News from February 2024
APD Detectives Search for Two Suspects in Connection to an Aggravated Robbery
By Austin Journal | Feb 9, 2024
The Austin Police Department (APD) is seeking the public's assistance in identifying two suspects involved in an Aggravated Robbery that took place at a Mobil gas station on Menchaca Rd. on Saturday, January 20th, 2024.According to the APD Robbery Unit, the incident occurred at approximately 11:07 p.m. when the two suspects aggressively entered the store. They violently pulled the clerk from behind the counter and brandished a gun, threatening the clerk while stealing an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspects then fled the scene in a white 4-Door sedan heading...
Traffic Fatality in the 13400 block of N SH 45 WB
By Austin Journal | Feb 9, 2024
On Monday, February 5, 2024, a tragic traffic accident occurred in the 13400 block of N SH 45 WB in Austin, Texas. The incident involved a collision between a pickup truck and an 18-wheeler, resulting in the death of the unidentified driver of the pickup truck. According to the Austin Police Department (APD), the pickup truck crashed into the back of the tractor trailer at approximately 6:46 a.m. The driver of the 18-wheeler was unharmed in the accident and has been fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation. "This incident is being investigated as Austin's 4th...
City Celebrates AHFC’s First Permanent Supportive Housing Community – Espero Rutland
By Austin Journal | Feb 9, 2024
The City of Austin Housing Department is celebrating the opening of the Austin Housing Finance Corporation's (AHFC) first permanent supportive housing community, Espero Rutland. Located in District 4 at 1934 Rutland Drive, the development is already accepting applications and welcoming residents. It features 171 furnished studio apartments designed to house residents at risk of or who have experienced chronic homelessness.Mandy DeMayo, Interim Director for the Housing Department, expressed her pride in helping 171 households have a place to call home. She thanked all the...
City of Austin City Council met Jan. 16
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Feb 9, 2024
City of Austin City Council met Tuesday, Jan. 16
City of Austin City Council will meet Feb. 15
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Feb 9, 2024
City of Austin City Council will meet at 10 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 15
Despite spending $200 million, homelessness in Austin still increasing, says City Manager Garza
By Austin Journal | Feb 8, 2024
On Wednesday, February 7th, the Public Health Committee of the Austin City Council held a public meeting to discuss a range of topics, including some discussion of the ongoing efforts to address homelessness in Austin.
APD Cold Case Detectives Identify a Suspect in Connection to the 1994 Murder of Bert Allen Mann
By Austin Journal | Feb 8, 2024
The Austin Police Department (APD) Cold Case Unit has made a significant breakthrough in the investigation of the 1994 murder of Bert Allen Mann. After almost three decades of relentless pursuit of justice, detectives have identified a suspect in connection to the case.On May 12, 1994, Mann was tragically found with fatal stab wounds in the kitchen of his residence on Star Grass Circle. It appeared that the suspect had forced entry into Mann's home through a rear sliding glass door. Mann discovered the intruder upon his return from work, leading to a struggle near the...
APD Detectives Search for Person of Interest in Connection to Aggravated Assault
By Austin Journal | Feb 8, 2024
The Austin Police Department (APD) is currently searching for a person of interest in connection to an aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The incident occurred on Sunday, January 7, 2024, at approximately 2:59 a.m. in the 8900 block of N Lamar Boulevard.According to APD, officers responded to a report of a shooting and found a male victim with a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to a local hospital and is said to have non-life-threatening injuries.In an effort to solve the case, APD is seeking the public's assistance in identifying a person of interest....
Austin ISD Launches #BeTheChange Attendance Campaign
By Austin Journal | Feb 8, 2024
Austin ISD has announced the launch of the #BeTheChange Attendance Campaign in collaboration with SaulPaul, aimed at encouraging all students to promote regular school attendance among their peers.According to the E3 Alliance data, chronic absence rates in all grades across Central Texas have seen a significant increase of at least 8% since 2019. This data also reveals that students from low-income households are twice as likely to be chronically absent compared to their peers from higher-income backgrounds.Recognizing the importance of attending school every day,...
Court Denies Biden Administration’s Effort to Dismiss Texas Lawsuit Against Unconstitutional Asylum Rule
By Austin Journal | Feb 8, 2024
The Biden Administration's controversial "asylum rule" is facing legal challenges as a court denies the government's attempt to dismiss a lawsuit filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. The lawsuit argues that the Asylum Rule violates both the statutory system established by Congress and the Appointments Clause of the Constitution.The Asylum Rule, implemented by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, transfers authority from immigration judges to asylum officers. This move has sparked concerns about the erosion of due process and the separation of powers. Texas, in...
UPDATE: Hate Crimes Review Committee Determines Nueces Street Incident to be a Hate Crime
By Austin Journal | Feb 7, 2024
The Hate Crimes Review Committee has reviewed the incident that occurred on February 4, 2024, at Nueces Street and W 26th Street and has determined that the facts of the case meet the definition of a Hate Crime. The information has been provided to the Travis County District Attorney's Office, which will make the final decision on enhancing the offense to a Hate Crime.The Austin Police Department (APD) is currently investigating the incident, which is believed to be bias-motivated. Once the details of the case have been reviewed by the Hate Crimes Review Committee, the...
Top Nonstop Places to Visit for Spring Break 2024
By Austin Journal | Feb 7, 2024
As spring break approaches, many travelers are eagerly planning their getaways to the most popular destinations. Whether you're seeking sun-soaked beaches, vibrant nightlife, or cultural experiences, here are some top nonstop places to go for an unforgettable spring break in 2024.Mexico is undoubtedly a favorite choice for spring breakers, and this year is no different. According to travel experts, Puerto Vallarta, Cozumel, Mexico City, Cancun, and Cabo San Lucas are among the top nonstop destinations in Mexico for spring break 2024. These cities offer a perfect blend of...
Traffic Fatality in the Intersection of El Salido Parkway and N FM 620 Road
By Austin Journal | Feb 6, 2024
On Tuesday, January 16, 2024, a tragic traffic accident occurred at the intersection of El Salido Parkway and N FM 620 Road in Austin, Texas. The incident involved a collision between a pickup truck and an SUV, resulting in the death of the SUV driver and minor injuries to the pickup truck occupants.According to the Austin Police Department (APD), the driver of the SUV, identified as Adam Sams Weedy, a 53-year-old white male, tragically lost his life at the scene of the crash. The driver and passenger of the pickup truck were immediately transported to a local hospital,...
Traffic Fatality in the 600 block of W Anderson Lane
By Austin Journal | Feb 6, 2024
On Sunday, February 4, 2024, a tragic incident occurred in Austin's 600 block of West Anderson Lane, resulting in the death of an unidentified passenger. According to the Austin Police Department (APD), the passenger exited their vehicle while it was still in motion and was subsequently struck by another vehicle that fled the scene without stopping."The passenger of a vehicle exited the car while it was still in motion," stated the preliminary investigation report. Regrettably, the passenger was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the vehicle in which the...
The Ultimate Guide to AUS: Food
By Austin Journal | Feb 5, 2024
In the bustling Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), food takes center stage. Known for its commitment to supporting local businesses, AUS has established itself as a hub for foodies. Stepping away from the typical fast-food options, AUS offers a variety of dining experiences that will satisfy even the most discerning palates.Among the notable eateries at AUS are Haymaker, Thurman's, Salt Lick BBQ, Juiceland, and Sushi-A-Go-Go. These restaurants have become synonymous with the airport's dedication to providing quality food options.To cater to the hungry...
CANCELLED: APD Seeks Community Assistance in Locating Missing Endangered Juvenile
By Austin Journal | Feb 4, 2024
The Austin Police Department (APD) had been seeking the public's help in locating a missing and endangered juvenile, Hannah Smith. The 16-year-old, who is high-functioning autistic, had gone missing from Wichita, Kansas on January 14, 2024.Hannah was last seen in Wichita, but authorities believed she may have been in the Austin area, possibly in the company of an adult male driving a Blue 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport with expired tags. The APD was concerned about her immediate welfare and requested anyone with information about her whereabouts to contact 911 or APD's Human...
APD Missing Person - Silver Alert - Cancelled
By Austin Journal | Feb 3, 2024
Larue Wright, a 92-year-old white female diagnosed with Alzheimer's, has been reported missing by the Austin Police Department's Missing Person's Unit. She was last seen driving a 2009 Silver Lexus ES 350, with the Texas license plate PH7DRY, in the North Austin, Round Rock, and Cedar Park areas.Wright's family last saw her on the Life360 app, driving around the mentioned areas before her phone shut off. Concerns about her immediate welfare are growing as she does not have access to any funds.The Austin Police Department is urging the public to be on the lookout for...
City of Austin City Council met Dec. 14
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Feb 1, 2024
City of Austin City Council met Thursday, Dec. 14
City of Austin Energy Utility Oversight Committee met Dec. 12
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Feb 1, 2024
City of Austin Energy Utility Oversight Committee met Tuesday, Dec. 12
City of Austin City Council met Dec. 12
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Feb 1, 2024
City of Austin City Council met Tuesday, Dec. 12