☀️ How to get $4k from Austin Energy

Austin Energy Just Increased Its Solar Incentives

Austin Energy customers who install solar panels can now receive $4,000 in incentives, up from $2,500 previously. The utility hopes the increase will get more people to adopt renewable energy initiatives. [KXAN]

Local Barbecue Spot Highlighted in New List

Texas Monthly has named LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue the best place to splurge on smoked chicken in the state in a new ranking. The chicken at the restaurant is brined in pickle juice and turmeric. [Texas Monthly]

Texas French Bread Is Open for Dinner

Texas French Bread has reopened for dinner service Tuesdays through Saturdays with breakfast and lunch available in its adjacent bakery. The reopening comes after the bakery’s building burnt down in 2022. [Texas French Bread]

West Nile Virus Detected in Travis County

West Nile virus was found in a mosquito pool in 78733, which includes near Bee Cave, Barton Creek, and Steiner Ranch neighborhoods. This marks the first case of the virus found in Travis County so far this year. [Austin American-Statesman]

• Don’t worry! I have a guide from last summer on how to protect yourself from mosquitoes. [City Cast Austin]

Texas Lottery Searching for $1 Million Winner

A lottery prize of $1 million is still unclaimed after someone purchased the winning ticket in Austin in February. The ticket holder has until Aug. 1 to claim their prize. [KENS5]

Abbott Wants Data Centers Banned in Rural Areas

Gov. Greg Abbott said this week that he wants to ban data centers from the state’s rural areas. A ban aligns with Abbott’s call for Texas-built data centers to be self-funded and to provide their own power, reuse water, and help reduce the cost of electricity for residents nearby. [The Texas Tribune]