KATIE AUSTIN

May 20 2026POLITICS

Austin’s Big Plan Falls Short on Business Growth

Austin’s next big development plan, set to be approved soon, promises big changes for the city. But so far, it’s mostly just words. The city talks about improving life here, yet the main focus seems to be on parks, trails, and housing—not business. Sure, some projects like new trails and a medical r

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May 20 2026OPINION

Turning graffiti targets into neighborhood art

Austin has a quiet battle playing out on street corners where plain green utility boxes once stood. These dull metal boxes were easy pickings for overnight taggers, but the city decided to flip the script. Instead of fighting vandalism with more locks or fines, they turned nine boxes into canvases f

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May 18 2026CRIME

Teenage gunmen caught after Austin shooting spree

Austin police announced that two teenagers were taken into custody following a series of gunfire incidents over the weekend. The first suspect, 15 years old, was apprehended after taking a firearm from a local shop. The second, 17, had an existing warrant for stealing a gun from the same establishme

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May 08 2026LIFESTYLE

A different side of city life

Austin once felt like the perfect home—close to family, with easy friendships and a pug waiting nearby. The city offered free nature spots, cheap drinks, and live music almost every night. Rent was just $850 for a studio in 2016, making it affordable compared to bigger cities. But New York changed

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Apr 11 2026POLITICS

Local nurse puts health on Wayland’s agenda

Katie Stiff has stepped into the race for two open seats on Wayland’s Board of Health, giving voters a fresh face with hands-on experience. Though she moved to town only in 2020, she already sits on the board and works daily as a nurse practitioner at a major Boston hospital. Stiff’s path to public

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Apr 10 2026POLITICS

Austin’s Police Unions Push Back Against Accountability

Austin’s police unions have found a new way to shift blame away from officers accused of misconduct. When an officer injured a protester in 2020, the unions filed a legal motion arguing that poor training—not the officer—should take the fall. But here’s the catch: they’ve known about training issues

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Apr 02 2026SPORTS

A Cross‑Atlantic Fan: 31‑Year‑Old From Wolverhampton Makes Five Trips to Pittsburgh

Katie Stewart, a 31‑year‑old teacher from Wolverhampton, England, has turned yearly travel into a passion for Pittsburgh sports. Her first trip in 2022 began when she watched the Penguins win an NHL game that sparked a new love for the team. From that moment, she has visited every season except wint

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Mar 03 2026SPORTS

Swimmers, Sprinters and Champions Line Up for Madrid Awards

Katie Ledecky is one of the athletes who will be honored at the Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid on April 20. She earned her place by winning both the 800‑meter and 1500‑meter freestyle races at last August’s World Swimming Championships. In the 800‑meter event, she became the first swimmer to

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Feb 28 2026SPORTS

A Family on the Fairway: Austin and Jessica Smotherman

Austin Smotherman is a golfer who has spent a decade chasing his dream on smaller tours. He earned a spot on the PGA Tour, lost it, and then fought his way back through the Korn Ferry Tour. In 2025 he won two tournaments in three weeks and returned to the main circuit for 2026. Throughout this rolle

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Feb 10 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Austin’s Film Scene Turns 40: A New Look at the City’s Movie Magic

Austin has long been a magnet for filmmakers, and the city’s 40‑year journey in cinema is now being celebrated with a fresh visual tribute. The Austin Film Commission (AFC) teamed up with award‑winning actor Sonny Carl Davis, known for “The Whole Shootin’ Match” and “Buck Alamo, ” to create a promot

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