Latest News
Community partners donate new bikes for Austin's youth cycling programs
By Austin Journal | Sep 20, 2024
New bicycles and equipment donated to the Lorraine "Grandma" Camacho Activity Center will strengthen the City of Austin’s youth cycling programs into the next decade. Thanks to the generosity of local, regional, and national foundations, businesses, non-profits, and cyclists, replacement equipment will soon arrive at the Center. The donations will replace bicycles and equipment lost in a recent theft.
Austin police arrest suspect in series of deadly conduct incidents
By Austin Journal | Sep 20, 2024
The Austin Police Department (APD) Aggravated Assault and Gang Units have been investigating a series of deadly conduct incidents that began on July 14, 2024, targeting a residence in the 2900 block of Lyons Road.
Rhode Island receives $1.6 million DOE grant for energy code training
By Austin Journal | Sep 20, 2024
The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources and the Rhode Island Builders Association (RIBA) have secured a $1.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). This funding will support energy code training and educational resources for building inspectors, designers, home builders, and construction trades professionals in Rhode Island.
City of Austin hosts job fair for community members aged 50+ on September 25
By Austin Journal | Sep 19, 2024
The City of Austin will host the 50+ Community Job Fair on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Texas Workforce Solutions Capital Area North located at 9001 North IH 35, Ste 110, Austin, TX 78753.
HBAs support next generation builders through mentorship and job search assistance
By Austin Journal | Sep 19, 2024
As the home building industry’s labor shortage persists, it is increasingly crucial to educate the younger generation on the career opportunities available in construction.
Youth fitness classes featured at Fall Fitness Festival
By Austin Journal | Sep 19, 2024
Austin Youth Fitness is set to host a series of youth fitness classes at the upcoming Fall Fitness Festival on September 19, 2024. The event will feature various activities aimed at promoting physical and mental well-being among children.
Austin police release video in ongoing homicide investigation
By Austin Journal | Sep 19, 2024
The Austin Police Department (APD) has released video footage related to the homicide investigation of Cristian Rangel. Detectives are seeking information from anyone who may have witnessed or heard anything relevant in the Walmart parking lot.
NAHB leaders discuss Fed rate cut impact on housing sector
By Austin Journal | Sep 19, 2024
On the latest episode of NAHB’s podcast, Housing Developments, CEO Jim Tobin and COO Paul Lopez discussed recent economic developments, including the Federal Reserve’s rate cut announcement this week and its implications for housing.
Federal Reserve announces significant reduction in short-term federal funds rate
By Austin Journal | Sep 19, 2024
The Federal Reserve's Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) has announced a significant reduction in the short-term federal funds rate at its September meeting. This marks the beginning of a series of rate decreases aimed at normalizing interest rates and balancing monetary policy risks between inflation and labor market concerns.
City awards grants for food justice climate equity resilience
By Austin Journal | Sep 18, 2024
The City of Austin’s Office of Sustainability has awarded $150,000 in funding to 50 community-led projects through the Food and Climate Equity (FACE) Grants program. This initiative provides up to $3,000 in grant funding to local organizations working on innovative solutions to food justice, climate equity, and community resilience.
Affordable supportive housing opens on Austin's North Side
By Austin Journal | Sep 18, 2024
The City of Austin Housing Department has announced the opening of Burnet Place Apartments, a new housing development located at 8007 Burnet Road on the city’s North Side in District 4. The property is strategically situated close to high-frequency transit and is less than a mile from one of the Imagine Austin activity centers. Imagine Austin is the city’s 30-year comprehensive plan aimed at creating communities where people can live, work, shop, and recreate without traveling long distances. The new 61-unit residence will be reserved for individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
Suspect arrested in connection with fatal stabbing in Austin
By Austin Journal | Sep 18, 2024
On Friday, July 23, 2021, Austin 9-1-1 received a call from a victim who reported being stabbed. The victim, later identified as Nikolas Eugenio Martinez, managed to drive a short distance to a convenience store in the 2000 block of S. IH 35, where several citizens attempted to assist him. Austin Police Department (APD) officers and Austin-Travis County EMS arrived on the scene and located Mr. Martinez with a life-threatening stab wound. Despite life-saving measures, he was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Travis County promotes preparedness during National Preparedness Month
By Austin Journal | Sep 18, 2024
September is National Preparedness Month (NPM), and Travis County is committed to helping residents plan ahead and prepare for emergencies. This year’s theme, “Ready Today, Safe Tomorrow,” emphasizes that taking proactive steps today can save lives tomorrow if an unexpected disaster strikes.
Single-family housing starts increase amid ongoing supply-side issues
By Austin Journal | Sep 18, 2024
Single-family starts posted a solid gain in August on robust demand and moderating mortgage rates, even as builders continue to grapple with challenges related to lot and labor shortages and elevated prices for many building materials.
Austin Parks announces annual Zilker Tree youth art contest
By Austin Journal | Sep 18, 2024
The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department invites young artists from the Austin area to participate in the Annual Zilker Tree Art Contest. Each year, artists between the ages of 5 and 10 years old compete to help light the Zilker Tree. The top three selected artwork winners from each age category, Junior and Senior, will be publicly recognized in the tree lighting ceremony on Sunday, December 1, 2024.
Design-forward innovator novatech expands in US
By Austin Journal | Sep 18, 2024
Upon its inception, Novatech — a renowned manufacturer of doors, doorglass, patio doors, and related components — started manufacturing decorative doorglass with internal grills and ventlite doorglass. The company grew quickly, adding new plants and distribution centers to its portfolio. As the door and window manufacturing sector has evolved, the company has skillfully positioned itself as a key player in the competitive U.S. market.
Pedestrian killed in hit-and-run on Ed Bluestein Boulevard
By Austin Journal | Sep 18, 2024
On Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at 6:24 a.m., Austin Police Department (APD) officers responded to a crash between a vehicle and a pedestrian in the 7400 block of Ed Bluestein Boulevard SVRD NB. The pedestrian was pronounced deceased on the scene. The vehicle left without stopping or calling 9-1-1.
Travis County ESD 2 emergency response times are much higher than state average
By Austin Journal | Sep 17, 2024
Data from the Travis County Emergency Services District No. 2 (ESD 2), which provides emergency response services to Pflugerville, the Wells Branch area, and unincorporated areas of Round Rock, Taylor, Hutto, and Manor, shows that the response times for the district are much higher than the state average.
Austin police issue tips amid targeted burglaries during cultural events
By Austin Journal | Sep 17, 2024
The Austin Police Department Burglary Unit has issued a statement highlighting a pattern of burglaries targeting members of the Indian and South Asian communities during significant cultural events such as Diwali. These crimes often involve the theft of valuable gold jewelry, which holds high sentimental value and cultural significance.
Builder sentiment rises amid falling mortgage rates despite ongoing affordability challenges
By Austin Journal | Sep 17, 2024
With mortgage rates declining by more than half a percentage point from early August through mid-September, builder sentiment edged higher this month even as builders continue to grapple with rising costs.