AUSTIN RIVERS

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 27 2026ENVIRONMENT

Can underwater plants warn us about hidden chemicals in rivers?

Rivers hide more than just fish and rocks. They also carry invisible chemicals from everyday products. One group, called PFAS, sticks around for years and mixes into water systems. Scientists recently tested a common underwater plant, Potamogeton crispus, to see if it could act like a warning sign f

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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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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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Jan 09 2026HEALTH

Speeding Up Health Checks: New Tech Comes to Illinois

Riverside Healthcare is bringing in fresh imaging tech to Illinois. This move aims to make health checks quicker and easier for patients. The new tech is part of a team-up with CIVIE, a company that helps run radiology services. This isn't just about new machines. It's about making the whole proces

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Dec 27 2025SPORTS

Lakers' Key Player Sidelined: What This Means for the Team

Austin Reaves, a standout guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, is facing a setback this season. He's been dealing with a strained calf muscle and will be out of action for at least four weeks. This news came out on a recent Friday, and doctors will check on his progress later in January. Reaves has be

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Dec 17 2025LIFESTYLE

Recognizing Austin's Unsung Heroes: Why You Should Nominate Someone Today

Austin is a city that thrives on the efforts of its people. But do we always take the time to recognize those who go above and beyond? The Pillars of the City program aims to do just that. With the nomination deadline approaching, it's time to think about who in your life has made a significant impa

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Dec 16 2025ENTERTAINMENT

A Wild Ride: Austin Butler's Caught Stealing on Netflix

Austin Butler's latest film, "Caught Stealing, " is a wild ride that's worth checking out on Netflix. The movie follows Hank Thompson, a guy who gets caught up in a criminal mess after babysitting his neighbor's cat. It's not your typical heist movie, but it's packed with action and a star-studded c

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Nov 25 2025HEALTH

Kankakee's Riverside Medical Center Expands Mental Health Care

Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee is investing $28 million to revamp its behavioral health department. This two-year project aims to modernize and expand the facility, which currently serves around 60 patients. The hospital plans to keep the department running during construction. Funding for th

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