Eric Henrikson
Verified- Digital Reporter and Digital Marketing Producer, KXAN-TV (Austin, TX)
- Digital Reporter and Digital Marketing Producer, KBVO-TV (Austin, TX)
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Emmy-winning science journalist @kxan_news reporting in Central Texas. Have a story idea? Send me a tip!
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Articles by Eric Henrikson
Finnish tech companies visit Austin as cities forge new partnership
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Finnish technology companies are exploring opportunities in Central Texas as Austin establishes a new international partnership aimed at growing its artificial intelligence, robotics and advanced manufacturing industries. Tampere is Finland's most loved city and one of the country's leading tech and startup hubs. Known for its industrial heritage, vibrant cultural scene and innovative spirit.
Austin air taxi service planned: New electric aircraft route would connect AUS, COTA Original
AUSTIN (KXAN) — A new air taxi service is coming to Austin, and it could make getting to and from the airport easier. Archer Aviation announced on October 23 plans for three separate air taxi networks. One of which will fly across Austin’s skies.
Austin air taxi service planned: New electric aircraft route would connect AUS, COTA
5 hours ago The company has stated that customers' deposits will be refunded. Tesla's Cybertruck will no longer be released in Australia and New Zealand. The company announced its cancellation in these regions in an email to customers on Friday. "After careful consideration, plans to produce the Cybertruck for …
Leander seeks to restore mysteriously drained lake, demands answers from water district
LEANDER, Texas (KXAN) -- Leander city leaders are formally escalating efforts to restore water levels at Lakewood Park, unanimously approving a request for the lake's restoration and demanding additional records from the water district that manages it. November 5, 2025, water has receded several dozen feet after lake levels dropped at Lake Lakewood.
Austin hotels could reach 95% occupancy as Formula One returns
Austin hotels could reach 95% occupancy as Formula One returns Mon, October 19, 2026 at 11:51 AM EDT AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin's tourism industry is running ahead of last year's pace as city leaders prepare for one of the busiest weekends of the year. Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands steers his car during the qualification for the Formula One U.S. Grand Prix race in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.
One side of the street can sell liquor. The other can’t. Bastrop County voters may change that
BASTROP, Texas (KXAN) — In Bastrop County, whether a business can sell a mixed drink may depend on more than where it’s located today. It could depend on where city and precinct lines sat years, or even decades, ago. County officials and business owners say a patchwork of alcohol regulations has created situations where neighboring businesses operate under different rules, leaving some unable to obtain the same permits as the businesses across the street.
One side of the street can sell liquor. The other can’t. Bastrop County voters may change that
BASTROP, Texas (KXAN) — In Bastrop County, whether a business can sell a mixed drink may depend on more than where it's located today. It could depend on where city and precinct lines sat years, or even decades, ago. Historic election maps like this one continue to determine where some businesses can sell alcohol in Bastrop County, even as cities and neighborhoods have grown beyond their original boundaries.
Could Russian diesel lower Texas fuel prices? Farmers, truckers watching Trump deal
AUSTIN (KXAN) — A deal with Russia that would immediately send 300,000 tons of diesel into global markets could provide short-term relief for Texas farmers, truckers and consumers facing high fuel costs. Over the weekend, President Donald Trump announced he had struck a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin, that would supply additional diesel to U.S. and global markets.
Could Russian diesel lower Texas fuel prices? Farmers, truckers watching Trump deal
AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A deal with Russia that would immediately send 300,000 tons of diesel into global markets could provide short-term relief for Texas farmers, truckers and consumers facing high fuel costs. Diesel is advertised for $5.59 per gallon at a Valero gas station in Austin. Industry groups say high diesel prices continue to pressure Texas farmers, ranchers and trucking companies.
Could air taxis help Austin paramedics beat traffic? City explores eVTOL program
AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin officials are exploring whether electric aircraft could help paramedics reach patients faster when traffic gridlock slows emergency response, a concept city leaders say could eventually help save lives. KXAN reporter Eric Henrikson pilots Hexa, a single person aircraft. The company says it could redefine our commutes.
Texas dad loses vision after taking Wegovy
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Jason Horek said he started taking Wegovy to lose a few stubborn pounds. Months later, the south Austin father of two lost much of the vision in his right eye from a rare condition that researchers are studying for a possible connection to popular GLP-1 weight-loss drugs. “I actually got it from an online company, a very prominent one, and the process was easy. There was not a lot of kind of guidance or medical,” Horek said. What is NAION?
Austin father loses vision after taking Wegovy; questions raised about rare condition
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Jason Horek said he started taking Wegovy to lose a few stubborn pounds. Months later, the south Austin father of two lost much of the vision in his right eye from a rare condition that researchers are studying for a possible connection to popular GLP-1 weight-loss drugs. Jason Horek sits for an interview at his south Austin home on Oct. 5, 2026.
Central Texas to get first major ‘Asiatown’ as Leander development takes shape
LEANDER, Texas (KXAN) — Central Texas could soon get its first major Asian-focused commercial area. Developers behind Leander’s Northline project plan to build a 30,000-square-foot district featuring restaurants, shops and other businesses aimed at serving the region’s growing Asian population. “So many people shouted at me, scream at me. It’s as if like, where is it? We’re going there now,” said EC Chi with the KoreaTexas Forum.
Central Texas to get first major ‘Asiatown’ as Leander development takes shape
LEANDER, Texas (KXAN) -- Central Texas could soon get its first major Asian-focused commercial area. Developers behind Leander's Northline project plan to build a 30,000-square-foot district featuring restaurants, shops and other businesses aimed at serving the region's growing Asian population. Developers plan to build a 30,000-square-foot Asian marketplace at Leander's Northline development, shown under construction on Sept. 30, 2026.
Texas allows dyed diesel on roads as fuel prices surge Original
AUSTIN (KXAN) — An emergency disaster proclamation has been issued in response to soaring diesel prices. On Monday, Gov. Greg Abbott expanded the use of dyed diesel and raised the weight limit on fuel, agriculture and timber loads, while also suspending Texas Low Emission Diesel rules. “Farmers and truckers can now use dyed diesel on Texas roads, and fuel, crop, and timber loads can move at a higher weight.
Texas allows dyed diesel on roads as fuel prices surge
AUSTIN (KXAN) -- An emergency disaster proclamation has been issued in response to soaring diesel prices. On Monday, Gov. Greg Abbott expanded the use of dyed diesel and raised the weight limit on fuel, agriculture and timber loads, while also suspending Texas Low Emission Diesel rules. "Farmers and truckers can now use dyed diesel on Texas roads, and fuel, crop, and timber loads can move at a higher weight.
Texas allows dyed diesel on roads as fuel prices surge
AUSTIN (KXAN) -- An emergency disaster proclamation has been issued in response to soaring diesel prices. On Monday, Gov. Greg Abbott expanded the use of dyed diesel and raised the weight limit on fuel, agriculture and timber loads, while also suspending Texas Low Emission Diesel rules. "Farmers and truckers can now use dyed diesel on Texas roads, and fuel, crop, and timber loads can move at a higher weight.
Lake Austin drawdown canceled following pushback
AUSTIN (KXAN) — After much debate, the City of Austin will not move forward with a planned drawdown of Lake Austin. Lake Austin drawdown could cost jobs, cancel holiday events The decision was outlined in a joint memo published from Austin Water and Austin Watershed Protection to the Mayor and city council. “The drawdown was initially scheduled for October 12 through November 30.
Lake Austin drawdown canceled following pushback
AUSTIN (KXAN) — After much debate, the City of Austin will not move forward with a planned drawdown of Lake Austin. The decision was outlined in a joint memo published from Austin Water and Austin Watershed Protection to the Mayor and city council. “The drawdown was initially scheduled for October 12 through November 30.
Lake Austin drawdown canceled following pushback
Editor's note: The video above is previous coverage from Sept. 18, 2026. AUSTIN (KXAN) — After much debate, the City of Austin will not move forward with a planned drawdown of Lake Austin. The decision was outlined in a joint memo published from Austin Water and Austin Watershed Protection to the Mayor and city council. "The drawdown was initially scheduled for October 12 through November 30.
Lake Austin drawdown canceled following pushback
AUSTIN (KXAN) — After much debate, the City of Austin will not move forward with a planned drawdown of Lake Austin. The decision was outlined in a joint memo published from Austin Water and Austin Watershed Protection to the Mayor and city council. “The drawdown was initially scheduled for October 12 through November 30.
Austin doctors say flu, COVID cases rising
AUSTIN (KXAN) -- If it feels like more people around you are getting sick, local health officials say you're not imagining it. The Texas Department of State Health Services has reported an increase in influenza activity this month, but doctors say other viruses are also circulating and causing similar symptoms. "It's not unexpected for folks to start feeling a little sick this time of year," said Dr. David Vander Stratton, medical director for urgent care at Baylor Scott & White.
Austin doctors say flu, COVID cases rising
AUSTIN (KXAN) — If it feels like more people around you are getting sick, local health officials say you’re not imagining it. The Texas Department of State Health Services has reported an increase in influenza activity this month, but doctors say other viruses are also circulating and causing similar symptoms. “It’s not unexpected for folks to start feeling a little sick this time of year,” said Dr. David Vander Stratton, medical director for urgent care at Baylor Scott & White.
Austin doctors say flu, COVID cases rising
AUSTIN (KXAN) -- If it feels like more people around you are getting sick, local health officials say you're not imagining it. The Texas Department of State Health Services has reported an increase in influenza activity this month, but doctors say other viruses are also circulating and causing similar symptoms. "It's not unexpected for folks to start feeling a little sick this time of year," said Dr. David Vander Stratton, medical director for urgent care at Baylor Scott & White.
Inside Firefly’s new Texas facility built to help power NASA’s moon base
CEDAR PARK, Texas (KXAN) — Lunar landers are making a new home in Central Texas. On Tuesday, Firefly Aerospace celebrated the completion of a new clean room facility at its Cedar Park spacecraft campus, an expansion company leaders say will help support a growing number of lunar missions and future spacecraft production.
DoorDash driver’s ICE arrest in Austin raises questions about worker verification
Editor’s Note: The video above is KXAN’s coverage on Sept. 21, 2026. AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Sunday Sept. 20, Wilber Rafael Garces Perez was shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in Austin, Texas while completing a DoorDash delivery. He was taken into federal custody. Perez’s attorney and DoorDash told KXAN he was making a delivery at the time of the encounter.
DoorDash driver’s ICE arrest in Austin raises questions about worker verification
Editor’s Note: The video above is KXAN’s coverage on Sept. 21, 2026. AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Sunday Sept. 20, Wilber Rafael Garces Perez was shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in Austin, Texas while completing a DoorDash delivery. He was taken into federal custody. Perez’s attorney and DoorDash told KXAN he was making a delivery at the time of the encounter.
DoorDash driver’s ICE arrest in Austin raises questions about worker verification
AUSTIN (KXAN) -- On Sunday Sept. 20, Wilber Rafael Garces Perez was shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in Austin, Texas while completing a DoorDash delivery. He was taken into federal custody. Perez's attorney and DoorDash told KXAN he was making a delivery at the time of the encounter. The circumstances prompted KXAN to examine what work authorization checks, if any, delivery platforms require of independent contractors.
DoorDash driver’s ICE arrest in Austin raises questions about worker verification
Editor's Note: The video above is KXAN's coverage on Sept. 21, 2026. AUSTIN (KXAN) -- On Sunday Sept. 20, Wilber Rafael Garces Perez was shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in Austin, Texas while completing a DoorDash delivery. He was taken into federal custody. Perez's attorney and DoorDash told KXAN he was making a delivery at the time of the encounter.
UT’s massive $820M engineering expansion nears finish
AUSTIN (KXAN) - The University of Texas at Austin is preparing to open the final piece of a decade-long, $820 million effort to modernize its engineering facilities. The new Autry C. Stephens Engineering Discovery Building is nearing completion, with faculty expected to begin moving in next week. The 210,000-square-foot facility will house the Cockrell School of Engineering's Hildebrand Department of Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering and McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering.
UT’s massive $820M engineering expansion nears finish
AUSTIN (KXAN) - The University of Texas at Austin is preparing to open the final piece of a decade-long, $820 million effort to modernize its engineering facilities. The new Autry C. Stephens Engineering Discovery Building is nearing completion, with faculty expected to begin moving in next week. Large open-concept labs in the are designed to support student learning and engineering research.
Lake Austin drawdown could cost jobs, cancel holiday events
AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Plans to lower Lake Austin this fall could have some unforeseen consequences, according to several business owners that operate on the lake, including layoffs and the cancellation of holiday events on the lake. In August, the City of Austin and the Lower Colorado River Authority announced, in a joint statement, plans to drawdown the lake by ten feet from October 12 to November 30.
Lake Austin drawdown could cost jobs, cancel holiday events
AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Plans to lower Lake Austin this fall could have some unforeseen consequences, according to several business owners that operate on the lake, including layoffs and the cancellation of holiday events on the lake. David Callejas, owner of Float On Boat Rentals, said the planned Lake Austin drawdown could force businesses on the lake to shut down operations for weeks during one of the busiest times of the year.
Waymo racks up 123 parking tickets in Austin since August 2024
Editor's Note: The video above aired March 10 on KXAN. AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Records obtained by KXAN reveal that autonomous vehicle company Waymo has collected more parking tickets than any other AV company operating in Central Texas. Between August 2024 and July 2026, Waymo received 123 parking citations from the City of Austin. In that same time period, Zoox received one. No other company received a citation during that time period.
Waymo racks up 123 parking tickets in Austin
Editor's Note: The video above aired March 10 on KXAN. AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Records obtained by KXAN reveal that autonomous vehicle company Waymo has collected more parking tickets than any other AV company operating in Central Texas. Between August 2024 and July 2026, Waymo received 123 parking citations from the City of Austin. In that same time period, Zoox received one. No other company received a citation during that time period.
‘I was in a state of shock’: Leander’ disappearing lake sparks new questions a year later
LEANDER, Texas (KXAN) -- Richard Davis loves to fish. Nearly thirty years ago, he bought property along a small creek in the Hill Country and built a pier. The creek flowed for decades and brought Richard and his family joy. Blockhouse Creek flows at a reduced level downstream of Lakewood Park in Leander. Residents say the waterway changed dramatically after the lake level at Lakewood Park dropped several feet in 2025.
‘I was in a state of shock’: Leander’s disappearing lake sparks new questions a year later
LEANDER, Texas (KXAN) — Richard Davis loves to fish. Nearly thirty years ago, he bought property along a small creek in the Hill Country and built a pier. The creek flowed for decades and brought Richard and his family joy. Last September, the lake that feeds his creek mysteriously drained seemingly overnight. “Much to my chagrin, it was empty and I was in a state of shock.
‘I was in a state of shock’: Leander’s disappearing lake sparks new questions a year later
LEANDER, Texas (KXAN) -- Richard Davis loves to fish. Nearly thirty years ago, he bought property along a small creek in the Hill Country and built a pier. The creek flowed for decades and brought Richard and his family joy. Last September, the lake that feeds his creek mysteriously drained seemingly overnight. "Much to my chagrin, it was empty and I was in a state of shock.
UT Austin launches $30 million effort to study what happens when robots move into everyday life
AUSTIN (KXAN) — From dorms to hospitals, robots are increasingly leaving the lab and entering the real world. Now, a new National Science Foundation-funded center led by The University of Texas at Austin aims to better understand what happens when people and robots share the same spaces over long periods of time. The Center for Human and Robot Co-Adaptation will bring together researchers from six universities and industry partners to study how humans and robots learn from one another.
Austin has no mold-specific code; new regulations could be coming
AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Amid recent rain in Central Texas, concerns about mold are once again in the spotlight. Daishuna Outlaw shared photos she says show recurring mold growth inside her Austin apartment. (Courtesy: Daishuna Outlaw) Last week, the Austin City Council approved a resolution that starts the process of creating local mold regulations, directing the city manager to draft amendments to city code. For Daishauna Outlaw, the issue is personal.
UT students create biodegradable clothing coating from corn and beeswax Original
AUSTIN (KXAN) — A group of University of Texas students has developed a biodegradable fabric coating made from corn and beeswax that could one day replace PFAS-based treatments commonly used in clothing. The students, part of UT Austin’s Sustainable Fashion Materials program, recently won the Outstanding Science Award at the Biodesign Challenge in New York City, an international competition focused on biotechnology, design and sustainability.
Why homeowners in a Texas neighborhood keep losing water as boil notices mount
TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — For the third time this month, homeowners in the Provence neighborhood dealt with a boil water notice last Thursday. It’s part of the an ongoing issue that homeowners say leads to them experiencing several days each year with little to no water pressure. Provence is a master-planned community west of Highway 71 that early plans described as having roughly 1,600 residential lots. The development first received water service approvals in 2013.
Why homeowners in a Texas neighborhood keep losing water as boil notices mount
TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- For the third time this month, homeowners in the Provence neighborhood dealt with a boil water notice last Thursday. It's part of the an ongoing issue that homeowners say leads to them experiencing several days each year with little to no water pressure. Provence is a master-planned community west of Highway 71 that early plans described as having roughly 1,600 residential lots. The development first received water service approvals in 2013.
Austin’s bat bridge gets upgrade with new educational experience Original
AUSTIN (KXAN) — One of Austin’s most popular tourist attractions is getting an upgrade. Each year, thousands of people gather beneath Austin’s Congress Avenue Bridge to watch millions of bats emerge at dusk. A new educational experience will give people access to videos and exhibits explaining the bats that live beneath the bridge and the conservation efforts that helped protect them.
State of Texas: Big Bend construction paused, but for how long?
New episodes of State of Texas are on KXAN or the KXAN+ app every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. Don’t want to wait? Scroll down to continue watching this week’s segments now. AUSTIN (Nexstar) – The Trump administration temporarily stopped construction on a controversial border security infrastructure project in Big Bend National Park. The move comes after bipartisan pushback to the plan.
State of Texas: Big Bend construction paused, but for how long?
New episodes of State of Texas are on KXAN or the KXAN+ app every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. Don't want to wait? Scroll down to continue watching this week's segments now. AUSTIN (Nexstar) - The Trump administration temporarily stopped construction on a controversial border security infrastructure project in Big Bend National Park. The move comes after bipartisan pushback to the plan.
Blue Origin eyes $674M Hutto facility that could bring 2,000 jobs Original
The video at the top of this story shows previous coverage from May 2026. WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Blue Origin could bring a major investment to Williamson County after commissioners approved an economic development agreement Thursday. On Aug. 20, Williamson County Commissioners Court unanimously approved an economic development agreement with Blue Origin Manufacturing, LLC. The project will bring a roughly 1 million-square-foot industrial research space to Hutto.
Lake Austin to be lowered 10 feet this fall after hydrilla debate Original
AUSTIN (KXAN) — The water will be lowered on Lake Austin between Mansfield Dam and Tom Miller Dam this fall. On Thursday, Aug. 20, the Lower Colorado River Authority announced it will draw down the lake at the request of the City of Austin. The move comes after stakeholders along the lake made the request starting last summer, according to the LCRA. The drawdown, according to the LCRA, will last from October 12 to November 30, 2026. The lake will drawdown “no more than a foot a day beginning Oct. 12”.
Texas landowners rally at Capitol, urge Abbott to call special session on transmission lines Original
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Dozens of landowners from across Texas gathered at the Capitol Wednesday, urging Gov. Greg Abbott to call a special legislative session aimed at stopping proposed 765-kilovolt transmission lines that would cross private property throughout the state. The rally coincided with a Texas House Committee on State Affairs hearing examining data centers and 765-kV transmission lines, where opponents of the projects planned to provide public testimony.
Whataburger launches new $4 value menu as fast-food prices continue to rise Original
AUSTIN (KXAN) — As fast-food prices continue to climb nationwide, Whataburger is introducing a new value menu featuring four fan-favorite items for $4 each. Starting Aug. 18, the Texas-based burger chain launched its new “More for $4” menu at participating locations nationwide. “We know our Guests are looking for more ways to enjoy the Whataburger favorites they love at a price that fits their everyday lives,” said Jessica Reicher, Whataburger’s chief operating officer, in a press release.
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