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
We have at least a couple more days of critical fire weather ahead of us. Winds remain elevated, and humidity will be much the opposite during the afternoons. Any fires that start will quickly become difficult to control and contain. As far as temperatures, we’ll see highs in the 80s Tuesday and even Wednesday for some before a dry front cools us into the 60s and 70s just in time for the first day of spring on Thursday.
Get your 7-day forecast: Austin | San Antonio | Dallas
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Today's Big Stories
1. Severe weather moves east after tornadoes, winds and wildfires killed at least 39 people
A dynamic storm that prompted foreboding predictions of dangerous weekend weather spawned tornadoes, dust storms and wildfires that killed at least 39 people and destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses.
Wind-driven wildfires caused extensive damage in Texas and Oklahoma and officials warned that parts of both states would again face an increased risk of fire danger in the coming week.
2. Former Texas megachurch pastor accused of child sex abuse surrenders in Oklahoma
A former pastor of a Texas megachurch who has been accused of child sexual abuse surrendered to Oklahoma authorities Monday.
Robert Preston Morris, 63, turned himself in to officials in Osage County, where he was charged last week with five counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child, Phil Bacharach, a spokesman for the Oklahoma Attorney General's Office, told The Associated Press.
3. TikTok becomes a tool of choice in cat-and-mouse game between migrant smugglers and authorities
At a time when legal pathways to the U.S. have been slashed and criminal groups are raking in money from migrant smuggling, social media apps like TikTok have become an essential tool for smugglers and migrants alike. The videos — taken to cartoonish extremes — offer a rare look inside a long elusive industry and the narratives used by trafficking networks to fuel migration north.
As President Donald Trump begins to ramp up a crackdown at the border and migration levels to the U.S. dip, smugglers say new technologies allow networks to be more agile in the face of challenges, and expand their reach to new customers — a far cry from the old days when each village had its trusted smuggler.
4. PepsiCo buys prebiotic soda brand Poppi to gain a foothold in functional drinks
PepsiCo said Monday it’s acquiring the prebiotic soda brand Poppi for $1.95 billion.
The acquisition gives PepsiCo a fast-growing brand in the popular functional beverage category. PepsiCo said the transaction includes $300 million of anticipated cash benefits, bringing the net purchase price to $1.65 billion.
Notes for Tomorrow
Tuesday, March 18
- Vice President Vance delivers remarks at American Dynamism Summit
- Federal Open Market Committee meeting
- NCAA Men's Basketball First Four games
- Fifth 'Hunger Games' novel published
- Jury trial for Nadine Menendez, wife of Dem Sen. Bob Menendez, charged in alleged bribery scheme
- Arraignment of former Alaska Airlines pilot accused of attempting to shut down plane engines mid-flight
In Case You Missed It 
Panel following the premiere of "Selena Y Los Dinos" at South by Southwest on March 12, 2025 at the Paramount Theatre. (Spectrum News 1)
SXSW makes changes to 2026 experience
As South by Southwest wrapped up another year of keynote speakers, various panels and concerts, the conference announced plans that will change how participants experience the festival in 2026 for their 40th anniversary.
