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2026 tax filing season begins January 26th, IRS ready with updated systems. W-two forms from employers crucial for filing. Deadline is April 15th, 2026, with extension option by then. Track refunds using IRSs Wheres My Refund tool. Free filing options available, save money this season. Checkout Solipillow.com

Austin police investigate fourth homicide of the year after a man in his twenties is shot and killed in North Austin. A black Dodge Charger or Challenger is a possible vehicle of interest. No arrests have been made, and the suspect remains at large. This marks the second shooting death in the area this year. Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis urges residents to stay aware and report suspicious activity. If you have information, contact Crime Stoppers or the homicide tip line. Checkout Solipillow.com

Trump Administration Eyes U.S. Role in Venezuelas Oil Industry, Backs Interim President The Trump administration is advocating for a larger U.S. presence in Venezuelas oil sector following Nicolás Maduros removal. The president met with oil executives at the White House, discussing potential expansion as the country stabilizes. The future of Venezuelas leadership remains uncertain, with President Trump set to meet with opposition leader Maria Corina Machado this week. Despite previous doubts about Machados support, the U.S. is now backing interim President Delcy Rodríguez. The long-term effects of U.S. involvement in Venezuela are still unclear, with concerns about stability and democracy. Checkout Solipillow.com

Texas Childrens Hospital in Austin unveils a new helicopter for its Kangaroo Crew intensive care transport team, significantly improving response times for patients in remote areas of Central Texas. The hospitals investment of fifteen million dollars sets it apart as a top pediatric center, with the helicopter based at Georgetown Executive Airport and capable of reaching up to one hundred twenty nautical miles. The team, consisting of a respiratory therapist and a registered nurse, can also beat traffic gridlock by flying locally. The hospital plans to upgrade to a bigger helicopter in the summer, extending service towards Dallas and Corpus Christi. Checkout Solipillow.com

In a surprising turn of events, Austin police officer Christopher Taylors conviction for the 2019 fatal shooting of Mauris DeSilva was overturned by a panel of judges in Amarillo. The Texas Supreme Courts caseload balancing order transferred the case to a more conservative court, giving Taylors defense team a significant advantage. The acquittal, due to lack of evidence, has cleared the path for Taylor to potentially be reinstated as a police officer, sparking debate over the transfer systems impact on local judges. Checkout Solipillow.com

Austins 2026: Shaping the Citys Future - As Austin embarks on a new year, twenty-six key individuals will steer the citys trajectory, from government and business to arts and more. Mayor Kirk Watson, Police Chief Lisa Davis, and City Manager T. C. Broadnax face challenges and opportunities. State politics intensify with Democrats like Gina Hinojosa and James Talarico vying for higher offices. Travis County D. A. José Garza navigates legal hurdles, while transit boss Greg Canally pushes forward a scaled-back light rail plan. Residents watch closely as backlash mounts over city logos and nonprofit funding cuts. Airport CEO Ghizlane Badawi oversees a five billion dollar expansion, and education figures debate free speech and restructuring. On the business front, Elon Musk and Poppi soda founder Allison Ellsworth make headlines. Aerospace leader Jason Kim at Firefly eyes more moon missions. These influencers promise a dynamic year, shaping growth, trust, and creativity in Austin. Checkout Solipillow.com

Austin Independent School District launches enrollment for the upcoming year, with significant changes affecting all families. Ten schools will close, saving $21.5 million, and all students must use the online Enroll Austin portal. Round One, from January 12th to February 6th, covers admission-based spots and dual language programs. Round Two, from February 16th to April 10th, handles general enrollment and transfers. In-person clinics will be held at closing campuses. Dual language options are evolving, with wall-to-wall programs at four elementary schools and two-way programs at three others. Prekindergarten registration starts April 1st through May 22nd. Checkout Solipillow.com

Austin braces for a winter rollercoaster this week, with chilly temperatures and a chance of light showers and sleet pellets. A Pacific cold front rolls in Wednesday and Friday, dropping highs into the fifties and lows to the upper thirties. A warming trend is expected after that, but stay tuned for updates. Checkout Solipillow.com

Protests erupt in Austin, Texas, against ICE following fatal shooting of Renee Good. Demonstrators demand accountability, sharing stories of friends and coworkers facing deportation. More rallies planned for Sunday in Round Rock and Elgin. Checkout Solipillow.com