Latest News
NAHB highlights recent legislative victories in August Monthly Update
By Austin Journal | Aug 30, 2024
To help members articulate key housing priorities, the National Association of Home Builders' (NAHB) Monthly Update provides the latest messaging framework for the Federation. Highlights for this month include issue updates and talking points related to significant legislative victories.
Austin Energy deploys advanced AI-driven wildfire detection across service area
By Austin Journal | Aug 30, 2024
Austin Energy is deploying its advanced AI-driven wildfire detection system, marking a significant step forward in enhancing wildfire response capabilities across its entire 437-square-mile service territory.
Lawsuit targets Austin City Council over Project Connect tax
By Austin Journal | Aug 29, 2024
The Austin City Council is the target of a class action lawsuit accusing the local governmental body of collecting taxes for a different version of Project Connect than the one approved by voters. Court papers allege that voters were subjected to a rate that wasn’t approved by them, insinuating the city is miscalculating the tax rate.
Shooting incident at Waterloo Flats results in one fatality
By Austin Journal | Aug 29, 2024
On Monday, August 26, 2024, at approximately 2:08 p.m., Austin Police Department (APD) officers responded to a shooting at the Waterloo Flats apartment complex located at 1300 South Pleasant Valley Road. The caller, later identified as an employee of the apartment complex, informed dispatch that someone had run up to him and began attacking him. When officers arrived on the scene, they found a male, later identified as Adrian Lopez, on the ground in the parking lot with an apparent gunshot wound. Lopez was pronounced deceased at 2:42 p.m.
Austin police investigate fatal shooting at Waterloo Flats
By Austin Journal | Aug 29, 2024
On Monday, August 26, 2024, at approximately 2:08 p.m., Austin Police Department (APD) officers responded to a call regarding a shooting at the Waterloo Flats apartment complex located at 1300 South Pleasant Valley Road. The caller, later identified as an employee of the apartment complex, informed dispatch that someone had attacked him. Upon arrival, officers found Adrian Lopez on the ground in the parking lot with an apparent gunshot wound. Lopez was pronounced deceased at 2:42 p.m.
Labor Day weekend sees personal watercraft ban enforced at Lake Austin
By Austin Journal | Aug 29, 2024
The Austin Police Department (APD) Lake Patrol Unit will enforce a city ordinance prohibiting the use and operation of personal watercraft, wet bikes, motorized surfboards, and similar devices on Lake Austin. This ban will be in effect from sunset on Friday, August 30, 2024, until sunrise on Tuesday, September 3, 2024. Non-motorized devices such as kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards are still permitted.
City of Austin announces Labor Day closures across various departments
By Austin Journal | Aug 29, 2024
City of Austin administrative offices and other municipal facilities will be closed Monday, Sept. 2, in observance of Labor Day. Business hours will resume Tuesday, Sept. 3. Closures include City Council offices, all recreation and senior centers, cultural centers, museums, and libraries.
Barton Springs Pool temporarily closed for maintenance
By Austin Journal | Aug 29, 2024
Barton Springs Pool is temporarily closed for maintenance. Staff is working diligently to reopen the facility as quickly as possible.
Tips for complying with Austin's C&D Recycling Ordinance
By Austin Journal | Aug 28, 2024
The City of Austin's Construction and Demolition (C&D) Recycling Ordinance mandates that general contractors reuse or recycle construction debris. An efficient recycling program can help save money while meeting the city's requirements.
Non-profit's lawsuit accuses Austin leadership of calling for charter amendment election without public notice
By Austin Journal | Aug 22, 2024
A lawsuit led by the nonprofit water protection advocate Save Our Springs Alliance (SOSA) and two Austin voters seeks to block the state capital’s last-minute placement of 13 proposed amendments to the Austin City Charter on the November 5, 2024, ballot. The litigation, filed in Travis County District Court, accuses Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and the Austin City Council of violating the Texas Open Meetings Act (TOMA) during a budget hearing on August 14. The hearing included a vote to place Propositions C through O on the same ballot as the required election for Austin mayor...
Greystar opens Alta Wild Horse Ranch in Austin
By Austin Journal | Aug 21, 2024
The grand opening of Greystar's Alta Wild Horse Ranch marked the beginning of a new chapter for this community. The Austin Chamber and local vendors attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony in August, which highlighted the community's design and unique features.
Resilient U.S. economy boosts restaurant industry's recovery
By Austin Journal | Aug 19, 2024
Restaurant operators have faced significant challenges since 2020, contending with inflation, supply chain disruptions, and labor shortages. However, recent trends suggest potential relief for the industry.
Texas AG recognizes outstanding assistant attorneys general serving child support division
By Austin Journal | Aug 16, 2024
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton this week recognized 11 Assistant Attorneys General (AAG) of the year from the Child Support Division for their commitment to Texas children. One AAG was selected from each of the state’s ten child support regions, along with one AAG from the Child Support Division headquarters office in Austin. Honorees are chosen based on recommendations from their peers and supervisors for going above and beyond their regular duties to serve Texas children.
New detour announced for Butler Hike & Bike Trail starting late August
By Austin Journal | Aug 14, 2024
A new detour route on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail at Waller Creek will be implemented on Monday, August 26. The route, varying from eight to 12 feet in width, will take users over Waller Creek via a recently installed lattice bridge. For safety reasons, the entire route will be fenced on either side, and a section of it will be covered for overhead protection.
Austin launches upgraded bikesharing service with electric-assist bikes
By Austin Journal | Aug 7, 2024
As Austin's population density increases, the need for efficient and eco-friendly commuting options becomes more pressing. In response, CapMetro has launched its newly rebranded and upgraded Bikeshare service in July. Previously known as MetroBike, CapMetro Bikeshare now features a completely overhauled system that includes a fleet of 100% electric-assist bikes, modern docking stations, and an intuitive app designed to facilitate smooth rides across the city. The new stations will be operational from now until September.
Austin promotes National Water Quality Month with community engagement
By Austin Journal | Aug 5, 2024
Austin, TX — August marks National Water Quality Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of maintaining clean and healthy waterways. This month, the City of Austin’s Watershed Protection Department invites residents to explore how their work helps preserve the quality of Austin’s creeks, rivers, and springs.
Palmer Events Center hosts multiple community events in August
By Austin Journal | Aug 1, 2024
AUSTIN, Texas – The Palmer Events Center will host 10 events during August, including the Austin Card Show, Austin Train Show, Le Garage Sale, and one private event.
Professional Sports Leaders Discuss Future Prospects for Teams In Growing City Of Austin
By Austin Journal | Jul 31, 2024
We hosted our July Area Business Connections event on July 29th at the Boy Scouts of America's Austin Headquarters. Andy Loughnane, President of Austin FC, and JJ Gottsch, CEO of the PBR Austin Gamblers, sat down with Drew Hays, the Austin Sports Commission Executive Director, to discuss professional sports in Austin.
Pedestrian killed in hit-and-run on West William Cannon Drive
By Austin Journal | Jul 31, 2024
On Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at approximately 12:52 a.m., Austin Police Department (APD) officers responded to a crash between a vehicle and a pedestrian in the 1000 block of West William Cannon Drive. The pedestrian was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. The vehicle did not stop and left the scene.
Austin Airport blends local flavor into its concession offerings
By Austin Journal | Jul 30, 2024
Travelers passing through Austin Airport may have noticed the unique blend of local businesses offering food, beverages, and retail products. These establishments are part of the airport's concession program, designed to provide passengers with a taste of Austin's distinctive culture.