BEA-based data and a Houston Chronicle analysis show Austin residents had about $9,000 more purchasing power than Houston residents in 2024, driven by higher average incomes. Housing still costs more in Austin, but paychecks there stretch farther overall.

Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Travis Hill was arrested after a Texas Rangers‑led probe and faces charges including compelling prostitution and sexual assault.

Farmers and neighbors from Lockhart to rural counties are organizing against a flood of AI data‑center projects, citing water, noise and grid worries. The fights are reshaping local politics and county meetings.

One person was shot near the TownLake YMCA Saturday morning in downtown Austin. Police say the scene is secured and investigators are working the case.

Brandywine sold downtown Austin’s 405 Colorado tower for $151 million. The largely leased 206K-sq.-ft. building shows continued investor appetite for stabilized office assets.

A hit-and-run on West 35th left a bicyclist dead; police say the suspect car is a blue Honda Civic and are asking witnesses to come forward.

A brush fire at an abandoned building on Moore Road prompted a brush alarm and multi‑agency response; crews contained flames while investigators probe the cause.

A Rocket Mortgage analysis finds Austin first‑time buyers would need roughly 21 years to save a typical down payment under a 5%‑savings assumption. Local assistance and loan options can shorten that runway for eligible households.

Tao, a Sichuan-focused Chinese restaurant, quietly opened in late March at 9033 Research Blvd., offering Chongqing spicy chicken, black pepper beef and housemade dumplings.

A Williamson County Organized Crime Unit raid at Bexley at Lakeline recovered more than 50 pounds of marijuana, thousands of pills, dozens of guns and nearly $45,000. Three people were arrested and two were later released on bond.

Austin hits the low 100s Thursday with heat-index readings over 105°F. Scattered storms could bring brief relief Friday.

Teddy's on West 38th has closed after less than two years, leaving its Rosedale storefront dark. The owners behind Bill's Oyster opened the Southwestern spot in late 2024.

An adult pedestrian was killed Tuesday evening on the East Ben White Boulevard frontage road in South Austin. Officials say medics pronounced the person dead at the scene and investigators closed the area.