Latest Headlines for Wednesday, May 22
Wednesday, May 22, 2019 by Ashley Lopez
Texas State Legislature
State lawmakers approve legislation shielding most Texans from surprise medical bills
Surprise medical bills may be a thing of the past for many Texans. In a unanimous vote, the Texas House approved a Senate bill banning health care providers from sending steep medical bills to insured Texans in emergencies.Senate Bill 1264…
Wednesday, May 22, 2019 by Chad Swiatecki
City Hall
Auditor finds fire department employee misused resources for family business
An investigation by the city auditor’s office found evidence that an Austin Fire Department employee misused city computer equipment and his city email account to conduct business for a company owned by his wife.In a report released Tuesday, the auditor’s…
Wednesday, May 22, 2019 by Claire McInerny
AISD
AISD’s plan to close schools prompts discussion on boosting equity in Austin public schools
The Austin School Board approved its guidelines for closing and consolidating schools Monday night, but much of the discussion ahead of the vote just before midnight centered on increasing equity in Austin public schools.Trustees Ann Teich and Jayme Mathias proposed…
Wednesday, May 22, 2019 by Ryan Thornton
City Council
Neighborhood health center in race against displacement
Austin Public Health wants to build a new neighborhood public health center adjacent to Dove Springs District Park in District 2, but some City Council members are concerned the $12.4 million neighborhood center won’t be ready in time to have…
Tuesday, May 21, 2019 by Chad Swiatecki
Austin
Downtown Commission wants city to open three new homeless shelters by 2020
The Austin Downtown Commission wants the city to push harder to create homeless shelters outside of downtown, asking City Council to create three satellite facilities by September 2020.The directive came as part of a recommendation passed unanimously at last week’s…
Tuesday, May 21, 2019 by Ryan Thornton
Bicycles
B-cycle prepares for shift in leadership
In the wake of steady ridership losses and multiplying competitors, Elliott McFadden, executive director of the public bike-share system Austin B-cycle, has decided to step away from the bike rental program.McFadden notified B-cycle’s board of directors in mid-April that he…
