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A ‘climate feedback loop’: Why Austin is locked in one of its hottest summers ever

This summer has been among the hottest and hardest in memory. Austin broke an all-time heat index record in June when the “feels like” temperature topped off at 118 degrees. Then, we had our hottest July ever recorded. This week, only halfway through…

Environment • By Mose Buchele, KUT • Aug 14, 2023

Residents concerned proposed private dam on South Llano River could affect Austin's drinking water supply

Residents of Llano and Edwards counties are fighting a pending Texas Commission on Environmental Quality permit that could have implications on Austin’s drinking water supply. An application filed by Waterstone Creek LLC seeks authorization to “construct and maintain a dam…

Water • By Nina Hernandez • Aug 14, 2023

Music Commission asks city to include fair pay standards in SXSW negotiations

The Music Commission has joined the Parks and Recreation Board and other entities in pushing the city to require South by Southwest to further raise the amount it pays showcasing performers at the annual spring festival. The commission’s recommendation, approved…

Music & Entertainment • By Chad Swiatecki • Aug 14, 2023

Travis County commissioners approve preservation plan funding for Sweatt courthouse

The Heman Marion Sweatt Travis County Courthouse on Guadalupe Street could undergo historic restoration in the coming years with state funding assistance. Earlier this week, the Travis County Commissioners Court voted unanimously to allocate $100,000 toward hiring a historic preservation…

Preservation • By Chad Swiatecki • Aug 11, 2023

Here's what you should do if a wildfire threatens your home

Lee esta historia en español Dry grass, wind and relatively low humidity mean a fire can spread easily and be difficult to control. All it takes is a spark from a metal lawnmower blade hitting a rock, a loose chain…

Fire • By Sangita Menon, KUT • Aug 11, 2023

Tenant protections could get stronger after Planning Commission takes up ordinance

An ordinance that established protections for tenants years ago could get an update that’s expected to extend those safeguards, as well as enhance housing affordability.  In 2016, City Council adopted the Tenant Notification and Relocation Ordinance, intended to mitigate the…

Development • By Andrea Guzman • Aug 11, 2023

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Red Line improvements add capacity, access for critical Project Connect transit option

The light rail line that’s planned to run through downtown Austin is the portion of Project Connect that’s drawn the most attention in recent years. But folks like Matt Geske, who regularly ride the Red Line commuter train that goes…

Transit • By Chad Swiatecki • Aug 10, 2023

Austin's Blackland Prairie reforestation project underway

The work to restore Austin’s heavily degraded Blackland Prairie floodplain has begun with the help of local urban forestry nonprofit TreeFolks. The Environmental Commission heard an update on the results of the city’s Blackland Prairie ecoregion study at its regular…

Environment • By Nina Hernandez • Aug 10, 2023

$2.7 million on the table as Heritage Preservation Grant opens for next round of applicants

As budget season stirs up City Hall, Austin’s Economic Development Department is preparing to share the wealth, with plans to allocate $2.7 million in grants for preservation efforts at historically designated sites. The Heritage Preservation Grant Program, which began accepting…

Preservation • By Kali Bramble • Aug 10, 2023

Austin ISD making progress on school safety projects included in 2022 bond

Joslin Elementary School Principal ChaoLin Chang walked along the edge of the campus on Menchaca Road in South Austin, pointing to where a 6-foot-tall fence is going to be installed. “This is our existing fence. The new fence will pretty…

AISD • By Becky Fogel, KUT • Aug 9, 2023

Garza pauses changes for Civil Rights, Equity offices until after budget passage

The controversial plan to reorganize the offices of Civil Rights and Equity and two others is being put on hold and will be evaluated after City Council concludes its work to finalize and approve next year’s budget. At Tuesday’s budget…

Budget • By Chad Swiatecki • Aug 9, 2023

Austin Police Department Training Academy attrition remains high amid reforms

An Austin Police Department audit revealed high attrition rates among recent cadet classes amid ongoing reforms and persistent staffing shortages.  Police leadership reported the inaugural audit’s findings – based on the 147th cadet class, which graduated in May – to…

Police • By Emma Freer • Aug 9, 2023

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