Austin Journal

News from December 2024


MoPac South expansion raises concerns for Austin High School traffic

Traffic congestion in Austin is a persistent issue, and with the ongoing construction on Interstate 35, the proposed expansion of MoPac South could further complicate matters.


Austin Water reports minimal PFAS levels after year-long testing

Austin Water has released results from a year-long water quality testing initiative aimed at detecting per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the city's drinking water.


Austin Police Chief addresses sentencing of Officer Christopher Taylor

Today, the Austin Police Department (APD) addressed the sentencing of Officer Christopher Taylor.


Austin ISD Board sets legislative agenda focusing on funding and recapture reform

On November 21, the Austin ISD Board of Trustees approved its legislative priorities, focusing on increased school funding and recapture reform.


Manor ISD appoints new deputy superintendent

Manor Independent School District (ISD) has appointed Dr. Tamey Williams-Hill as the new Deputy Superintendent.


Healed's adult-themed Nutcracker offers new twist on classic tale

Join the HEALED's unique rendition of "The Nutcracker," which presents a different take on the classic tale.


UT Austin sees record rise in freshman applications

Applications for freshman admission to The University of Texas at Austin have surged by 24.3% for the Fall 2025 term compared to last year.


Austin launches decade-long plan for parks development

The Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) has laid out a comprehensive 10-year plan to guide the development and expansion of the city's parks system.


Travis County offers free Christmas tree recycling from December 26 through January 12

Travis County is offering residents a chance to recycle their Christmas trees at no cost, starting December 26 and continuing through January 12.


Jesús Aguirre named director of Austin's Parks & Recreation Department

The City of Austin has appointed Jesús Aguirre as the new Director of the Parks and Recreation Department, effective January 13, 2025.


Austin Public Health launches resource hub for opioid education in Travis County

Austin Public Health (APH) has introduced a new resource hub aimed at providing local resources and information on opioids.


Pearl Society hosts concert featuring Sarah Hall and Daniel Fears

On December 5, 2024, members of the HAAM Pearl Society gathered at C.L. Butaud's Wine Tasting Room for an evening of music featuring performances by Sarah Hall and Daniel Fears.


City of Austin Public Health Committee met Dec. 4

City of Austin Public Health Committee met Wednesday, Dec. 4


Pease Park Conservancy seeks finance manager for Austin park management

Pease Park Conservancy, an organization dedicated to preserving Austin's first public park, is seeking a Finance Manager to join its leadership team.


Austin ISD opens priority enrollment for 2025-26 school year

Priority enrollment for the 2025-26 school year is now available for current and prospective students of Austin ISD.


Ink-based e-tattoo innovation enables non-invasive brainwave monitoring

Researchers from The University of Texas at Austin and the University of California, Los Angeles, have developed a new conductive ink for electronic tattoos that can be printed directly on the scalp to measure brainwaves.


Austin ISD opens priority enrollment for 2025-26 school year

Priority enrollment for the 2025-26 school year is now open for all current and future students of Austin Independent School District (Austin ISD).


Manor ISD director named president of Texas School Nurses Organization

The Texas School Nurses Organization (TSNO) has appointed Diana Rios-Rodriguez, Manor ISD's Director of Health and Wellness, as its new Board President.


City of Austin Housing and Planning Committee met Dec. 3

City of Austin Housing and Planning Committee met Tuesday, Dec. 3


City of Austin City Council met Oct. 24

City of Austin City Council met Thursday, Oct. 24