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12

How would Austin's light-rail system be any different from riding the bus?

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The city's first modern light-rail system would run in dedicated lanes on city streets with priority at traffic signals.

Athena the great horned owl is back for Season 2 of the Wildflower Center's live cam

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Athena has laid two eggs in the raised planter at the center’s entrance. You can keep an eye on her from home.

Monday, Mar 10

18

After an increase in calls, Austin's 911 mental health response team will operate around the clock

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Integral Care, which fields 911 mental health calls, will hire 23 more mental health specialists to respond to those in crisis 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Friday, Mar 7

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No SXSW badge? No problem. Check out these free or low-cost pop-ups during the festival

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There's no shortage of stuff to do during SXSW, but here are a few pop-ups that we're excited about at KUT.

13

As hordes of visitors descend on Austin for SXSW, Barton Springs Pool is closed for cleaning

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The two-week long closure allows staff to deep clean the pool to keep the water healthy for wildlife and swimmers. It’s also a time for staff to catch up projects like repainting signs on the deck.

Wednesday, Mar 5

22

12 people arrested in connection with car break-ins at Austin parks

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The investigation is ongoing, and police expect additional arrests.

Tuesday, Mar 4

00

Evacuation order lifted for residents near Hays County wildfire

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In Austin, officials say power outages caused by severe winds could last into Wednesday.

Monday, Mar 3

19

Willie Nelson's 4th of July Picnic returns to Austin

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The concert, which began in Dripping Springs in 1973, is often (but not always) held in Texas. Last year, it took place in Camden, New Jersey.

Friday, Feb 28

18

Fines for parking violations in Austin will increase starting Saturday

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The standard fine for an expired or unpaid meter is going up to $75 – more than double the current cost.

13

Pease Elementary to reopen as a child care center, bringing kids back to the historic Austin school

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Pease is one of four elementary schools the Austin ISD school board voted to close after the 2019-20 school year. Austin ISD has been working on plans to repurpose those campuses.

Thursday, Feb 27

20

As office vacancies soar, city leaders and businesses adjust to keep downtown Austin alive

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Fewer workers downtown means less foot traffic for cafes and other shops. As office culture shift, downtown businesses are shifting, too.

Wednesday, Feb 26

13

Travis County has tried to provide legal counsel to arrestees for years. It's finally happening.

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The county's counsel at first appearance program, which provides lawyers to arrestees during their first appearance in front of a judge, will operate daily from 2 to 11 p.m.

Newly released renderings show the Austin Convention Center's upcoming transformation

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The convention center will close in April as it undergoes a major renovation that is expected to last through 2028.

He was looking for a Spanish-speaking community in Austin. He created one that has 80,000 members.

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Gustavo Martínez moved from Venezuela to Austin nine years ago. He created HispanosATX to help keep Spanish-speaking Austinites informed.

Monday, Feb 24

20

Arts nonprofit behind the Austin Studio Tour shuts down after more than two decades

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Big Medium said the Austin Studio Tour “will continue in some form or fashion,” and that the organization is committed to “exploring every avenue possible” to keep the event going.

Tuesday, Feb 18

13

Austin leads the country in new affordable housing construction, study finds

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After years of falling short, Austin is making gains in growing the number affordable housing stock.

Friday, Feb 14

19

El cerebro de Elon Musk está en DC. Pero el corazón de su imperio está en Texas y sigue creciendo.

www.kut.org

A más de 1,500 millas de la capital, el magnate lleva años amasando su poder económico en Texas.

13

Despite voter approval, Lockhart and Bastrop won't decriminalize weed. Is that legal?

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Adopting the marijuana decriminalization charter amendment would almost guarantee Lockhart and Bastrop a legal battle with Attorney General Ken Paxton. Yet disregarding the will of the voters could also result in a lawsuit.

The Austin Marathon is this weekend. Here's what you need to know about road closures.

www.kut.org

Roads will be closed around the routes starting Friday, then reopen after runners begin arriving around 2 p.m. Sunday.

Thursday, Feb 13

22

Rattlesnakes slithered around the Texas Capitol this week, making friends along the way

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The western diamondback rattlesnakes weren't there by accident, but as part of an annual tradition put on by the Sweetwater Jaycees, who shared tips about the slinky reptiles and draped them around people's shoulder for photos.

19

Austin just made it illegal to park in bike lanes

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Thursday's unanimous vote means violators will be ticketed and fined. Fees could range from $50 to $300.

Wednesday, Feb 12

12

Elon Musk’s head is in DC. The heart of his business empire is in Texas — and it’s growing.

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Elon Musk’s Texas footprint could rapidly grow this year, as he moves X’s HQ and expands his SpaceX Starlink facility’s size in rural Central Texas.

Monday, Feb 10

13

Austin to overhaul how it regulates Airbnbs and other short-term rentals

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The city has proposed rules to make it hard to run a short-term rental without a city-issued license. Third-party data suggests thousands of owners rent out their homes without one.

Friday, Feb 7

Businesses on Sixth Street offer mixed reviews of changes to traffic patterns and sidewalks

www.kut.org

The stretch from I-35 to Congress Avenue has reopened to traffic on weekend nights, putting pedestrians on newly protected and expanded sidewalks.

Thursday, Feb 6

Austin's Sobering Center expands to increase rehab services

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The Sobering Center is opening up a newly renovated second floor, which will provide a safe place for people to recover until they get connected with with a long term rehabilitation program.

Wednesday, Feb 5

18

Hundreds of Texans gather at the Capitol in Austin to protest Trump policies, Project 2025

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The demonstration is part of a nationwide protest against the conservative plan to enact sweeping change within the federal government.

13

Customers stay away from Latino-owned businesses in Austin, fearing immigration authorities

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A food pavilion and flea market off Highway 183 are usually packed on weekends. But business has suffered ever since President Trump issued executive orders cracking down on illegal immigration.

Monday, Feb 3

Austin is increasing security at city parks and greenbelts following string of car break-ins

www.kut.org

The City of Austin is adding more police patrols and security cameras in parking lots of greenbelts and public parks. But people can take extra step to keep their car and belongings safe.

Friday, Jan 31

15

What's the role of Austin Police in Trump’s immigration orders? Here’s what APD Chief Lisa Davis says.

www.kut.org

Immigration and Customs Enforcement has conducted “enforcement actions” in Austin. Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis answered our questions about how APD is and isn’t involved with immigration actions.

Wednesday, Jan 29

21

Lady Bird Lake's water levels dropped (again), raising questions about dam's integrity

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The water fell about 2 feet below normal Tuesday after a floodgate got stuck. This is at least the third time water levels have noticeably dropped in the last six months.