Austin Journal

News from October 2024


Austin-Bergstrom reports mixed results in August passenger and cargo traffic

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport reported a decrease in passenger traffic for August 2024, with a total of 1,725,545 passengers. This figure represents a decline of 2.89% compared to the same month last year. Enplanements for the month were down by 3.15%, totaling 842,310.


Austin seeks community input on Congress Avenue redesign

The City of Austin is inviting public input on proposed improvements for Congress Avenue, specifically between Cesar Chavez Street and 11th Street. This initiative includes the creation of a plaza north of Seventh Street.


Austin confirms absence of lead pipes after multi-year inspection

After a comprehensive multi-year inspection, Austin Water has confirmed that the city's public water system is free of lead pipes. This announcement follows a decades-long effort to inventory and eliminate any lead infrastructure within the system.


Astronomers race against time to capture image of exoplanet near star

Planet AF Lep b has become a focal point for astronomers due to its unique characteristics. In 2023, it was identified as the lowest-mass planet outside our solar system to be directly observed and have its mass measured using astrometry. This technique involves tracking the subtle movements of a host star over time to understand more about orbiting companions.


Details announced for Mickey Guyton's upcoming performance taping

Tapings for the event featuring Mickey Guyton will commence at 8 PM CT, with theater doors opening at 7 PM and the Will Call/Front Porch Bar opening at 6 PM. The venue, ACL Live at The Moody Theater, is located at 310 W. 2nd Street, Willie Nelson Blvd.


City of Austin City Council met Sept. 12

City of Austin City Council met Thursday, Sept. 12


Austin LGBT Chamber backs key propositions on child care and tax rate election

The Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has announced its endorsement of two significant propositions on the 2024 ballot: Travis County Child Care Proposition A and the Austin ISD Voter Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE). The board emphasized the importance of voter participation in shaping the future, with Election Day set for November 5, 2024.


New lab in Texas helps communities adapt to extreme weather challenges

A new Extreme Weather Adaptation Lab has been launched in Austin, Texas, aimed at assisting community leaders across the state in addressing challenges related to extreme weather conditions. This initiative is particularly focused on under-resourced and rural communities facing issues such as heat, drought, flooding, wildfires, and severe storms. Hosted by the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin, the lab offers year-round training opportunities and research to help leaders make informed decisions.


Itzhak Perlman to perform in a special recital with Rohan De Silva

No violinist more beautifully captures and conveys the joy of music than Itzhak Perlman, the reigning virtuoso of violin. In this recital, he is joined by his musical partner of 25 years, Rohan De Silva. The program celebrates the classical tradition through Perlman's mastery of the violin and De Silva's fluid accompaniment.


Baked by Melissa reintroduces Halloween bite-size cupcake pack for October

Baked by Melissa has announced the return of its Halloween Bite-Size 6-Pack, a collection of small cupcakes designed to enhance the Halloween season. The assortment includes flavors such as Midnight Munchies, Fudge Brownie, Spooky Tie-Dye, Green Goblin, Eyeball, and Bear-ied Alive. These mini cupcakes are slightly larger than a quarter and are served cold.


City of Austin City Council will meet Oct. 10

City of Austin City Council will meet at 10 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 10


Carín León taping details announced for ACL Live

Tapings for Carín León's performance will begin at 8 PM CT, with theater doors opening at 7 PM and the Will Call/Front Porch Bar opening at 6 PM. The event will take place at ACL Live at The Moody Theater, located at 310 W. 2nd Street, Willie Nelson Blvd.


Uber, Avride form new autonomous delivery and mobility partnership

Uber Technologies, Inc. and Avride have announced a new partnership to integrate Avride's delivery robots and autonomous vehicles into Uber's services, including Uber Eats.


City of Austin Housing Finance Corporation Board of Directors will meet Oct. 10

City of Austin Housing Finance Corporation Board of Directors will meet at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 10


University of Texas plans major restoration project for historic campus tower

The University of Texas is set to begin a multiyear project to restore its historic Tower, which has been a significant symbol of the institution since its completion in 1937. The project, named "Our Tower: The Next 100 Years," was approved by the University of Texas System Board of Regents with a budget of $70 million and will start its exterior restoration in November.


Mariachi program fosters cultural pride at Akins Early College High School

During Hispanic Heritage Month, the mariachi tradition is being highlighted as a significant cultural symbol within the Hispanic community. Susana Diaz-Lopez, who leads a mariachi program at Akins Early College High School, emphasizes the importance of this music in fostering a sense of belonging among students.


Benson Boone's rise from teen artist to global sensation

Benson Boone's intimate, diaristic pop songs are constantly evolving as he makes his way from fun-loving teen to global hitmaker. First discovered by Imagine Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds, Boone was quickly signed to Reynolds’ Night Street Records in partnership with Warner Records. In 2021, he dropped the emotional breakup ballad “GHOST TOWN,” which amassed more than 530 million streams and became his first entry on the Billboard Hot 100. Heartbreak also shaped the soaring follow-up, “In The Stars,” which proved to be an even bigger hit.


City of Austin Audit and Finance Committee will meet Oct. 9

City of Austin Audit and Finance Committee will meet at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 9


City of Austin Audit and Finance Committee met Aug. 28

City of Austin Audit and Finance Committee met Wednesday, Aug. 28


Greystar supports Salvation Army's Angel Tree program through volunteer efforts

Just down South Congress Avenue, a Christmas warehouse is bustling with activity. It serves as the center for the Angel Tree program, providing gifts and essentials to children in Central Texas during the holiday season. This effort depends on support from various partners.