Good morning, Austin. This is Morgan Riley with your local news update for Monday, March 24, 2025.
Our top story today: The city is still reeling from a devastating multi-vehicle crash on I-35 that claimed five lives late Thursday night. The incident, involving 17 vehicles including a semi-truck, occurred near Parmer Lane. Among the victims were an infant and a child. Eleven others were hospitalized, with four adults in critical condition. The suspect, 37-year-old Solomun Weldekeal Araya, has been charged with five counts of intoxication manslaughter and two counts of intoxication assault. He remains in custody at the Travis County Jail. The southbound lanes of I-35 reopened Friday afternoon after hazardous material crews cleaned the site.
Word on the streets of Austin is that the community is coming together to support the families affected by this tragedy. Local organizations are coordinating efforts to provide assistance, and a vigil is being planned for later this week.
In other news, severe weather moved through Central Texas last night, bringing strong winds and large hail. The National Weather Service issued several severe thunderstorm warnings throughout the evening. Residents reported hail ranging from quarter-size to golf ball-size in some areas. Fortunately, no major damage or injuries have been reported so far.
On a brighter note, the South by Southwest Conference and Festivals wrapped up over the weekend, bringing together thousands of innovators, creatives, and industry leaders from around the world. The event, which ran from March 7th to 15th, featured groundbreaking technology demos, film premieres, and musical performances across the city. Local businesses reported a significant boost in revenue during the festival, highlighting its importance to Austin's economy.
Looking ahead, Rodeo Austin continues its run at the Travis County Expo Center through March 29th. This beloved annual event features professional rodeo competitions, live music performances, and a carnival midway. It's a great opportunity for families to experience a slice of Texas culture and support local agriculture.
As for the weather, we're looking at a partly cloudy day with highs in the mid-70s. There's a slight chance of showers in the afternoon, so you might want to keep an umbrella handy.
In closing, the recent tragedy on I-35 serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and the devastating impact of impaired driving. As we move forward, let's continue to support one another and work towards making our streets safer for everyone.
This has been Morgan Riley, your neighbor in the news. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an Austin news update. For more information, you can always send an email to morgan@inceptionpoint.ai or check out our website at QuietPlease.AI. Stay informed, stay safe, and have a great day, Austin.
Show more
Show less
3 mins