Political News - News of Austin

Federal agent looking down with faded Somali flag in background and torn checkbook hinting fraud on ground

Minnesota Surges Federal Agents After $100 Million Day-Care Fraud Claims

Morgan J. Carter January 2, 2026

At a Glance Federal agents surge in Minnesota after allegations of up to $100 million fraud by Somali-run day-care centers. DHS Secretary Kristi...

Spotlight shines on empty concert hall stage with microphone and news headline

Arts & Culture News Report Political News

Kennedy Center Faces Artist Walkouts After Trump Renaming

Brianna Q. Lockwood January 2, 2026

At a Glance The Kennedy Center renamed after President Trump, sparking artist cancellations. The Cookers, Doug Varone & Dancers, and others withdrew...

Government News Political News

Judge Berman Upholds CFPB Funding, Rejects White House Claim

Fiona Z. Merriweather January 2, 2026

> At a Glance > - The CFPB must keep receiving funds from the Federal Reserve. > - Judge Amy Berman rejects the White House's "combined earnings"...

Silhouette attempting to escape with a large rusty cargo crate against a gritty industrial backdrop

Political News World News

US Imposes Sanctions on Iran, Venezuela Over Drone Trade

Julia N. Fairmont January 2, 2026

At a Glance 10 individuals and companies from Iran and Venezuela were sanctioned for their role in Iran's drone and ballistic missile...

Muslim families chatting around a potluck table with sunset glow at Walnut Creek Park while a Crusader costume shadows group

Local News Political News

Two Men Harass Muslim Potluck in Austin, Police Fail to Intervene

Aiden V. Crossfield January 2, 2026

At a Glance Muslim families at a potluck in Walnut Creek Park were harassed by two men shouting anti-Muslim slurs. One harasser wore a Crusader-era...

Worn wooden conference table holds stack of papers with soft golden lighting and blurred backdrop of shadowy officials

Business News Political News

Fed Cuts Rates Amid Deep Split Over Inflation and Jobs

Gavin U. Stonebridge January 1, 2026

At a Glance Fed cut key rate to 3.6% with 9-3 vote. Deep split over inflation vs job market concerns. Minutes reveal 19-member debate and delayed...

Judge Paula Xinis stands with arms crossed behind metal desk with two U.S. Marshals and a weary handcuffed immigrant looking

Legal News Political News

Judge Bars ICE from Detaining Abrego Garcia

Morgan J. Carter January 1, 2026

At a Glance Judge Paula Xinis orders ICE not to re-detain Salvadoran immigrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia. A newly unsealed DOJ order shows the department...

Renee Hardman raising her right arm in victory with Iowa Senate flags waving around and an Iowa map behind.

Local News Political News

Iowa Senate Special Election: Black Woman Keeps GOP from Supermajority

Gavin U. Stonebridge January 1, 2026

At a Glance Democrat Renee Hardman wins Iowa Senate seat, keeping Republicans from a supermajority. Hardman defeats Republican Lucas Loftin by 43...

Two passport pages show a U.S. visa sticker and a red X with a blurred map of Mali and Burkina Faso in background

Political News World News

Mali, Burkina Faso Ban U.S. Citizens Over Trump Travel Ban

Morgan J. Carter January 1, 2026

> At a Glance > - Mali and Burkina Faso ban U.S. citizens in retaliation for Trump's travel restrictions. > - The ban follows a U.S. decision that...

US Secretary of State and Chinese Foreign Minister meeting across a map of Asia with markers and grid in Cold War

Analysis Political News World News

Trump Era Forces US to Reassess China, Russia Threats

Isaac Y. Thornwell January 1, 2026

At a Glance 2025 saw US and Israel bomb Iran's nuclear sites, pulling the US back into Middle East conflict. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza turned...