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Axios Austin
Elon Musk wants to open a university in Austin
Elon Musk plans to launch a university in Austin, according to tax filings first reported by Bloomberg News.Driving the news: The filings for the billionaire's new charity, "The Foundation," lay out Musk's plans, starting with a donation of just over $100 million to create a STEM-focused K-12 school in Austin.After that, the school "ultimately intends to expand its operations to create a university dedicated to education at the highest levels," according to the filing published by Bloomberg.The university would seek accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, per the document.Why it matters: It's the latest...
How Austin police vacancies may have led to more crash deaths
Increases in Austin traffic deaths over the past few years have accompanied cuts in police staffing, a recent city audit report has found.Why it matters: The conclusions reveal the ripple effects of the shifts in the city's police staffing and public safety spending, which have divided Austinites in the post-George Floyd era, though staffing shortages were already on the rise before the protests, according to the data.What they found: The number of traffic citations issued by APD has dropped almost 65% since the end of 2019 — from 26,426 to 8,324 — even as traffic deaths on state-owned Austin roads...
How Austin police vacancies may have led to more crash deaths
Increases in Austin traffic deaths over the past few years have accompanied cuts in police staffing, a recent city audit report has found.Why it matters: The conclusions reveal the ripple effects of the shifts in the city's police staffing and public safety spending, which have divided Austinites in the post-George Floyd era, though staffing shortages were already on the rise before the protests, according to the data.What they found: The number of traffic citations issued by APD has dropped almost 65% since the end of 2019 — from 26,426 to 8,324 — even as traffic deaths on state-owned Austin roads...
What Camp Out chef Candace Landberg would bring to a desert island
As part of our series interviewing Austin cooks about their most beloved meals, we chatted with Candace Landberg.The head chef at the new and delightful Allandale neighborhood favorite Camp Out told us what provisions she would take to a desert island.Background: Landberg, who lives in Pflugerville, grew up in New Mexico and moved to Austin nine years ago after visiting for a birthday party."It was just so big, beautiful and green," she tells Axios.Before starting up Camp Out, Landberg ran the kitchen at East Cesar Chavez cafe Cenote.She describes the Allandale spot as "campfire fusion" — think a banh mi...
What Camp Out chef Candace Landberg would bring to a desert island
As part of our series interviewing Austin cooks about their most beloved meals, we chatted with Candace Landberg.The head chef at the new and delightful Allandale neighborhood favorite Camp Out told us what provisions she would take to a desert island.Background: Landberg, who lives in Pflugerville, grew up in New Mexico and moved to Austin nine years ago after visiting for a birthday party."It was just so big, beautiful and green," she tells Axios.Before starting up Camp Out, Landberg ran the kitchen at East Cesar Chavez cafe Cenote.She describes the Allandale spot as "campfire fusion" — think a banh mi...
Texas' carbon emissions remain the highest in the country
World leaders headed into overtime this week in Dubai at COP28, the international climate change summit, to broker agreements on lowering global-warming emissions.Driving the news: In the U.S., Texas continues to emit the most greenhouse gasses of any state with little signs of recent change.By the numbers: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) data show Texas' overall CO2 levels increased nearly 85% from 1970 to 2021 across all sectors — homes, businesses and transportation.Threat level: The state is experiencing the impacts of climate change in many ways, from record-setting temperatures to longer droughts and wetter hurricanes.Between the lines: Texas has yet to see any significant change in emissions in recent years — just a 1% increase between 2016 and 2021, according to the EIA data.Meanwhile: A recent draft document from the Texas Department of Transportation shows that the agency plans to use some federal funding meant to reduce emissions toward highway expansions, the Texas Tribune reports.The agency argues the project would be eligible because new highways could reduce congestion and emissions from idling cars.Environment and transportation advocates warn the strategy is unlikely to substantially cut carbon emissions.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Austin.
Texas' carbon emissions remain the highest in the country
World leaders headed into overtime this week in Dubai at COP28, the international climate change summit, to broker agreements on lowering global-warming emissions.Driving the news: In the U.S., Texas continues to emit the most greenhouse gasses of any state with little signs of recent change.By the numbers: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) data show Texas' overall CO2 levels increased nearly 85% from 1970 to 2021 across all sectors — homes, businesses and transportation.Threat level: The state is experiencing the impacts of climate change in many ways, from record-setting temperatures to longer droughts and wetter hurricanes.Between the lines: Texas has yet to see any significant change in emissions in recent years — just a 1% increase between 2016 and 2021, according to the EIA data.Meanwhile: A recent draft document from the Texas Department of Transportation shows that the agency plans to use some federal funding meant to reduce emissions toward highway expansions, the Texas Tribune reports.The agency argues the project would be eligible because new highways could reduce congestion and emissions from idling cars.Environment and transportation advocates warn the strategy is unlikely to substantially cut carbon emissions.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Austin.
Texas' carbon emissions remain the highest in the country
World leaders headed into overtime this week in Dubai at COP28, the international climate change summit, to broker agreements on lowering global-warming emissions.Driving the news: In the U.S., Texas continues to emit the most greenhouse gasses of any state with little signs of recent change.By the numbers: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) data show Texas' overall CO2 levels increased nearly 85% from 1970 to 2021 across all sectors — homes, businesses and transportation.Threat level: The state is experiencing the impacts of climate change in many ways, from record-setting temperatures to longer droughts and wetter hurricanes.Between the lines: Texas has yet to see any significant change in emissions in recent years — just a 1% increase between 2016 and 2021, according to the EIA data.Meanwhile: A recent draft document from the Texas Department of Transportation shows that the agency plans to use some federal funding meant to reduce emissions toward highway expansions, the Texas Tribune reports.The agency argues the project would be eligible because new highways could reduce congestion and emissions from idling cars.Environment and transportation advocates warn the strategy is unlikely to substantially cut carbon emissions.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Austin.
Austin newcomers are seeing bigger wage jumps than locals
People moving to Austin are seeing a bigger jump in pay than those already here, per internal Bank of America data shared with Axios.Why it matters: When workers switch jobs, they get a bigger jump in compensation than those who don't.In this year's third quarter, median wage growth was a shade above 10% year over year for people who moved to Austin and about 2.5% for people who were already here, per Bank of America.By the numbers: As of November, the average annual salary in Austin is $68,400, per ZipRecruiter.Zoom out: As of October 2023, median wage growth nationally was...
How new plant hardiness maps affect Central Texas
The first "plant hardiness" map published in over a decade shows a warming shift across Central Texas and most of the rest of the country, a change that may affect plant choices for gardeners and growers.Why it matters: The U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zone Map is a kind of bible for farmers and gardeners, helping them understand which plants can thrive in their area — and when to plant them.Catch up quick: The map was last published in 2012, based on 30 years of average annual low temperatures between 1976 and 2005.The new map — showing the coldest...
Allens sparks Austin boot battles
Pull on your boots and buckle up your belts — Austin's Western wear wars are now at full tilt.What's happening: At a pop-up shop in costumier Lucy in Disguise's old spot, venerated South Congress boot emporium Allens is casting shade on next-door neighbor Tecovas with cutting messages pasted in their windows."Allens Boots is still family owned. No PE funding here," reads one sign, an apparent reference to the tens of millions of dollars of private equity money funding the expansion of Tecovas, now with 32 locations across the country."Twice the boot, half the price of the other guys," reads another,...
Allens sparks Austin boot battles
Pull on your boots and buckle up your belts — Austin's Western wear wars are now at full tilt.What's happening: At a pop-up shop in costumier Lucy in Disguise's old spot, venerated South Congress boot emporium Allens is casting shade on next-door neighbor Tecovas with cutting messages pasted in their windows."Allens Boots is still family owned. No PE funding here," reads one sign, an apparent reference to the tens of millions of dollars of private equity money funding the expansion of Tecovas, now with 32 locations across the country."Twice the boot, half the price of the other guys," reads another,...
Austin City Council aims to increase housing density
A massive re-ordering of how Austinites can develop their property is on the Austin City Council agenda Thursday.Why it matters: The meeting promises to be a battle royale between new urbanists and neighborhood leaders over the rezoning of Austin to allow more dense development.Catch up quick: City Hall has long grappled with how to increase density — with the hope of making housing more affordable — while preserving neighborhood integrity.What's happening: Council members could vote to give the green light for more homes – up to three total – on single-family properties, which is one more than what is currently...
Details emerge in Austin shooting rampage
Tragic details emerged Wednesday about some of the victims of what police describe as a shooting rampage that stretched from near San Antonio to Austin.The attacks Tuesday left six people dead, two police officers and a bicyclist wounded and communities in shock.The big picture: Police said they did not realize the crimes were connected until the final shooting.What's happening: Shane James Jr., a 34-year-old from San Antonio, was charged with capital murder.The timeline: James' parents were shot and killed in their northeastern Bexar County home late Monday or early Tuesday, authorities said. About 10:40am Tuesday, an Austin ISD police officer...
Details emerge in Austin shooting rampage
Tragic details emerged Wednesday about some of the victims of what police describe as a shooting rampage that stretched from near San Antonio to Austin.The attacks Tuesday left six people dead, two police officers and a bicyclist wounded and communities in shock.The big picture: Police said they did not realize the crimes were connected until the final shooting.What's happening: Shane James Jr., a 34-year-old from San Antonio, was charged with capital murder.The timeline: James' parents were shot and killed in their northeastern Bexar County home late Monday or early Tuesday, authorities said. About 10:40am Tuesday, an Austin ISD police officer...
How to make 700 latkes
Hanukkah starts at sundown Thursday, so we checked in with an Austin latke maven about his secrets of success.Driving the news: This weekend, Marvin Hecker will oversee the frying of roughly 700 latkes, the crispy, fried, golden potato pancakes that are a Hanukkah staple, at Congregation Beth Israel.Hecker, the president of the synagogue's brotherhood group, which raises money for Jewish youth programs, has lived in Austin since 1976 and is retired from the audio-visual business.By the numbers: He and his crew will plow through 108 pounds of frozen shredded potatoes and 40 pounds of onions, among other ingredients.Between the lines:...
How to make 700 latkes
Hanukkah starts at sundown Thursday, so we checked in with an Austin latke maven about his secrets of success.Driving the news: This weekend, Marvin Hecker will oversee the frying of roughly 700 latkes, the crispy, fried, golden potato pancakes that are a Hanukkah staple, at Congregation Beth Israel.Hecker, the president of the synagogue's brotherhood group, which raises money for Jewish youth programs, has lived in Austin since 1976 and is retired from the audio-visual business.By the numbers: He and his crew will plow through 108 pounds of frozen shredded potatoes and 40 pounds of onions, among other ingredients.Between the lines:...
How Santa is using AI to write Christmas letters
Santa has a handy new helper to get his writing chores out of the way — AI.What's happening: Austin advertising and design firm Hunt, Gather is launching an AI platform so people can order up a letter from Santa for their kid or loved one.Why it matters: Playing up the holiday fun, the project is designed to soften fears about AI as more and more firms are leaning into the technology.How it works: Through Dec. 17 you can visit Santa's Magical Mailroom, an online portal created by Hunt, Gather's design and engineering team, to share details about a special person's...
How the Longhorns got into the College Football Playoff
Light the tower, the Longhorns are heading to New Orleans.Driving the news: Following their blowout victory in the Big 12 Championship game, the Longhorns leapt into the four-team College Football Playoff, giving them a select shot for a national championship.Why it matters: As Austin, in all its fragmenting prosperity, moves further and further from its core identity as a college town, there's something old-school about the resurgence of UT football to bring us all closer together.Catch up quick: Heading into the weekend, the seventh-ranked Longhorns were on the outside looking in, their path to the top four looking narrow.But the...
How the Longhorns got into the College Football Playoff
Light the tower, the Longhorns are heading to New Orleans.Driving the news: Following their blowout victory in the Big 12 Championship game, the Longhorns leapt into the four-team College Football Playoff, giving them a select shot for a national championship.Why it matters: As Austin, in all its fragmenting prosperity, moves further and further from its core identity as a college town, there's something old-school about the resurgence of UT football to bring us all closer together.Catch up quick: Heading into the weekend, the seventh-ranked Longhorns were on the outside looking in, their path to the top four looking narrow.But the...
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Axios Austin, anchored by Nicole Cobler and Asher Price, is here to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news and developments unfolding in their own backyard.
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