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City officials say genetic testing of 35 Austinites buried at Oakwood Cemetery more than a century and a half ago is done, and researchers could be ready to test possible descendants of those people as soon as next year. City…
It’s the second week in a row of City Council meetings, so it makes sense that this one might lack pizzazz. As usual, however, there are some standouts on the agenda, and we’ve compiled the things we’re keeping an eye…
Leaders of the Austin Transit Partnership are expected today to give the OK to petition the federal government for transportation grants needed to cover half the cost of the planned light rail system through downtown Austin. That step, which will…
Mayor Kirk Watson wants everyone in Austin to know that City Council will be holding a hearing on changes to the Land Development Code. Specifically, Council will be considering comments on proposals to allow three units per lot in single-family…
Huston-Tillotson University is launching a program that will train doulas, midwives and lactation consultants in an effort to combat Texas’ high maternal mortality rates, especially among Black women. The historically Black university announced the new partnership with Blue Cross and…
Austin is joining the fight against a proposed private dam on the South Llano River that experts say could have an impact on the city’s water supply. City Council voted last week to approve a resolution directing the city manager…
A proposal to redesign the front lawn of a historic Tarrytown home is receiving some pushback at the city’s Historic Landmark Commission, putting historic design standards for both landscaping and fencing to the test. The property at 2900 Tarry Trail,…
Austin City Council gave its initial approval last week to change the zoning for four North Austin lots that host a foundation repair business on Georgian Drive to bring it into compliance with city regulations. If approved on second and…
City staff has recommended the city end building compatibility height restrictions at 75 feet from single-family homes that for decades have had a barrier of several hundred feet from tall buildings. That recommendation is one of nine included in a…
A bid for historic zoning in Old West Austin left the Planning Commission divided at their most recent meeting. Owners of the Griffin House at 2502 Jarratt Ave. are seeking a historic designation that will protect the home from changes…
The Hays County district clerk is suing District Attorney Kelly Higgins and asking that he be removed from office. Avrey Anderson claims Higgins demonstrated “intentional, corrupt failure and neglect of his duties” by refusing to prosecute cases of simple drug possession and low-level…
Music venues and some other creative spaces will have an easier time opening in all parts of the city as a result of City Council approving an update to the building code that lowers planning and zoning restrictions on those…
