A significant rise in tax revenue from short-term rentals has the potential to enhance funding for the arts in Austin. The city has seen a remarkable increase in hotel taxes collected from platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, which is providing a financial buffer amid the ongoing reconstruction of the Austin Convention Center. The Puerto Rican…
Today marks the final opportunity for registered voters in Texas to participate in early voting ahead of the general election on November 3. This critical election encompasses a range of federal and statewide offices, including an open U.S. Senate seat and various congressional districts, as well as key executive leadership roles. To ensure a smooth…
Austin is on the path to becoming what experts term a ‘super-aged society,’ with projections indicating that over a quarter of the city’s residents will be 65 years or older by the year 2060. This insight comes from Lila Valencia, who has served as the city’s demographer since 2021. Valencia noted in a recent discussion…
The latest poll ahead of the early voting deadline reveals a fiercely contested Senate race in Texas. Conducted by the TSU Barbara Jordan Public Policy Research and Survey Center, the survey indicates that the race remains tight, with Democratic candidate James Talarico currently holding a slight lead over Republican incumbent Ken Paxton. Vice President J.D….
The annual Formula 1 U.S. Grand Prix took place in Austin over the weekend, sparking concerns about the police escorts witnessed throughout the city. Videos circulating on social media highlighted the extensive use of police vehicles and motorcycles accompanying motorcades of black SUVs, raising questions about legality and the potential use of taxpayer funds. The…
The Pflugerville City Council has enacted the SAFE Act, a significant step towards enhancing the regulation of artificial intelligence, surveillance technologies, and municipal data sharing. This decision comes in response to increasing public concern and follows the recent termination of a contract with the Flock surveillance camera system. In a unanimous vote during their latest…
Austin’s Historic Muny Golf Course Faces New Possibilities The Lions Municipal Golf Course, affectionately known as Muny, is once again in the spotlight as the City of Austin explores the possibility of acquiring the historic 141 acres. Volma Overton Jr., a longtime advocate for the course, recalls his childhood memories of the site where he…
As the 2026 elections approach, early voting wait times across the Austin area have seen a notable decrease. This raises questions about whether the initial surge in voter turnout has subsided or if it merely represents a midweek lull before a potential rush as the election date nears. On Wednesday, wait times at early voting…
In a heartfelt farewell, the iconic 800-pound dinosaur known as Mangiasaurus was relocated from the Wheatsville Co-Op’s Guadalupe location to its South Lamar store. This event drew dozens of Austinites who gathered to bid adieu to the beloved sculpture, which had been a fixture atop the Guadalupe co-op since 2007. The closure of the Guadalupe…
The search is ongoing for a man in Bastrop County, Texas, accused of setting his ex-girlfriend’s house ablaze on three separate occasions. Authorities have identified Abraham Salomon Chacon, who is currently wanted for Arson of a Habitation, a first-degree felony, and for charges related to animal cruelty following the tragic loss of a pit bull…
