Podcasts about Project Connect

Austin Transit Partnership officials are citing pending legislation & lawsuits as some reasons construction on Project Connect hasn't started yet, a large rally against school choice was held at the Capitol building over the weekend and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy made a trip to Texas to speak with families who have lost loved ones recently to measles. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us a textEuropa könnte bald Geschichte schreiben – allerdings nicht zur Freude aller: Die EU-Luftfahrtbehörde EASA prüft, ob Airlines Langstreckenflüge mit nur einem Piloten im Cockpit durchführen dürfen. Schon ab 2030 könnten entsprechende Regelungen in Kraft treten.

As the days on the Texas Legislative calendar tick away, lawmakers' pace of work is speeding up — and they're still keeping at least one eye on Austin. While the bill to turn Austin into the “District of Austin” probably won't go far, one that would ban all consumable hemp products in the state has already passed the Texas Senate. Other legislation targets Project Connect, short-term rentals, and strangely enough, “furries,” or dressing up like animals, in Texas schools. Host Nikki DaVaughn checks in with KUT's Blaise Gainey for a legislative update.  Learn more about the sponsors of this March 24th episode: Tecovas Visit Port Aransas Zach Theatre Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

A new report shows that Austin carries a significant amount of debt out of all of the major cities in Texas, a state lawmaker's latest legislation could put a halt to Project Connect and a homeless camp in southeast Austin has nearby neighbors wanting answers from the Homeless Strategy Office.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

San Marcos City Councilman Mark Gleason talks about the new tool the city is using to crack down on habitual parking offenders, Texas State Rep. Ellen Troxclair discusses her newly proposed legislation regarding Project Connect and the Austin City Council has delayed a vote on funding cap & stitch, blaming the Trump administration.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The next Project Connect in Branch County is January 30, 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The episode explores Austin's Project Connect, a light rail initiative designed to improve transportation and connectivity throughout the city. With the 16,000-page draft environmental impact study released, we provide a detailed overview of station highlights and their potential impact.• Station breakdown starting from Yellow Jacket Station • Key features of connectivity and sustainability • Community concerns regarding station locations • Discussion on the downtown development implications • The role of UT stations in serving a large student population • Encouragement for ongoing dialogue among stakeholdersSend us a textSupport the show

This episode continues our overview of Project Connect's 16,000-page environmental impact study.  We focus on station placements, expected ridership, and potential displacement of local businesses. We raise key concerns about community impact while highlighting the significance of improved public transportation for Austin's future. • Overview of Project Connect Draft EIS and light rail system • Discussion of north and south rail line routes and stations • Environmental impacts and displacement considerations • Impact on local businesses• Expected ridership numbers and travel time improvements • Political implications and potential threats to funding Send us a textSupport the show

Ascension Seton nurses went on strike demanding more staff be hired, the Austin Transit Partnership will start holding open house meetings to engage with the community about Project Connect and multiple Texas Health & Human Services employees have been fired after illegally accessing others' personal data.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight's the first night that Sixth Street will be open to traffic as part of the city's plan to improve public safety downtown, some Austin City Council members are concerned about state representatives trying to block Project Connect and the newly negotiated ceasefire deal has been delayed by Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unlock the secrets of urban transformation with Cutter Gonzalez, a communication strategist from the Welcoming Neighbors Network. Discover the intricate dance between housing policies and public transit systems as we dissect the "housing theory of everything," showcasing how cities like Austin are setting the stage for reduced rents and denser living environments in anticipation of projects like Project Connect. We'll explore the symbiotic exchange of urban strategies between Austin and Boston, emphasizing a shift towards integrated planning that creates communities where culture, accessibility, and innovation thrive.Send us a textSupport the show

1/7/25: 11 GTMO detainees transferred – 15 left in detention. Atty John Pucci on remaining trump cases. Prof Michael Klare looks ahead to Trump, wars & autocrats: Gaza, Ukraine, Yemen, Syria, So Korea, & Sudan. Sen Paul Mark: preparing for Trump, legislative priorities, & transparency. Project Connect Chief Jessica Gifford on loneliness, disconnect, and how they are solvable problems.

This episode highlights the top 10 public transportation projects set to launch in 2025, showcasing significant innovations across the United States that promise improved connectivity and efficiency. From modernization initiatives in Chicago and Boston to exciting new lines in Dallas and LA, these projects aim to enhance the commuting experience for all.  • Chicago's Red and Purple Line modernization for reliability and accessibility • Boston MBTA's elimination of slow zones for increased capacity and speed • MTA congestion pricing set to address traffic and fund transit • Amtrak's revival of New Orleans to Mobile rail service post-Katrina • Dallas Silver Line completion enhances suburban connectivity • Austin's rapid bus lines are part of the broader Project Connect initiative • LA's metro extensions driven by Olympic preparations and strategic planning • Honolulu's Skyway Phase Two raises questions about effective transit design • Kansas City's streetcar extensions aim to revive historic transit forms • Phoenix Light Rail expansion demonstrates successful proactive planningSend us a textSupport the show

Thank you all for joining us on this incredible journey—50 episodes of Transit Tangents! In this special milestone episode, we're revisiting some of our most compelling discussions and providing updates on each topic. From MTA's congestion pricing plans to the impact of the new U.S. Presidential administration and the progress of Austin's Project Connect, we've got you covered. Stay tuned as we bring you the latest insights and developments across the transit world!Send us a textSupport the show

Bill McCamley, Executive Director of Transit Forward joins Transit Tangents to shed light on the critical role of community engagement and the collaborative efforts needed to keep ambitious projects, like Project Connect, on track. In this episode, we focus heavily on Austin but the experiences and lessons learned will be all too familiar to your city as well. Send us a textSupport the show

What does it take to transform decades of car-centric planning? Join us as we delve into the pivotal rail votes that have shaped Austin's transit landscape. From the setback of the 2000 rail initiative to the resounding success of the 2020 Project Connect plan, which garnered nearly 60% of voter approval. Project Connect presents a comprehensive vision featuring light rail lines, bus rapid transit routes, a commuter rail, and an "Uber-like" pickup service. This ambitious plan is poised to redefine Austin as a true transit city.Send us a textSupport the show

Welcome to BG Podcast Episode 256! On this episode the Bingham Group CEO A.J. Bingham and Associate Hannah Garcia wrap up the week of June 10, 2024 in Austin politics, and discuss the week ahead. Highlights include:

We interview Carmen Llanes, an Austin mayoral candidate, GAVA community organizer, and activist. We ask her about all things transit in Austin including I-35 expansion and Project Connect. #1 Additional (For the non-Austinites): We PROMISE episodes are coming that are NOT focused on Austin. Stay Tuned!#2 Additional (For the Austinites): Due to time constraints, we did not go as in-depth on Project Connect. You can see Carmen's full position here:Carmen: "As I mentioned in our conversation, I think Project Connect in its original planned form is much closer to the vision of transit that Austin deserves than what we have been given the ability to fund and build in the taxation mechanism and reduced plan for implementation as most recently presented. The entire city is paying for Project Connect but the benefits are all slated for the central city, where we don't see a majority of our pressure to commute, and that's an unfortunate pattern in Austin's inequitable approach to financing its infrastructure. Now, without a direct route to the airport or a downtown plan that doesn't make crosstown traffic compete with the rail line, I think there is growing discontent from voters who supported something different from what we are now getting. There are a lot of questions now arising, and with the legal challenges, I fear that the whole plan's funding mechanism is at risk. As far as the impacts, I know too many people who were displaced by the sharp increase in taxes over the last five years, to places with even fewer transit options. Those increases coincided with a massive inflation in Austin's land values and a pandemic that disproportionately devastated communities also impacted by gentrification and economic displacement. Furthermore, most of these areas were already going to have to wait 10-20 years for any rail to come near them, and now those plans seem completely economically unfeasible. That said, all hope is not lost! We still deserve rapid transit and we still have a tax base and a population that widely supports that investment! We'll have to see what happens to the ATP. For now, they are required to invest a lot of this money into light rail which does place some limitations on what we might do with bus-rapid transit or other new infrastructure (autonomous vehicles, etc), but it also allows us, in the near future, to alleviate the need for buses along those specific areas and re-route those buses to crosstown and circulation routes that improve our ridership. If the funding mechanism is stopped in the courts, then we need to refashion this as quickly as possible to re-route the investment in true transit solutions. This cannot and will not be the end of Project Connect.I also believe it's critical that we plan for more equitable prices and rates. Currently, riding the rail costs triple what riding the bus does and we can't go in with inequitable rates. We need to make this transit truly accessible so that it gets used. I think we could already start some free bus fares and routes and marketing of these things to get ridership up. I hear so many long-time Austinites say, "Bring back the Dillos!" which is debated by some, but it's a conversation we need to have! Our future of transit requires more participation and more conversation with those who know our transit system best. I know I'm still on a learning curve. "You can learn more about Carmen's campaign here: www.carmen4mayor.com

In this quick NAWL Podcast episode, NAWL Board Member, Lindsay Carlson, speaks with Congresswoman Sara Jacobs who represents California's 51st Congressional District. Lindsay and Rep. Jacobs discuss the impact of Jacobs' perspective as a millennial Congresswoman, her focus on affordable housing and reproductive rights, and her advice to any woman considering running for Congress. ***Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (she/her) is in her second term in Congress and proudly serves California's 51st Congressional District, which includes much of the City of San Diego, and all of the Cities of El Cajon, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, and the unincorporated communities of Spring Valley and La Presa.Congresswoman Jacobs is a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, where she serves as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Africa. She is also a member of the House Armed Services Committee and sits on the Committee's Quality of Life Panel. In the House Democratic Caucus, she serves as the Caucus Leadership Representative, representing the Democratic Members who have served five terms or less at the Democratic House leadership table. At 35 years old, she is the youngest member of Democratic House leadership.Congresswoman Jacobs also serves as Founding Co-Chair of the Protection of Civilians in Conflict (POCC) Caucus; Vice Chair of the New Democrat Coalition's Artificial Intelligence (AI) Working Group; and Vice Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus, where she is Co-Chair of the Transgender Equality Task Force.Prior to serving in elected office, Congresswoman Jacobs spent years working to address, minimize, and prevent conflict, instability, and inequality around the world. She worked in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations at the United Nations; in the Innovation Unit at UNICEF; in the Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations at the U.S. Department of State; and as a foreign policy advisor to Secretary Hillary Clinton during the 2016 presidential campaign.Congresswoman Jacobs also served as the Founding CEO of Project Connect, a nonprofit dedicated to mapping schools and their Internet connectivity around the world, which has since become one of UNICEF's flagship programs. She served as a Scholar in Residence at the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies at the University of San Diego, and in 2018, she founded San Diego for Every Child, a coalition dedicated to ending child poverty in San Diego County.A third-generation San Diegan, Congresswoman Jacobs graduated from Torrey Pines High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a Master of International Affairs degree in International Security Policy and Conflict Resolution from Columbia University.

Mark Nemir is the owner of Dirty Martin's, a hamburger joint near UT campus, and Bill Aleshire is a local attorney representing Mark and four other plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the City of Austin. Their lawsuit regards the City's Project Connect plans, how it was sold to the public, what it has become, and how it is being paid for. https://www.savedirtys.com/ https://twitter.com/AleshireLaw

Monologue:What are you Thankful for?Happy Thanksgiving-Not "Friendsgiving"Black Out Wednesday #blackoutwednesdayBest Airports for Travel this ThanksgivingGuest:Over the years Martin Garza has been plugged into a number of charities and served in a variety of capacities to give back to the great town of Dripping Springs. He visited with us about the impact being made by Project Connect through it's current project of Tiger Santa. Steve Mallett and Michelle Lewis meet the most interesting people, and discover the places and events that make Dripping Springs, Texas, a Hill Country oasis. Learn why every year, hundreds of people move to this small town just outside of Austin. Every episode features a local resident who's talent and past will make you want to know more about what draws so many unique people to this historical town. From ranchers to engineers, cowboys to entrepreneurs, bankers to bull riders. Join us every week for a new episode, where curiosity meets cutting-edge storytelling, and be inspired by the fascinating tales that make Dripping Springs, Texas, a beacon for the bold and the adventurous.Support the showThis show is brought to you by the Real Estate Pro's at The Mallett Integrity Team. Look them up when you are buying or selling real estate in the Dripping Springs or Austin area. Real Estate Done Right! Call them at 512-627-7018.This show is sponsored by the Lending Pros at Capital Farm Credit. Lending in Texas for over 100 years they can help you buy your dream ranch, ranchette or provide interim financing for construction for your land improvements. Call them at 512-892-4425.We are sponsored by M. Elliott Design. Tailored experience. Design as an investment. They can help you design for renovations, new construction or with the right furniture; each item is selected, tailored, and procured. Call Montana at 512-781-0224.Thanks for listening! Please follow us & leave a review. Apple PodcastsMallett and Michelle on InstagramOur Website - Sign up for latest updates. We love your feedback & comments. Email: mallettandmichelle@gmail.com

Do you ever catch yourself wondering about the strategies and decisions behind every winning football team? Prepare to be amazed as we lift the curtain and let you in on the gritty details of Texas A&M's bold move to terminate Jimbo Fisher, despite becoming bowl eligible. As jarring as this news is, Stevie Lee and I take you through the journey, breaking down the implications of this $76 million buyout. We question if this measure is the key to unlocking the Aggies' full potential. The football talk doesn't stop there! Picture this, a 'splash hire' to replace Jimbo Fisher - but is that a wise move? Join us as we dig into the hiring strategies of Aggie football, the potential impact of the NCAA investigation into Jim Harbaugh, and the viability of Kliff Kingsbury as a future team option. We also weigh in on the Big 12 standings, and the high stakes involved in the upcoming Texas vs. Iowa State game. As we conclude this episode, we take you back in time to Austin's good old days and the significance of institutions like Dirty's. We also touch upon the recent Project Connect lawsuit and the rapid changes in our beloved town. Of course, we can't leave without discussing the Dallas Cowboys' impressive 12th consecutive win against the New York Giants, and Cee Dee Lamb's exceptional performance that's got everyone talking. So, whether you're a football enthusiast or a lover of Austin's old charm, this episode has got something for you. Get ready for an engaging conversation filled with football, nostalgia, and gratitude!Support the showPlease like and follow each of Stories Inside the Man Cave Podcast social media links on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and Tik Tok.

This show is brought to you by SmartCookie Media where we provide end-to-end podcast production and VIP Day marketing services. Book a complimentary content session and ask for our free podcast checklist here. Did you know it only takes three seconds for someone to decide if they want to work with you? What does your last headshot say about you? After leaving her home in Ukraine to move to the United States, Masha built a successful wedding photography business that all started in her garage. But after photographing a client who beat stage four leukemia, Masha knew she wanted to bring more meaning to her life's work. Masha Ray is a branding and portrait photographer out of Tampa, Florida — she's also a SmartCookie VIP client. She comes from a family of artists and now helps entrepreneurs ditch the boring headshots for ones that help them stand out among the crowd.   Get Weekly Tools to Build Your Business (for free!): The Entrepreneur's Toolkit Connect with Nicole: Nicole Schmied Linkedin; @Nicole Schmied; nicole@smartcookiemedia.co Get Your Data-Driven Marketing Strategy: SmartCookie Media Start Your Podcast Journey: End-to-End Podcast Production Visit: Masha Ray Portrait Photography Visit: 40 Over 40 Project Connect with Masha on Instagram: Masha Ray Have a story to tell? Signup here: www.serialentrepreneurshow.com

Place kicking legend, Phil Dawson is busy post-retirement from football. Busy rebuilding a high school football program in Austin, Texas.This feature story is brought to you by: Honest Air Conditioning & Plumbing "Where a handshake still means something"and Dirty Martin's Kum-Bak Hamburgers in Austin (Sign the petition to say "NO" to Project Connect).Phil Dawson  retired from the NFL in 2019 after 21 seasons.Prior to that he set 13 Texas Longhorn kicking records and was an All-American.Before that he played multiple positions for Lake Highlands High School in the DFW area.In 2020, he fulfilled a dream to coach high school as an assistant for Lipscomb Academy in Tennessee.Get 20% OFF @manscaped + Free Shipping with promo code MANCAVE20 at http://MANSCAPED.com #ad #manscapedpodTwo years later, Dawson accepted the head coaching opportunity at  Hyde Park Football His first season produced 8 wins.He accomplished that with his oldest son, Dru on his coaching staff.The same Dru who was the quarterback for Vandegrift Football Dru's little brother, Beau played for dad while at Lipscomb after transferring from Vandegrift.Their dad is literally rebuilding the program's infrastructure and facilities. The Hyde Park community is supporitive of Dawson and his vision, constructing a new field house and weight room facility.The goal for Dawson is to firmly establish Hype Park as a private school option for student-athletes to transfer to from local and state powers like Westlake, Lake Travis, and Vandegrift.As for Dru, working with his dad is making up for time they weren't able to spend together in the fall when dad was a kicker in the National Football League.Be sure to like/follow our social media platforms: Instagram, Tik Tok, Twitter, Facebook, YoSupport the showPlease like and follow each of Stories Inside the Man Cave Podcast social media links on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and Tik Tok.

Our conversation today with Jennifer Hall, Sr Director of Community Investment with United Way Northern Shenandoah Valley was a refresher for their upcoming Project Connect resource fair. She explained what the event is, how it works, and why it's an important part of their mission to serve the ALICE (Asset Limited Income Contrained Employed) population. They currently have a need for volunteer guides - especially those who are bilingual - and explained the positive impact you will experience. Project Connect is a project of United Way NSV and Valley Assistance Network that strengthens and utilizes collaborations with agencies, businesses, organizations, and the community to provide comprehensive services through an in-person resource fair event for those who are at risk of becoming homeless, are currently experiencing homelessness, or are living on the cusp of making it or not. The goal for the event, and its high level of volunteer involvement, is to eliminate some of the barriers people experience as they seek to access the very services that might help them start the return journey to stable lives. The Project Connect model is unique because participants are paired 1-on-1 with volunteers who guide them to areas to receive services. Each client is paired with an individual, so clients receive one-on-one attention. Being a Guide is an amazing opportunity to get to know someone in need and make a difference in someone's life. The experience is transformative for volunteers as well: they see firsthand how hard it can be to live in poverty, and many are so moved by their experience that they later go on to become engaged in other ways to give back to the community. The event helps to open their eyes to the reality of need in the community and causes them to rethink many of the stereotypes and misconceptions about poverty and homelessness. The event is also an opportunity for service learning, and college and university students.  Learn more: https://www.unitedwaynsv.org/projectconnect 

Jack Craver is back and we cover a lot. Zilker, Project Connect status, Interim CM Garza, and more. austinpolitics.net  @jackcraver _____________________ @bradswail austincitycouncilman.com Support the show on Patreon!

Our conversation today with Kaycee Childress, CEO, and Jennifer Hall, Senior Director of Community Investment for United Way Northern Shenandoah Valley gave us all the details for Project Connect. The pair explained how the event started, how it's grown, and why it's an important piece of serving the community. Kaycee told us about the recent event held in Woodstock and gave some statistics for those who were served. Jennifer told us about the upcoming event in Winchester on July 28, 2023 and encouraged potential attendees to register to attend. They also spoke of the need for volunteers (particularly bilingual Spanish and Dari) and talked about the experiences of those who've volunteered as guides in the past. Project Connect is the Shenandoah Valley's one-stop FREE resource fair where attendees can receive assistance from more than 50 service providers, all under the same roof in one day.  Project Connect is a program of United Way NSV that strengthens and utilizes collaborations with agencies, businesses, organizations, and the community to provide comprehensive services for those who are at risk of becoming homeless, are currently experiencing homelessness, or are living on the cusp. Since it's launch in 2020, Project Connect has created partnerships with city leaders, community-based organizations, and volunteers from across the Shenandoah Valley to bring essential and otherwise hard to access services to residents. More than 200 volunteers make this program possible. Homelessness and our struggling ALICE population is a community issue, and as such requires a community solution. Free Services Include: Medical exams Dental screenings Vision screenings Housing services DMV services  Free legal advice Free Haircuts Job Interviews Veteran's services Free Giveaways Educational Opportunities Free Lunch And more! Project Connect will take place on Friday, July 28, 2023 from 9am - 3pm at Virginia Avenue Charlotte DeHart Elementary School - 550 Virginia Ave, Winchester, VA 22601. Pre-register for quick access or to reserve a specialized service. Walk-Ins are also welcome. If you're a nonprofit interested in setting up at the event, inquire here. Over 18 and looking to give back? See volunteer needs here.  

Meet Gregg Potter:He is an international collaboration coach and the founder & CEO of Project Connect. A marketing firm in Madison, Wisconsin. He has worked in the restaurant industry. As a general manager, district manager, and consultant with a good amount of time spent at Starbucks in Los Angeles. He uses his experience and training as a facilitator, a futurist, and a conflict resolution mediator to support executives and organizations as a collaboration coach. This work deconstructs collaboration and finds the best ways to lead and design the work to be more efficient and create more impactful results. He has a BFS in theatre performance from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and a master's in public service from the Clinton School of Public Service. Kris: So anyway, Gregg, what does a collaboration coach do?Gregg: Yes, first, I need to go back to episode three of your I have to like gush a little bit of a big fan. Yes. And it's Yeah, so what you're doing is very unique, and it is bringing out strains of information that not a lot of people are talking about. So thank you. Okay, I'll go back to what is it. What is it Collaboration Coach too, essentially, it is to get collaborations, more effective and more impactful, that can be done either if we're working directly with a CEO or someone in the C suite, and having those coaching conversations of like, Okay, how did this go? Where's your ego in this, what's going on, and then the, you know, in practicing going back, while also learning my framework of collaboration, which is the lifecycle of collaboration. The other way is actually bringing a collaboration coach on as a contracted employee for a while, and working side by side as a facilitator and coach to the entire collaborative team. Okay, so that can look like facilitating meetings, while also holding the team accountable to this is work time. This is not a question-and-answer time like this is when we're trying to get this portion of the goal or the objective finished. So then we can all come back and assess where we're at. This also is leadership development, facilitation, skills development, and working conflict resolution into the culture of collaboration, which often will, you know, bleed into the company's culture. But sometimes these collaborations are multi-company or multi-organization collaborations, where then it really gets tricky, or collaborations that have collaborations in them.Lori: So how does this tie into the manufacturing world?Gregg: Oh, yeah. There are a few things that Collaboration Coach can specifically help with. And in the manufacturing world, there are two very big ones. One is focusing on silo mentality, and bridging the silos and the communication between silos. Kris, you and I were at dinner one night, we talked big time about the sales team and the marketing team. And, you know, and how sometimes, those two silos are not talking at all. And they are one they are like, together, they're the most important part often, of the collaboration. So definitely that, and then, um, and then increasing productivity. And that's through communication barriers. And if we can create the space, and make sure that everyone trusts and shows up authentically, then we're going to increase productivity ultimately and build a bottom line. So when it comes to manufacturing, those are the two pieces that I see the most.Kris: So Gregg, we're curious, is there something unique about you that nobody else knows that you could share with us?Gregg: I think the thing that people often look at as a possible weakness, which is something about me, that I love is that I really do care about how people are being held in spaces. And that shows up with you know, me pulling in integrity, like, Okay, I'm you know, is this person

Our conversation today with Jennifer Hall, Senior Director of Community Impact for United Way Northern Shenandoah Valley featured Jennifer Locke, Managing Attorney for Blue Ridge Legal Services. Blue Ridge Legal Services is a nonprofit legal aid society providing free civil legal assistance to low-income residents of the Shenandoah Valley and Roanoke Valley of Virginia. Jennifer explained a popular misconception that everyone is entitled to free legal representation but the reality is that that only applies to criminal matters. Their legal assistance ranges from advice or brief service to ongoing representation in negotiations and litigation in state and federal courts and administrative agencies, depending on the needs of the client, the type of case, and available resources. The most common legal problems handled by Blue Ridge Legal Services include: Family disputes (for example, domestic violence, divorce) Problems dealing with debts and bankruptcy Housing and landlord-tenant disputes Eligibility for various government benefits (such as food stamps, TANF, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits) Access to health care (for example, issues involving Medicaid and Medicare) Consumer disputes, and Issues affecting seniors (such as exploitation and problems with nursing homes). They do not handle criminal matters, traffic violations, personal injuries or malpractice cases, and other cases outside of their priorities. Learn more about Blue Ridge Legal Services here: https://brls.org  Jennifer Hall gave us details for Project Connect happening at Central High School in Woodstock on Friday, June 2, 2023, from 9am - 2pm. A second event will be held at Virginia Avenue Charlotte DeHart Elementary School in Winchester on Friday, July 28, 2023, from 9am - 3pm. Project Connect is the Shenandoah Valley's one-stop FREE resource fair. Receive assistance from more than 50 service providers, all under the same roof. What often takes months to accomplish can be completed in one day. Project Connect is a project of United Way NSV that strengthens and utilizes collaborations with agencies, businesses, organizations, and the community to provide comprehensive services through an in-person resource fair event for those who are at risk of becoming homeless, are currently experiencing homelessness, or are living on the cusp of making it or not. Attend the Woodstock event: Pre-register for quick access or to reserve a specialized service. Provide a service at the Woodstock event: Are you a nonprofit? Inquire here about setting up at the event. Volunteer at the Woodstock event: Over 18 and looking to give back? See their volunteer needs here. Check out the highlights from Winchester's Project Connect 2022. Or view highlights from Woodstock's Project Connect 2022. Learn more about both events here: https://www.unitedwaynsv.org/projectconnect. Learn more about United Way Northern Shenandoah Valley here: https://www.unitedwaynsv.org/  Enjoy the Memorial Day weekend at: Newtown Heritage Festival in Stephens City - hear that conversation here. Safe at Home Community Day at Bing Crosby Stadium hosted by Reaching Out Now - hear that conversation here. Meet local author Laura Elliott at her Winchester Book Gallery event - hear that conversation here.

Bingham Group Associate Hannah Garcia and CEO A.J. review the week in Austin politics. The discussion covers: • A potential public re-vote on Project Connect. News link: https://bit.ly/3mVkbUp • Council's approval Thursday (4/20) of a resolution directing the City Manager to create a plan and implementation schedule to transition the City to sustainable low-embodied-carbon concrete. Link to Resolution language: https://bit.ly/43UE5zx • The Texas House's approval of HB 2127 (bill Link: https://bit.ly/40CN9Gi), a preemption bill aimed at city and county regulations. News Link: https://bit.ly/3oHUB5y and • Council's next meeting on Thursday (5/4) , including a Item 22 - Approve a resolution relating to parking requirements and accessible parking options; and initiating amendments to City Code Title 25 to modify parking requirements. Resolution Link: https://bit.ly/3H4Imqc EPISODE 199 ABOUT THE BINGHAM GROUP, LLC Bingham Group works to advance the interests of businesses, nonprofits, and associations at the municipal and state level. View our services here -> bit.ly/3H7xyXC Follow Bingham Group on LinkedIn at: bit.ly/3WIN4yT Connect with A.J. on LinkedIn at: bit.ly/3DlFiUK Connect with Hannah on LinkedIn at: bit.ly/3RberR3 Contact us at: info@binghamgp.com We are a HUB/MBE-certified Austin lobbying firm. www.binghamgp.com

(You can watch this conversation for FREE on Patreon or Vimeo!) Brian Gettinger is the VP of Tunneling at Southland Holdings. He shares his vision for a better Project Connect through tunnels, electric bus mass transit, and autonomous vehicles. You can learn more about his vision here Brian on LinkedIn Brian on Twitter __________________________________ @bradswail austincitycouncilman.com Support the show on Patreon!

Lonny Stern is on the Community Engagement team with the Austin Transit Partnership, the limited government corporation that is managing the creation of Project Connect. We talk about what we voted on vs where we are and why, what this first phase is, and much more. Have your thoughts heard through May 2nd or sign up for their upcoming events at projectconnect.com/get-involved 1) do a virtual tour and ask questions on Thursday April 6th from 5-7pm 2) if in person is your jam, on Tuesday April 11th from 1-4pm at the School for the Deaf __________________ @bradswail austincitycouncilman.com Support the show on Patreon!

Gerald Daugherty, former Travis County Precinct 3 Commissioner, joins us to discuss Project Connect - where we are, how we got here, and the Texas Legislatures efforts to curb spending. Websites for more info coming soon, but check out these website for more info: https://www.kxan.com/video/project-connect-funding-challenged-by-texas-lawmakers/8460194/ https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=88R&Bill=HB3899 ________________________ @bradswail austincitycouncilman.com Support the show on Patreon!

Bingham Group Associate Hannah Garcia and CEO A.J. review the week in Austin politics. Today's topic include a review of several items of now from the Austin City Council's 3.9 meeting: • Agenda Link -> https://bit.ly/3yrYmht • Item 16 -> Approve a resolution accepting the Equitable Transit-Oriented Development (ETOD) Policy Plan • Item 25 -> Establishing a charter review commission • Item 27 -> EV Fast Charing Stations • Item 36 -> Executive Session regarding Search for and appointment of a new city manager • Council next meets on March 9 for Work Session and March 23rd for its Regular Meeting BG BLOG: • The Austin Ballot Petition Threshold -> https://bit.ly/3yr8Xcq BG READS WEEKLY REVIEW: • Council OKs creation of charter review commission (Austin Monitor) -> https://bit.ly/3Lb9bvF • How Austin is planning for neighboring areas to evolve alongside ‘generational' transit system (Community Impact) -> https://bit.ly/420w4Ij • Austin homeowners ask judge to void city policies that allow developers to build more housing (KUT) -> https://bit.ly/3ysS40L • Austin's Project Connect is over budget. Texas lawmakers have a plan to rein it in. (Austin American-Statesman) -> https://bit.ly/3mMocKb • BG Reads Page: https://www.binghamgp.com/bg-reads EPISODE 190 ABOUT THE BINGHAM GROUP, LLC Bingham Group works to advance the interests of businesses, nonprofits, and associations at the municipal and state level. View our services here -> https://bit.ly/3H7xyXC Follow Bingham Group on LinkedIn at: https://bit.ly/3WIN4yT Connect with A.J. on LinkedIn at: https://bit.ly/3DlFiUK Connect with Hannah on LinkedIn at: https://bit.ly/3RberR3 Contact us at: info@binghamgp.com We are a HUB/MBE-certified Austin lobbying firm. www.binghamgp.com

Today I sit wth Alli Jo, of Alli Jo's Swim school, and more passionately, she founded and works with Project Connect (17:00.) They work with Monarch School, which is a school for homeless kids. They provide a Thanksgiving festival to provide a wonderful, normalized Thanksgiving dinner and events to a group that normally does not have what we take for granted. Great meal, then festival – dancing, carnival games, prizes, petting zoo and more. This event is 100% volunteer driven and everything is donated. One guy is organizing the cooking and delivery of 50 turkeys in a turkey caravan across the Coronado bridge! Honestly, if this episode and event does not touch and motivate you to try to be better every day – unsubscribe! (Just kidding, I am 100% bluffing – do not unsubscribe, just try to do better.) 

In This Episode, We Chat About: How to be the safety your teens need, and the power of considering what your kids are trying to communicate to you!Ways to give yourself grace, and work on your own growth and healing so you can be the parent you want to be.   Resources + Links:   Learn more about Not My Kid and Project Connect! https://sforce.co/3anJacw Learn more about our coaching services & upcoming events: https://www.girlsmentorship.com/   Connect with us on Instagram: Girls Mentorship | @girlsmentorship Jill Petersen | @jillphxsen Mary Frances | @msmaryfran   Join our Facebook Community | Girls Mentorship   Show Notes: Get ready to take a hard look at yourself as a parent with soft eyes! There is so much power in that statement from today's guest,Vanessa Baker! Vanessa helps us take a good look at ourselves as parents and WHO we are being as we're doing our best to show up for our kids. Are you truly listening to your kids and their experience being in a relationship with you the same way you would your spouse or best friend? We chat about what can happen in your relationships when you fully listen to your kids and consider what they have to say, and why one of the best things you can do as a parent is work on your own healing and personal growth! Again, a hard look with soft eyes! The fact that you're listening to this episode says so much about the parent you are! Tune in to hear all the goodness Vanessa shares with us, and tag us on Instagram with your biggest takeaway!   03:00 Meet Vanessa Baker! 07:50 Taking a hard look at ourselves as parents with SOFT eyes! 12:00 Vanessa's thoughts on navigating raising 5 teenagers, divorce, and coming out when she was 38. 16:15 Why was Not My Kid created? 19:00 Are you being a safe space for your child? 24:15 What breakthroughs have come from having honest conversations with parents? 27:20 What if you actually took into consideration the things our kids say about us? 32:30 Caring more about the outcome than the optics as parents. 35:15 How can we start working on ourselves and healing so we can be better parents? 39:20 Why you need to give yourself grace and stop the comparison!

This week, Katie and Chelsea explore a story that is close to home. Teachers in Columbus City Schools recently kicked off their academic year with a general strike after the Columbus Education Association (the teachers union in the central Ohio district) announced there had been no bargaining agreement reached for the 2022-2023 school year. Columbus isn't the only city where teachers are picketing for wage increases, better working conditions, smaller class sizes, and more; teachers around the world are warning their districts of impending strike actions. Join us for this special episode as we explore teacher strikes, the deteriorating conditions that lead to them, and the roles that we all play in supporting our public school teachers.Sources:NBC4 Columbus - Ohio senator plans bill as teachers strike without benefits by: Natalie FahmyCNN - The Columbus teachers' union and school board reached a 'conceptual agreement,' ending a strike By Eric Bradner and Chris Boyette, CNNCEA Ohio - CEA blasts District's decision to strip homeless youth advocates of union statusCEA Ohio - An open letter to the Columbus City Schools Board and Superintendent from Project Connect's Vulnerable Youth StaffThe Columbus Dispatch - Columbus Education Association teachers union votes to strike by Megan HenryCEA Ohio - CEA Votes to Authorize 10-day Strike Notice10tv - Columbus teachers' strike enters day 2, remote classes begin WednesdayThe Columbus Dispatch - Columbus City Schools clarifies attendance procedures after day of confusion by Monroe Trombly, Michael Lee, Sheridan Hendrix,  Céilí Doyle and Megan HenryCNN - Ohio teachers say they won't end their strike without improvements to miserable classroom environment By Eric Bradner, CNNU.S. News - Kent Teachers on Strike, Delaying First Day of School by Associated PressEcho -Pilot - Greencastle-Antrim teacher strike is an option amid contract talks by Shawn HardyInside Higher ED - School Starts With a Strike at American University by Liam KnoxCBC - CUPE sets Ontario education strike votes for end of September, says it doesn't guarantee walkout by Allison Jones Central Illinois Proud - PPS Board of Education president calls teacher union's talk of strike, ‘premature, irresponsible' by: Mike Smith, Demetrios SandersEducation International - Teacher strike in Norway!The Philadelphia Inquirer - Philly school bus drivers, maintenance workers vote to authorize a strike by Kristen A. GrahamCNN - Why NASA wants to return to the moon before sending humans to Mars by Ashley Strickland, CNNCNN - Artemis I launch scrubbed after engine issue by Aditi Sangal, Ashley Strickland, Elise Hammond and Maureen Chowdhury, CNNJacques Ze Whipper 

Close to two years after Austin voters passed the multi-billion dollar public transportation plan Project Connect, planners are having to make tough decisions due to rising costs associated with the project. Community Impact's Austin City Hall reporter Ben Thompson drops by to break down the details. Plus, reporters Brooke Sjoberg and Zara Flores discuss how local school districts are expanding career and technical education programs as companies like Tesla and Samsung move into town. The Austin Breakdown is a production of Community Impact Newspaper. This episode was produced by Olivia Aldridge with assistance from Connor McGovern and editing by Marie Leonard. Weather and allergy reports are sourced from www.weather.com and AccuWeather.

Our conversation for United Way Day featured CEO of United Way Northern Shenandoah Valley, Kaycee Childress and her guest, Dr. Tom Gromling from Dental Clinic of Northern Shenandoah Valley. Dr. Gromling gave us some history of the organzation and talked about the population they serve. Their mission is to provide basic dental care for patients of all ages who normally don't have access to dentistry. They partner with local dentists who volunteer their time and work with other dental practices to offer low/no-cost services they are unable to provide at the clinic. We discussed the obstacles that keep many of the underserved population from seeing a dentist and how the clinic collaborates with other community partners like United Way NSV to reach them. Kaycee told us about one of those collaborations that happened at Project Connect in June and the numbers of people who received services there. She also reminded us of the Rubbermaid Sale happening on Saturday, July 30, 2022 in the Belk parking lot at Apple Blossom Mall from 9am - 12pm. This month's sale will benefit Aids Response Effort (ARE.) For more information about Dental Clinic of Northern Shenandoah Valley, visit their website: https://www.dentalclinicnsv.org/. For more information about the United Way of Northern Shenandoah Valley, visit their website: https://www.unitedwaynsv.org/ and follow them on Facebook.

Project Connect might displace 302,000 people Big trouble in Austin's offices meant to protect the vulnerable Taxes, bonds, and budgets and more! @bradswail austincitycouncilman.com Support the show on Patreon!  

Austin's hottest summer ever plows on: high temperatures threaten daily records every day for the rest of this week, while July could become the first month in Austin with no measurable rainfall since 2015. Meanwhile, the struggling Texas power grid has created a dangerous feedback loop: as power generators are allowed to violate emissions standards to stay online longer, ever more greenhouse gases are released - exacerbating climate change. Fundraising data for Mayoral and Austin City Council members and candidates has been released. Meanwhile, the Austin City Council is set to meet on Thursday to discuss local measures related to abortion access. Crime stats: citywide crime is trending downward, with the exception of aggravated assault, which is up 17 percent. Austin is set to sever ties with the nonprofit that has run the ARCH homeless center downtown for years. Project Connect has broken ground on the new McKalla Station, which will provide rail service to Q2 Stadium. The first non-stop flight between Austin and Vail, Colorado will be in place by Christmas. Texas State University is offering a class on "the cult of celebrity", focusing on Harry Styles.

Andy Gail was back today! Our monthly conversation with United Way of Northern Shenandoah Valley with Jennifer Hall, Director of Community Investment featured Andy Gail (for his 8th visit to the show and finally a "repeat" topic) from Literacy Volunteers Winchester Area. Andy gave us an update on all the programs they have happening throughout the summer and explained how they've changed things up by offering events out of the classroom and in the community. He gave us details too, for the Collab on Cameron happening on July 30. In the second segment we talked with Jennifer and Andy about the impact grant they were awarded to help fund their Campaign for Grade Level Reading and Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. Jennifer gave us a recap of the Project Connect events and talked about the need for volunteers at Valley Assistance Network (VAN.) We wrapped up with a reminder and invitation to the Rubbermaid Sale happening on Saturday, June 25, 2022 from 9am - 12pm in the Belk parking lot at Apple Blossom Mall.

Local developments on guns: Travis County Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution asking Governor Greg Abbott to call a special legislative session aimed at preventing future mass shootings yesterday, while Texas Democratic House members hosted town halls on gun violence prevention in both Round Rock and San Marcos. And, the Austin City Council is set to vote on Thursday on raising the minimum age for the purchase of semiautomatic firearms from 18 to 21 locally. The Austin City Council has unanimously approved a proposal from a Dallas real estate developer to execute significant changes in the East 6th Street bar district, including raising the maximum building height along the street. An updated design for the Project Connect transit plan calls for removing vehicle traffic from Guadalupe Street along the western edge of University of Texas campus, making the area open only to people who are walking, biking, riding a bus or using the street's planned light rail system. Trouble continues for the Austin Animal Center as it has significantly exceeded its housing capacity for dogs - an urgent plea for fosters and adopters has been issued. Texas Baseball's opening College World Series game against Notre Dame has been set for Friday night at 6pm - catch it on ESPN. NFL ex's in local business: former Longhorn Kenny Vaccaro is launching a new boutique fashion outlet called Konnect from his South Congress social performance club The Kollective, and former NFL QB Tim Tebow has been named chief mission officer for Austin-based snack bar company NuSkool Snacks. Travis County has been named the second-wealthiest county in Texas by SmartAsset, ranking only behind oil-rich Midland County.

On the cusp of a potentially record-breaking early-June heat wave, local health officials are warning residents to prepare and manage their exposure to high temperatures. The Austin American-Statesman has published a long and harrowing analysis of the potential climate disaster waiting ahead. As new Omicron subvariants are detected in Travis County and COVID positivity rates continue to climb, Austin Public Health is strongly encouraging Austinites to get up to date on booster shots. Round Rock's first-ever Pride Festival over the weekend was a resounding success. Austin is ill-prepared to coordinate with a statewide push by the Texas Department of Transportation to crack down on speeders, as APD continues suffering staffing shortages in its traffic enforcement units. Austin's oldest grocery store, Avenue B Grocery, has finally reopened after a long COVID shutdown - they'll be open Thursday thru Monday from 10am to 7pm. And, Provision Dining House has made its COVID comeback as well, reopening in The Triangle. This week's Austin Chronicle features a survey of design challenges facing the upcoming Project Connect transit effort and the impact they may have on surrounding neighborhoods, including Downtown, South Congress, Lady Bird Lake, the UT area, Riverside and Pleasant Valley, Crestview and North Lamar. The annual HousingWorks Austin report reveals major increases in housing costs and disparities in housing availability between different sections of the city. The Starbucks location at 45th and Lamar has become the first in Texas to unionize, making the Lone Star State the 27th with Starbucks Workers United unions. Texas Longhorns Baseball wins out over Air Force, Louisiana Tech and Dallas Baptist over the weekend at Disch Falk Field, in full domination of the Austin Regional - they now progress to the super-regional round and will take on the winner of today's matchup between East Carolina and Coastal Carolina later this week. And, Austin tops another national list, but this one's not very prestigious: Austinites leave their belongings behind in Uber cars more than riders in any other U.S. city.

We were on the screen to record today's podcast with Jennifer Hall, Senior VP of Community Investment with United Way of Northern Shenandoah Valley and Abby Zimmermann, Manager of Valley Assistance Network (VAN) - a program of UWNSV. The pair gave a history of Project Connect over the last three years and talked about the growth this year to include a second event in Woodstock. Abby recounted her experience as a volunteer guide at last year's event and the impact it had on her feeling about the community. She highly encouraged others volunteer to help. United Way of Northern Shenandoah Valley's Project Connect is a one-stop event where families can access multiple services and the resources they need, all under one roof. Over 50 providers and more than 60 services will be available including free medical screenings, job assistance, veterans' services, housing information, DMV services, free haircuts, food, and much more. The third annual Project Connect will be held on two dates: June 3, 2022 at the Woodstock Moose Lodge (152 Moose Rd, Woodstock, VA) from 8:00am-2:00pm, and on June 10, 2022 at Virginia Avenue Charlotte DeHart Elementary School (550 Virginia Ave, Winchester, VA) from 8:00am-2:00pm. United Way served 500 people at the event last year, most of whom are part of the ALICE® population. The two events are estimated to serve 750-1,000 people in 2022. Project Connect is made possible through generous underwriting sponsorships from Continental Corporation and Trex Company. Supporting sponsorships were made by Home Depot, George's INC, Valley Health, and Navy Federal. Additional support was given by Virginia Housing, Dupont Community Credit Union, United Bank, City National Bank and Molina Healthcare. The event would not be possible without the support of these companies. Project Connect events are held in more than 300 communities across the nation. They are recognized as an effective, organized effort to coordinate services to best assist people who are dealing with poverty and homelessness. At last year's event, 500+ individuals received help from 60 area providers. Highlights included offering 79 dental screenings, 87 free haircuts from volunteer stylists, distributing 150 clothing bags, and distributing 125 food boxes. 85% of attendees in 2021 said they would likely not have been able to obtain the services without Project Connect. What makes the event unique is the personalization and service clients will receive when they attend. Volunteer “Guides” will be matched one-on-one with participants to assist them in accessing the services they needed the most. Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is required in advance of the event to guarantee access to some services. Appointments must be scheduled to receive services from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for the Winchester and Woodstock Event. Appointments are also strongly recommended for veterinary care for pets in the Winchester event. More information about registration and on the programs and vendors is available on United Way NSV website: https://www.unitedwaynsv.org/projectconnect Volunteers are still being recruited for Project Connect. Volunteer barbers and hair stylists are highly needed for both events. Additional shifts for set-up, clean-up and for event staff are still available. See shift times and needs by visiting https://volunteer.unitedwaynsv.org/ and clicking on the Project Connect tab.

Austin tests out a guaranteed income pilot program. Plus, will Project Connect tie into transit systems in the suburbs? The Austin Breakdown is a production of Community Impact Newspaper. This episode was produced by Olivia Aldridge with editing by Marie Leonard. Weather and allergy reports are sourced from www.weather.com and AccuWeather.

Thousands of protesters marched on the Texas State Capitol building on Tuesday, less than 24 hours after the leaking of a U.S. Supreme Court draft opinion that indicates the impending overturning of the 1973 Roe V Wade decision - in that event, abortion would be immediately outlawed in Texas and a dozen other states. Similar protests occurred in Washington D.C. and at statehouses across the country. ERCOT has asked power plants across Texas to postpone regularly scheduled maintenance outages in advance of near-record heat Mother's Day weekend that is expected to create record demand on the grid - so far, blackouts or outages are not specifically feared. Large tech companies including Facebook parent Meta continue investing in downtown Austin office space because of the bustling and vibrant tone of the area. Plans for Project Connect's Orange Line were detailed in a Monday conference with local transit officials. Meanwhile, the future of Capital Metro service in Leander hangs in the balance of Saturday's election. The University of Texas unveils its 10-year plan to become "the highest-impact public research university in the world" - that impact is already being felt, as researchers at UT have developed an enzyme that can break down plastics that would normally take centuries to degrade, in just hours or days. Texas Baseball defeated Houston Baptist last night 13-3 in seven innings at Disch-Falk Field - rain is expected in Morgantown as the Horns travel there for a Big 12 series at West Virginia starting Friday. A proposal by the San Antonio Spurs to host "some" games in Austin leads to speculation that they might be considering a permanent move. The Austin City Limits Music Festival will announce its 2022 lineup and put tickets on sale next Tuesday, May 10. An Austin resident has won $1 million via a Texas Lottery ticket purchased at the C-Mart store at Research and Fairfield. Amidst a recent lack of late night options, Epoch Coffee on North Loop is moving to a 24-hour schedule starting tomorrow, Sundays excluded. Austin's Spoon have been profiled in a short but interesting piece in The New Yorker, and local Twitter sensation Evil Mopac has been interviewed by MySanAntonio.com.

Austin's Public Safety Commission is calling on the city to make its EMS workers a better offer for a pay increase, while reporting shortages of police and EMS staff and an increase in aggravated assaults and property crimes. Kyle Rittenhouse, the teenager who was acquitted after killing two people during George Floyd protests in Kenosha, Wisconsin in 2020, is considering attending Texas A&M. Austin's job market has been named the "hottest" in America by the Wall Street Journal for the third year in a row - we're also leading most other top U.S. metros in professionals leaving remote work behind to return to the office. Several UT-area businesses, including historic burger joint Dirty Martin's, are in the crosshairs of Project Connect redevelopment on Guadalupe between 27th and 29th Streets. Barton Springs Pool continues operating under a limited schedule as Austin city lifeguards, especially those tasked with overseeing Barton Springs, continue their fight for a $22 per hour minimum wage. Meanwhile, Hamilton Pool is set to re-open for swimmers, but good luck getting a reservation. Texas Longhorns baseball looks to recover from a sweep by Oklahoma State last weekend, hosting Houston Baptist at Disch-Falk Field tonight. And some wild weather may be on the way in the form of a significant and much-needed rain event Wednesday night through Thursday, followed by potentially record-setting heat by next weekend that could push the vulnerable Texas power grid to its limits.

Roger Falk is a part of Our Mobility Our Future, a diverse coalition of Austinites, taxpayers, business owners, and transportation nerds who tried to warn us that Project Connect will be a costly burden on our future... and they were right. @bradswail austincitycouncilman.com Support the show on Patreon!

The first weekend of the first live SXSW in three years sees discussions on mobility, politics, local housing affordability and so much more, plus celebrity sightings including Sandra Bullock, Lizzo, Nicolas Cage, Pedro Pascal, Anne Hathaway, John Cleese and tons more - the festival and conference continue through next Sunday. That U.S. House bill suspending energy imports from Russia that passes last week was introduced by Austin-based Representative Lloyd Doggett. An attempt by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to charge the City of Austin a 5 million dollar fine for prohibiting the carrying of guns in Austin's City Hall has been rejected by the Texas Supreme Court. Round Rock officials are warning residents to stay out of Brushy Creek due to significant sewage contamination. A big weekend for Texas sports sees a Big 12 championship and an NCAA tournament #2 seed for women's basketball, a #6 seed for men's hoops, and a disappointing series loss for baseball at South Carolina. Austin FC also suffers defeat after starting their season with big wins, dropping their match at Portland 1-0. Austin chef Jo Chan of Eberly stands out on Top Chef Houston, which returns to Bravo on Thursday. One of Austin's oldest restaurants, Dirty Martin's Place in the UT Campus area, is the target of an eminent domain teardown as part of the Project Connect transit development - it was first opened in 1926. This weekend's cold snap saw relatively high demand on the Texas power grid, and for a time wind and solar generated power carrying as much as 70 percent of the load. And warm springlike weather arrives today with a high of 81, and sticks around all week with highs ranging from 74 to 85 thru next weekend.