Latest News
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.
APD seeks suspects in home break-in resulting in shooting
By Austin Journal | Sep 17, 2024
On Monday, September 9, 2024, at approximately 10:24 p.m., Austin Police Department (APD) officers responded to a shots fired call in the 5300 block of Jimmy Clay Drive. APD officers and Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services (A/TCEMS) arrived at the scene and located a victim with a gunshot wound. The victim was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Barton Springs Pool set to reopen after urgent skimmer pipe repairs
By Austin Journal | Sep 17, 2024
Barton Springs Pool will reopen to the public starting at 5 a.m. on Thursday, September 19, following quick action to repair two holes that formed in an abandoned skimmer pipe and created a safety hazard. The City of Austin's Parks and Recreation (PARD), Austin Water (AW), and Watershed Protection (WPD) departments collaborated on the repairs. With Barton Springs reopening, Deep Eddy Pool will resume normal operating hours on Thursday, September 19, opening at 8 a.m. instead of 6 a.m.
Charlotte HBA recognized for exceptional membership growth strategy
By Austin Journal | Sep 17, 2024
In January 2023, Jen Schuster became the executive officer of the HBA of Greater Charlotte, bringing her can-do attitude and an air of excitement to the organization. By the end of the year, more than 200 members had joined, thanks to Schuster’s strong focus on creating opportunities within the organization.
APD investigates officer-involved shooting resulting in one fatality
By Austin Journal | Sep 16, 2024
The Austin Police Department (APD) is conducting an investigation into the officer-involved shooting that occurred on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at 1724 West Anderson Lane.
City of Austin to host GSA meeting on open government action plan
By Austin Journal | Sep 16, 2024
On Tuesday, September 17, 2024, the City of Austin, in partnership with Austin Community College, will host representatives from the General Services Administration (GSA) from Washington, D.C., to commence work on Austin's Action Plan 3.
Record number highlights women's progress during PWB week
By Austin Journal | Sep 16, 2024
A record-high number of women were employed in residential construction in 2023. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) celebrated this milestone and the numerous achievements of women in the industry during the annual Professional Women in Building (PWB) Week held from September 9-13.
Austin Police Department launches targeted traffic enforcement in Northwest Austin
By Austin Journal | Sep 16, 2024
The Austin Police Department (APD) patrol officers will be enforcing traffic laws and targeting motorists for aggressive driving, speeding, and other hazardous violations. The initiative will be in effect until further notice, focusing on the area of Ranch Road 2222 between MoPac Expressway and 360.
NAHB associate members reach record revenue in 2023
By Austin Journal | Sep 16, 2024
Associates grossed an all-time high in average revenue in 2023, surpassing 2021’s record of $2.86 million by $140,000. The $3 million average reflects the success that Associate members across the Federation experienced last year.