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.

Homicide Investigation in the 1700 block of Rutland Drive

Austin Police Department (APD) officers responded to a tragic incident on Sunday, April 28, 2024, in the 1700 block of Rutland Drive. The victim, identified as Lowen Alberto Ordonez Lobo, was found with gunshot wounds at The Villas Del Sol apartments. Despite efforts to save him, Lobo succumbed to his injuries.Homicide detectives and Crime Scene Specialists are actively involved in processing the scene and seeking information from potential witnesses. In a plea for assistance, authorities have urged anyone with relevant details to come forward. The community is encouraged...

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...

UT-Austin's CONNECT seeks public input on expanding consulting services

The CONNECT Program at the University of Texas at Austin is seeking input from the public to determine interest in its consulting services within the private sector. The program, which has been operational for five years, specializes in research, data analytics, and visualization consulting. It connects skilled PhD and master's student consultants with organizations that have short-term project needs.

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...

Homicide Investigation at 91 Red River Street

On Saturday, April 27, 2024, at approximately 6:30 a.m., Austin Police Department (APD) officers responded to multiple shots fired calls at The Quincy apartments located at 91 Red River Street.According to the APD, they located a male subject with gunshot wounds at the scene. The victim was later identified as Alan Picazzo, a Hispanic male born on May 12, 1999. Emergency services rushed Picazzo to a local hospital, but unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries.Homicide detectives and Crime Scene Specialists processed the scene and interviewed witnesses. The...

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