test and was released on $3,000 bond.