Bag the Bags Coalition is urging city council to pass an ordinance banning the use of plastic bags by large retailers and instead require those retailers to offer compostable bags. In April, city council passed a resolution directing the City Manager to evaluate and recommend strategies within 90 days for limiting the use of non-compostable plastic bags and promoting the use of compostable plastic bags, recyclable paper bags or reusable checkout bags. 90 days... more ›

In April we captured hot local looks for spring, asking local boutique owners to create outfits based on their new stock for the season. We had so much fun doing it that we asked other store owners to come up with cool ensembles for fall. This time we cast our net a little farther by choosing four old and new boutiques in different regions of Austin: By George on North Lamar, Solid Gold off... more ›

Smoking crack, of course. The Austin Board of Realtors just issued their monthly press release announcing that the number of homes sold in May increased by 15% and the median price increased by 8% to $174,000. These are increases against May of last year, not, as one might assume, increases from last month. In April, the median price was $175,000. It was $166,500 is March, $169,900 in February, $165,750 in January, and $170,000 in... more ›

When permit issues kept the TXRD Roller Girls out of their very own Thunderdome they went in search of the ultimate space for their next bout. Well, they've found it; the Austin Convention Center. Not only in the heart of downtown Austin, but during the heart of SXSW 2006. While they continue to work on issues with the Crockett Center so they can move home, they have been able to procure an awesome temporary space thanks to help from the City of Austin. Twice the number of fans, twice the noise, twice the derby, twice the fun. It will be a double derby weekend, so get ready to get your derby on. more ›

It's that time again! Yesterday, Mayor Wynn announced the 2006 selection for the Mayor's Book Club: a work by Luis Alberto Urrea entitled The Devil's Highway. Austinites are encouraged to pick up a copy of the book and read it during the months of February and March. In April, the library will be hosting discussions, presentations and other events that will tie into the book and its themes. On April 26, the author will come to town. Check the city's site for more info. more ›