News from April 2024
Attorney General Ken Paxton Sues Harris County Over Illegal “Guaranteed Income” Welfare Scheme
By Austin Journal | Apr 9, 2024
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has taken legal action against Harris County for implementing what he deems an unlawful “guaranteed income” program. The initiative, introduced by Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo in 2023, involves distributing public funds in a manner that Attorney General Paxton argues violates the Texas Constitution.The program in question aimed to randomly select 1,928 eligible Harris County residents through a lottery system to receive $500 cash payments for 18 months with “no strings attached.” Funded by $20.5 million allocated to the county from...
Austin Chronicle reveals winners of "Best of Austin 2012" awards
By Austin Journal | Apr 9, 2024
The Austin Chronicle announced the results for its "Best of Austin 2012" awards, recognizing outstanding local businesses. The publication has named the winners in various categories, including Best Neighborhood Grocery.
Prescription drug take back day set for April in Travis County
By Austin Journal | Apr 9, 2024
The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day event is scheduled for April 27, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Residents are encouraged to safely dispose of unwanted over-the-counter, prescription, and pet medications at designated locations in Travis County. The initiative aims to prevent medication misuse, reduce opioid addiction risks, and protect local water supplies.
Volunteer effort planned for spring cleanup in Eastern Travis County
By Austin Journal | Apr 9, 2024
The Colorado River Alliance and Travis County Parks are organizing a volunteer event aimed at cleaning up parks and the Texas Colorado River. Scheduled for April 20, 2024, the event is expected to bring together over 100 volunteers and community leaders across seven parks in Eastern Travis County.
Sustainable practices prioritized by local brand SRSLY Chocolate
By Austin Journal | Apr 9, 2024
Local chocolate brand SRSLY Chocolate has announced a new initiative aimed at enhancing its chocolate-making process. The company is focusing on sustainability and quality to improve its product offerings.
Wheatsville Co-op removes Eden Foods after member vote
By Austin Journal | Apr 9, 2024
The Austin-based Wheatsville Food Co-op has decided to remove Eden Foods products from its shelves. This decision comes after a vote by the co-op members, with a significant two-to-one majority favoring the discontinuation of the brand.
After School Activities Moved Indoors Due to Tornado Watch in Austin ISD
By Austin Journal | Apr 9, 2024
After a tornado watch was issued by the National Weather Service for Austin ISD until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9, all after school activities have been moved indoors as a precaution. In a message to families and staff, the district emphasized the importance of safety protocols in place during such weather events."We are under a tornado watch from the National Weather Service until 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 9. This means that a tornado is possible but not imminent, so we are prepared and monitoring the forecast," stated the district communication.The district further...
Wheatsville Co-op wins best neighborhood grocery in 'Best of Austin' awards
By Austin Journal | Apr 9, 2024
The Austin Chronicle recently announced the winners of its "Best of Austin" awards for 2013. Among the recipients, Wheatsville Co-op was recognized as the Best Neighborhood Grocery. This acknowledgment highlights the store's role in serving the local community with quality products and a focus on customer satisfaction.
Travis County Sheriff's Office releases March 2024 newsletter
By Austin Journal | Apr 9, 2024
Please take a moment to read the Travis County Sheriff's Office interactive newsletter that highlights activities for March.
Travis County launches fair housing assessment survey for community input
By Austin Journal | Apr 9, 2024
Travis County is conducting a Fair Housing Assessment and Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing survey. This initiative is part of the upcoming five-year PY24-28 Consolidated Plan and annual PY24 Action Plan. The survey seeks input from the public within the Travis County CDBG Service Area and residents throughout Central Texas.
How to be a better carnivore: exploring ethical meat consumption
By Austin Journal | Apr 9, 2024
The Austin Chronicle has recently delved into the complexities of being a conscious carnivore. The publication explores how individuals can make more informed decisions regarding their meat consumption.
Boris Fishman presents "The Unwanted" at BookPeople event
By Austin Journal | Apr 8, 2024
Boris Fishman and BookPeople have announced an event featuring Fishman’s book, "The Unwanted".
Despite a population and resource boom, public transit in Austin is in decline
By Austin Journal | Apr 8, 2024
In 1985, voters in Austin established the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority, known locally as CapMetro, to provide public transportation service to the greater Austin area. The services provided today by CapMetro include bus services, paratransit services for persons with disabilities, and a commuter rail.
City of Austin City Council met Feb. 29
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Apr 7, 2024
City of Austin City Council met Thursday, Feb. 29
City of Austin Public Health Committee met March 20
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Apr 7, 2024
City of Austin Public Health Committee met Wednesday, March 20
City of Austin City Council will meet April 18
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Apr 7, 2024
City of Austin City Council will meet at 10 a.m., Thursday, April 18
City of Austin Housing Public Facility Corporation Board of Directors will meet April 18
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Apr 7, 2024
City of Austin Housing Public Facility Corporation Board of Directors will meet at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, April 18
Viola Shipman and BookPeople host author event 'The Page Turner
By Austin Journal | Apr 7, 2024
BookPeople, an independent bookstore, is teaming up with author Viola Shipman to host an event titled "The Page Turner".
Romance book lovers invited to join new BookPeople club
By Austin Journal | Apr 7, 2024
BookPeople is inviting literature enthusiasts to join its new romance book club, "What We Read," which promises to be a gathering point for those interested in stories of new lovers.
District Safeguards Classrooms As It Seeks To Cut Spending
By Austin Journal | Apr 5, 2024
In an effort to navigate financial challenges, the Austin Independent School District (AISD) has unveiled a preliminary budget for the 2024-25 school year, featuring significant cuts to non-campus based expenses amounting to $30 million. The district's focus remains on safeguarding classrooms amidst cost-saving measures.According to a statement from AISD, "Though we must make difficult cuts, we committed to finding savings in areas that protect the classroom as much as possible." This commitment underscores the district's dedication to preserving the quality of education...