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Local Government

Unidentified man's death under investigation after incident on West Cesar Chavez Street

On September 29, 2024, a distressing incident occurred in the 500 block of West Cesar Chavez Street. At approximately 2:16 p.m., a 911 call was made to report a man acting erratically in the area. According to the caller, the man was screaming and yelling before crawling onto a bank and rolling into the water. The caller noted that the man continued to scream while swimming and punching the air until he went underwater and did not resurface.


Local Government

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport prepares for October travel surge

October marks a busy period at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) as the city prepares for major events. With record-breaking passenger volumes expected, AUS advises travelers to plan ahead and anticipate crowded conditions.


Local Government

Austin police seek public help in identifying robbery suspect

The Austin Police Department (APD) is seeking public assistance in identifying a suspect involved in two aggravated robberies. The incidents occurred on September 29 and October 1, 2024, at Craigo’s Pizza and Tiff’s Treats, respectively.


Local Government

Motorcycle accident on Burnet Road results in one fatality

On the evening of September 29, 2024, a traffic incident occurred in the 7500 block of Burnet Road involving three vehicles. According to the Austin Police Department (APD), officers responded at approximately 9:11 p.m. to a crash that involved an SUV and a motorcycle initially, followed by a secondary collision with a pickup truck. The motorcyclist was taken to the hospital but was later pronounced dead.


Local Government

Austin seeks HUD funds for affordable housing project

The City of Austin is set to request the release of Project Based Vouchers (PBV) funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on or about October 17, 2024. The funds will support the Bailey at Berkman project located at 6405 Berkman Drive, Austin, Texas. This development includes the acquisition of land, demolition of a single-family home, and construction of an affordable multifamily housing complex with 104 units for households earning 30-60% of the Area Median Income. Twenty-six units will be designated as permanent supportive housing for those at...


Local Government

Austin Police seek public help identifying suspect in elderly assault case

The Austin Police Department (APD) Criminal Investigations Division is seeking public assistance to identify a male suspect involved in an assault on an elderly man. The incident occurred on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at approximately 6:16 p.m. at the Central Market located at 4001 North Lamar Boulevard.


Local Government

Pedestrian killed in collision on E. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd

On Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at approximately 9:32 p.m., Austin Police Department (APD) officers responded to a crash involving two vehicles and a pedestrian in the 4600 block of E. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.


Local Government

Austin Transit Partnership holds first meeting; public invited to virtual scoping sessions

Project Connect, the regional transit expansion program in Austin, Texas, is advancing with public meetings and elections for the Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) board officers.


Local Government

City seeks HUD approval for affordable housing project in Austin

The City of Austin plans to submit a request for the release of Project Based Vouchers (PBV) funds to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on or about October 17, 2024. The funds will support the Bailey at Berkman project located at 6405 Berkman Drive in Austin, Texas. This initiative involves acquiring land, demolishing one single-family home, and constructing a new affordable multifamily development with 104 housing units. These units will be restricted to households earning between 30% and 60% of the Area Median Income. Of these, twenty-six units are...


Local Government

Oakwood Cemetery announces virtual exhibition on Danny Camacho's ancestors

The City of Austin’s Oakwood Cemetery has announced a new virtual exhibition titled “Contribuir: The Ancestors of Danny Camacho.” This exhibition will be available online starting October 1, 2024. It will be accessible in both English and Spanish.


Local Government

Vaccines For Children program celebrates three decades of immunizing kids

2024 marks a milestone as the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program celebrates its 30th year of safeguarding children through immunization. It’s important for parents and guardians to ensure their children have the vaccine protection they need as we head deeper into COVID-19 and flu season.


Local Government

Austin police investigate fatal shooting involving security guard

On Friday, September 27, 2024, at approximately 3:50 p.m., Austin 911 received several calls reporting a shooting at the HEB located at 500 Canyon Ridge Drive. Initially reported as an active shooter situation, it was later clarified that this was not the case. An additional caller reported that a subject was shoplifting and lunged at a security guard with a knife. The caller stated the security guard attempted to tase the subject before shooting him.


Local Government

Downtown Austin Community Court celebrates quarter-century milestone

On October 1, 2024, the Downtown Austin Community Court (DACC) marked its 25th anniversary of service to the Austin community. Since October 2015, DACC has connected over 600 people to long-term housing.


Local Government

Austin residents urged to consider purchasing flood insurance

Homeowners, renters, and small businesses in Austin are encouraged to consider flood insurance due to the potential for flooding outside of mapped floodplains and high-risk areas. The City of Austin's participation in the National Flood Insurance Program allows residents to access federally-backed flood insurance, with most policies eligible for a 25 percent discount upon renewal. The average annual policy cost in Austin is $670, with lower risk policies available at reduced rates.


Local Government

Austin police seek public help locating suspect in theft and forgery cases

The Austin Police Department (APD) is seeking the public's assistance in locating Juan Antonio Vazquez Jr., a 24-year-old suspect involved in multiple theft and forgery cases. These incidents occurred between September 19, 2022, and June 7, 2024.


Local Government

Ken Wingert appointed chief advocacy officer for NAHB

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has announced the appointment of Ken Wingert as its new chief advocacy officer. Wingert, a seasoned government affairs professional with over 20 years of experience in policy and management, will now lead the association's various advocacy efforts.


Local Government

Pease Park Conservancy announces fall volunteer events and celebrations

Fall has arrived, and Halloween is approaching. Pease Park Conservancy (PPC) encourages volunteers to participate in park activities dressed in park-inspired costumes that allow for easy movement.


Local Government

NAHB's Leadership Grant helps small businesses attend major industry events

NAHB’s annual Leadership Grant significantly impacted Jennie Wunderlich's business, a fourth-generation owner who attended the 2024 International Builders’ Show (IBS) for the first time.


Local Government

Travis County commissioners unanimously approve FY 2025 budget for Central Health

Central Health announced that the Travis County Commissioners Court has voted unanimously to approve its fiscal year (FY) 2025 budget and tax rate on September 24.


Local Government

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport begins major midfield taxiway construction

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) has commenced the construction of two new concrete parallel midfield taxiways, a significant part of its planned 20+ gate concourse expansion. The project aims to enhance aircraft movement by linking the runways, the Barbara Jordan Terminal, and the future Concourse B. Completion is expected in 2027.