News from June 2024


Austin police seek community help in ongoing homicide investigation

The Austin Police Department (APD) Homicide Unit continues to seek the community's assistance in finding the person or persons responsible for the death of 27-year-old D’Andre Isaiah Day. Mr. Day was found deceased on September 4, 2022, at the corner of 6th and Brazos streets. Detectives learned that Mr. Day had been involved in a disturbance near the intersection of 7th and Colorado streets, where they believe he sustained his injuries.


City announces “We All Belong” party lineup for June 22

The City of Austin’s We All Belong Anti-Hate initiative invites the public to City Hall at 301 W 2nd Street on Saturday, June 22, from 6 - 10 p.m., for The Party at the People’s House. This event promises an evening of community, culture, and creativity.


Back-to-school drive aims to support financially strained families

As inflation drives up the cost of school supplies, families are feeling the financial strain more than ever. According to the 2023 Deloitte Back to School (BTS) survey, BTS is now the second largest spending event for families. With prices rising by 23.7% over the past two years, many families are overwhelmed by these expenses.


Delta introduces nonstop flights from Austin to Harlingen

Delta Air Lines will launch a new nonstop service from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) to Valley International Airport (HRL) in Harlingen, Texas, starting October 7, 2024. This year-round service will operate once daily.


Red River Rising launches online auction to support Austin community

HAAM has announced its partnership with Red River Rising to support the Austin community, focusing on empowering local musicians, preserving the downtown music district, and addressing housing insecurity. Red River Rising will host an online auction featuring over 120 pieces of music memorabilia and experiences starting July 1. Proceeds will benefit initiatives aimed at enhancing Austin's cultural heritage and supporting local communities.


Board adopts annual budget amid financial challenges

The Board of Trustees adopted the 2024–25 budget, totaling $954 million in operating expenses, at its June 20 Regular Voting Meeting.


Austin police investigate murder-suicide involving couple on Macmora Road

On June 19, 2024, at approximately 1:03 a.m., Austin Police Department (APD) officers responded to a call regarding an unknown situation after a male caller stated, “my wife is in the bedroom. I’m outside.” Upon arrival at 10613 Macmora Rd., officers found Suzanne Bailey, a White female born on February 12, 1966, inside the residence with an apparent gunshot wound to the head. Austin-Travis County EMS (A/TCEMS) transported Ms. Bailey to Dell Seton Medical Center at the University of Texas, where she was pronounced deceased at 9:10 a.m.


City celebrates grand opening of Assembly Hall in East Austin

The City of Austin Economic Development Department has announced the grand opening of Assembly Hall, a newly revitalized event space in Central East Austin. This transformation was made possible through the Family Business Loan Program (FBLP), a public-private partnership between the City of Austin, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and private lenders. The program provides low-interest loans to small businesses that are expanding and creating jobs, supporting local businesses in increasing the tax base and enhancing residents' quality of life.


City of Austin announces Juneteenth closures for various facilities

The City of Austin has announced closures and schedule changes for various services in observance of Juneteenth on Wednesday, June 19, 2024.


Austin police seek public's help in identifying hit-and-run suspect

The Austin Police Department (APD) Highway Enforcement Command Unit is seeking the public's assistance in identifying a suspect involved in a hit-and-run collision. The incident occurred at approximately 11:27 p.m. on Saturday, June 15, in the 1200 block of West Parmer Lane.


Austin ISD celebrates Juneteenth with parade honoring Black community

Juneteenth celebrations are in full swing in Austin as the community marks the end of slavery in the United States. The Austin ISD community joined in on the celebrations on June 15 at the annual Historical Juneteenth Parade in East Austin, celebrating the Black community.


Paxton advises Texas schools on Title IX after legal victory

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has issued an advisory to schools across the state regarding the application of Title IX following a recent legal victory. This development comes after Paxton successfully halted the implementation of rules proposed by the Biden Administration’s Department of Education on June 11. The federal court ruled that these rules would have forced Texas schools to adopt "transgender" policies, which were deemed to violate existing state and federal laws.


Austin-Bergstrom International Airport explains intricate web of financing strategies

Understanding the financial operations of airports can provide insight into how these complex systems function. John Gallo, the Aviation Administrative and Business Development Division manager at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), explains the basics of airport financing.


Emma S Barrientos Cultural Center announces winners of excellence awards

The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (ESB MACC) has announced the recipients of its 2024 Excellence Awards. Established in 2009 by the ESB MACC Advisory Board, these awards honor individuals in Austin who have demonstrated significant leadership and contributions to Latino cultural arts.


Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center announces 2024 Awards of Excellence winners

The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (ESB MACC) has announced the winners of its 2024 Awards of Excellence. These awards, established by the ESB MACC Advisory Board in 2009, recognize individuals in Austin who have demonstrated significant leadership and contributions to Latino/a/e cultural arts.


Austin moves forward with Chief of Police search; interviews set for July

The City of Austin’s search for its next Chief of Police is gaining momentum with candidate screening and evaluation by the City’s executive search consultant, Mosaic Public Partners, underway. City Manager T.C. Broadnax will ultimately narrow the field to top candidates, and the interview process is scheduled to take place in the latter part of July.


Third Annual Midsummer Festival celebrates Swedish-American culture in downtown Austin

The Austin Parks and Recreation Department’s Old Bakery and Emporium will host the Third Annual Midsummer Festival on Saturday, June 29, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Old Bakery and Emporium, located at 1006 Congress Ave. The festival is free and offers family-friendly activities for all ages.


Austin Chamber’s delegation engages in extensive federal advocacy during D.C. visit

The Austin Chamber's delegation of 65 members visited Washington D.C. from June 11-13 for their Federal Advocacy Visit. The group engaged in a series of meetings, events, and discussions focused on various aspects of federal advocacy.


Austin police seek public help identifying suspects in fatal shooting

The Austin Police Department (APD) Homicide Unit is requesting public assistance in identifying four suspects involved in a homicide that occurred on June 8, 2024. The incident took place at approximately 6:01 a.m. at a Waffle House located at 12304 Dessau Road.


Austin Energy worker returns home bringing power

For Austin Energy journeyman lineworker Edward Jodie, the utility’s recent trip to aid the Navajo Nation was more than a homecoming. It was a celebration of a life and career that has come full circle.