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Attorney General Ken Paxton sues Biden Administration over Title IX gender policy

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against the Biden Administration over a new federal rule that he argues undermines protections for women in educational institutions. The rule, issued by the Department of Education under Title IX, expands the definition of "sex" to include self-professed "gender identity," leading to concerns about the accommodation of transgender individuals in female-only spaces.Paxton asserts that the new regulation distorts the original intent of Title IX, which was designed to prevent sex-based discrimination in educational...


ATCEMS and APD Respond to Multiple Overdoses in Downtown Austin

Austin-Travis County EMS (ATCEMS) and the Austin Police Department (APD) have been actively responding to multiple overdose incidents in downtown Austin, as reported on April 29, 2024. According to the press release, a total of 31 patients were involved in these incidents, with three individuals tragically pronounced deceased at the scene. The overdoses were described as opiate-like, and those transported to local hospitals showed positive responses to Narcan administration, indicating the likelihood of opioid ingestion."We’ve been passing out Narcan kits and teaching...


Homicide Investigation at 91 Red River Street

On Saturday, April 27, 2024, at approximately 6:30 a.m., Austin Police Department (APD) officers responded to multiple shots fired calls at The Quincy apartments located at 91 Red River Street.According to the APD, they located a male subject with gunshot wounds at the scene. The victim was later identified as Alan Picazzo, a Hispanic male born on May 12, 1999. Emergency services rushed Picazzo to a local hospital, but unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries.Homicide detectives and Crime Scene Specialists processed the scene and interviewed witnesses. The...


Student Safety Measures in Place for Planned Walkout at Austin ISD

Students from some high schools within the Austin Independent School District (AISD) are gearing up for a peaceful walkout, prompting Superintendent Matias Segura to address the matter and reassure families of safety protocols in a letter.


City of Austin City Council met March 21

City of Austin City Council met Thursday, March 21


City of Austin Audit and Finance Committee met March 27

City of Austin Audit and Finance Committee met Wednesday, March 27


City of Austin Housing Finance Corporation Board of Directors met March 7

City of Austin Housing Finance Corporation Board of Directors met Thursday, March 7


City of Austin Housing Finance Corporation Board of Directors will meet May 2

City of Austin Housing Finance Corporation Board of Directors will meet at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, May 2


City of Austin City Council will meet May 2

City of Austin City Council will meet at 10 a.m., Thursday, May 2


City of Austin Energy Utility Oversight Committee will meet April 30

City of Austin Energy Utility Oversight Committee will meet at 9 a.m., Tuesday, April 30


City of Austin City Council will meet April 30

City of Austin City Council will meet at 9 a.m., Tuesday, April 30


Austin HSEM Launches Regional Bomb-Making Materials Awareness Program

Austin’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) has introduced the Bomb-Making Materials Awareness Program (BMAP) in the capital area. The initiative, funded by the State Homeland Security Grant Program, aims to prevent domestic terrorism by educating businesses about potential threats related to explosive materials.HSEM Director Ken Snipes emphasized the importance of prevention and risk management, stating, “BMAP is one way our office is increasing capacity beyond emergency management response.” This program marks a significant step in enhancing...


AISD Board, administration expands public comment access

The Board of Trustees and administration of Austin Independent School District (AISD) have announced expansions in public comment access, aiming to enhance community involvement and transparency within the district.


Board considers tax rate election to raise funds for teacher, staff raises

The Education Austin President, Ken Zarifis, emphasized the importance of local investment in education, stating, "When a state refuses to pay for public education and one legislative session after another refuses to invest in our kids, it's on us here locally to invest in our kids."Kathryn Whitley-Chu, District Trustee, highlighted the need to give voters the choice, saying, "Depende de los votantes y tenemos que darles esa opción. Los habitantes de Austin fueron al capitolio, llamaron a sus amigos en las zonas rurales, dejaron que la gente se quedara en sus casas para...


Texas Attorney General secures settlement with Multi Media

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has securted a settlement with Multi Media, LLC, the operator of the popular pornographic website "Chaturbate," to ensure compliance with Texas state laws regarding age verification. The agreement requires Multi Media to implement an age verification service on the Chaturbate website to uphold the state's regulations.


APD Detectives Search for Leads in Connection to an Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon

Austin Police Department (APD) detectives are seeking the public's assistance in a case of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon that took place on Monday, February 19, 2024. The victim, a Hispanic female in her 60’s, arrived at her workplace with severe head injuries and was subsequently hospitalized for treatment.According to the investigation, the victim was unharmed when she exited a CapMetro bus on East Stassney Lane and South Pleasant Valley Road at around 5:56 a.m. However, shortly after, at 6:05 a.m., she was found on the ground in a grassy area near a bus stop...


Fire Investigators Make Arrest in Arson Fires

Investigators with the Austin Fire Department have arrested 75-year-old Dorsey Bryan Hardeman in connection with a series of arson fires in Austin. Hardeman is believed to have intentionally set fires at various locations in the city over the past few months, with his motives becoming clearer as the investigation progressed.The first fire, which occurred on December 25, 2023, at 500 Pampa Dr., was linked to Hardeman, who was reportedly attempting to purchase the property. Subsequent fires on February 17 and 20, 2024, at 4811 S. Congress Ave were allegedly aimed at...


Austin Parks and Recreation to host Tony Castillo Plaque Ceremony

The Tony Castillo Plaque Unveiling Ceremony is set to take place on Sunday, May 5 at the Pan American Neighborhood Park located at 2100 E. Third Street.


Texas Attorney General to assist Harris County District Attorney in criminal investigations

The Office of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has announced its assistance in criminal bid-rigging investigations involving the Harris County District Attorney's Office and the Texas Rangers. The investigations are related to a case where the Harris County Judge's Office allegedly manipulated the bidding process for a public outreach contract funded by COVID-19 relief funds.


Celebrate this Earth Day with 5 Fun Sustainability Facts about AUS

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport recently celebrated Earth Day with an event at the Barbara Jordan Terminal, where they highlighted their sustainability efforts. One of the team members at the event shared, "Yup, you heard that right, I’ll bet you didn’t know AUS achieved Level 3+ Carbon Neutrality for the 3rd straight year through the ACI – Airports Carbon Accreditation Program!"The airport's commitment to sustainability is evident in various initiatives. For instance, AUS has achieved Level 3+ Carbon Neutrality for the third consecutive year, making it one of just...