Austin, TX

Texas governor criticizes Houston energy

Published

10 months ago

July 15, 2024

Texas governor criticizes Houston energy

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The majority of Houston outages that followed Hurricane Beryl should be fixed within the next two days, the city’s main utility company said Monday as Texas Gov. Greg Abbott threatened to punish CenterPoint Energy even after the lights come back.

What You Need To Know

The Texas Public Utility Commission announced Monday it had launched an investigation into CenterPoint’s storm preparation and response afer Gov. Greg Abbott demanded answers

Hurricane Beryl created high winds that brought down power lines and knocked out power to about 2.7 million homes and businesses. CenterPoint reported Monday that it had restored power to more than 2 million customers

The governor has given the utility until the end of July to submit plans to protect the power supply through the rest of what could be an active hurricane season, as well as trim trees and vegetation that threaten power lines

More than 200,000 remained without power on Monday

The Texas Public Utility Commission, the state’s regulatory agency, announced Monday it had launched an investigation Abbott demanded into CenterPoint’s storm preparation and response as hundreds of thousands of residents sweltered without power for more than a week after the storm. The governor has given the utility until the end of July to submit plans to protect the power supply through the rest of what could be an active hurricane season, as well as trim trees and vegetation that threaten power lines.

But some energy experts question whether Abbott and the Texas regulators, whose leaders are appointed by the governor, have done enough before now to get tough on utilities or make transmission lines more resilient in the nation’s biggest energy producing state.

“What CenterPoint is showing us by its repeated failure to provide power, is they seem to be just incapable of doing their job,” Abbott said Monday in Houston.

Spokespeople for CenterPoint, which has defended its response and pace of restoring outages, did not immediately return an email seeking comment Monday.

A week after Beryl made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane — toppling power lines, uprooting trees and causing branches to crash into power lines — the damage from the storm and the prolonged outages have again put the resiliency of Texas’ power grid under scrutiny.

In 2021, a winter storm plunged the state into a deep freeze, knocking out power to millions of residents and pushing Texas’ grid to the brink of total collapse. Following the deadly blackout, Abbott and state lawmakers vowed changes that would better ensure that Texans would not be left in the dark in dangerous cold and heat.

Unlike that crisis — which was caused by failing power generation — Beryl created high winds that brought down power lines and knocked out power to about 2.7 million homes and businesses. Most were concentrated in the Houston area, where CenterPoint reported Monday that it had restored power to more than 2 million customers. Still, more than 200,000 remained without power.

Houston-area residents have sweltered in heat and humidity, stood in long lines for gas, food and water, and trekked to community centers to find air conditioning. Hospitals have seen a spike in patients with heat-related illnesses and carbon monoxide poisoning caused by improper use of home generators.

“This isn’t a failure of the entire system,” Abbott said. “This is an indictment of one company that’s failed to do its job.”

In a special meeting of the Houston City Council on Monday, resident Alin Boswell said he was on day eight without power and had not seen anyone from CenterPoint in his neighborhood until that morning. He said the city and the company should have known the potential for damage after storms in May knocked out power to more than 1 million.

“You all and CenterPoint had a preview of this debacle in May,” Boswell told council members.

Ed Hirs, an energy fellow at the University of Houston, said the failures extend beyond CenterPoint. He said regulators have been reluctant to ensure that transmission lines are more resilient and trees are sufficiently trimmed.

Hirs said Abbott and other leaders who are solely zeroing in on the utility after Beryl are looking for a scapegoat.

“Of course, not one of them have a mirror around,” he said. “It’s not CenterPoint exclusively. The regulatory compact has totally broken down.”

CenterPoint has at least 10 years of vegetation management reports on file with Texas regulators. In April, the company filed a 900-page report on long-term plans and expenses that would be needed to make its power system more resilient, from tree trimming to withstanding storms and flooding to cybersecurity attacks.

In a report filed May 1, CenterPoint said it had spent nearly $35 million on tree removal and trimming in 2023. It said it would target efforts this year across more than 3,500 miles of its estimated 29,000 miles of overhead power lines in 2024.

Vegetation management remains a key issue for avoiding another power outage when the next storm hits, said Michael Webber, a University of Texas mechanical engineering professor with a focus on clean energy technology. But it’s just one ongoing problem for power providers.

Policy makers must rebuild Texas’ energy grid to adapt to its changing climate, Webber said.

“We’ve designed our system for weather of the past,” he said.

The utility has defended its preparation for the storm and said that it has brought in about 12,000 additional workers from outside Houston. It has said it would have been unsafe to preposition those workers inside the predicted storm impact area before Beryl made landfall.

In a message to CenterPoint customers Sunday night, CEO Jason Wells wrote that the company had made “remarkable” progress.

“The strong pace of the restoration is a testament to our preparation (and) investments we have made in the system,” Wells wrote.

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Austin, TX

Michigan softball draws UCF for NCAA Tournament opener in Austin, Texas

Published

14 hours ago

May 12, 2025

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Michigan softball draws UCF for NCAA Tournament opener in Austin, Texas

Free Press staff and wire reports
| Detroit Free Press

Michigan softball is headed to Austin, Texas, for the opening weekend of the 2025 NCAA Softball Tournament. The Wolverines (38-19), who won their second straight Big Ten Tournament on May 10, will open the NCAAs at 2 p.m. May 16 against UCF (ESPN2) in the regional hosted by overall 6-seed Texas.

UCF (33-22-1) finished seventh in the Big 12 before advancing to the conference quarterfinals. The Wolverines and the Knights have some recent NCAA history, with host UCF eliminating U-M in Orlando, Florida, in a 2022 regional final —the last game for the Wolverines under legendary coach Carol Hutchins.

The Longhorns (46-10), who finished third in the SEC and lost in the SEC tournament semifinals, will open against Ohio Valley Conference champion Eastern Illinois (34-20) at approximately 4:30 p.m. May 16.

The winners of those first-round games will play at 1 p.m. May 17 for a spot in the regional final at 1 p.m. May 18, while the losers will play 3:30 p.m. May 17 in an elimination game. The winner of that game faces the loser of May 17’s first game for the second spot in the regional final.

The winner of the Austin regional will face the winner of the Clemson regional (featuring Clemson, USC Upstate, Northwestern and Kentucky) the following weekend in a best-of-three series at the higher seed’s campus for a spot in the Women’s College World Series, which begins May 29 in Oklahoma City.

In their third season under coach Bonnie Stoll, the Wolverines are looking for their first Super Regional berth since 2016. That’s also the last time U-M advanced to the College World Series. Last season, in their first NCAA appearance under Stoll, U-M dropped its NCAA opener in Stillwater, Oklahoma, then won twice to advance to the regional final before losing to host Oklahoma State.

Michigan, making its 31st NCAA tourney appearance (all since 1992), has advanced to the WCWS 12 times in all, with a championship in 2005 and a runner-up finish in 2015.

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Austin, TX

One dead after crash in Central Austin

Published

1 day ago

May 11, 2025

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AUSTIN, Texas — One person is dead after a crash in Central Austin early Sunday morning.

Austin Travis County EMS responded to the scene on westbound Koenig Lane at Airport Boulevard.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene after medics attempted resuscitative efforts, according to ATCEMS.

Police said the intersection remains closed to all traffic as officers investigate the scene.

Drivers are advised to expect delays and plan alternate routes.

No additional details about the circumstances of the crash or the identity of the victim were immediately available.

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Austin, TX

Best Austin Salads – 15 Food Places For Good Greens!

Published

2 days ago

May 10, 2025

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Best Austin Salads

Quick & Casual Salad Spots

Restaurant Salads with a Gourmet Touch

Unique and Niche Salad Offerings

Austin is a vibrant city known for its eclectic food scene, and that includes a fantastic array of fresh and creative salads. Whether you’re a dedicated vegetarian, a health-conscious foodie, or simply looking for a light and delicious meal, you’ll find plenty of options to satisfy your cravings.

This guide will help you navigate the city’s leafy landscape and discover the best Austin salads, highlighting some of the top spots where you can enjoy a bowl of greens that’s both nutritious and flavorful. We’ll explore a variety of establishments, from fast-casual joints to upscale restaurants, ensuring you find the perfect salad to suit your taste and lifestyle.

Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out.

Best Austin Salads – Quick & Casual Salad Spots

Flower Child: Nature’s Wonder salad

Image Credit: Flower Child FB Page

This salad is a balanced and flavorful combination of healthy ingredients, offering a satisfying and refreshing meal. Flower Child is known for its commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients and its vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. It’s a great option for a quick, healthy lunch.

Ingredients: organic kale, quinoa, avocado, cucumber, broccoli pesto, toasted almonds, and lemon vinaigrette
Where: 500 W 2nd St Suite 133, Austin, TX 78701
Operating Hours: Daily 11 am – 9 pm

JuiceLand: The Green Goddess Bowl

While known for their smoothies, JuiceLand also offers excellent salad bowls. This bowl is very filling and full of great greens. It is also very refreshing.

Ingredient: kale, spinach, avocado, quinoa, cucumber, broccoli, green goddess dressing
Where: Multiple locations in Austin
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday 7 am – 9 pm | Sunday 8 am – 9 pm

Modern Market Eatery: Supergreen Goddess

best Austin salads - Modern Market Eatery

Image Credit: Modern Market Eatery FB Page

This salad is packed with nutrient-rich greens and a creamy, flavorful dressing. Modern Market Eatery is known for its focus on wholesome, scratch-made food, providing a healthy and convenient dining experience.

Ingredients: kale, spinach, quinoa, avocado, broccoli, cucumber, green goddess dressing
Where: 401 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday 10 am – 9 pm | Saturday – Sunday 11 am – 8 pm

Salad and Go: Caesar Salad

Salad and Go focuses on providing healthy, affordable, and quick salads. Their drive-thru model makes it exceptionally convenient.

Ingredients: Romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, croutons, and Caesar dressing, with optional protein additions
Where: 101 Deer Ridge Dr, Round Rock, TX 78681
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday 6:30 am – 9 pm | Saturday – Sunday 7 am – 9 pm

Sweetgreen: Harvest Bowl

This bowl is a hearty and satisfying option, combining seasonal ingredients with a delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors. Sweetgreen emphasizes sustainably sourced ingredients and offers a customizable menu, making it a reliable choice for a healthy and quick meal.

Ingredients: wild rice, kale, apples, sweet potatoes, goat cheese, roasted chicken, toasted almonds, balsamic vinaigrette
Where: 200 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday 10 am – 10 pm | Saturday – Sunday 10:30 am – 8 pm

Best Austin Salads – Restaurant Salads with a Gourmet Touch

Clark’s Oyster Bar: Lobster Salad

This luxurious salad is a decadent treat, featuring fresh lobster and a light, refreshing vinaigrette. Clark’s Oyster Bar is known for its high-quality seafood and elegant ambiance, making it a perfect spot for a special occasion.

Ingredient: lobster, avocado, tomatoes, greens, lemon vinaigrette
Where: 1200 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78703
Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday 11 am – 10 pm | Friday – Saturday 11 am – 11 pm

Josephine House: Little Gem Salad

Image Credit: Josephine House FB Page

This elegant salad is simple yet sophisticated, featuring fresh, high-quality ingredients and a creamy buttermilk dressing. Josephine House is known for its charming atmosphere and refined cuisine, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely lunch or dinner.

Ingredients: little gem lettuce, avocado, herbs, buttermilk dressing
Where: 1601 Waterston Ave, Austin, TX 78703
Operating Hours: Daily 9 am – 10 pm

Justine’s Brasserie: Salade Niçoise

A classic French salad, done exceptionally well. Justine’s Brasserie is known for its authentic French cuisine and romantic atmosphere, making it a perfect place for a memorable dinner.

Ingredient: tuna, haricot verts, potatoes, olives, eggs, anchovies
Where: 4710 E 5th St, Austin, TX 78702
Operating Hours: Tuesday CLOSED | Monday 6 pm – 11 pm | Wednesday – Sunday 6 pm – 2 am

True Food Kitchen: Seasonal Ingredient Salad

Image Credit: True Food Kitchen FB Page

True Food Kitchen focuses on anti-inflammatory ingredients and offers a rotating menu of seasonal salads that are both delicious and healthy. The restaurant’s commitment to quality and flavor makes it a top choice for a gourmet salad experience.

Ingredients: ingredients change seasonally, featuring fresh, vibrant produce
Where: 11410 Century Oaks Terrace Ste 100, Austin, TX 78758
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday 11 am – 9 pm | Friday 11 am – 10 pm | Saturday 10 am – 10 pm | Sunday 10 am – 9 pm

Uchi: Jar Jar Duck

Uchi is known for its innovative Japanese cuisine, and this salad is no exception. The combination of smoked duck, citrus, and nuts creates a unique and flavorful experience.

Ingredients: smoked duck breast, endive, orange, pistachio, yuzu vinaigrette
Where: 801 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday 4 pm – 10 pm | Friday – Saturday 4 pm – 11 pm

Best Austin Salads – Unique and Niche Salad Offerings

ATXFOODCO: Great Selection of Salads

Image Credit: ATX FOOD CO. FB Page

ATXFOODCO has a great selection of locally sourced seasonal salads. The menu changes, so there is always something new to try.

Ingredients: Their rotating seasonal salads
Where: 517 S Lamar Blvd LOT 1, Austin, TX 78704
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday 8 am – 8 pm | Saturday – Sunday 9 am – 5 pm

Blue Dahlia Bistro: Black Bean Salad

This bistro provides a European-style eating experience with fresh ingredients. They also provide options for people with dietary restrictions.

Ingredients: Avocado, tomato, cilantro, mango, and black beans
Where: 107 E Hopkins St, San Marcos, TX 78666
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday 9 am – 9 pm | Sunday 9 am – 3 pm

Bouldin Creek Cafe: The Big Salad

Bouldin Creek Cafe is a vegetarian and vegan-friendly spot that offers hearty and flavorful salads. “The Big Salad” is a filling and nutritious option that caters to plant-based eaters.

Ingredients: tempeh, avocado, mixed greens, veggies, tahini dressing
Where: 1900 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704
Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday 8 am – 10 pm | Friday – Saturday 8 am – 11 pm

Local Foods: The Market Salad

Image Credit: Local Foods FB Page

Local Foods focuses on sourcing ingredients from local farms and producers. Their Market Salad is a great way to enjoy the freshest seasonal produce.

Ingredients: changes seasonally, filled with fresh local ingredients
Where: 454 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday 10:45 am – 8 pm | Friday 10:45 am – 8:30 pm | Saturday 9 am – 8:30 pm | Sunday 9 am – 8 pm

Picnik Austin: Paleo Cobb

Picnik Austin caters to those with dietary restrictions, offering paleo-friendly and gluten-free options. The “Paleo Cobb” is a hearty and satisfying salad that’s perfect for those following a paleo diet.

Ingredients: chicken, bacon, avocado, eggs, greens, ranch dressing
Where: 4801 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78756
Operating Hours: Daily 9 am – 9 pm

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Lacey is a freelancer and Austin local who’s always on the hunt for new restaurants to try, fun activities to do, and local events to attend. She loves sharing her discoveries with others through her writing and hopes her work encourages both visitors and locals to be active in the community. When she’s not writing, you can find her exploring one of the city’s many hiking trails with her Blue Heeler, Oreo, getting lost in a good book, or dancing the night away to some house or techno beats at one of her favorite rave spots.