Austin, TX
Austin named one of the best cities in America—again
Today, Austin has been named as one of the best cities in America. According to our annual survey—where readers like you choose the cities that make life great—Austin claimed the 7th spot, and it’s easy to see why. World-class cuisine, a vast network of hiking trails, major festivals like SXSW and Austin City Limits, and near-perfect weather (except for summer, iykyk) make the city a standout. And while it may have lost the title of the fastest growing metro in the U.S. to neighboring Dallas, Austin remains—and will continue to be—the “weird” city people have come to know and love. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, there’s plenty to see and explore.
Where to even begin with all the reasons people love Austin? As one of the greenest cities in the U.S. (ranked No. 7), Austin dedicates roughly 15% of its land to parks, gardens and urban green spaces. That means endless opportunities to get outside, whether it’s hiking one of the 147 scenic trails or catching some rays at Zilker Park.
When temperatures dip or soar, you can always find refuge at one of Austin’s best restaurants, which encompasses Michelin-starred barbecue and fresh Italian to Tex-Mex and new-age Caribbean joints. Whatever your taste buds desire, Austin will likely have it. In 2024, Austin earned seven Michelin stars and 14 of the 45 Bib Gourmand distinctions, cementing its place as a must-visit culinary destination.
Sports-wise, while Austin might not rival major cities like Chicago, New York, or Los Angeles for professional teams, but it still has plenty to offer. Austin FC keeps soccer fans engaged, while the University of Texas Longhorns bring serious energy to the college football scene.
Austin is joined by nine other cities in this year’s rankings, including neighboring Dallas (No. 9) and San Antonio (No. 10). Check out Time Out’s Best Cities in America—and see which global cities made the cut.
Video of new Texas Tech System chancellor home at historic Lubbock property
The Texas Tech System is acquiring the historic Tudor Revival ‘English Home’ in Lubbock to serve as the new chancellor’s residence.
Money and rankings don’t make a great university. Providing opportunities for disadvantaged students and protecting academic freedom, however, do.
Case in point: Michael and Susan Dell recently surpassed $1 billion in giving to the University of Texas at Austin, launching a plan to build a new medical center and advanced research campus in north Austin.
To be sure, this is a magnanimous gift that will fund important initiatives. While enormously grateful for this contribution, I am disappointed that this gift was not accompanied with a strong message from Michael Dell admonishing the University for gutting DEI and infringing upon academic freedom.
As a colleague of mine astutely observed: “Good luck recruiting doctors and med students. The attacks on DEI and political climates will mean a lot more than rankings and money long-term.”
UT System Board of Regents Chairman Kevin Eltife, referencing the Dell gift, is right: “We are transforming this site into a new campus the world has never seen before.” Yes, never seen, but in a very negative and dangerous way!
Last week, I received a message from the Texas Exes: “This is your last chance to show your support during 40 Hours for the Forty Acres, UT Austin’s Texas-sized fundraising event. Can we count on you?”
My answer: “No, absolutely not. I won’t give one dime to a university that no longer is committed to diversity and preserving academic freedom.”
Having proudly taught at UT for 41 years, I am sad to say this.
– Richard Cherwitz, Ph.D. is the Ernest A. Sharpe Centennial Professor Emeritus, Moody College of Communication and Founding Director, Intellectual Entrepreneurship Consortium (IE) at The University of Texas at Austin.
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AUSTIN, Texas — APD SWAT responded to a barricaded subject in East Austin Saturday afternoon.
According to police, the incident took place near the 3400 block of Kay St., and officers responded to the call at around 1:30 p.m.
Once officers arrived, they made contact with a victim who “advised of circumstances that met the state law requirement of assault with a deadly weapon family violence.” Shortly after, the suspect barricaded themselves inside the residence.
ALSO: National Weather Service warns of storms with gusty winds
Austin Police officers, SWAT, hostage negotiators, and Austin-Travis County EMS were still on the scene and the suspect was still barricaded as of 6:15 p.m.
People are being encouraged to avoid the area due to increased police presence, or stay in a safe location if they are unable to avoid the area.
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This is a developing story and more information will be provided as it becomes available.
A 27-year-old Pflugerville man faces capital murder charges for allegedly killing his parents and his brother, according to the Travis County Sheriff’s Office. The bodies of 62-year-old Armand, 63-year-old Jami and 31-year-old Noah Dahan were found by deputies conducting a welfare check Thursday at their home on Civorno Drive. Deputies said the victims had suffered gunshot wounds. https://www.kxan.com/news/crime/tcso-pflugerville-triple-homicide/
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