ATX-NNW: Impact 6/11/2026

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EJ's Hot Pot & Sushi now open at The Shops at Arbor Walk

EJ’s Hot Pot & Sushi recently opened at The Shops at Arbor Walk in Northwest Austin.

What’s on the menu: The restaurant offers all-you-can-eat hot pot and sushi. Patrons can choose from a variety of broths, protein, seafood, noodles and veggies to add to their hot pot. Guests will also find a range of sushi, including raw and cooked rolls, nigiri and sashimi.

For something to drink, the restaurant serves boba and fruit tea.

Opened April 22

See more details.

Latest Education News

Austin ISD proposes $181 million in cuts to close 2026-27 budget shortfall

Austin ISD has released a package of recommended budget reductions totaling $181 million for the 2026-27 school year, affecting 558 positions districtwide and triggering community pushback.

The cuts: The proposed plan would eliminate or restructure positions across the district, including 215 teaching positions and 228 vacant roles.

About 55 counselor, assistant principal and librarian positions would also be affected, according to district budget documents.

The breakdown: The district’s proposed reductions span central departments, campus staffing and districtwide programs, according to the reductions table.

The plan includes $31 million in proposed savings through staffing reductions over the course of the school year, documents say, and plans to sell or monetize four surplus properties for approximately $60 million.

What’s next: The board will hold an information session June 11 before voting on the final budget June 18. Written comments can be submitted online.

Stay In The Know

Caution advised in Austin waterways amid potentially toxic algae bloom

Austin Watershed Protection is advising caution on some city lakes due to reports of potentially hazardous algae.

What's happening: Mats of blue-green algae, which may be toxic, were recently observed by city staff on Lady Bird Lake and Lake Austin, according to the watershed protection department. Samples have been taken from the lakes for testing.

The watershed department noted the algae may be present throughout both lakes and in other Austin waterways. Algae could spread amid hotter weather this summer. Residents and their pets should avoid any contact with algae mats, the city advised.

What else: Austin Watershed Protection previously initiated a five-year, $1.5 million pilot program to reduce algae growth, which involved applying lanthanum-modified clay to manage phosphorus in waterways' sediment. No treatments were applied this spring, as 2026 is a control year that'll be used to evaluate the pilot's effectiveness and cost benefits.