Fire at SE Austin construction site determined to be intentionally set
AUSTIN, Texas — Investigators have determined that a fire at a three-story apartment building under construction in southeast Austin was intentionally set, the fire department said Tuesday. Austin Fire Department investigators made the determination after conducting a thorough scene examination and interviews. The...
Calls for external audits grow as Austin Energy fraud case shakes trust in city...
AUSTIN, Texas — A former Austin Energy employee, Mark Ybarra, is accused of fraudulently spending nearly $1 million using a city-issued credit card, according to a report from the city's auditor's office. The report claims Ybarra used the card over a six-year period to make transactions with "fictitious businesses,"...
Austin daycare extends closure to Jan. 30 after parents’ complaints over short notice
AUSTIN, Texas — An Austin daycare center has extended its closure timeline to Jan. 30 following complaints from parents who said they received little notice before the holidays. LifeFamily Learning Center, located at at 1504 E. 51st St. in the Mueller neighborhood, announced in early December it would close...
Driver arrested after allegedly passing Austin ISD school bus illegally
AUSTIN, Texas — Austin Independent School District officials will hold a news conference Thursday to provide more information regarding the arrest of a driver who allegedly passed a school bus while students were getting off, nearly striking a child. The incident occurred Oct. 8 at approximately 4:35 p.m. as...
Austin Home Worth $700K Could Be Yours for Ten Bucks
A $700K East Austin home is being raffled for just $10, with proceeds helping Texas food banks. The drawing happens in May 2026, offering Texans a rare affordable housing opportunity.
The Enormous Outlet Mall In Texas That’ll Make You Rethink What $45 Can Buy
Ever had that moment when you’re holding something fabulous in your hands, look at the price tag, and nearly faint from joy instead of sticker shock?. That’s the everyday magic happening at San Marcos Premium Outlets, where your wallet stretches further than you thought possible in this charming Central Texas town.
Austin Energy employee defrauded the utility of nearly $1 million, audit says
Auditors say an Austin Energy employee defrauded the city-owned utility of nearly $1 million over six years. According to an investigation out this week, Mark Ybarra falsified credit card payments to contractors and pocketed $980,000 between 2017 and 2023. Ybarra resigned that year and was indicted on a first-degree...
Check out 9 North Austin restaurant and business openings, updates
Prototype Vintage, found off South Congress Avenue and new location on North Loop Boulevard, is co-owned by local best friends Audrie San Miguel (left) and Emily Larson (right). The shop was founded in Austin 20 years ago, in 2005. (Courtesy Daniel Cavazos) Stay up to date with the latest North...
IShowSpeed hit with lawsuit over alleged attack on viral Rizzbot
The collision between viral livestream culture and real-world liability has rarely been as literal as the lawsuit now facing IShowSpeed. The creator, whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr, is accused of physically damaging the AI-powered Rizzbot during a streamed event in Austin, turning what was meant to be...
Austin honors Black-led groups after yearlong training to tackle homelessness crisis
AUSTIN, Texas — Austin city leaders recognized nine Black-led grassroots organizations on Tuesday after the groups completed a yearlong training initiative designed to strengthen their work serving people experiencing homelessness. Mayor Kirk Watson called homelessness a true humanitarian crisis in the city of...
