No Kings Rally in Austin: What to Expect Today
Today, thousands of Austinites will gather at the Texas State Capitol to participate in the second national “No Kings” day of action—a nationwide protest against what organizers characterize as authoritarian governance.
Here’s what you need to know before you head downtown.
The Schedule and Location
The Austin rally kicks off at 2:00 PM at the State Capitol, where organizers will hold a brief assembly featuring speakers from the movement. At 2:30 PM, participants will march together to Auditorium Shores, where activities will continue until 5:30 PM. The downtown area will host dozens of community organizations, giving attendees opportunities to connect with causes and activism groups aligned with their values.
What to Expect
The “No Kings” movement is rooted in the principle of peaceful, nonviolent action. Participants are encouraged to carry signs, wave American flags, and express their concerns through peaceful demonstration. Organizers have emphasized that the event is family-friendly and inclusive, with people of all ages expected to participate. The event is one of more than 2,500 demonstrations planned across all 50 states, as well as in Mexico and Canada, making this a coordinated national movement.
The Austin rally follows a successful first “No Kings” day on June 14th, which drew millions across the country. Organizers are preparing for similar or potentially larger turnout this time around, given increased interest and expanded organizing efforts since June.
The National Guard Presence
A significant development has been Texas Governor Greg Abbott‘s decision to deploy the Texas National Guard to Austin ahead of the protest. Abbott announced the deployment on Thursday, stating that the Texas Department of Public Safety and National Guard will be stationed to “maintain law and order” and “protect Texans and their property.” Abbott characterized the protest as “antifa-linked” and stated that “violence and destruction will never be tolerated in Texas.”
The governor’s office did not immediately respond to a request for information on why he believes the “No Kings” protests are tied to antifa. The demonstrations — which drew thousands to cities like Austin, Houston and San Antonio in June — are sponsored by groups like the American Civil Liberties Union, League of Women Voters and the Sierra Club. — Austin American-Statesman
However, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson clarified in a statement that he had been informed the National Guard would not be deployed onto city streets unless there is an “emergency need.” Watson reiterated his support for the constitutional right to peaceful protest while also opposing both the militarization of city streets and any unpeaceful conduct that damages property or endangers public safety.
DPS’s Homeland Security Division is also “actively monitoring” the protest in Austin and other demonstrations across the state.
Political Backlash
In the lead-up to today’s protests, Republican congressional leaders have sought to delegitimize the demonstrations. House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Majority Whip Tom Emmer have both referred to the gatherings as “hate America rallies.” Johnson made similar comments on Fox News, characterizing the protesters as the “pro-Hamas wing” and “antifa people.”
Trump Administration officials, including Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, have made similar allegations, baselessly suggesting the protests are organized by Antifa and claiming protesters will be “paid.” In response to criticism about authoritarian governance, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson dismissed concerns with a brief “Who cares?” when asked about the protests’ message.
Core Message
The “No Kings” slogan harks back to American founding principles of democratic governance.
As the movement’s organizers state, “In America, we don’t put up with would-be kings.” The protests are intended to voice opposition to what participants view as executive overreach and to advocate for a government rooted in justice and democratic accountability. The movement unites people across geographical and ideological lines around shared concerns about preserving democratic institutions.
Practical Considerations
If you’re planning to attend, organizers ask that you wear yellow to show solidarity. Remember to bring water, wear comfortable shoes, and arrive early to secure a good spot at the Capitol.
The event emphasizes nonviolent action—no weapons of any kind should be brought to the demonstration. The movement has held virtual safety trainings in preparation, partnering with the ACLU to ensure participants know how to de-escalate potential confrontations.
Whether you’re a first-time protester or a seasoned activist, today’s rally represents a significant moment in the ongoing national conversation about democratic governance and the exercise of constitutional rights.
PODCAST
While Trump has claimed it’s anti-American, the No Kings protests happening across America are necessary to fight for our democracy. Steve Schmidt sits down with Indivisible founder Ezra Levin to discuss the largest peaceful protest in modern American history.
With Formula 1 happening, how does it impact traffic flow for the ‘No Kings’ protest?
Central Texas Faces Active Wildfire Threats
Current Wildfire Activity in the Austin Area
Central Texas continues to grapple with wildfire challenges as the region enters a critical fire season. With extreme fire dangers and dry conditions persisting across the area, local authorities have taken precautionary measures to protect residents and property.
THE PILOT KNOB FIRE
The most recent wildfire to capture attention is the Pilot Knob fire, which erupted south of Austin’s airport. The rapidly spreading fire burned approximately 36 acres before it was fully contained Friday.
No injuries or structural damage has been reported thus far, though authorities have urged motorists to avoid Highway 183 and FM 812 to allow emergency crews access to the area.
Elevated Wildfire Risk Across the Region
More than 11,000 acres have burned in wildfires across Central Texas in 2025, with a total of 36 fires burning 11,822.1 acres in the 15-county viewing area. This elevated activity underscores the persistent threat facing the region.
WILLIAMS ROAD FIRE IN BURNET
In response to heightened fire dangers, Travis County Judge Andy Brown signed a precautionary disaster declaration due to high wildfire risk, with burn bans remaining in effect for Travis County due to dry conditions.
Preparedness and Prevention
Austin plans to expand the amount of land considered at risk of wildfire damage, with approximately 71% of the city’s land parcels now in a zone vulnerable to burning, up from 38% a decade ago. The city is implementing updated building codes requiring new and remodeled homes in high-risk areas to use fire-resistant materials.
Residents in the Austin area are encouraged to take precautions, maintain defensible spaces around their properties, and stay informed through local emergency alerts at WarnCentralTexas.org. As wildfire season continues, staying vigilant and prepared remains essential for Central Texas communities.
Current wildfire maps can be viewed at the Texas A&M Forest Service website.
PROPOSITION Q
Early voting begins Monday with Proposition Q being front and center for most voters and local officials.
The Texas Secretary of State’s Office faces scrutiny over voter registration complaints. The state has been fielding reports from Texans who say they submitted registration forms that never appeared on voter rolls, raising concerns about backlogs and communication delays within the state’s election management system. (Austin American-Statesman)
Over the past two weeks, Hays County Sheriff’s deputies have successfully recovered four stolen vehicles linked to VIN-swapping schemes.
Pflugerville first responders came to the aid of a person whose vehicle fell into the water Saturday.
Last week’s viral video of an APD officer punching a bystander on 6th Street leads the latest edition of Crime Watch from FOX 7 Austin.
Two stories from the Austin Business Journal:
Torchy’s Tacos is looking to add 75 more locations in the next five years.
And…
The Garza family, which founded Siete Family Foods, is no longer part of the business after it was acquired by PepsiCo Inc. earlier this year.
WEATHER
FRIDAY’S HIGH / LOW TEMPERATURES
AUSTIN-BERGSTROM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
CAMP MABRY
A record high temperature for this date could be set today.
5-DAY FORECAST / AUSTIN, TEXAS
FOX Weather Meteorologist Steve Bender and Dr. ROWI look at NFL and college football games across the country as a fall front sweeps through this weekend.
Texas election official groups want the state to stop its new voter registration system rollout and fix issues that they say are damaging to the election and jury processes. This request, detailing their complaints, was sent Friday to Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson. (Texas Tribune)
Three people were critically injured after someone opened fire at a crowded Halloween party late Friday night in northeast Harris County, according to the sheriff’s office.
A man accused of killing three people and injuring two others in an East Texas home early Friday morning has been hospitalized after crashing into a pedestrian and the Buc-ee’s in Ennis and shooting himself in the head.
Gov. Greg Abbott on Thursday announced a special election in May to fill the Texas Senate seat left empty by Brandon Creighton, the Houston-area Republican who will lead the Texas Tech University System. (Texas Tribune)
Texas officials began notifying the state’s poorest residents on Friday that their food benefits via the Supplemental Food Assistance and Nutrition Program, or SNAP, will be cut off in November if the federal shutdown continues past October 27. (San Antonio Current)
Some Texas parents are concerned about their children’s’ access to special education amid the federal shutdown.
The latest survey looking at the Republican race for U.S. Senate shows a virtual tie between incumbent John Cornyn (33%) and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (34%). Congressman Wesley Hunt is more than 10 points behind in the survey by the University of Houston and Texas Southern University.
Democrat Gina Hinajosa says she is no sacrificial lamb. In a one-on-one sit-down interview, the Rio Grande Valley native explains how she thinks she can beat Gov. Greg Abbott. In short, she says Abbott has let billionaires have too much influence over Texas while the working class struggles.
Plus, the state’s 8th-largest city is so close to running out of water that it’s tearing apart the community to the point that people were getting arrested at a recent city council meeting. We’ll play what happened. Reporter Megan Kimble joins host Jeremy Wallace to explain why the city’s struggle has broad implications statewide and could be replicated in more Texas cities in the future.
Finally, Eric Dexheimer provides details on why and how a small group of mostly out-of-staters is attempting to take over the government in the tiny Loving County.
(Episode from October 17,, 2025)
Former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich‘s podcast The Coffee Klatch:
Friends,
Today, millions of Americans are standing up for their values and standing up to Trump. Millions are saying clearly and powerfully — and peacefully — that this is a nation of laws, not of people who put themselves above the law. That we are a nation that values self-government, not a government by an authoritarian dictator. That we are a people whose forebears have sacrificed much — some have sacrificed their lives — so that democracy and freedom shall be preserved. We will not allow that legacy to be destroyed by Trump or anyone else.
Please join Heather and me as we discuss these fundamentals in today’s coffee klatch. Pull up a chair, grab a cuppa, and join the conversation.
Julie Straus, the wife of former Texas House Speaker Joe Straus, has been located and is in good health, police said Friday afternoon. A family spokesman said Straus suffers from dementia. (Austin American-Statesman)
The trial of three ex-San Antonio police officers over a fatal shooting entered a sixth day Friday, with bodycam footage and testimonies scrutinized.
SPORTS
COLLEGE FOOTBALL: The No. 21 Texas Longhorns (4-2) head to Lexington as 12.5-point favorites to face the Kentucky Wildcats (2-3) tonight at Kroger Field in a crucial SEC matchup set to kick off at 7:00 p.m.
Texas arrives riding high after a dominant statement win over No. 6 Oklahoma in the Red River Showdown, defeating the Sooners 23-6 to claw their way back into the AP Top 25 while Kentucky returns fresh off a bye week desperately seeking a bounce-back moment after dropping three straight SEC games.
The Longhorns’ stout defense ranks third-best in college football, allowing just 11 points per game, though their offense ranks 72nd in scoring at 28.5 points per contest, while the Wildcats have struggled on both sides of the ball, ranking among the worst in passing offense with just 172.2 yards per game.
The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.
TEXAS A&M AND TEXAS TECH
Both the Aggies and Red Raiders are unbeaten and both are in action today.
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS
Georgetown defeated East View, 31-8, in a battle of district unbeatens, with Georgetown handling the Patriots in impressive fashion.
Lake Travis defeated Dripping Springs, 14-7, with the Cavaliers remaining unbeaten on the season.
Austin Westlake defeated Austin Bowie, 30-7.
A&M Consolidated defeated Pflugerville Hendrickson, 51-10.
Boerne Geneva defeated Austin Hill Country 28-12.
FORMULA ONE: Opening day of the 2025 Formula One United States Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas in Austin saw McLaren’s Lando Norris dominate a hectic sole practice session with the fastest time of 1 minute 33.294 seconds.
The session was disrupted by a red flag when debris needed to be cleared from Lance Stroll’s Aston Martin, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Williams’ Carlos Sainz both encountered gearbox problems that cut their running short.
Nico Hulkenberg’s Sauber impressed with a second-place finish, with McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri rounding out the top three, though he was 0.279 seconds slower than Norris.
With track temperatures soaring past 113 degrees in the Texas heat, the session highlighted the competitive state of the championship, with Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris separated by just 22 points heading into the weekend.
Later in the evening, Max Verstappen took pole position for the Sprint race, with Lando Norris qualifying alongside him on the front row.
NHL: The Dallas Stars are back on the ice tonight, this time in St. Louis.
Dallas looks to rebound after their first loss of the season against Vancouver. (Yahoo! Sports)
Dallas Stars Squander Multi-Goal Lead in Defeat to Vancouver: A Worrying Trend in the Early Season?
Let’s turn the TV channel to the late 1950’s.
The Texan is a Western television series starring film and television actor Rory Calhoun, which aired on the CBS television network from 1958 to 1960.
Calhoun plays gunman Bill Longley, “The Texan,” who travels across Texas from town to town in the wake of the Civil War. His reputation as a gunfighter precedes him and often brings trouble wherever he ends up next. Mario Alcalde played as Yellow Hawk from 1959. Duncan Lamont played as David MacMorris in its final season. His character was known as Mac.
Episodes from Season 1 are streaming online.
