Photo: Austin Free Press
Austin Wins Court Battle Over Convention Center Expansion
A Travis County district judge ruled Friday in favor of the city of Austin, rejecting a political action committee’s attempt to force a public vote on the city’s $1.6 billion convention center expansion. The decision allows construction to continue on the massive project, already well underway with workers actively building on the six-block downtown site.
The Austin United Political Action Committee filed the lawsuit after the city clerk rejected their petition last fall, determining it lacked the required 20,000 valid signatures from registered voters.
Though the PAC submitted over 21,000 signatures, the city found insufficient valid entries. Undeterred, representatives called Friday’s ruling “a setback” while vowing to continue their fight against what they describe as a wasteful and harmful project.
A Battle Years in the Making
This legal clash represents the latest chapter in a years-long conflict over Austin’s hotel occupancy tax revenue. The current fight echoes a 2019 referendum when voters rejected Proposition B by 64%, which would have limited convention center spending and required voter approval for major expansions.
The expansion has been studied since 2015. Proponents argue it’s desperately needed for Austin, the nation’s 11th largest city operating only the 59th largest convention center. City officials report rejecting nearly 50% of business inquiries due to space constraints, losing hundreds of millions in economic impact.
Mayor Kirk Watson champions the expansion as vital for Austin’s future, projecting $285 million in annual economic impact, over 1,600 additional jobs, and nearly $13 million in additional annual tax revenue. Funded entirely through hotel occupancy taxes paid primarily by visitors, the project will nearly double the center’s rentable space when completed in 2029.
The Critics’ Alternative
Opponents see the project differently. Led by attorney Bill Bunch and activists, critics argue hotel tax money should support Austin’s cultural arts, music venues, parks, and historic preservation—the attractions that made Austin a destination. They point to Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio, which have invested in cultural arts districts alongside convention facilities.
The debate raises fundamental questions about Austin’s tourism model. While officials emphasize mid-week convention traffic stabilizing the hospitality industry, skeptics note only 2% of Austin’s visitors currently attend convention center events, while operating costs will reach $80 million annually.
With construction progressing toward a 2029 opening, Friday’s ruling settles the immediate legal question. But the broader debate over Austin’s priorities remains unresolved.
Leander police responded Friday morning to a bomb threat at Founders Classical Academy, prompting an evacuation.
Just before 9:00 a.m. Friday morning, Founders Academy (Public Charter School) in the 1300 Block of Leander Drive received a a bomb threat.
By noon, no explosive devices were located. No one was injured during this incident. The suspect in this case has not been identified, however, officials say the criminal investigation is still ongoing.
New details are emerging about what led to a Kyle man getting arrested after an argument with students protesting ICE operations in Buda.
The father of girl attacked at that protest is “furious”.
Meanwhile, students from multiple Hays CISD schools gathered outside Kyle City Hall Friday night to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement policies
Earlier in the day, more student walkouts were reported at Capital Plaza, 290 and Berkman, Lake Travis, Lakeway and Round Rock.
Austin ISD is under fire from top state officials this week after hundreds of students have walked out of class to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as some state leaders allege schools helped students to do so.
New protocols take effect Monday, concerning student walkouts. The Austin school district said the changes are necessary.
Skipping school is against school policy, just like fighting or cheating or defacing school property, etc. Why isn't there a single school leader willing to say walkouts are not appropriate – anymore than punching someone or destroying property – and kids need to find a different… https://t.co/C5z85VlR0f
— Brian Phillips (@RealBPhil) February 6, 2026
Texas Rep. Greg Casar offered support to students.
A message to Texas students protesting ICE's abuses: thank you for your bravery.
— Greg Casar (@GregCasar) February 6, 2026
You make me proud. pic.twitter.com/tDVcXERLxf
After concerns and social media rumors swirled earlier this month about the ramping up of ICE operations in Austin – including a possible focus on homeless shelters during Austin’s brutal winter storm—the man in charge of Austin’s Homeless Strategies and Operations is addressing those claims.
Hutto‘s Mayor Mike Snyder took to Facebook to answer questions from residents concerning ICE.
Following an internal probe into payroll inaccuracies, Austin Fire Chief Joel Baker terminated a high-ranking female officer. The case has since unveiled more extensive concerns regarding the department’s overtime reporting practices. (Austin American-Statesman)
A Williamson County judge on Friday sentenced Joseph DeSean Taylor for his role in the August 16, 2020 shooting of three Cedar Park Police officers and the subsequent hostage standoff that lasted nearly 18 hours.
Austin police reported on suspected street takeovers occurring this weekend.
No activity was reported last night.
Kyle Police arrested a man Wednesday who allegedly started a fire at an Austin H-E-B store as a cover to steal alcohol on Tuesday. (KXAN-TV)
APD is looking for a car thief.
A juvenile supervision officer at a juvenile detention center has been arrested and charged with sexual assault of a child, according to the Llano County Sheriff’s Office.
Police in Manor arrested a man in connection with online solicitation of a minor and related child exploitation.
This week’s Crime Watch from FOX 7 Austin:
Austin police need help locating a missing person.
The Travis County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal crash that shut down FM 1431 in Lago Vista on Friday evening. (KXAN-TV)
A car fire in South Austin yesterday at Oltorf and Montopolis. No injuries were reported.
A new expansion at ABIA adds more than 75,000 square feet to the Barbara Jordan Terminal and introduces a new TSA Checkpoint 4. Airport officials and city leaders gathered Friday for a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Deep Eddy Pool was closed for a while Friday due to a water main break in the area that was not related to the pool. It reopened by midday.
And a reminder that today is the day for the official opening of Austin’s new $25 million Wishbone Bridge over Lady Bird Lake that connects the Butler Hike & Bike Trail as one long continuous ten-mile loop.
City officials remind residents that portions of the lawns at Auditorium Shores and Vic Mathias Shores at Town Lake will be closed intermittently today for a fertilizer application.
There are 21 wildfires burning in Texas right now.
We are currently responding to 21 wildfire assistance requests statewide.⁰
— Incident Information – Texas A&M Forest Service (@AllHazardsTFS) February 6, 2026
See smoke or fire? Call 911 immediately.⁰
Active fire map: https://t.co/JiP5HPST9y
🎥 Helicopter drop on the Orange Street Fire (Lee Co., Feb 6, 2026). Credit: Texas A&M Forest Service. pic.twitter.com/5al1KyYRvO
We are currently responding to 21 wildfire assistance requests statewide.⁰
— Incident Information – Texas A&M Forest Service (@AllHazardsTFS) February 6, 2026
See smoke or fire? Call 911 immediately.⁰
Active fire map: https://t.co/JiP5HPST9y
🎥 Helicopter drop on the Orange Street Fire (Lee Co., Feb 6, 2026). Credit: Texas A&M Forest Service. pic.twitter.com/5al1KyYRvO
A 100-acre grass fire in DeWitt County.
WEATHER
FRIDAY’S HIGH / LOW TEMPERATURES
Record high temperatures were tied Friday at both ABIA and Camp Mabry reporting stations with 83 degrees, tying the record set just last year.
AUSTN-BERGSTROM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
CAMP MABRY
5-DAY FORECAST / AUSTIN, TEXAS
U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro is calling for an investigation of an alleged Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid on a San Antonio home after a video of the incident began circulating online.
After touring an ICE facility in South Texas on Friday, U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro called it an “absolute prison” and said that most of the immigrants held there did not have criminal records, and that many were family breadwinners.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott is enabling and supporting this lawless activity by ICE in San Antonio.
— Joaquin Castro (@JoaquinCastrotx) February 6, 2026
Texans’ fundamental rights are being violated because he’s helping ICE. https://t.co/1l6LJfYsab
Gov. Greg Abbott is responding after Congressman Joaquin Castro criticized ICE operations in Texas.
An Oregon family that’s been in ICE detention in Texas for three weeks has been released, Rep. Maxine Dexter announced on Friday. Dexter’s office said she is escorting the family back to Oregon.
A Bexar County judge has been suspended with no pay.
Authorities in Gillespie County made a major drug bust after a lengthy investigation.
A recently released disciplinary record shows a Comal County deputy constable lost his job in 2025 following a disputed traffic-stop encounter with a citizen.
Democrats around the nation celebrated an upset victory last weekend when a Democrat was able to flip a state senate seat in a reliably red district in north Texas. Less than two days later, political infighting began in the highly anticipated U.S. Senate Democratic primary.
Why Jasmine Crockett has no regrets.
Secular Houston founder and new Progress Texas Institute board member Wil Jeudy returns for a deep dive on an even more nutty week than usual in Texas politics, as we unpack the drama this week between former Congressman Colin Allred, State Rep. James Talarico, and Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett as the hopes of a friendly primary in the Senate race, held by most Texas Democrats, proved perhaps a tad bit naive. Can’t we all just get along?
We also discuss the recent trend of our high school (and middle school!) kids across Texas seeing what’s happening with ICE, and standing up against it. The grumpy responses of Governor Greg Abbott and the TEA speak volumes, and to us, prove that our young people are on the RIGHT side of history.
(Episode from February 6, 2026)
Texas politics delivered no shortage of drama this week.
(Episode from February 6, 2026)
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced legal action against a Houston-based Antifa-affiliated organization accused of doxxing and terrorism-related activities.
NEW: I'm taking legal action against a Houston-based Antifa organization engaged in doxing and the commission of terrorism.
— Attorney General Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX) February 6, 2026
These deranged traitors will face the full force of law. No stone will be left unturned, and no tool will be left unused. pic.twitter.com/miCUm6O7Ak
KXAN-TV reviewed every record they could find of educators facing allegations of “inappropriate” comments about Charlie Kirk. Records obtained show for weeks following his assassination, Texas educators were reported, reprimanded, fired, threatened and doxed online over posts some believed celebrated his death.
New work requirements are taking effect for Texans who get help buying food through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
A lot. (My San Antonio)
SPORTS
COLLEGE BASKETBALL: The Texas Longhorns host the Rebels of Ole Miss today (1 p.m. CT, ESPN2) in Moody Center.
Game 24: TEXAS (14-9, 5-5 SEC) vs. Ole Miss (11-11, 3-6 SEC)
SERIES: Texas leads, 9-7. Last meeting: Ole Miss 72-69 (Jan. 29, 2025; Oxford)
NBA: Dallas, Houston and San Antonio were all idle yesterday but are back on the courts today.
MLS: Saudi Arabia’s national team will train in Austin during the 2026 FIFA World Cup
On the latest episode of Texas Country Reporter:
For over three decades, Oscar Alvarez has served as a funeral director in Brownsville, Texas, helping countless families navigate the immense pain of grief and loss. The emotionally demanding nature of his career requires boundless patience and compassion, leading Oscar to search for an outlet to process the weight of his work.
Why This Man Stays Overnight At His Funeral Home
