Homelessness

The idea was simple. Take existing hotel rooms and turn them into apartments. It would be quick and cheap, elected officials said. However, opening Pecan Gardens was anything but.

Most of Austin's cooling centers close around 6 or 8 p.m., when the heat is often still in the triple digits. High temperatures and heavy humidity can also persist overnight.

About $4 million will fund one-time initiatives that address child care, public safety and homelessness rather than going into the city's savings account.

Justices ruled in favor of an Oregon city with similar laws to those in Texas.

Broadnax said he is focused on public safety, homelessness, and building a balanced budget in his first 100 days.

Lower courts ruled it's "cruel and unusual" to fine or jail people on public land if no shelter is available. An Oregon city says that's hamstrung efforts to keep public spaces safe and open to all.

But City Council members expressed concern about spending $500,000 more on an approach that doesn't get people into more permanent housing.

The rapid rehousing program is supposed to provide up to 24 months of rental assistance and support services for people experiencing homelessness. But many people in the program say they need more time.

One parcel of land is all that's left of the more than 150-year legacy of the St. John Regular Baptist District Association. A $6 million project hopes to renew the mission that's been a cornerstone of the church since 1867.

The city had agreed to partner with consulting giant McKinsey and Co. to conduct a review of the programs and money going toward homelessness services across several partners that serve the population.