Pasta|Bar will close at the end of February. The chefs behind Scratch Restaurants say a new concept is planned for the East Sixth location.

A federal judge in Austin temporarily blocked certain Temu and Shein sellers after a James Dean, Inc. lawsuit accusing merchants of selling unauthorized Dean merchandise. The filing targets listings across a range of discount marketplaces.

Barry and Lisa Katz have reclaimed the original West Sixth building and plans are moving forward to restore Katz’s. The company says timelines are tentative; its site notes 2027 at the earliest.

County leaders broke ground Thursday on a $132M rebuild of Hero Way (RM 2243) to widen the corridor, add frontage roads and a shared-use path between Leander and Georgetown.

Noble Joe Coffee is expanding again: the Riverside stand will move into a larger trolley and the brand plans a third mobile location this spring. The owners expect a March–April launch.

The State Board of Education approved core ideas to guide a major social studies rewrite, moving the overhaul forward amid protests over a proposed reading list and Bible excerpts.

Southbound I‑35 ramps at 6th and the 700 block of E. 7th St. are closed after a fatal crash; investigators are on scene.

Cold Weather Advisory in effect Saturday morning with wind chills in the teens. Sunshine returns and temps rebound into the 60s–70s next week.

The Austin Police Department seeks two suspects in a January 18, 2026, vehicle theft at Encompass Health Clinic and offers a reward for information leading to their capture.

Groundbreaking for the RM 2243 expansion in Williamson County signifies the start of important infrastructure improvements to enhance safety and mobility for drivers and pedestrians, funded by local and federal sources.

Two Mexican nationals were sentenced for their roles in a human smuggling operation that resulted in a death; one man received 36 months and the other 45 months in prison.

Round Rock's Brushy Creek Trail East will be closed for maintenance from February 4-6, affecting the section east of Lance Lane between Georgetown Street and A.W. Grimes Boulevard. Other trail parts remain open.

Texas Governor Abbott declared a statewide disaster to preempt a New World Screwworm fly infestation, partnering with the USDA to establish a $750 million fly sterile facility.