News from August 2024
Volunteers needed for annual Lake Travis cleanup event
By Austin Journal | Aug 31, 2024
The 30th Annual Lake Travis Cleanup is set to take place on Sunday, September 15th, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., with the aim of removing thousands of pounds of trash from Lake Travis and surrounding County Parks. The event, which focuses on maintaining clean drinking water and preserving local waterways, will involve hundreds of volunteers working across more than seven Travis County Parks, as well as dive sites and shoreline neighborhoods.
Austin Public Health celebrates three decades of lactation support
By Austin Journal | Aug 30, 2024
AUSTIN, Texas — Austin Public Health (APH) is celebrating a milestone as its Mom’s Place Lactation Center marks 30 years of service to the community. APH is using this occasion to remind families in Austin and Travis County of the support available to them.
Pedestrian killed in hit-and-run on East Ben White Boulevard
By Austin Journal | Aug 30, 2024
On Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at approximately 1:04 a.m., Austin Police Department (APD) officers responded to a crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian in the 700 block of East Ben White Boulevard SVRD WB. The pedestrian was pronounced deceased on the scene. The vehicle did not stop.
Kealing Middle School receives support after fire delays start
By Austin Journal | Aug 30, 2024
Kealing Middle School celebrated its first day of school on August 26, one week after fire damage prevented the school from opening on the district-wide first day.
Austin Police Department launches youth recruiting initiative amid staffing shortages
By Austin Journal | Aug 30, 2024
The Austin Police Department (APD) has launched the APD Youth Program, a community initiative aimed at enhancing future local hiring efforts. Through this program, APD staff will collaborate with over 60 Austin youth to develop a professional recruiting model with multiple tracks leading to employment with APD. The program also involves engaging adult community members to understand their needs and support for area youth potentially entering the law enforcement profession.
Barton Springs Pool temporarily closed for maintenance due to infrastructure leak
By Austin Journal | Aug 30, 2024
This morning, staff from the City of Austin's Parks & Recreation (PARD), Austin Water, and Watershed Protection departments convened at Barton Springs Pool to assess a leak in the pool’s infrastructure.
City of Austin announces winner of 2024 Circular Austin Showcase
By Austin Journal | Aug 30, 2024
The City of Austin has announced the winner of the 2024 Circular Austin Showcase, a pitch competition aimed at promoting local circular businesses focused on reuse and zero waste. Circular business models aim to minimize the extraction of new resources by keeping materials and products in use for as long as possible.
Austin Police Department enforces no refusal initiative over Labor Day weekend
By Austin Journal | Aug 30, 2024
The Austin Police Department (APD) has announced a DWI No Refusal Initiative that will be enforced during the upcoming Labor Day Weekend. The operation commenced on Thursday, August 29, and will continue through Monday, September 2, 2024.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport sees mixed results in passenger and cargo traffic for July
By Austin Journal | Aug 30, 2024
AUSTIN, TEXAS – Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) reported a slight decrease in passenger traffic for July 2024, with 2,039,531 passengers flying during the month. This represents a decline of 0.07% compared to July 2023.
Palmer Events Center hosts diverse lineup of events in September
By Austin Journal | Aug 30, 2024
AUSTIN, Texas – The Palmer Events Center will host 13 events during September, including the Austin Lowriding Supershow, Austin Coffee Festival, the 10th Annual Beautifully Loved Fashion Show, and two private events.
NAHB highlights recent legislative victories in August Monthly Update
By Austin Journal | Aug 30, 2024
To help members articulate key housing priorities, the National Association of Home Builders' (NAHB) Monthly Update provides the latest messaging framework for the Federation. Highlights for this month include issue updates and talking points related to significant legislative victories.
Austin Energy deploys advanced AI-driven wildfire detection across service area
By Austin Journal | Aug 30, 2024
Austin Energy is deploying its advanced AI-driven wildfire detection system, marking a significant step forward in enhancing wildfire response capabilities across its entire 437-square-mile service territory.
Lawsuit targets Austin City Council over Project Connect tax
By Austin Journal | Aug 29, 2024
The Austin City Council is the target of a class action lawsuit accusing the local governmental body of collecting taxes for a different version of Project Connect than the one approved by voters. Court papers allege that voters were subjected to a rate that wasn’t approved by them, insinuating the city is miscalculating the tax rate.
Shooting incident at Waterloo Flats results in one fatality
By Austin Journal | Aug 29, 2024
On Monday, August 26, 2024, at approximately 2:08 p.m., Austin Police Department (APD) officers responded to a shooting at the Waterloo Flats apartment complex located at 1300 South Pleasant Valley Road. The caller, later identified as an employee of the apartment complex, informed dispatch that someone had run up to him and began attacking him. When officers arrived on the scene, they found a male, later identified as Adrian Lopez, on the ground in the parking lot with an apparent gunshot wound. Lopez was pronounced deceased at 2:42 p.m.
Austin police investigate fatal shooting at Waterloo Flats
By Austin Journal | Aug 29, 2024
On Monday, August 26, 2024, at approximately 2:08 p.m., Austin Police Department (APD) officers responded to a call regarding a shooting at the Waterloo Flats apartment complex located at 1300 South Pleasant Valley Road. The caller, later identified as an employee of the apartment complex, informed dispatch that someone had attacked him. Upon arrival, officers found Adrian Lopez on the ground in the parking lot with an apparent gunshot wound. Lopez was pronounced deceased at 2:42 p.m.
Austin ISD implements anti-vaping education as part of innovation plan
By Austin Journal | Aug 29, 2024
Students will undergo an anti-vaping course if they are found with a nicotine/tobacco e-cigarette on campus, in alignment with Austin ISD’s District of Innovation Plan.
Labor Day weekend sees personal watercraft ban enforced at Lake Austin
By Austin Journal | Aug 29, 2024
The Austin Police Department (APD) Lake Patrol Unit will enforce a city ordinance prohibiting the use and operation of personal watercraft, wet bikes, motorized surfboards, and similar devices on Lake Austin. This ban will be in effect from sunset on Friday, August 30, 2024, until sunrise on Tuesday, September 3, 2024. Non-motorized devices such as kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards are still permitted.
Austin approves new project to protect Barton Springs during droughts
By Austin Journal | Aug 29, 2024
On August 29, 2024, the Austin City Council approved a project aimed at protecting Barton Springs during droughts. The Little Bear Recharge Enhancement project will divert water from Little Bear Creek during periods of high flow to a former quarry, where it will recharge the Edwards Aquifer. This initiative is expected to help maintain flows at Barton Springs during drought conditions and enhance the aquifer's resilience against climate change impacts.
Tiff's Treats celebrates National Dog Day with local animal shelters
By Austin Journal | Aug 29, 2024
Tiff’s Treats marked National Dog Day this year with a special celebration, partnering with Austin Pets Alive! and the SPCA of Texas in Dallas. The event featured cookie deliveries, adoptable dogs, and moments aimed at raising awareness for animal welfare.
City of Austin announces Labor Day closures across various departments
By Austin Journal | Aug 29, 2024
City of Austin administrative offices and other municipal facilities will be closed Monday, Sept. 2, in observance of Labor Day. Business hours will resume Tuesday, Sept. 3. Closures include City Council offices, all recreation and senior centers, cultural centers, museums, and libraries.