ATX PULSE 3/9-10/26 (free): SXSW Begins // Rain, Hail to Hit Tonight? // Massage Therapist Charged in Domain Spa Assault // UT Women's Bball Beats USC to Win SEC Tourney // UT FB Spring Practice Begins

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MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2026 - TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2026

Compiled by Matt Mackowiak

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WEATHER

Today: H: 81° / L: 63°.

Wednesday: H: 79° / L: 46°.

Thursday: H: 69° / L: 42°.

Friday: H: 81° / L: 55°.

Saturday: H: 83° / L: 64°.

Sunday: H: 89° / L: 47°.

TOP NEWS

"Storms could hit Austin before big midweek temperature drop" Austin American-Statesman's Justin Ballard – This week in Austin, a strong cold front is expected to bring a dramatic weather shift, with temperatures dropping nearly 40 degrees from Monday afternoon to Thursday morning. The area will experience highs in the 80s, the potential for strong storms, and lows possibly dipping into the 40s. 'Tis the season for dramatic temperature swings and the occasional strong or severe storm. This week offers a weather rollercoaster that includes highs in the 80s, the potential for strong storms, followed by lows possibly dropping into the 40s.

Early in the week, Central Texas will remain warm and humid as southerly winds return after the weekend system, which brought 0.62 inches of much-needed rain to Austin’s official climate site at Camp Mabry on Saturday. Temperatures on Monday are expected to climb back toward the upper 70s and low 80s, with breezy conditions and plenty of moisture in the air. The added humidity could spark isolated to scattered showers beginning Monday afternoon.

(Austin American-Statesman)

"Carmen Mejia exonerated after 20 years in prison in Austin infanticide" Austin American-Statesman's Austin Sanders – Carmen Mejia hugs her daughters after being exonerated in Travis County’s 460th Criminal District Court in Austin Monday, March 9, 2026. The Texas Criminal Court of Appeals issued an opinion in January declaring that Meija was "actually innocent" in the killing of 10-month-old Abelardo Casiano, an infant she was babysitting at the time.

An emotional scene unfolded in a Travis County courtroom Monday as Carmen Mejia embraced three of her daughters for the first time in more than two decades. Moments earlier, a judge had formally dismissed all charges against the Austin woman, clearing her of a murder conviction that sent her to prison for the scalding death of an infant more than 20 years ago.

The dismissal marked the final step in Mejia’s exoneration after the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals ruled in January that she was “actually innocent” in the 2003 death of 10-month-old Abelardo Casiano, a baby she had been caring for. The state’s highest criminal court concluded the evidence showed not only that Mejia did not commit the crime, but that no crime occurred at all.

(Austin American-Statesman)

THE BLOTTER

"Massage therapist charged in Domain spa assault; police seek other possible victims" via KEYE – Massage therapist charged in Domain spa assault; police seek other possible victims AUSTIN, Texas — A massage therapist has been charged with sexual assault following an incident at a spa in the Domain, and detectives believe there may be additional victims at multiple locations across the Austin area.

Edwin Vargas-Garzon, 48, was arrested Feb. 7 in connection with a reported sexual assault that occurred Nov. 2, 2025, at a spa business at 11011 Domain Drive, according to the Austin Police Department. The victim came forward several days after the incident and identified Vargas-Garzon, who was employed as a massage therapist at the establishment, police said.

During the investigation, detectives discovered potential additional incidents involving Vargas-Garzon at multiple massage therapy businesses across the Austin area and surrounding communities, according to APD.

The individual referenced is no longer employed by Spa Sway.

(KEYE)

"Police searching for suspect in South Austin Target robbery, assault" via KEYE – The Austin Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect connected to a robbery at a South Austin Target store last month.

Police said the robbery happened around 8:47 p.m. on Feb. 25 at the Target located at 9500 S. Interstate 35.

According to investigators, the suspect entered the store and selected several men’s clothing items before heading toward the exit. When a loss prevention employee attempted to intervene, the suspect assaulted the employee and fled.

Police said the suspect ran through the parking lot and left the area in a dark gray pickup truck. Surveillance video captured the vehicle leaving the scene.

The suspect is described as a white man, about 6 feet to 6 feet 3 inches tall, in his mid-30s to early 40s, with a large build. He was last seen wearing a gray long-sleeved shirt, light gray capri pants or joggers, white shoes, and a gray ball cap with a black-and-white shield logo.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the APD Robbery unit.

(KEYE)

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