Texas lawmakers look again at limits on certain foreign land purchases "While some lawmakers have argued that it's discriminatory to ban people and entities associated with China, Russia, Iran and North Korea from purchasing property in Texas, others are clamoring for a renewed push in the next legislative session to prevent such ownership by 'hostile' nations.” (Hogan Gore, Austin American-Statesman)

Fifth and Trinity Hotel Project Could Be Downtown Austin’s Next Groundbreaking "The 13-story hotel planned as part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection brand by local hospitality firm White Lodging could kick off demolition and construction at the southwest corner of East Fifth and Trinity Streets in downtown Austin before the end of the year.” (James Rambin, Towers)

CapMetro stops shift to all-electric bus fleet "Capital Metro is slamming the brakes on an ambitious goal of transitioning to an all-electric bus fleet, citing problems with the range of battery-electric buses.” (Nathan Bernier, KUT 90.5)

City-Contracted Toxic Algae Mitigation Tactic Has Seen “Mixed” Results “[T]he city said in May that 'the results of the pilot program over the past three years have been mixed.' There is a consistent reduction in algae after each application in June, but July and August applications 'appear to hold the line without achieving any further reduction of the algae.’” (Lina Fischer, Austin Chronicle)

City of Kyle purchases multiple downtown properties for $4.45M "The property acquisitions will be paid for through the city's Capital Improvement Project budget. Money had been transferred to the CIP budget over time from the general fund to use towards making improvements downtown. ” (Amira Van Leeuwen, Community Impact)

Council OKs bond money to preserve Museum of Human Achievement arts space "City Council has allocated $5.1 million of bond money to the Rally Austin economic development entity, which is expected to use some of the money to purchase and preserve the Museum of Human Achievement (MoHA) arts space in East Austin.” (Chad Swiatecki, Austin Monitor)