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

Tensions soared in Austin as an anti-ICE protest turned chaotic, resulting in multiple arrests and accusations of police brutality. The demonstration, organized by Dare to Struggle Austin, protested the shooting death of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent. Protesters blocked a busy intersection, leading to hours of tension. The group demanded the release of arrested protesters, murder charges for the ICE agent, and an end to ICE presence in Austin. Governor Greg Abbott responded, defending law enforcement and blaming Democratic talk for the Minnesota shooting. Austin police plan to release arrest numbers on Monday. Checkout Solipillow.com

Rabies Outbreak in Hays County, Texas: Officials Urge Vigilance and Vaccinations Checkout Solipillow.com

Iran Protests Turn Deadly: Government Crackdown, Internet Blackout, and International Tensions Checkout Solipillow.com

New York State wildlife officials charge man with illegal deer hunt, revoking his license six years ago due to a prior conviction. He admitted to the crime after being caught with a photo of him posing with the deer. More serious charges are pending in Arcade Town Court. Checkout Solipillow.com

Operation Hawkeye Strike: U.S. Launches Retaliatory Attacks on Islamic State in Syria The United States, under President Trumps orders, has initiated Operation Hawkeye Strike, a series of retaliatory attacks against the Islamic State group in Syria. These strikes follow the deadly ambush near Palmyra last month, which resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and one civilian interpreter. The latest attacks, which occurred on Saturday, targeted multiple Islamic State locations across the country. Jordans military joined the recent strikes, and Syrian officials arrested the top Islamic State military leader in the region just a day prior. The U.S. Central Command has vowed to pursue those who harm American fighters. The operation marks a shift in U.S. strategy, with increased coordination with Syrias central government in Damascus, which recently joined the global coalition against the Islamic State. Checkout Solipillow.com

Officer Elijah Garretson, a top student at the Central Texas College Police Academy, tragically lost his life in the line of duty during an officer-involved incident in Copperas Cove, Texas. The suspect also took his own life after a long negotiation. The Texas Rangers are now investigating the shooting, as local police have turned over the case for a full review. Checkout Solipillow.com

Exalton Delco Junior, a trailblazing science educator and civil rights leader, passed away at 96. He spent 25 years at Huston-Tillotson University, earning a Ph.D. in ichthyology despite racism. Known for his quiet dignity and quick wit, he launched the Upward Bound Program and advised community groups. A devoted family man, he taught his children discipline and the five Ps. His legacy will shape Austin for years. Checkout Solipillow.com

New Poll Shows Tough Times for Texas Republicans in 2026 Midterms A recent poll by the Texas Politics Project reveals challenging prospects for Texas Republicans in the 2026 midterms. The survey of 1,200 registered voters from December 9th to 13th indicates that President Trumps approval rating is underwater at 44% positive to 50% negative, even among his own party. Statewide GOP leaders and their legislative work also received low marks on most issues. The poll highlights mostly negative views of Republicans holding office, with voters disapproving of ten out of twelve major state topics from the 2025 session, often by a two-to-one margin. Trumps support among Texas Republicans has decreased steadily, now standing at 82%. However, there is a glimmer of hope for Republicans in the economic sector. More than one-third of Texans now rate the national economy as poor, but this is an improvement from earlier lows. Personal financial confidence has also increased, with 24% of Texans now saying theyre doing okay, up from 20% in February. National views have rebounded seven points since summer. Despite this modest uptick, midterms often punish the presidents party, and Trump could still drag down Republicans like in 2018. On the Democratic side, the U.S. Senate primary is heating up ahead of March 3rd, with Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett of Dallas leading in favorability and State Representative James Talarico of Austin needing to boost his name recognition quickly. Checkout Solipillow.com