Sophie Leclerc

Austin is charging up its commitment to renewable energy with a new program by Austin Energy that's ready to flip the switch on how solar power is harvested and utilized in the city. The Solar Standard Offer program, which is set to hit the ground running in December, is designed to tap into the vast potential of rooftop spaces across Austin, leveraging the area's abundant sunshine. Property owners will now have the option to host solar panels or lease their rooftops to solar developers, with the energy generated being sold back to Austin Energy.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is intensifying its efforts to prevent drunk driving during this year's holiday season, with a stark reminder that the joy of festivities can be shattered in an instant by the choice to drive under the influence. A TxDOT survey revealed that the majority of individuals who admitted to driving while intoxicated stated they did so after leaving a friend’s home. Hence, as people swarm to stores for holiday provisions, TxDOT

As the sun sets along the Texas-Mexico border, another set of floating barriers slides into the murky waters of the Rio Grande. Governor Greg Abbott's office released a video showing the deployment of new buoys, a continuation of the state’s efforts to deter illegal crossings into Texas. According to a FOX7 Austin report, this installation is part of an ongoing operation that Texas has vowed to not back down from.

An 84-year-old Austin man has been charged with first-degree murder after confessing to the killing of his roommate and her dog, authorities reported. The Austin Police Department responded to a call on November 18 around 1:46 p.m. at 6922 Bryn Mawr Drive, where they found the victims deceased. The woman was later identified as 83-year-old Linda Mlsna, known fondly in her neighborhood as Ms. Jeane, who had lived in her East Austin home for approximately 25 years.

Hays County's Crisis Negotiation Team has elevated their approach to assisting individuals experiencing mental health crises. During a recent training exercise, they have for the first time collaborated with the local fire department to utilize a bucket truck. This new measure is designed to simulate real-life situations where individuals might be found in elevated positions, as reported by

The Austin Police Department is seeking assistance from the public in identifying a person of interest connected to a recent homicide on Rutland Drive. According to a news release published by the APD, the individual is described as a Hispanic male in his late 20s to early 30s, weighing approximately 240 to 260 pounds, and standing between 5'8" and 5'10" tall. The man has long, dark hair along with a mustache and goatee. Police urge anyone with information to come forward and provide tips, which can be done anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program.

On Thursday, the City Council of Austin cast an affirmative vote for progress and inclusivity by adopting the Equity-Based Preservation Plan, a new initiative aimed at preserving the city's historic buildings with a keen eye toward cultural heritage and diversity. This plan represents the city's first overhaul of its preservation strategy in over four decades, aligning historic conservation with the principles of equity, inclusiveness, and sustainability.

The City of Austin Economic Development Department is gearing up for Small Business Saturday, extending an invitation to the community to show support for local entrepreneurs on November 30. As noted in an official announcement, the day promises to spotlight the importance of small businesses in fueling Austin's economy and creating a more resilient community.

A recent escalation in the case against a Kyle man has emerged following a string of alleged violent acts within a domestic setting. According to FOX 7 Austin, John Albiter, aged 25, was apprehended on new charges that include sexual assault of a child, providing alcohol to a minor, and an additional count of burglary. These charges are reportedly connected to an incident that transpired on November 7th.