KXAN NBC Austin

Temperatures are slowing their fall, though the summertime heat continues to persist. Some brief relief may be in store late in the week as rain chances return according to the forecast. Meteorologist Kristen Currie reported these weather changes.

Sources report that AI giant Anthropic is discussing leasing a massive data center located in Bastrop County. Additionally, the inventors of Claude reportedly tend to avoid corporate incentives such as tax breaks.

The Congress Avenue Bridge in Austin attracts thousands of visitors every year to observe the nightly bat emergence. To enhance this experience, a new educational resource has been implemented. This initiative aims to teach visiting people more about the local bat colony while they wait.

Reported violent crime dropped in Austin during the first half of this year compared to the same period last year. However, the rate of decline was not as sharp when measured against other major cities across Texas.

Dangerous heat is continuing this week, requiring that heat alerts remain in effect for most of the area through Wednesday.

Austin Central Library has increased its security presence due to concerns about crime in the area. Visitors may notice more police and general security personnel as this measure takes effect. These steps are being coordinated because the Austin Police Department works with library officials.

August 2026 has been described as scorching conditions. According to data from Camp Mabry, 21 out of a possible 23 days recorded temperatures that were warmer than normal.

Two individuals were injured during a fire at an Austin flea market located off Hwy 290. According to AFD, the first alarm regarding the incident sounded off at 5:22 p.m. at 9500 E US 290.

Today, conditions may bring record temperatures, leading to issued heat warnings and advisories. While a few stray showers are possible throughout the day, meteorologists report that their coverage will be low.

Williamson County Emergency Services District No. 3, also known as Hutto Fire Rescue, announced the location for its future facility. The announcement designated the site for the new Fire Station 6.

Akriti Marwaha quit her full-time job as a software engineer to pursue making non-toxic, handmade candles. Her products are gaining traction and are scheduled to hit the shelves of H-E-B, a popular grocery store in Texas.

Near-record temperatures are expected this weekend with little relief, and a Heat Advisory is in effect for the entire period. Temperatures will rival record highs, though there is a slim chance of rain today.

Lake Travis ISD began its new school year with 10,772 students. The superintendent reported that the district doubled its enrollment in Pre-K.

Record heat is expected this weekend, with temperatures nearing their highest point for the year so far. Most of Central Texas is forecasted to be above 100°.

Austin leaders are advocating for funding to help address displacement amid a record number of eviction filings. Nonprofits warn that they are struggling to manage the rising evictions without additional financial support from the City of Austin.

Austin Police and SWAT responded to a Super 8 Hotel located in north Austin. The response was initiated because a person was barricaded inside one of the hotel rooms.

Williamson County confirmed detection of its first human case of the West Nile virus in 2026.

The article forecasts that temperatures are expected to reach some of the hottest points of the year this weekend. Temperatures and heat index values are anticipated to continue climbing in the days ahead, prompting the issuance of heat alerts for most of the area.

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) released the 2026 A-F Accountability Ratings for public schools and districts across the state. This information was covered in this week's episode of Student News Now, which was broadcast on KXAN+.

City leaders in Austin plan to regulate data center development through municipal changes. The proposed measures include overhauling existing land codes and implementing a freeze on new data center construction.