Austin is taking proactive measures to regulate large-scale data centers within its city limits. The City Council has embarked on a comprehensive process aimed at developing new rules and requirements for these substantial facilities, focusing on aspects such as location, size, and environmental impact. Joi Harden, the city’s zoning officer, highlighted that current regulations permit…
The U.S. Army has chosen Fort Hood in Central Texas as one of the initial sites for its nuclear microreactor deployment, part of a broader initiative to enhance energy resilience at military installations. This move is part of a plan to eventually establish more than 20 such reactors across various Defense Department locations. General Atomics…
Austin Travis County is actively participating in a federal lawsuit aimed at challenging new mail-in ballot regulations introduced by the Trump Administration. This legal action seeks to block an executive order signed by President Trump in March, which mandates that the U.S. Postal Service deliver mail-in or absentee ballots exclusively to individuals listed on a…
A school bus was involved in a collision with two other vehicles in North Austin. The incident occurred at the intersection of Parmer Lane and Corpus Christi Drive. Fortunately, students were present on the bus at the time, but there were no reported injuries. Details regarding the school district that operates the bus remain unclear,…
Health nurses in Austin recently participated in a nationwide protest against Palantir, a software and artificial intelligence firm, due to its controversial role in healthcare. The demonstration took place on Thursday near Riverside Drive and South Congress Avenue, where protesters gathered outside the offices of 8VC, a venture capital firm connected to Palantir through its…
In a recent development, the escape charge against an inmate from the Hays County Jail has been dropped, according to the inmate’s attorney. The case initially appeared to be a clear-cut instance of an escape, as law enforcement believed that 21-year-old Xavier Gutierrez had managed to walk out of jail by impersonating another inmate with…
In a recent city council meeting in Liberty Hill, Texas, the future of Flock cameras, which serve as automated license plate readers, took center stage, drawing significant community interest and involvement. The city is currently evaluating its contract with Flock, which is set to expire in October. City leaders aimed to address the growing concerns…
Austin is embracing its role as a global city through its sister city program, which now includes 14 international partners. The program, which has been in existence for nearly six decades, aims to foster relationships that promote understanding and cooperation among diverse cultures. Kristie Bryant, chair of Austin City Sister Cities International, recently participated in…
Travis County has taken legal action by joining a federal lawsuit aimed at blocking the Trump administration’s proposed changes to mail-in ballot regulations. This lawsuit, initiated by the Campaign Legal Center and the Democracy Defenders Fund, also includes participation from the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the Arizona Students’ Association, the Secure Families…
Dolly Parton recently gifted Brigitte Bandit, an Austin drag queen, a custom rhinestoned guitar in recognition of her advocacy against drag bans at the Texas Capitol in 2023. As 2023 drew to a close, Bandit had been tirelessly fighting proposed legislation aimed at restricting certain drag performances and story hours, even joining a lawsuit to…
