Local News - News of Austin

Heroic firefighter pulls Phoenix out of icy water with sunlit ice glow near snowy pond on New Year

Yellow Labrador Phoenix Rescued From 26°F Pond on New Year’s Day

Aiden V. Crossfield January 4, 2026

At a Glance A yellow Labrador named Phoenix fell through a thin layer of ice on New Year's Day. Volunteer firefighters used ice-rescue suits to pull...

Lone figure standing under a patchwork quilt over a rusty truck with warm sunlit dry Texas landscape and storm clouds.

Local News Weather

Central Texas Bounces into 2026 with Record Heat, But Rain Hope Looms

Gavin U. Stonebridge January 4, 2026

At a Glance 2026 starts in Central Texas with record-high temperatures, smashing Friday's record. Rain has been almost nonexistent, deepening a...

Local News Sports News

Aikman Joins Dolphins as GM Search Advisor Amid Coaching Shakeup

Fiona Z. Merriweather January 4, 2026

At a Glance Troy Aikman will advise the Dolphins in their search for a new general manager. The team fired longtime GM Chris Grier on Oct. 31 after...

Police officer looking down at their feet with judge and lawyer arguing in courthouse hallway

Local News Political News

Judge Dismisses Louisville Police Reform Settlement DOJ Withdrawal

Brianna Q. Lockwood January 4, 2026

At a Glance Federal judge dismisses Louisville's proposed police reform settlement after DOJ withdrew support. DOJ had approved the settlement in...

Austin bus pulling away with a 311 request panel for garbage collection and a passerby scrolling the 311 app on a smartphone

Government News Local News

Austin’s 311 Logged 298,932 Calls in 2025, Garbage Collection Leads

Gavin U. Stonebridge January 4, 2026

At a Glance 298,932 service requests filed in 2025 Garbage collection requests topped the list with over 25,000 reports May saw the most activity:...

Children and adults splashing into Barton Springs Pool with polar bear mascot and balloons during New Year celebration

Community News Local News

Austinites Dive Into Polar Bear Splash, 3,000 Join Celebration

Fiona Z. Merriweather January 4, 2026

At a Glance About 3,000 Austinites joined the Polar Bear Splash at Barton Springs Pool on New Year's Day. The tradition is an old annual community...

Smiling Texan reaching for massive check with Texas-shaped jackpot wheel glowing in sunset

Business News Local News

Texas Lottery’s Biggest Wins: $410M Prize Tops $70M Top 10

Fiona Z. Merriweather January 4, 2026

At a Glance 2,143 Texans have won more than $1 million. 234 have won over $10 million. The largest Texas jackpot, more than $410 million, was paid...

Middle-aged woman sits on a fallen log with a golden retriever resting on her lap in serene forest

Breaking News Local News

Dog Leads Rescue of 82-Year-Old Woman in Oregon Woods

Aiden V. Crossfield January 4, 2026

At a Glance 82-year-old woman rescued from Oregon woods after dog guided search teams Found December 29th after an 8:00 p.m. Facebook call for...

Gary Messina standing on a mountain trail looking down at his footprints with lion paw prints and warm sunlight

Local News News Report Wildlife

Mountain Lion Attack on Colorado Trail Raises Fatality Concerns

Aiden V. Crossfield January 4, 2026

At a Glance Woman's body found on a Colorado trail shows mountain lion wounds, the fourth fatal attack in North America this decade. Hiker Gary...

Rugged rock outcrop cracking with radiating fissures and blue‑green streaks against a muted Texas backdrop.

Local News Science News

Texas Earthquake Record: 4,200 Quakes, 5.8-Magnitude 1931 Shock

Julia N. Fairmont January 4, 2026

At a Glance Over 4,200 earthquakes recorded in Texas since 1900 Strongest quake: magnitude 5.8 on Aug. 16, 1931 near Valentine 85% of all...