The Austin Program That Offers Down Payment Cash for Homes
There’s a little-known program run through the City of Austin that provides down payment money to low-income people free of charge. Of course, there's a catch: homeowners must live in the property for...
View ArticleHow Sequestration Threatens Austin's Most Vulnerable Seniors
Little by little, the effects of sequestration are becoming more tangible in the everyday lives of some Americans. And though the federal government has reinstated some agencies’ funds, cuts are coming...
View ArticleWhat Will it Take for Austin to Become a Bicycling Capital?
Austin is steadily pedaling its way to becoming one of the bike-friendliest cities in the country.With more than two percent overall of Austinites biking to work – and in some parts more than eight...
View ArticleAfrican-Americans Are Austin's Only Shrinking Ethnic Group. Here's What Some...
To say that Austin is growing is an understatement. But amid Austin’s exponential growth, one group is declining – and fast. The African-American community in Austin is shrinking, due to two major...
View ArticleThis Air Force Vet Makes Socks for Austin's Homeless. Here’s Why.
As you got ready this morning, how much did you think about which socks to wear? Socks are one of those items most people don’t dwell on. But an Austin Air Force veteran learned the importance of a...
View ArticleAPD Officer Shoots At, Misses Driver of Car That Ran Red Light
No one was injured this morning when an Austin Police officer shot at a 58 year-old man at the corner of 12th Street and Airport. But the incident is likely to, once again, raise questions about the...
View ArticleFrom Austin to Boston: Artificial Limb Company to Help Marathon Bombing...
It’s been a month since the Boston Marathon bombings that injured more than 250 people. At least fourteen lost limbs.Experts say it takes healthy, strong people about six weeks to recover enough from...
View ArticleTransportation Group Seeks Input on Changes to CAMPO 2035 Plan
Starting tomorrow, the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization – better known as CAMPO – begins asking for the public’s ideas on a series of projects.Some projects are being dropped, while...
View ArticleReport Asks: Why Aren’t Hispanics Sharing in Austin's Boom?
A five-year effort from a group of Hispanic community leaders is about to wrap up. In 2008, the Austin City Council asked the group to evaluate the quality of life for Hispanics in the city. They found...
View ArticleUnder One Roof: Who’s Using Affordable Housing in Austin?
If you’re going on a tour through the world of affordable housing, it’s good to have one of Austin’s most knowledgeable experts as your tour guide.Meet Stuart Hersh. He’s a consultant with non-profit...
View ArticleUnder One Roof: Who Develops Affordable Housing for Austin?
It’s early morning – still dark outside – and Walter Moreau is already done with his morning run. When I meet him he’s downtown, getting ready for his workout.“I think there’s a lot of things here in...
View ArticleFirst 8 Members Chosen for Austin Redistricting Commission
The city of Austin is one step closer to drawing new geographic district maps for the city council. Eight names were drawn yesterday at City Hall to serve on the city’s new redistricting commission,...
View ArticleFor One Austin Man, Every Day Is Worth a Memorial
Every Memorial Day we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of duty.But Rick Smith doesn’t wait on any specific day of the year. He has made it his mission in life to honor the...
View ArticleBorder Crossings Could Charge Admission to U.S. Visitors
The federal government is mulling a possible entry fee to cross the border into the U.S.The Department of Homeland Security wants to study if, and how much, it could charge people on the millions of...
View ArticleU.S. Supreme Court Expands Post-Conviction Appeals
Today, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of a case that could help people already convicted of crimes appeal their convictions in federal court.
View ArticleMatt's El Rancho Co-Founder Dies
The co-founder of one of the oldest restaurants in Austin died over the weekend. Janie Martinez helped her husband open Matt’s El Rancho in 1952.Martinez died Saturday at the age of 90. Her death comes...
View ArticleUnder Chief Acevedo, Different Reactions to Police Shootings
Last month, there were two officer-involved shootings in the Austin area. But the community reacted differently than it had in a not-so-distant past. After the shootings, there were no marches, no...
View ArticleCity Hall Honors Local Centenarian
This is Martha Coleman Day in Austin. Mayor Lee Leffingwell made that proclamation in honor of one of Austin’s oldest living residents.Coleman is a tiny woman. At a quilting party celebrating her 108th...
View ArticleSideCar Disables Ride-Sharing App in Austin for Now
The city of Austin has a long-running dispute with the various ride-sharing groups -- people who say they are in their cars anyway, so through mobile apps they offer to “share” their ride in exchange...
View ArticleAustin's Redistricting Commission Gets Filled Out Tonight
Austin’s new Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission is expected to be fully in place tonight. That’s the group of Austin residents who will draw the city’s first geographic council...
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