Amid worsening drought, Austin Water floats updates on conservation and drought contingency plan - Austin Monitor
Austin Water aims to reduce daily water consumption per capita from 127 to 123 gallons by 2029, with plans for wastewater recycling and infrastructural improvements. [ more ]
Texas attorney general threatens Austin over City Council's effort to protect health care for transgender people - Austin Monitor
City Council in Austin passes resolution to protect transgender and nonbinary individuals amidst escalating anti-trans rhetoric within the Republican Party. [ more ]
Austin, a Covid-era economic superstar, is facing a downturn with Oracle moving headquarters to Nashville due to an office glut and falling real estate prices. [ more ]
Austin's economy, once a Covid-era economic superstar, is facing challenges with the departure of Oracle's headquarters and a significant increase in commercial office space vacancy and fall in real estate prices. [ more ]
The charges against 57 University of Texas at Austin students involved in a pro-Palestinian protest were dropped due to flawed arrest affidavits. [ more ]
Gary Floyd, San Francisco Queer Punk Iconoclast, Has Died | KQED
Punk rock legend Gary Floyd, a key figure in the queercore movement, died at 71. He championed anti-fascist causes and left a strong musical legacy. [ more ]
Community Foundation unveils $15M fund for affordable, permanent supportive housing - Austin Monitor
Developers of affordable housing and permanent supportive housing units in Austin may benefit from the new $15 million Housing Accelerator Loan Fund by Austin Community Foundation. [ more ]
Pro and con: HOME 2 brings out the speakers - Austin Monitor
The City Council meeting featured controversial changes to development rules and new proposals, with significant citizen engagement on affordable housing measures. [ more ]
Oracle still has more workers in California than Texas after moving headquarters
Oracle's headquarters moved to Texas then Nashville, but many employees didn't follow, with more office workers in California and a significant number classified as remote workers. [ more ]
Austin City Limits announces 2024 lineup: Dua Lipa, Blink-182, more
Over 130 major acts will perform at the 2024 Austin City Limits Music Festival, including Dua Lipa, Blink-182, Chris Stapleton, Teddy Swims, and Tyler, The Creator. [ more ]
Planning Commission backs historic zoning for east side beauty shop - Austin Monitor
The Planning Commission endorsed historic landmark status for Fashionette Beauty Shop in East Austin to promote equitable historic preservation. [ more ]
Last week's State of the County speech points to a brighter future after historic challenges - Austin Monitor
Travis County Judge Andy Brown reflects on navigating disasters, advocates for recommitment to the community amidst challenges, emphasizing resilience, equity, and community potential. [ more ]
Austin ISD plans to cut at least $30 million from its next budget - Austin Monitor
Austin ISD aims to reduce its $60 million deficit by half for the next school year, working to minimize impact on classrooms amid statewide budget challenges. [ more ]
Music insiders see opportunity as Austinite takes over at Texas Music Office - Austin Monitor
The appointment of Chip Adams, a veteran in the music industry, as the next director of the Texas Music Office is optimistic for promoting the local music economy. [ more ]
Oktagon 57: Stuart Austin hates fighting but is best he's been
Many fighters, like Stuart Austin, do not enjoy fighting despite being good at it, citing the stress and unpleasant experience of stepping into the cage. [ more ]
Fox journalist among dozens arrested at Texas university as protests swell
Police clash with protesters at University of Texas at Austin resulting in arrests, including a photojournalist, amid demands for divestment from companies linked to Israel's war efforts. [ more ]
After city lost case on development rules, it's been ordered to pay attorneys' fees - Austin Monitor
Travis County District Judge rules city of Austin must pay $175,000 in attorney fees for failing to notify property owners of development rule changes. [ more ]
Arkane Austin Was Pitching Immersive Sim Prior To Closure, More Cuts At Xbox Coming - Report
Arkane Austin was reportedly working on a new single-player immersive sim game before its closure, with potential plans to revisit the Dishonored series.
Xbox is facing ongoing studio closures and job cuts, with a focus on redistributing resources to major franchises like Fallout and Doom. [ more ]
Reports of sexual assaults in US military drop for first time in nearly a decade
Reports of sexual assaults in the US military have decreased for the first time in nearly a decade, with a 20% drop in unwanted sexual contact. [ more ]
UT Austin Faculty Strike in Solidarity With Pro-Palestine Student Protesters
Faculty are leveraging their power to protect student movements by initiating work stoppages without a union, challenging restrictions on collective bargaining. [ more ]
Abbott grants Daniel Perry pardon in murder of Black Lives Matter protester
Republican Gov. Greg Abbott said Thursday he was pardoning Daniel Perry, the former Army sergeant convicted in the fatal shooting of a protester during a Black Lives Matter march, after a review board recommended he be released from prison.
Judge rules that city is violating open meetings law and the city charter - Austin Monitor
City of Austin was found to be violating the Texas Open Meetings Act by limiting speakers to two minutes, overturned to three minutes per item. [ more ]
The Magic Win Big in Game 3 and Embiid Drops 50 on the Knicks. Plus, the Lakers Fall 0-3.
The hosts discuss key moments in recent playoff basketball games, including Paolo Banchero's impact and Joel Embiid's outstanding performance. [ more ]
Changes to the city's Corridor Program raise 'serious transparency concerns' for transportation commissioners - Austin Monitor
Massive shortfall in city's Corridor Program led to pausing or scaling back projects, raising concerns about lack of public engagement and funding availability. [ more ]
'He Was A Guy We Had High On Our Board': Teryl Austin Details Why Steelers Drafted LB Payton Wilson
ILB Payton Wilson selected by Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 98 in 2024 NFL Draft despite medical concerns, recognized for college achievements and exceptional talent. [ more ]
TipSheet: Austin City Council, 5.2.24 - Austin Monitor
One main point is the probable approval of drought contingency and water conservation plans by the Council to comply with a deadline, followed by ongoing discussions and updates. [ more ]
Criticism, praise of Texas Gov. after dramatic use of troopers on protesters
Gov. Abbott called in state troopers to clear pro-Palestine protesters at the University of Texas, signaling his assertiveness and the response's impact. [ more ]
UT pledges $13.5 million to cover I-35 from Dean Keeton to 15th Street - Austin Monitor
The University of Texas is financing the construction of deck plazas to cover a portion of Interstate 35, facilitated by a state project to lower the highway. [ more ]
Democrat-backed candidates sweep first Travis County appraisal election - Austin Monitor
Local Democratic candidates won seats on Travis Central Appraisal District's board, highlighting influence of party support in nonpartisan roles. [ more ]
Inside Higher Ed | Higher Education News, Events and Jobs
Judge considering lawsuit against Central Health - Austin Monitor
Judge Meachum is considering arguments in a lawsuit concerning Central Health's use of taxpayer money for the University of Texas' Dell Medical School. [ more ]
Plasmid targeting and destruction by the DdmDE bacterial defence system - Nature
The corresponding author, Jack P. K. Bravo, is affiliated with the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) in Klosterneuberg, Austria. [ more ]
ACL Fest shows $499M economic impact, with $8.1M donated to parks improvements - Austin Monitor
The 2023 Austin City Limits Music Festival had a $499.9 million economic impact, creating 3,766 full-time jobs, and donated $8.1 million to the Austin Parks Foundation.
AngelouEconomics conducted an economic impact study for the festival, with results showing significant contributions to the local economy and park improvements across Austin. [ more ]
As Council moves to adopt HOME 2, groups call on Council to reject it or make major changes - Austin Monitor
The City Council discussed proposed amendments to make it easier to build more housing on smaller lots, including the consideration of a minimum lot size. [ more ]
Funding freeze for I-35 expansion denied in heated CAMPO vote - Austin Monitor
An attempt to halt I-35 expansion for air quality assessment was defeated, despite Austin and Travis County concerns. Construction on 8-mile stretch starts this year. [ more ]
Environmental report points to the city limits and parkland challenges ahead - Austin Monitor
Austin's annual environmental report highlights challenges due to legislative changes but underscores the city's efforts in maintaining a sustainable environment. [ more ]
City offers $4.5M for musicians, venues in latest Live Music Fund - Austin Monitor
Local musicians and independent music venues in Austin can apply for grants up to $60,000 from the Live Music Fund, supported by Hotel Occupancy Tax revenue. [ more ]
How we reported on the Texas Rangers and a historical South Texas slaying
Arelis R. Hernandez spent months reporting on the South Texas slaying of three Tejanos, whose family say they were ambushed by Texas Rangers 100 years ago.