Stories by Andrew Weber, KUT
PAC files petition to put Austin Convention Center expansion to a public vote
The city’s proposal to expand the Austin Convention Center could be on the ballot in November. A group opposing City Council’s decision to build out the center says it submitted a 30,000-signature petition calling for a referendum that would force…
Local Politics • By Andrew Weber, KUT • Jul 15, 2019
Families with noncitizens could lose federal housing benefits if HUD proposal moves forward
Tuesday is the last day for public comment on a proposal that could evict or even separate thousands of families with mixed-citizenship status who receive housing assistance in Texas. Since 1980, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has…
Housing • By Andrew Weber, KUT • Jul 9, 2019
Austin has new rules on panhandling, camping and resting in public. Here's what that means.
Three revisions to the city’s rules against panhandling, camping, and sitting or lying down in public went into effect Monday. People have feelings about that, and it’s unclear what impact the rules will have on those experiencing homelessness – or…
Austin • By Andrew Weber, KUT • Jul 2, 2019
City audit says Austin police could be better about keeping track of body camera footage
The Austin Police Department is still working out the kinks in its body camera program, according to a new city audit. The report released today by the city auditor’s office looked at footage from 151 body cam videos from Aug.…
Police • By Andrew Weber, KUT • Jun 26, 2019
Austin police report shows a slight uptick in property crimes in 2018
A new report released Monday from the Austin Police Department shows crime overall increased in 2018, with property crimes up 9 percent. Violent crimes dropped slightly, however. The report also acknowledges controversy surrounding the way APD handles sexual assault cases,…
Police • By Andrew Weber, KUT • Jun 25, 2019
Council to weigh money for a new homeless shelter
City Council members will vote today on items that would expand the number of beds in Austin’s homeless shelters. Council will vote to direct staff to find land and funding for an emergency shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness. Members could…
Uncategorized • By Andrew Weber, KUT • Jun 6, 2019
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Texas lawmakers tried to take the reins from cities this session. The results were mixed.
For the last handful of legislative sessions, the Texas Legislature has had it in for Austin and other cities. GOP lawmakers who regularly thumb their noses at “big government”-minded efforts in D.C. have filed bills targeting city laws regulating everything…
Texas State Legislature • By Andrew Weber, KUT • May 31, 2019
Austin can afford to build only 3% of the 2,580 miles of sidewalk it wants, audit finds
The city of Austin has the resources to build out only 3 percent of its missing sidewalks, according to a new city audit. The mobility bond Austin voters approved in 2016 set aside $37.5 million to build and maintain city…
Transportation • By Andrew Weber, KUT • May 29, 2019
CDC study says Austin scooter riders don't wear helmets, ride fast and don't know what they're doing
Nearly 200 people were injured because of rentable scooters between Sept. 5 and Nov. 30 last year, according to a first-of-its-kind study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Austin Public Health Department. During that time, there…
Transportation • By Andrew Weber, KUT • May 3, 2019
Yep. A lot more people have moved to Austin, the Census Bureau confirms.
New numbers out today from the U.S. Census Bureau confirm something you’ve definitely noticed or complained about in the last eight years: Austin is growing. But that growth isn’t confined to the Austin area. The data put Texas counties and…
Austin • By Andrew Weber, KUT • Apr 19, 2019
Proposed labor rule would mean gig economy workers in Texas can't get unemployment benefits
The state’s labor regulator will meet this morning for a final vote on a controversial new rule on gig economy workers that opponents say will have far-reaching implications for workers going forward. The proposed rule from the Texas Workforce Commission…
Texas State Legislature • By Andrew Weber, KUT • Apr 9, 2019
Austin defends its short-term rental rules before Texas lawmakers
Austin’s rules on short-term rental units – advertised on apps and sites like Airbnb and HomeAway – are under fire at the Texas Capitol. House lawmakers heard testimony Thursday on a bill that would override the city’s ban on properties…
