Body camera video of a January APD-involved shooting death is to be made public today. Governor Greg Abbott pledges to sign "Constitutional Carry" legislation into law should it make his desk. Another bill targeting transgender youth in Texas appears likely to clear the Senate this week. The last day of early voting in the current municipal election sees a major turnout spike. Austin Public Health's Dr. Mark Escott reminds Austinites that masks are still important in spite of newly relaxed CDC guidelines for the vaccinated, while the city's vaccination clinic at Delco starts a regular five-day-per-week schedule, and many Austin twenty-somethings are dawdling on getting their shots. The Austin Ice Bats announce a return to Austin ice (Cedar Park ice, technically). The Wall Street Journal finds our local real estate market the best in the country - except for Coeue d'Alene, Idaho? The annual Quesoff queso showdown returns after a year off to the Mohawk. And, get ready for a stormy Wednesday night in Central Texas.

The release of new U.S. Census data results in a gain of two seats for Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives - the biggest gain for any state in the nation. Death row inmate Rodney Reed's appeal hearing is rescheduled for July. Travis and Williamson Counties continue widening their distribution of vaccine opportunities, scaling back mass-vax projects in favor of clinics and pharmacies. A Lake Travis marina owner is charged with dumping raw sewage into the lake, a major drinking water source for the area. Alamo Drafthouse's bankruptcy auction is cancelled due to lack of bidders. Via 313 Pizza plans a major expansion, including its first outside of Texas. Two new hotels in Austin make Travel + Leisure's list of the best new hotels in the world. Apple's new north Austin campus nears completion, while speculation that another Elon Musk-owned high tech concern will soon expand to our city. And, today's the last day of early voting on those eight propositions, including Prop B on Austin's local camping laws.

An allegation of a date-rape drugging of a Texas State Capitol staffer by a lobbyist has led to outrage and investigations. U.S. Rep Lloyd Doggett (D-35) leads an effort to persuade Governor Greg Abbott to release federal funds granted weeks back to support school districts and students statewide, which have been withheld by State officials. Williamson County officials and homeowners protest the purchase of a hotel in their county by the City of Austin for the purpose of housing homeless people. The NB IH-35 to NB 183 flyover closes for construction for the next four months. Austin blues guitar hero Denny Freeman has died at 76. Austin FC gets their first ever franchise win - and goal - in a victory over the Colorado Rapids. Jorbin West and Michelle Murray win their divisions in the return of the Austin Half Marathon. The annual Barks For Beers fundraiser for Divine Canines returns after a year off for the pandemic. U.S. Census Bureau data examines the political impact of large numbers of young newcomers upon cities like Austin. And, we could be in for the wettest week of the year so far.

Earth Day 2021 sees celebrations of nature and environmental protection around the city, and a new report on Texas' explosive growth in solar energy capacity - unfortunately, it also sees the beginning of a major effort to clear vegetation killed in the February winter freeze, including as many as 90% of Austin's palm trees. A new federal lawsuit accuses former Williamson County Sheriff Robert Chody of running his department "like a state-sanctioned gang", complete with rewards for violent arrests. A compromise over "The Eyes Of Texas" leads to further division amongst UT's music and marching band programs. The Downtown Austin Alliance issues findings on the impact of and recovery from the year of pandemic. And, a Round Rock High junior scores a perfect 1600 on the SAT - nice work sir! 

The conviction of Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd could have significant local implications. Vaccines keep getting easier to find, with Austin Public Health extending registration hours to almost 24/7 and offering two walk-up vaccination opportunities in East Austin tomorrow and Friday - Williamson County is also soon to shut down its mass-vaccination centers. 4/20 yesterday saw a push at the Capitol for House legislation for legalization of marijuana, the release of a documentary on the pot industry helmed by a Texas State Senator, and the news that there were no possession arrests in Austin in the last quarter of 2020. The first day of early voting in the current local election saw the most voter turnout since 2013. The Mohawk announces its return to live shows this summer. La Barbecue is fixin' to move. And a survey by Blind finds Austin the most vibrant city in the country for tech professionals.

The victims of Sunday's triple murder in north Austin are identified, and the Elgin community is shaken to its core. Good pandemic news on vaccine availability and the continued push towards herd immunity - not so good news as Texas A&M identifies an anti-body resistant variant. The Texas Competes business coalition warns lawmakers at the Capitol against new laws targeting LGBTQ Texans, while Lt. Governor Dan Patrick doubts the necessary votes for "Constitutional carry" are there in the Senate - yet. A new taco option is coming to the East 6th Street bar district. Austin FC's official watch party for Saturday's match is planned at 310 ACL Live. Texas Longhorns volleyball makes the Final Four. The Austin Symphony sets the schedule for its return to live performances this fall. Austin celebrates 4/20 - and while the lights should stay on this time, it's gonna get cold tonight.

BREAKING: Law enforcement has captured fugitive Stephen Nicholas Broderick, who is suspected of killing three people in the Arboretum area yesterday. Early voting begins in a local election on eight city policy propositions, including a possible reinstatement of Austin's public camping ban. Austin FC makes its official MLS debut, marking the dawn of a new era in Austin sports. Matthew McConaughey polls way ahead of sitting Governor Greg Abbott in a potential challenge for Texas' highest elected office. Recent ATX transplant Elon Musk and SpaceX score a huge contract with NASA to ferry American astronauts to the moon. And, SXSW sells half of itself to raise capital to survive to a hopefully-live festival in 2022.

Local and federal law enforcement agencies continue their search for fugitive Stephen Nicholas Broderick, who is suspected of killing three people in the Arboretum area yesterday. Early voting begins in a local election on eight city policy propositions, including a possible reinstatement of Austin's public camping ban. Austin FC makes its official MLS debut, marking the dawn of a new era in Austin sports. Matthew McConaughey polls way ahead of sitting Governor Greg Abbott in a potential challenge for Texas' highest elected office. Recent ATX transplant Elon Musk and SpaceX score a huge contract with NASA to ferry American astronauts to the moon. And, SXSW sells half of itself to raise capital to survive to a hopefully-live festival in 2022. 

As the post-pandemic boom starts booming, the clearest sign of recovery in Austin is our insane real-estate market, which heavily favors sellers right now. At the Texas Legislature, progress for bills concerning the open carrying of firearms, abortion restrictions, law enforcement partnerships with reality TV productions, and the option for the owners of ritzy Lake Austin shoreline properties to escape Austin property taxes by seceding from the city. Demand falls for vaccination appointments, leading to a likely restructuring of the scheduling and distribution process, while Austin musicians have a special opportunity for a shot at Emo's. And Austin history is to be made this weekend, with the very first MLS match for Austin FC - let's go!