February 20, 2012 8:58 am by: Matt Largey

Photo by KUT News
Austin Energy System Errs in Billing
Austin Energy is having some problems with its billing system. In 2009, the city-owned utility signed a contract with IBM to establish and maintain the system. It was supposed to go live in April 2011, but that didn’t go as planned. Now, Austin Energy is telling people to scrutinize their bills for errors that may have resulted in overbilling. Vicky Garza with the Austin Business Journal spoke with KUT’s Andy Uhler about the kinks that are bogging down business.
Kids Dive Into Writing Books at Camp
In this tight job market, where many adults are trying to rebrand their careers or discover the entrepreneurial side and start a business, a kid’s camp in Austin is helping children focus their muse -- and maybe a career. KUT's Erika Aguilar has the story....
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Texas Campaign Confusion over Primary Date
Texas state Senate maps were finalized this week after a long protracted court battle on the state’s redistricting process. But House and Congressional district maps are still up in the air. KUT's Andy Uhler reports on how district line confusion is affecting planning for campaigns.
UT Study Finds Fracking Doesn’t Directly Contaminate Groundwater
A new study by the University of Texas at Austin released this week reports there’s no direct link between groundwater contamination and hydraulic fracturing – a controversial method of extracting natural gas and oil from shale formations.
The research was done by UT's Energy Institute. The report’s authors say contamination is often the result of above ground spills or mishandling... » read more
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Date for Primary Leaning Toward Late May
Another day of arguments in the Texas Redistricting Trial and a new primary date has still not been set. From Texas Public Radio, Joey Palacios reports that a day in May is currently being considered.
STAAR Test Raises the...
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Groups Protest Keystone Pipeline's Use of Eminent Domain
The controversial Keystone XL pipeline would take oil extracted from sand pits in Canada to refineries in Texas. The pipeline was put on hold last month by the Obama administration amid environmental concerns. On Monday,...
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Austin Energy's Second Rate Hearing
Austin City Council Members are now considering the next step in approving or changing a proposed electricity rate increase. A public hearing yesterday went into the early morning hours as people told Council how they felt about the rate...
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Austin Energy's Second Public Hearing
The City of Austin will hold a second public hearing tomorrow on a proposed electricity rate increase. But Austin Energy’s proposal has changed in the last few weeks. KUT’s Erika Aguilar brings us up to speed.
Politifact Texas...
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Charter Revision Vote
Austin is moving to closer to having city council members represent specific regions of the city. Last night, a panel appointed by city council voted in favor of single member districts. The Charter Revision Committee recommended the proposal be placed on...
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Bernice Hart Dies
An African-American woman who overcame Austin’s racial segregation and helped govern AISD for more than a decade has died. KUT’s Nathan Bernier reports.
Some Want to Increase Weight Limits for Trucks in Texas
Texas lawmakers got an...
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Finding Funding For Central Texas Rail Projects
The state’s transportation department is envisioning a future when business people, students and day-trippers will ditch the highway and hop a rail car from Austin to Houston. It’s a project being studied right now. But as KUT’s Erika Aguilar...
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Drought's Blow to Texas Cattle Industry
Texas is the undisputed king of beef. There are almost twice as many cows in this state as the second largest beef producer: Nebraska. But 2011 -- the driest year in Texas history -- delivered a huge blow to cattle ranchers. Now, as KUT’s Nathan Bernier...
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State Looks at Electric Needs
This summer’s record-setting heat pushed the Texas power grid to the brink. Many of us sat comfortably in our air conditioning without realizing we were on the cusp of rolling blackouts. Later today, a State House Committee will look into what's being done to...
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Perry First Speech
It’s been about two and a half weeks since Governor Rick Perry dropped his bid for the GOP Presidential nomination. Last night, he made his first public appearance since the end of his campaign to a packed house at an annual Williamson County GOP event....
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DIY Divorce
For years, people have chosen to represent themselves in Texas divorce cases. But they often use documents that aren’t accepted in some courts. Now there’s work on introducing standardized divorce forms that could streamline the process. However, as KUT’s Erika...
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Spicewood Beach Goes Dry
A cluster of communities about 40 miles northwest of Austin has officially run out of water. The Lower Colorado River Authority began trucking in water yesterday. KUT’s Andy Uhler reports on whats happening in Spicewood Beach.
Austin Teacher...
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