Austin Journal

Travis County is set to host a community conversation focusing on mental health diversion initiatives. The event will take place in person on May 7, 2024, from 6 pm to 8 pm CST at the Asian American Resource Center in Austin, Texas. It will provide updates on the Crisis Care Diversion Pilot and the Mental Health Diversion Center.

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

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has securted a settlement with Multi Media, LLC, the operator of the popular pornographic website "Chaturbate," to ensure compliance with Texas state laws regarding age verification. The agreement requires Multi Media to implement an age verification service on the Chaturbate website to uphold the state's regulations.

APD Detectives Search for Leads in Connection to an Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon

Austin Police Department (APD) detectives are seeking the public's assistance in a case of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon that took place on Monday, February 19, 2024. The victim, a Hispanic female in her 60’s, arrived at her workplace with severe head injuries and was subsequently hospitalized for treatment.According to the investigation, the victim was unharmed when she exited a CapMetro bus on East Stassney Lane and South Pleasant Valley Road at around 5:56 a.m. However, shortly after, at 6:05 a.m., she was found on the ground in a grassy area near a bus stop...

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Fire Investigators Make Arrest in Arson Fires

Investigators with the Austin Fire Department have arrested 75-year-old Dorsey Bryan Hardeman in connection with a series of arson fires in Austin. Hardeman is believed to have intentionally set fires at various locations in the city over the past few months, with his motives becoming clearer as the investigation progressed.The first fire, which occurred on December 25, 2023, at 500 Pampa Dr., was linked to Hardeman, who was reportedly attempting to purchase the property. Subsequent fires on February 17 and 20, 2024, at 4811 S. Congress Ave were allegedly aimed at...

H-E-B's Knuckle Sammich returns for Corporate Battle of the Bands

H-E-B is set to participate once again in the Corporate Battle of the Bands, which will be held on June 5th at the ACL Live Stage at the Moody Theater. Their band, Knuckle Sammich, known for its loud rock n roll style, will take the stage with no intention other than having a good time.

Austin Parks and Recreation to host Tony Castillo Plaque Ceremony

The Tony Castillo Plaque Unveiling Ceremony is set to take place on Sunday, May 5 at the Pan American Neighborhood Park located at 2100 E. Third Street.

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Texas Attorney General to assist Harris County District Attorney in criminal investigations

The Office of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has announced its assistance in criminal bid-rigging investigations involving the Harris County District Attorney's Office and the Texas Rangers. The investigations are related to a case where the Harris County Judge's Office allegedly manipulated the bidding process for a public outreach contract funded by COVID-19 relief funds.

PNC Bank "C NOTES" return for third year at corporate battle of bands

The PNC Bank "C NOTES" are set to participate in HAAM’s Corporate Battle of the Bands for the third consecutive year. The group, featuring Steven Gonzalez, PNC Regional President and Corporate Banking Leader, on drums, and his brother Pete on lead guitar and vocals, will perform once again at this event. They are joined by Stephen Jeffrey, a long-time HAAM board member and PNC Private Bank Leader, on bass, with Nathan Strubhart, a PNC Business Banker, on rhythm guitar.

Celebrate this Earth Day with 5 Fun Sustainability Facts about AUS

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport recently celebrated Earth Day with an event at the Barbara Jordan Terminal, where they highlighted their sustainability efforts. One of the team members at the event shared, "Yup, you heard that right, I’ll bet you didn’t know AUS achieved Level 3+ Carbon Neutrality for the 3rd straight year through the ACI – Airports Carbon Accreditation Program!"The airport's commitment to sustainability is evident in various initiatives. For instance, AUS has achieved Level 3+ Carbon Neutrality for the third consecutive year, making it one of just...

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Homicide Investigation Unfolds at Research Boulevard in Austin

A tragic incident unfolded at the 11200 block of Research Boulevard in Austin, Texas, leading to the death of Jose Rubio, a Hispanic male born on April 29, 1988. The suspect, Javier Vega-Funes, a 29-year-old Hispanic male, has been arrested in connection with the crime.According to the Austin Police Department (APD), the events transpired on Monday, April 22, 2024, around 5:58 p.m. Multiple callers reported the incident, with one witness stating they saw a man running and shooting. Another caller mentioned a shooting near the back of an apartment complex, while a third...

SOAL Technologies named best staffing firm by Staffing Industry Analyst

SOAL Technologies has been recognized as the Best Staffing Firm to Work For by Staffing Industry Analyst. This accolade underscores their efforts in creating a work environment that prioritizes employee well-being, career growth, and satisfaction. The recognition highlights SOAL Tech's dedication to fostering a supportive and rewarding workplace for its employees.

LBJ Theatre students advance to UIL One Act Play Area Contest

LBJ Jaguar Theatre students at LBJ High School in Austin have advanced to the UIL One Act Play Area Contest for the first time in the school's history. The competition, held at Bastrop ISD, saw LBJ emerge as the only 5A school in Austin ISD to progress to the Area level this year, breaking new ground after years of competing with the Liberal Arts and Science Academy.

APD and Travis County Medical Examiner's Office Seek Help Identifying Deceased Person's Relatives

The Austin Police Department (APD) and Travis County Medical Examiner's Office are seeking the public's help in identifying the relatives of a deceased individual.The incident occurred on December 2, 2023, at around 1:21 p.m. when APD officers responded to a report of a body found in a retention pond near Slaughter Lane and the 8800 block South Congress Avenue. Despite initial concerns, the death was determined not to be a homicide.The deceased individual has been identified as Jose Lopez, a Hispanic male. He is also known by the aliases Carlos Jose Lopez, Francisco...

Death Investigation in the 5800 block of Spring Meadow Road

The Austin Police Department (APD) is currently conducting a Death Investigation in the 5800 block of Spring Meadow Road following the discovery of a deceased individual. The deceased has been identified as Cristian Rangel, a Hispanic male born on June 4, 1999.According to reports, officers responded to the scene on Friday, April 19, 2024, at approximately 7:06 p.m. and found Rangel already deceased. Detective and Crime Scene Specialists were called in to process the area where Rangel's body was located.Rangel had been reported missing by the Austin Police Department...

NormanMD promotes telemedicine benefits for businesses amid rising demand

NormanMD offers a 24/7 virtual urgent care telemedicine service powered by Austin Regional Clinic doctors. The service provides flexible partnership options, marketing, and customer support to help businesses reduce costs and save employees time and money. NormanMD can be implemented even without a broker, insurance plan, or existing employee benefits.

Austin students participate in ‘Food of the Future’ for Earth Week

Students from Austin ISD High Schools celebrated Earth Week by creating dishes using sustainable ingredients such as seaweed, crickets, mushrooms, and plant proteins. The initiative, known as ‘Food of the Future,’ aims to promote sustainable food habits and plant-based choices among students while practicing their culinary and marketing skills.

Attorney General Ken Paxton defends Texas Election Integrity Law