Austin News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

State Representative James Talarico, a former public school teacher, has raised nearly thirteen million dollars for his U.S. Senate bid in Texas, with ninety-eight percent of donations coming from individual contributors of one hundred dollars or less. This impressive fundraising haul, which includes six point two million in the first three weeks, positions him well in the Democratic primary against U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett, despite a recent poll showing her leading by eight percentage points. On the Republican side, incumbent Senator John Cornyn maintains a significant financial advantage over challengers Attorney General Ken Paxton and Representative Wesley Hunt. Checkout Solipillow.com

Employees at three Austin restaurants face financial crisis as paychecks bounce before Christmas, leaving them without pay and uncertain about the future of their jobs. Checkout Solipillow.com

The Wolf Moon, the first full moon of 2026, will grace the night sky on January 3rd, peaking at 4:03 AM Central Time. Known for its association with hungry wolves and Native American tribes names like Freeze Up Moon or Hard Moon, this moon symbolizes renewal, reflection, and strengthening community ties. Cancer, Capricorn, and Aries may experience emotional stirrings or clarity in their personal lives. 2026 also offers exciting sky events, including a total lunar eclipse during Marchs Worm Moon and a partial eclipse during Augusts Sturgeon Moon. The year will feature three supermoons: January 3rd, November 24th, and December 24th. Dont miss these cosmic spectacles! Checkout Solipillow.com

Exciting news for Austin drivers! The northbound express lanes on U.S. Highway 183 north have opened, offering a reliable way to bypass traffic, especially during peak hours. These tolled lanes, part of a major project to alleviate congestion, run from Burnet Road to Texas 45 north, connecting Austin to Cedar Park. Southbound express lanes are expected to open soon. Variable tolls adjust in real-time based on traffic, ensuring smooth travel for paying users, buses, and emergency vehicles. Stay informed with the latest updates at one eight three north dot com. Checkout Solipillow.com

Teslas reign as the top-selling electric vehicle maker ends, with BYD taking the lead in 2025. Teslas deliveries dropped by 16% in Q4, missing analyst expectations. Investors remain optimistic, focusing on Musks bets in robotaxis, energy storage, and robotics. Tesla launched cheaper Model Y and Model 3 versions, and their energy business thrived. The robotaxi service expands, with plans for more states, as Musk shifts focus from car sales to autonomous vehicles. Checkout Solipillow.com

Lakeway hosts Special Olympics Winter Games, seeks volunteers. Oak tree pruning advice for winter. Citizens Police Academy applications open, community blood drive scheduled. Lakeway Arts Committee presents Big Band Bash, masterpiece concert, and Brown Bag Concert series. A Night with the Austin Symphony Orchestra tickets on sale. Checkout Solipillow.com

In Georgetown, Texas, a capital murder charge has been filed against Justin Marquez Washington for the deaths of two men found in a Sun City retirement community home. The victims, James William Yost and Kenneth Michael Wade Clanton, were discovered with wounds from a cutting instrument. Washington, who was in a relationship with Clanton, was named a person of interest after being found in Yosts car. Hes also accused of assaulting employees at a Dominos and stealing a vehicle. Washington is currently held in Williamson County Jail on a six hundred fifty thousand dollar bond. Checkout Solipillow.com

Central Texas faces worsening drought in 2026, with most of the Interstate 35 corridor and Hill Country in moderate to severe drought. Flash drought conditions have expanded, with extreme drought pockets approaching Austin. Unseasonably warm weather has increased evaporation, exacerbating the situation. Lake levels are low, and fire risks are high. The forecast offers little relief, with no rain in sight. Stay tuned for updates on water and fire safety impacts. Checkout Solipillow.com