Austin, TX

Austin is the No. 3 city with the most renters living alone in their homes, report says

Published

1 year ago

October 25, 2023

Austin is the No. 3 city with the most renters living alone in their homes, report says

There are more and more people coming into Austin, and their cars need somewhere to go, too. It seems to some that widening Interstate 35 would allow for the easier passage of traffic, meaning fewer delays. But some Austinites feel it’s not worth the environmental consequences — and may not even solve the issue at hand.

A group called Rethink35 is doing just that, drawing attention to the plan and its perceived shortcomings, including bulldozed homes and businesses, and even worse traffic. The group is holding a rally on November 5 to appeal to more Austinites and gather a message that the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) cannot ignore.

The “Wider Won’t Work” rally, modeled after similar protests including Boston’s historic Inner Belt pushback, will bring speakers in front of interested Austinites, plus “food, fun, and activities for all ages,” according to a release. Rather than simply causing friction, the release states that the rally should “set the direction for the next phase of the growing campaign by community organizers and elected officials for a better solution than expansion.”

The opposition now has the support of Austin City Council, which passed a resolution on October 19 laying out a long list of environmental conditions and public beliefs, ultimately declaring that the project is unfit to continue. The decision was up to TxDOT, which denied the City Council’s resolution.

The resolution stated: “City Council finds the projected increase in GHG emissions from the TxDOT I-35 Capital Express Central project, as proposed in the Final Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision, to be unacceptable and out of step when the Central Texas region is pulling together to reduce those emissions and protect our future.”

TxDOT countered, as reported by Community Impact, that delaying the project was not a responsible use of funds.

Other public officials and groups (as shared by Rethink35) have voiced dissent regarding widening I-35, including U.S. Congressman Greg Casar (D), State Representative Gina Hinojosa (D), the Travis County Commissioners Court, and the Austin City Council Mobility Committee.

Rethink35 lists the following five concerns in colloquial language that appeals to Austinites who haven’t read or can’t understand the more formal government documents:

“Induced demand” may cause more traffic to fill the newly available lanes — not less
Increasing the number of cars may cause more air pollution
The project may displace more than 100 homes and businesses
The highway may not be a good use of public land, and construction would temporarily limit access to what remains
Separating downtown and East Austin may exacerbate racial inequity

The group also suggests two alternative plans for reducing congestion on the highway: one of its own, and one by another organization that it endorses.

Rethink35’s proposal involves making State Highway 130, which runs parallel to I-35 to the east of Austin, the official alternative and encouraging more use by drivers who want to drive past, rather than through Austin. It also calls for reducing Austinites’ car-dependency; It does cite public interest in doing so, but does not publish a prosed method on the website.

The outside proposal Rethink35 endorses is by Reconnect Austin. It states that I-35 could be rerouted underground, allowing for more a more open street above ground for foot traffic and public transportation.

“Despite enormous opposition and environmental concerns, TxDOT refuses to back down from its threat to start expanding I-35 between Highway 71 and U.S. 290 in Spring 2024,” said Rethink35 board member and rally coordinator Kelsey Huse in a release. “This rally will press our elected officials at every level of government to pursue all possible means — including contacting the Federal government — to win a better solution for I-35 than expansion.”

The rally will take place on November 5 at 11 am. It will be held at Sanchez Elementary School (73 San Marcos St.). More information is available at actionnetwork.org.

More information about Rethink35’s concerts and proposal is available at rethink35.org. More information about TxDOT’s plan is available at my35capex.com.

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Austin, TX

(2013) Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin •

Published

52 mins ago

November 22, 2024

Press Room

(2013) Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin •

Abigail Noel FISHER, Petitioner v. UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN et al. No. 11-345. Supreme Court of United States. Argued October 10, 2012. Decided June 24, 2013. Bert W. Rein, Washington, DC, Petitioner. Gregory G. Garre, Washington, DC, for Respondents. Donald B. Verilli, Jr., for … Read More(2013) Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin

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Austin, TX

The drive by No. 3 Texas to top of SEC fueled by defense with Kentucky

Published

11 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Press Room

The drive by No. 3 Texas to top of SEC fueled by defense with Kentucky

AUSTIN, Texas — Look under the hood of Texas’ drive to the top of the Southeastern Conference standings in its first season in the league and it is easy to see what generates the horsepower: Defense.

Texas (9-1, 5-1 SEC) plays Kentucky (4-6, 1-6) on Saturday and the Longhorns rank No. 1 in total defense, No. 1 in fewest passing yards allowed and No. 4 in points allowed per game (11.6). With two games left in the regular season, the Longhorns are tied for first in the SEC and rank No. 3 in the College Football Playoff.

This is from the team that boasted the “All gas, no brakes” motto about explosive offense when coach Steve Sarkisian took over the program in 2021.

“I love it what we’re doing defensively,” Sarkisian said. “I don’t think our guys believe that anyone can move the ball on them, that anyone’s going to score. And that’s a beautiful thing to watch.”

Texas has allowed 10 points or less five times this season, which started with a shutout and includes two games of not allowing a touchdown. The secondary has surrendered just three passing touchdowns while taking away 15 interceptions. Senior cornerback Jahdae Barron leads the team with four.

“The experience of our secondary is what has led to this,” Sarkisian said of the turnover-to-touchdowns ratio. “We just don’t blow coverages … They make every pass feel contested.”

Texas needs a win in its final two games to stay on track for the SEC championship game and hold a position in the playoff hunt as one of the top four seeds. Kentucky would love to play the spoiler in an otherwise dismal season.

Texas will be Kentucky’s fourth opponent ranked seventh or higher. The Wildcats beat Mississippi in the first one, then lost to Georgia and Tennessee by a total of eight points. The Wildcats have played in a bowl the last eight seasons and need to win their final two games to keep that streak alive.

“I want to finish strong,” Kentucky coach Mark Stoops said.

Ewers’ final home game?

Texas junior quarterback Quinn Ewers may be playing his final home game at Texas. The three-year starter led the Longhorns to the playoff last season, then opted to return instead of turning pro. An abdomen injury has hampered his season, but Ewers has still passed for 1,898 yards and 21 touchdowns. He avoided a question from reporters if this could be his final home game. Texas will honor its seniors before kickoff.

Inside outside

Texas senior defensive tackle Alfred Collins had the best game of his career last week against Arkansas with a sack, and a forced fumble that helped closed out the victory. At 6-foot-5, 325 pounds, he has emerged as the dominant pocket pusher to compliment the edge rush of standout freshman Colin Simmons, who leads Texas with six sacks.

Waiting for Vandagriff

Ewers and Kentucky’s Brock Vandagriff were both ranked among the top high school quarterbacks in the country in the 2021 recruiting class. The Wildcats are waiting for the Georgia transfer to have a breakout game this season. He has passed for 1,542 yards, nine touchdowns and seven interceptions. His 243 yards passing in Kentucky’s win over Ole Miss were a career high.

Red zone matchup

Texas had another sluggish game on offense in last week’s win at Arkansas and now faces a Kentucky defense that rates among the best in the country when backed up near its own goal line. The Wildcats rank sixth nationally and best in the SEC in red zone defense.

Terrific tight end

For all of its speed on the edges in the passing attack, it is Texas tight end Gunnar Helm who has been the most reliable receiver from game to game. His 37 catches for a 493 yards lead the team in both categories and he has three touchdowns.

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Austin, TX

Bread winners: 10 Austin bakeries you'll love

Published

19 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Press Room

Bread winners: 10 Austin bakeries you'll love

Craving something sweet? Maybe something flaky? Austin may be known for tacos and barbecue, but its bakeries are the unsung heroes of the local food scene. We think it’s time to give them the spotlight they deserve.

Whether you’re looking for pastries by day or celebratory cakes by night, these locally owned bakeries are proof that life is butter with carbs.

Comadre Panadería, 1204 Cedar Ave. | Try something new at this Mexican-American bakery (which is a two-time James Beard semi-finalist) like the highly raved-about concha and pink cake.

La Pâtisserie, multiple locations | A case full of colorful macarons is the main attraction at this French bakery, which also offers pastries, cake, scones, buns, croissants, and wine.

If you’re lucky (like City Editor Morgan was), you may be able to find a frowning gingerbread man at Quack’s 43rd Street Bakery.

Quack’s Bakery, multiple locations | Keeping Austin sweet since 1983, these beloved bakeries make pies, cakes, pastries, and more from scratch with no additives. Be sure to check out seasonal offerings like Pride, Halloween, and Christmas-themed cookies.

Rockman Coffee + Bakeshop, 2400 E. Cesar Chavez St., Ste. #200 | Owned by award-winning pastry chef Amanda Rockman, this newly opened bakeshop is all about caffeine, gluten, butter, sugar, and booze. Grab a rip ‘n’ dip bagel, strawberry cheesecake croissant, or focaccia sandwich.

Sour Duck Market, 1814 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. | The neighborhood bakery within this American restaurant + beer garden is not to be missed. Snag a traditional bite like a savory Danish pastry or a creative concoction like the sweet potato-chai bearclaw.

Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop, 1905 S. 1st St. | Desserts are king at this sugary locale that offers classic cupcakes, cookies, lemon + pecan bars, cakes, and mini-pies in-store, with custom offerings available for larger orders.

Texas French Bread, 2900 Rio Grande St. | Currently housed in an Airstream trailer, this small but mighty bakery (serving Austinites since 1981) sells goods on a first-come, first-served basis. You’ll have to visit in person to see the full menu of bread, pastries, and sweets available each day.

Upper Crust Bakery, 4508 Burnet Rd. | This family-owned scratch bakery has it all, whether you want a cup of coffee and a pastry, a smoked turkey sandwich for lunch, or a layered cake to take home and enjoy.

Walton’s Fancy & Staple, 609 W. 6th St. | Amid a cluster of bars on West 6th Street, this bakery + deli owned by Sandra Bullock is a beacon of sweetness. Its pastries and sweet treats are made daily, but you can also order custom cakes.

Zucchini Kill Bakery, multiple locations | Calling all vegan, gluten, and soy-free folks with a sweet tooth. This woman-owned bakery is a haven for those with dietary restrictions and incorporates the spirit of punk music into its delicacies.

What’s your favorite bakery in Austin? Let us know and we might add it to this list in the future.

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