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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
'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 ]
Austin McNamara could be Washington's punter of the future
Austin McNamara, a standout punter from Texas Tech, shows consistent improvement, setting records and earning accolades in his college career. [ 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 ]
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
Tesla layoffs update: California and Texas employees will see job loses as the EV maker moves to streamline its workforce
Tesla announced more than 10% global workforce reduction, with California and Texas being hit hardest, revealing details through state filings. [ more ]
Travis County tests out program to provide lawyers for low-income defendants at its downtown jail - Austin Monitor
Travis County implements 'counsel at first appearance' program to provide lawyers for low-income accused individuals, with past challenges due to staffing shortages. [ more ]
City could push 'agrihood' combos of farmland, housing developments in East Austin - Austin Monitor
Agrihood developments in Northeast Austin combine community farms with housing to address housing needs, development pressures, and local food system stability. [ more ]
Design Commission hears how buildings can be safer for birds - Austin Monitor
The Travis Audubon Society hopes to lead Austin towards bird-friendly building policies to save hundreds of birds annually with minimal cost impact. [ more ]
Texas Gov. Abbott proposes ban on gender-nonconforming behavior in public school classrooms
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott champions conservative policies, including school vouchers, and makes controversial comments targeting transgender people at a convention in Dallas. [ more ]
Extra security, extra stress, new rules at Council meeting - Austin Monitor
Speakers now have three minutes instead of two at City Council meetings due to a temporary restraining order, impacting timing but leading to smoother proceedings. [ more ]
Budget deficit looms over city this year and beyond - Austin Monitor
The city of Austin is facing a significant deficit with financial projections for 2025 showing a much larger shortfall, impacting city services and employee compensation. [ more ]
Council hears proposed changes to city charter for November ballot - Austin Monitor
Council received proposed city charter revisions, including 3.5% signature threshold for petition requirements, to be discussed for potential action in May and on the November 2024 ballot. [ more ]
US, China defense leaders hold first talks in 18 months DW 04/17/2024
US and China engage in military talks to manage rising tensions. Importance of open communication and respecting international law highlighted. [ more ]
How We Define the League's Top Guards and Playoff Predictions
The podcast discusses play-in teams, playoff matchups, the potential success of OKC as the top seed in the Western Conference, and the Team USA squad for the Olympics. [ more ]
ACLU sues Travis County for failing to provide legal counsel - Austin Monitor
Receiving counsel at first appearance (CAFA) is a constitutional right for jailed individuals who cannot afford a private lawyer, a failure addressed by the ACLU. [ more ]
City eyes code amendments to increase affordable housing for UT students - Austin Monitor
The City Council is considering amendments to the University Neighborhood Overlay program to improve housing affordability for University of Texas students and potentially bring a grocery store to the area. [ more ]