Austin could rein in the use of electronic motorcycles and mini-bikes, or e-motos, in response to lacking local regulations and rising roadway safety concerns.

The big picture: City officials noted that e-motos, a collective term for the throttle-powered electric vehicles, can operate at high speeds and resemble traditional motorcycles rather than slower and more limited e-bikes. Austin doesn't yet have any specific regulations on the books for e-motos, which can drive as fast as 60 miles per hour or more—well above an existing cap of 28 MPH established for e-bikes in Texas transportation law.

Action taken: A recently approved City Council resolution will result in proposed city code changes to define e-motos and their legality, establish when and where they're permitted and set related penalties. It also called for police training updates, a public awareness campaign and the possible dedication of an e-moto recreational area.

Bartlett's celebrated 40 years of serving steaks, wine and more in North Austin in May. 

The details: Bartlett's received its certificate of occupancy from the city on May 7, 1986, general manager Arik Skot Williams said in an email to Community Impact. 

"We are only here as long as we have been because we are focused on taking care of our guests and staff," Williams said. 

The steakhouse is known for its hand-cut fish and steaks, fresh-ground burgers, and other scratch-made items. The menu also features an extensive wine list, handcrafted cocktails, and desserts such as apple cobbler and key lime pie. 

• 2408 W Anderson Lane, Austin

Check out some of the most-read stories from the Austin area June 1-4. 

1. The Peach Cobbler Factory now open in Round Rock

2. Liberty Hill annexes property on Hwy. 29 to become commercial development

3. Mountain Mike's opens first Williamson County location

4. Georgetown officials remove local alcohol permit fee

5. Austin raises senior, disabled homeowner property tax exemption by $12K

6. Bastrop's Texas Roadhouse sets late July opening

Nearly $8.4 billion in new state funding was not enough to save Texas public school districts from budget shortfalls and campus closures, school administrators said June 1.

What happened: During a 10-hour public hearing at the state Capitol, school district leaders spoke of efforts to stretch their budgets amid high inflationary costs as teachers explained their decisions to leave the classroom due to pay cuts and large class sizes.

The big picture: Last year, Texas lawmakers passed House Bill 2, a $8.4 billion school finance bill designed to increase educator salaries, create a new pot of money for fixed costs, provide more training for teachers and boost special education resources.

Roughly one year later, districts across Community Impact’s coverage areas are cutting staff and closing campuses, citing enrollment declines and budget shortfalls. 

Quote of note: "This funding deficit is the final straw for me, and it will be for countless other educators across the state who must leave or who lose their jobs," Austin ISD French teacher Rachel Preston told lawmakers June 1.