Good evening, Texas. We're wrapping up the day for you with the most important stories you need to know and your weather outlook.
Your Weather Planner
Fire danger remains very high into Saturday due to the continued dry and windy conditions. Highs will be warm, just not quite as toasty as Friday afternoon. Expect 70s for DFW and 80s for Austin and San Antonio.
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Today's Big Stories
A 17-vehicle crash on Interstate 35 in Austin on Thursday night has left at least five people dead and several others injured.
The fatal crash led to the arrest of 37-year-old Solomun Weldekeal Araya, who now faces five charges of intoxication manslaughter for each victim. He faces two additional charges of intoxication assault.
2. Measles cases reach nearly 300 total in Texas and New Mexico. Here's what you should know
Measles outbreaks in West Texas and New Mexico are now up to nearly 300 cases, and two unvaccinated people have died from measles-related causes.
Texas state health officials said Friday there were 36 new cases of measles since Tuesday, bringing Texas' total to 259. Five more people were hospitalized, for a total of 34. The outbreak has spread to two new counties: Cochran in West Texas with six and Lamar in the northeast part of the state with four.
3. More than 50 universities face federal investigations as part of Trump's anti-DEI campaign
More than 50 universities are being investigated for alleged racial discrimination as part of President Donald Trump's campaign to end diversity, equity and inclusion programs that his officials say exclude white and Asian American students.
Most of the new inquiries are focused on colleges' partnerships with the PhD Project, a nonprofit that helps students from underrepresented groups get degrees in business with the goal of diversifying the business world.
4. Senate passes 6-month funding bill hours before shutdown deadline
A spending bill to avert a partial government shutdown narrowly cleared a key procedural hurdle in the Senate, paving the way for passage as a midnight Friday deadline loomed.
Ten Democrats joined with Republicans to clear the 60-vote threshold needed to advance the measure. The vote was 62-38.
Democrats were confronted two painful options: allowing passage of a bill they believe gives President Donald Trump vast discretion on spending decisions or voting no and letting a funding lapse ensue. Alongside Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, a small group of them choose to avoid a shutdown at all costs.
In Case You Missed It
Texas Women's head coach Vic Schaefer directs his team during the first half an NCAA college basketball game against Florida, Sunday, March 2, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Thomas)
University of Texas student journalists recognized nationwide for 16-hour trek to SEC tournament
Three University of Texas at Austin student journalists traveled over 16 hours to Greenville, South Carolina, to report on the Texas women’s basketball Southeastern Conference Tournament on March 9.
Vic Schaefer, the team’s coach, acknowledged the students at a press conference shortly after. Now, the trio is being recognized nationwide for their dedication to reporting sports.
