Latest News from Austin Journal

Capital Metro (CapMetro) has wrapped a zero-emissions bus and three of its Pickup Vehicles in the artwork of local students. The wraps, unveiled on Earth Day, were created as part of CapMetro’s annual "Art on the Bus" competition.

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Discover the Marvels of the Mexican Buckeye Tree

The Mexican Buckeye tree, also known as Ungnadia speciosa, is a delightful tree that blooms with pretty pink flowers in the spring. Despite not being related to true buckeye trees, its seeds bear a resemblance, earning it its name. This vibrant tree can illuminate any garden in Central Texas with its bright flowers, with leaves that transform into a striking yellow or gold hue come fall.For those interested in nurturing their own Mexican Buckeye tree, a step-by-step propagation guide is available. The process begins with a tiny seed and emphasizes the importance of...

Big Stacy Pool to Temporarily Close for Annual Cleaning

Big Stacy Pool in Austin, Texas, is set to undergo its annual spring cleaning from May 6 to May 12, with a planned reopening on May 13. The closure was announced by pool authorities, stating, "Big Stacy Pool will close temporarily for annual spring cleaning from Monday, May 6 through Sunday, May 12. The pool will reopen on Monday, May 13."During this period, visitors are encouraged to explore alternative pool options. A spokesperson advised, "For the hours of operation of other pools during the closure, visit AustinTexas.gov/Pools."Residents and visitors are reminded to...

Texas and Kansas Attorneys General Announce Legal Action Against Biden Administration

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach are set to hold a press conference to announce new litigation against the Biden administration. The event, scheduled for Wednesday, May 1 at 10:00am CT, will take place at the Frisco Gun Club in Frisco, TX.The press conference aims to unveil lawsuits by two multistate coalitions challenging the actions of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Media personnel are encouraged to arrive at 9:30am CT to cover the event thoroughly.Paxton and Kobach's joint effort highlights their...

Downtown Austin Community Court Introduces Medication Storage Program for Homeless Individuals

The City of Austin’s Downtown Austin Community Court (DACC) launched a Medication Storage Program to assist individuals experiencing homelessness. The program, located at 505 Barton Springs Road, offers a place for homeless individuals to store their prescription medications.

Attorney General Ken Paxton sues Biden Administration over Title IX gender policy

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against the Biden Administration over a new federal rule that he argues undermines protections for women in educational institutions. The rule, issued by the Department of Education under Title IX, expands the definition of "sex" to include self-professed "gender identity," leading to concerns about the accommodation of transgender individuals in female-only spaces.Paxton asserts that the new regulation distorts the original intent of Title IX, which was designed to prevent sex-based discrimination in educational...

ATCEMS and APD Respond to Multiple Overdoses in Downtown Austin

Austin-Travis County EMS (ATCEMS) and the Austin Police Department (APD) have been actively responding to multiple overdose incidents in downtown Austin, as reported on April 29, 2024. According to the press release, a total of 31 patients were involved in these incidents, with three individuals tragically pronounced deceased at the scene. The overdoses were described as opiate-like, and those transported to local hospitals showed positive responses to Narcan administration, indicating the likelihood of opioid ingestion."We’ve been passing out Narcan kits and teaching...

Student Safety Measures in Place for Planned Walkout at Austin ISD

Students from some high schools within the Austin Independent School District (AISD) are gearing up for a peaceful walkout, prompting Superintendent Matias Segura to address the matter and reassure families of safety protocols in a letter.

City of Austin City Council met March 21

City of Austin City Council met Thursday, March 21

City of Austin Audit and Finance Committee met March 27

City of Austin Audit and Finance Committee met Wednesday, March 27

City of Austin Housing Finance Corporation Board of Directors met March 7

City of Austin Housing Finance Corporation Board of Directors met Thursday, March 7

City of Austin Housing Finance Corporation Board of Directors will meet May 2

City of Austin Housing Finance Corporation Board of Directors will meet at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, May 2

City of Austin City Council will meet May 2

City of Austin City Council will meet at 10 a.m., Thursday, May 2

City of Austin Energy Utility Oversight Committee will meet April 30

City of Austin Energy Utility Oversight Committee will meet at 9 a.m., Tuesday, April 30

City of Austin City Council will meet April 30

City of Austin City Council will meet at 9 a.m., Tuesday, April 30

Austin HSEM Launches Regional Bomb-Making Materials Awareness Program

Austin’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) has introduced the Bomb-Making Materials Awareness Program (BMAP) in the capital area. The initiative, funded by the State Homeland Security Grant Program, aims to prevent domestic terrorism by educating businesses about potential threats related to explosive materials.HSEM Director Ken Snipes emphasized the importance of prevention and risk management, stating, “BMAP is one way our office is increasing capacity beyond emergency management response.” This program marks a significant step in enhancing...

AISD Board, administration expands public comment access

The Board of Trustees and administration of Austin Independent School District (AISD) have announced expansions in public comment access, aiming to enhance community involvement and transparency within the district.

Board considers tax rate election to raise funds for teacher, staff raises

The Education Austin President, Ken Zarifis, emphasized the importance of local investment in education, stating, "When a state refuses to pay for public education and one legislative session after another refuses to invest in our kids, it's on us here locally to invest in our kids."Kathryn Whitley-Chu, District Trustee, highlighted the need to give voters the choice, saying, "Depende de los votantes y tenemos que darles esa opción. Los habitantes de Austin fueron al capitolio, llamaron a sus amigos en las zonas rurales, dejaron que la gente se quedara en sus casas para...

Texas Attorney General secures settlement with Multi Media