FOX 7 Discussion: Texas bill would ban camping in public spaces
Travis County GOP executive director Brian Ruddle and Drew McAngus, a sergeant deputy constable with Travis County, share their opinions on SB 987.
Texas to vote on bill that would ban camping in public spaces
The possibility of a statewide ban comes as Austin leaders have been meeting at a summit to develop a new strategy to address the area's homeless struggles.
State-owned homeless structures torn down to make room for new shelters
TxDOT began removing existing structures at the state-owned campsite for people experiencing homelessness near US 183 and SH 71 in Austin.
California city paying homeless people to clean up their camps
A city in California says they’ve found a way to help keep homeless camps in their jurisdiction clean by paying the people who live there to pick up their garbage.
Homeless strategy officer says HEAL Initiative to begin this summer
Dianna Grey took the homeless strategy officer job three months ago in Austin. She said a lot has already begun to transpire since day one.
Texas House committee taking up homeless legislation
A Texas House committee is set to take up legislation that would make it harder for cities to buy hotels and convert them into housing for the homeless.
Homeless strategy officer outlines blueprint for HEAL Initiative
The wheels are now beginning to turn on an Austin City Council-approved plan to address the homeless camping issue.
Buford Tower fire ruled incendiary, cause still under investigation
A fire at the Buford Tower in downtown Austin has been ruled incendiary and its exact cause is still under investigation.
Austin Fire Department responds to multiple homeless camp fires
The Austin Fire Department says it has responded to three fires in homeless camps in the last 24 hours.
Friends grieve mother who police say was mowed down intentionally at Santa Rosa homeless camp
Kellie Jones, seated next to her tent, couldn’t react as swiftly, but apparently had nothing to do with the men's dispute. Homeless advocates say the violence underscores the need for sanctioned camps and safe parking, at least until permanent housing solutions are found.
FOX 7 Discussion: Summit to address unsheltered homelessness in Austin
Rebecca Thomas talks to Lynn Meredith, the summit chair, about the different recommendations Austin has been giving to change its approach to homelessness.
Homeless hotel fight moves to the Texas Legislature
Two Senate bills have been filed in response to Austin's plan to purchase the Candlewood Suites hotel to convert into housing for the homeless.
FOX 7 Discussion: Homeless response is not ‘racially equitable’
Quiana Fisher, the co-chair of the racial equity task group formed by ECHO, joins Rebecca Thomas to talk about systemic racism.
Save Austin Now PAC wins lawsuit over ballot language
The Texas Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in favor of Save Austin Now PAC's lawsuit alleging that ballot language passed by the Austin City Council was unfair, prejudicial, and distorts the actual petition language
TX State Rep. files bill to rename part of I-35 in Austin 'Steve Adler Public Restroom Highway'
Republican Texas State Rep. Bryan Slaton has filed a bill in the Texas House of Representatives asking that a portion of I-35 in Austin be renamed the Steve Adler Public Restroom Highway.
Austin City Council orders special May elections for 8 propositions
On Tuesday, the Austin City Council called a special election for eight propositions, including the homeless camping ban.
Austin homeless shelters preparing for coldest temperatures in decades
An arctic blast reaching all the way down to Texas could drop Austin temperatures into the teens Sunday.
Williamson County prepared for legal battle over homeless hotel
Williamson County and the city of Austin are in dispute over the decision to buy a hotel in Northwest Austin and convert it into a homeless shelter.
Council to vote on reinstating camping ban or letting Austin voters decide
Austin City Council will decide whether to adopt a new petition to reinstate the camping ban or send it to voters in May.
Williamson County considering hiring law firm over homeless hotel
Some Williamson County officials as well as Austin council members met in Northwest Austin for a tour of the proposed location for a homeless hotel