Stories by Luz Moreno-Lozano, KUT
‘A ticket home’: New Austin city law will require pets to be microchipped
The city of Austin will soon require people to get microchips for their pets. Microchips are small grain-like trackers that are implanted under a pet’s skin that can be used to trace the animal back to its owner. Essentially, it’s…
City Council • By Luz Moreno-Lozano, KUT • Sep 23, 2024
Austin plans to move forward with abortion travel fund, officials say
The city of Austin will be allowed to move forward with plans to implement its Reproductive Justice Fund, despite a lawsuit challenging its legality, city officials said. The Reproductive Justice Fund is a provision in the city’s 2024-25 budget that is…
Public Health • By Luz Moreno-Lozano, KUT • Sep 3, 2024
Austin faces lawsuit for providing financial support to people seeking out-of-state abortions
The city of Austin is being sued for a provision in the budget providing money to people seeking out-of-state abortions. City Council last week approved $400,000 to fund travel – including airfare, gas, hotel stays and food – for people…
Public Health • By Luz Moreno-Lozano, KUT • Aug 22, 2024
Lisa Davis named sole finalist for Austin police chief
Lisa Davis, an assistant chief with Cincinnati’s police force, has been chosen to take over the Austin Police Department, City Manager T.C. Broadnax announced Friday morning. “I have elected to move Chief Davis forward for confirmation by the City Council…
Police • By Luz Moreno-Lozano, KUT • Aug 2, 2024
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The two finalists in Austin's police chief search are from Cincinnati and Milwaukee
Lisa Davis, an assistant police chief for the Cincinnati Police Department, and Jeffrey B. Norman, police chief at the Milwaukee Police Department, are the two finalists in Austin’s search for its next police chief. Tuesday’s announcement comes after weeks of…
Police • By Luz Moreno-Lozano, KUT • Jul 17, 2024
More animals must leave the shelter before Austin Animal Center will accept them again
The Austin Animal Center has stopped accepting any more animals until further notice. Jason Garza, deputy chief animal services officer, said the shelter has so many dogs and cats that it’s overcapacity. As of Tuesday, there were 683 animals on…
Austin • By Luz Moreno-Lozano, KUT • Jul 5, 2024
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After lake drownings, safety upgrades come to Rainey Street trailhead
Lee esta historia en español More than a year after community members called for better lighting and safety measures along a portion of Lady Bird Lake near Rainey Street, permanent upgrades are finally nearing completion. The pleas and demands came…
Parks • By Luz Moreno-Lozano, KUT • Jul 2, 2024
Austin adds more than a dozen shade structures to recreation areas. Here's where to find them.
In an effort to beat the heat, several shade structures are going up at public parks, playgrounds and pools around town. Austin dedicated $4 million to provide more shade in public places. City officials said it has become necessary as…
Parks • By Luz Moreno-Lozano, KUT • Jun 28, 2024
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Travis County judge dismisses Paxton's lawsuit over Austin ordinance decriminalizing pot
A Travis County judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed against Austin over its 2022 voter-approved ordinance decriminalizing marijuana possession. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed the suit in January, alleging Austin was violating state law and promoting “the use of…
Courts • By Luz Moreno-Lozano, KUT • Jun 17, 2024
Lost Creek, two other areas of Austin vote to remove themselves from city limits
Three of six neighborhoods near the outskirts of Austin will be removed, or “disannexed,” from the city limits following voter approval in Saturday’s election. That includes Lost Creek in West Austin, the largest of the three; land near Blue Goose Road in…
Elections • By Luz Moreno-Lozano, KUT • May 7, 2024
Advocates for ending homelessness say rental assistance program doesn't go far enough
Tony Carter lives in a two-bedroom apartment in South Austin. He was placed there in February through a rapid rehousing program. Rapid rehousing programs in Austin provide up to 24 months of rental assistance and support services to people experiencing…
Housing • By Luz Moreno-Lozano, KUT • Apr 15, 2024
Travis County officials credit moderate eclipse traffic to planning and clouds
Monday’s total solar eclipse did not bring the massive crowds and traffic that some thought the Austin area might see. The cloudy weather might have been the reason, but it also could have been the monthslong preparation for the event.…
Travis County • By Luz Moreno-Lozano, KUT • Apr 11, 2024
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