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Culture

Pease Park celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with special events

Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15th to October 15th, honors the contributions of the Hispanic community to society. This period aligns with the independence days of several Latin American countries and has evolved from a week-long celebration in 1968 to a month-long observance signed into law in 1988. The term “Hispanic” generally refers to people from or with ancestry from Spanish-speaking countries, while “Latino” refers to individuals with origins in Latin America and/or the Caribbean.

Culture

Live Music Spotlight: Weekly Highlights of Austin’s Concert Scene

As the sun sets over the vibrant city of Austin, Texas, a symphony of anticipation fills the air as music enthusiasts eagerly await the upcoming shows, concerts, and live performances that will ignite the stages across the Live Music Capital of the World.

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Culture

Live Music Spotlight: Weekly Highlights of Austin’s Music Scene

As the sun sets over the vibrant city of Austin, Texas, a symphony of anticipation fills the air as music enthusiasts eagerly await the upcoming shows, concerts, and live performances that will ignite the stages across the Live Music Capital of the World.


Culture

Austin Public Health hosts mpox vaccine event amid WHO global emergency declaration

Austin Public Health (APH) is organizing a pop-up mpox clinic following the World Health Organization's recent declaration of an ongoing outbreak in Africa as a public health emergency of international concern.


Culture

Austin LGBT Chamber opens applications for 2024 scholarship program

The Austin LGBT Chamber Education Fund has opened applications for its 2024 scholarship program. Eligible applicants must be residents of Texas, defined as those currently living in the state for at least three months prior to the application deadline, having lived in Texas for at least one year within the past five years, or having lived in Texas for more than a year and been continuously enrolled in an accredited academic institution during the last five years.


Culture

Austin Public Health receives silver recognition from state program

Austin Public Health Earns Silver Recognition Level by State for Health Promotion


Culture

Austin Public Health launches campaign amid rising HIV diagnoses

AUSTIN, Texas - For the fourth consecutive year, Travis County has reported a steady increase in new HIV diagnoses. In response, Austin Public Health (APH) is launching its Ending the HIV Epidemic campaign to emphasize local resources such as testing and treatment available to support those who have tested positive for HIV and curb the rise in new cases.


Culture

Austin hosts "Take A Loved-One For A Check-Up Day" on August 17

Regular health screenings are a crucial preventive measure, yet only one in four Americans undergo an annual check-up. In response, Austin Public Health (APH) Health Equity Unit and Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) are hosting Take a Loved One for a Check-up Day 2024 on Saturday, Aug. 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Parque Zaragosa Neighborhood Park.


Culture

Austin Animal Center restricts intake hours amid capacity crisis

Austin Animal Center (AAC) has announced restricted intake hours in response to ongoing capacity challenges. Beginning May 28, 2024, intake will be limited to 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday.


Culture

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport celebrates silver jubilee with historic proclamation

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) celebrated its 25th anniversary today, marking a quarter-century of connecting travelers from Austin and Central Texas to destinations worldwide. The event featured live music, remarks from city and airport leadership, and a proclamation by Austin Mayor Kirk Watson designating May 23rd as Austin-Bergstrom International Day.


Culture

Austin animal shelters unite for "It's Gonna Be May" adoption promotion

AUSTIN, TX, May 20, 2024 - In a unique initiative inspired by Justin Timberlake’s unofficial “It’s Gonna Be May” month, the largest animal shelters in the Austin area have joined forces to find loving homes for pets. The "It’s Gonna Be May" Adoption Promotion is underway and will continue through May 27 at seven participating shelters.


Culture

Delaware North celebrates 25 years with Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

The City of Austin, once an overlooked gem, has now gained national recognition for its vibrant food scene and lively music culture. A significant contributor to this transformation is the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), which celebrates its 25th anniversary this month. One company that played a pivotal role in setting the tone for the airport is Delaware North (DNC), one of the world's largest entertainment and food service companies.


Culture

O. Henry Museum Pun-Off World Championships celebrates its 47th anniversary

The O. Henry Museum Pun-Off World Championships are continuing to thrive in Austin, Texas. On May 11, 2024, hundreds of enthusiasts of puns convened from various locations to engage in a day-long contest of wit and wordplay. The Pun-Off is among Austin’s longest-running unique events, currently marking nearly half a century of what some refer to as the lowest form of humor. This year marks the 47th anniversary of the Pun-Off.


Culture

Austin announces $4.5 million in grants for live music industry

The City of Austin Economic Development Department has announced the availability of $4.5 million in support through the 2024 Austin Live Music Fund. The program will provide grants ranging from $15,000 to $60,000 to professional musicians, bands, independent promoters, and live music venues in Austin. These funds are intended to bolster eligible promoted music activities aimed at attracting tourists and convention delegates to the city.


Culture

UMLAUF Sculpture Garden announces future expansion plan unveiling

The UMLAUF Sculpture Garden and Museum, in collaboration with the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department and Page/ architecture firm, is set to publicly release its Historic Preservation, Expansion and Unification Plan. The unveiling event will take place on Wednesday, May 29 at 5:30 p.m. at 605 Azie Morton Rd and is open to all interested parties.


Culture

New Hope Animal Rescue receives $25,000 grant from PetSmart Charities

Austin-based organization, New Hope Animal Rescue (NHAR), has been granted a $25,000 fund by PetSmart Charities. The grant is intended to aid the preparation of homeless cats and dogs in the state for adoption.


Culture

LBJ Theatre students advance to UIL One Act Play Area Contest

LBJ Jaguar Theatre students at LBJ High School in Austin have advanced to the UIL One Act Play Area Contest for the first time in the school's history. The competition, held at Bastrop ISD, saw LBJ emerge as the only 5A school in Austin ISD to progress to the Area level this year, breaking new ground after years of competing with the Liberal Arts and Science Academy.


Culture

UT Austin study leads to smart windows breakthrough

A study conducted by researchers at The University of Texas at Austin has led to a breakthrough in the development of smart windows using common, sustainable materials such as amylose, a natural polymer found in corn, potatoes, and beans.


Culture

UT announces new exhibit at Texas Science & Natural History Museum

A new exhibition titled "Particles of Color: Where Science Meets Fashion" has opened at the Texas Science & Natural History Museum in Austin. The exhibition focuses on sustainability in the fashion industry and showcases the use of compostable, plant-based, and biodegradable materials in clothing, accessories, jewelry, and art.


Culture

Move More, Sleep Better, UT Study Finds

A new study conducted by an interdisciplinary team of researchers at The University of Texas at Austin has unveiled the strong connection between physical activity, sleep quality, and psychological health. Published in Nature Scientific Reports, the study focused on how daily physical activity impacts sleep stages and emotional well-being over an extended period.The research, which involved 82 young adults, utilized advanced wearable technology to monitor sleep and activity levels. Benjamin Baird, a research assistant professor of psychology and one of the study's...