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Austin police partnership with DPS could last indefinitely
The policing partnership between the city of Austin and the Texas Department of Public Safety will continue indefinitely, Austin officials said Tuesday.Why it matters: The partnership, which launched in late March and has led to widespread arrests of Black and Hispanic people, has proven divisive, with some Austinites supporting it as a crackdown on crime and others calling it unaccountable, racist policing.What they're saying: "How long this program goes on has not been determined," Austin police chief Joseph Chacon said at a City Council work session.Mayor Kirk Watson said the partnership "ought to be a common-sense bridge to when we...
Austin police partnership with DPS could last indefinitely
The policing partnership between the city of Austin and the Texas Department of Public Safety will continue indefinitely, Austin officials said Tuesday.Why it matters: The partnership, which launched in late March and has led to widespread arrests of Black and Hispanic people, has proven divisive, with some Austinites supporting it as a crackdown on crime and others calling it unaccountable, racist policing.What they're saying: "How long this program goes on has not been determined," Austin police chief Joseph Chacon said at a City Council work session.Mayor Kirk Watson said the partnership "ought to be a common-sense bridge to when we...
Fat Tony, Sir Woman and Grupo Fantasma contribute to new music release
A new album featuring well-known Texas musicians and up-and-coming talents covering classic Texas tunes is in the works to raise money for Texas parks.Driving the news: The Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation on Monday released "(Hey Baby) Que Paso" with Fat Tony and featuring Paul Wall, the first single from the album, titled Texas Wild.Made famous in 1990 by supergroup The Texas Tornados, featuring Augie Meyers, Flaco Jiménez, Doug Sahm, and Freddy Fender, the new version has contributions from members of Grupo Fantasma, The Texas Gentlemen and Sir Woman. Musicians Beto Martínez, Daniel Creamer and Greg Gonzalez, performers on the...
Fat Tony, Sir Woman and Grupo Fantasma contribute to new music release
A new album featuring well-known Texas musicians and up-and-coming talents covering classic Texas tunes is in the works to raise money for Texas parks.Driving the news: The Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation on Monday released "(Hey Baby) Que Paso" with Fat Tony and featuring Paul Wall, the first single from the album, titled Texas Wild.Made famous in 1990 by supergroup The Texas Tornados, featuring Augie Meyers, Flaco Jiménez, Doug Sahm, and Freddy Fender, the new version has contributions from members of Grupo Fantasma, The Texas Gentlemen and Sir Woman. Musicians Beto Martínez, Daniel Creamer and Greg Gonzalez, performers on the...
Central Texas allergies remain in full force
Grab your tissues, allergy pills and nasal spray. Even with cedar fever behind us, spring allergies remain in full force.By the numbers: AustinPollen.com, which averages pollen counts, shows the nettle count in the high range and grass, oak, mulberry, weeds and other trees in the moderate range.Catch up quick: Ashe juniper pollen in December and February causes cedar fever — severe flu-like symptoms such as itchiness, watery eyes and blocked nasal passages.And allergy experts say that unseasonably warm weather kicked off an early round of spring allergies.What they're saying: Central Texas deals with an extended allergy season each year because...
More beers from Meanwhile Brewing Co. to hit Austin grocery shelves
Austin's alcoholic beverage makers are stepping up their summer game.Driving the news: Meanwhile Brewing Co. officials announced Monday they have launched their first rotating lager and IPA series in stores around Austin.And Deep Eddy Vodka late last month revealed its new entry into the hard-seltzer market with lemon tea, sweet tea and peach tea flavors.The big picture: Ahead of Memorial Day weekend, alcoholic beverage companies are making a marketing push to remind you of their libations.Details: The southeast Austin brewer Meanwhile will stock its Vienna Style Lager and Edible Colors West Coast IPA at H-E-Bs and Central Markets.The lager is...
Austin's luxury apartments grow even more luxe
Data: RentCafe; Chart: Tory Lysik/Axios VisualsApartment developers looking to attract high-income renters say they’re thinking beyond gyms and pools when it comes to amenities.Why it matters: The push comes as many would-be homebuyers rent longer, incentivizing properties to compete for a growing cohort of high-income renters.By the numbers: The number of high-rolling Austin-area renters earning $150,000 or more annually nearly tripled between 2016 and 2021, per U.S. Census Bureau data.The 154% increase was higher than the national average of 87.5%.Meanwhile, the number of renter-occupied households overall in the Austin area increased by 19.4% during that same period.Yes, but: Austin's growing...
Austin-area groups push for nonstop flights to DCA
Reagan National Airport has few nonstop flights to Texas and beyond due to federal limits. Now, Delta Air Lines is part of a new coalition lobbying to allow airlines to expand service to the Washington-area airport.Why it matters: Austin-area lawmakers and business leaders are supporting the effort, which they say is key to connecting the two capitals.State of play: The flight limit has long led travelers to seek out further afield airports Dulles International and Baltimore-Washington International for long-haul flights to and from the area, and changes to the federal limits have been politically controversial, writes Axios D.C.'s Cuneyt Dil.Context:...
First woman graduates Austin Energy's lineworker climbing school
On an overcast morning Friday at the Decker Creek Power Station in Northeast Austin, Cherie Rene Cheramie, equipped with a utility belt and bright green hardhat, scaled a 70-foot-tall electric pole in under a minute.Driving the news: With her ring of a bell at the top of the confidence pole, as the test pole is known, Cheramie, 30, became the first woman to graduate the utility's lineworker climbing school, which readies Austin Energy employees for fieldwork.What they're saying: "You have to be confident in yourself not only to keep up with the men, but also to keep up in general,"...
Nearly 9 out of 10 DPS misdemeanor arrests in Austin are Black or Hispanic people, per reports
Austin's policing partnership with state troopers is leading to widespread arrests of Black and Hispanic people, per new data compiled by the Travis County Attorney's office.Driving the news: Nearly nine out of 10 people arrested on misdemeanor charges by the Texas Department of Public Safety through an ongoing operation with Austin police are Black or Hispanic, per the data, which was obtained and first reported by the Austin American-Statesman.Details: The data was compiled by prosecutors who scrutinized 167 arrest affidavits since the operation began, the Statesman reported.The suspects were arrested on low-level drug offenses, drunken driving and other crimes.Axios has...
How Tucker Carlson shaped Texas politics
Tucker Carlson's sudden departure from Fox News could bring a sigh of relief from Gov. Greg Abbott, who had long faced criticism from the network's star prime-time host over illegal immigration and other issues.State of play: Fox officials announced this week that the network and Carlson had "agreed to part ways" after more than a decade.Carlson's tenure at Fox News made its mark on Texas politics and the Republican Party.Why it matters: Carlson didn't just have the ear of former President Donald Trump. He seemingly was able to sway some of Abbott's political moves.Flashback: Most recently, Carlson appeared to influence...
Your Austin weekend guide, April 28-30
It's another action-packed weekend in ATX.🦗 Document the local ecosystem at the bioblitz event at Red Bluff Nature Preserve on Saturday from 9am to noon. At 5808 Harold Court in East Austin. Free.🎸 Chill out at the Austin Blues Festival, at the Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park on Saturday starting at noon. Los Lobos is headlining. Tickets start at $60.🪗 Dance at the Rancho Alegre Conjunto Music Festival, 7pm Friday at Central Machine Works, 8pm Saturday at GiddyUps and 4pm Sunday at Stubb's. Free.💃🏽 Attend the Slice of Pflugerville festival, with ballet folklorico, lion dance team, Austin powwow, and Selena Forever performances, Saturday 11am-6pm. Free.🥁 Rock out at Psych Fest, at The Far Out Lounge at 8504 S. Congress Ave. Three-day passes start at $195.🎶 Tune in to KUTX, 98.9, for its seventh annual Willie Weekend — wall-to-wall Willie songs through Sunday to celebrate the legend's 90th birthday.🚙 Bounce to the Austin Lowriding Supershow at Palmer Events Center, 11am-6pm Sunday. $45.
Austin martial arts studio launches class geared toward LGBTQ+ kids
A nonprofit martial arts studio in South Austin is offering classes to allow nonbinary students to express themselves.Driving the news: Recently Sun Dragon Martial Arts and Self-Defense launched its Plus class, geared toward LGBTQ+ students.It's a karate class that also involves discussion time. Two-thirds of Sun Dragon's students are under 18. Photo: Courtesy of Sun DragonWhat they're saying: "It's not just punching and kicking," Laura Hayden, executive director of Sun Dragon, tells Axios. "We teach stuff like kids using voices, to say, 'Hey, stop that,' 'Don’t sit that close to me,' or 'Don’t bother my friend.' We teach ways to...
Owners of land leased to Austin's Herb Bar want restaurant-eligible zoning
A landmark of South Austin bohemia could become home to a restaurant.Driving the news: The owner of the property that's currently the site of the Herb Bar, the ivy-covered emporium of echinacea that bills itself as "Austin's oldest apothecary and metaphysical shop" (it's been in operation since 1986), has applied with the city of Austin for a zoning change to allow a restaurant, per documents reviewed by Axios.What's happening: The Herb Bar, located at 200 W. Mary St., a block west of a bustling stretch of South Congress Avenue, is actually zoned residential, even though the property has operated...
Austin electric buses to get solar boost
Public transit agency Capital Metro is aiming to power its clean buses with clean energy.Driving the news: CapMetro will spend $34 million to build solar panel canopies that will produce renewable energy to power its growing electric bus fleet, agency officials announced this week.Flashback: In 2021, the CapMetro board approved the $255 million purchase of 197 electric buses as part of a commitment to cut down on emissions.This new charging project will be able to charge more than 200 electric vehicles, but will not have the capacity to charge CapMetro's entire future electric fleet in coming decades, per agency officials.Details:...
Texas House gives early OK to parental consent for social media
The Texas House tentatively approved a measure on Tuesday that would require social media and other websites to obtain parental consent for users under 18.Driving the news: Legislators gave initial approval to House Bill 18, which would prohibit any "digital service provider" from allowing users under 18 to create an account without the consent of the minor's parent or guardian.The measure — a priority for House Speaker Dade Phelan, a Republican from Beaumont — would require such sites to obtain a parent's consent and then allow a parent to ban data collection, prevent data from being sold or transferred, ban...
Austin electric buses to get solar boost
Public transit agency Capital Metro is aiming to power its clean buses with clean energy.Driving the news: CapMetro will spend $34 million to build solar panel canopies that will produce renewable energy to power its growing electric bus fleet, agency officials announced this week.Flashback: In 2021, the CapMetro board approved the $255 million purchase of 197 electric buses as part of a commitment to cut down on emissions.This new charging project will be able to charge more than 200 electric vehicles, but will not have the capacity to charge CapMetro's entire future electric fleet in coming decades, per agency officials.Details:...
Texas MS 150 runs this weekend from Austin and Houston
Thousands of cyclists will ride up to 150 miles across the state this weekend to raise money for a multiple sclerosis cure.Why it matters: MS — a central nervous system disease affecting almost 3 million people globally — has baffled doctors since it was discovered over a century and a half ago.The disease can advance silently for years, but then attack myelin, the protective coating around nerve cells, and produce lesions that can cause vision problems, muscle weakness and more.State of play: Nearly 700 riders will start in Austin on Saturday for the Texas MS 150 while others start their...
Texas MS 150 runs this weekend from Austin and Houston
Thousands of cyclists will ride up to 150 miles across the state this weekend to raise money for a multiple sclerosis cure.Why it matters: MS — a central nervous system disease affecting almost 3 million people globally — has baffled doctors since it was discovered over a century and a half ago.The disease can advance silently for years, but then attack myelin, the protective coating around nerve cells, and produce lesions that can cause vision problems, muscle weakness and more.State of play: Nearly 700 riders will start in Austin on Saturday for the Texas MS 150 while others start their...
Seven native plants for gardening in Central Texas
Recent warm weather and rain has Central Texans busy in their yards, preparing their landscape for guests and outdoor gatherings.Yes, but: Before you get to work, consider native plants that will thrive and create an eco-conscious garden.Selecting plants native to Texas not only means less watering, fertilizing and pest control, but also a higher chance of survival in extreme temperatures.Plus, multiple plants in a backyard or one on an apartment overlook can make a difference for pollinators.Details: With summer heat on the way, consider what's possible to plant right now. If you're not ready to plant just yet, hold off...
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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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