Austin police have begun holiday impaired-driving enforcement. The No Refusal Initiative is underway and will run through Jan. 1. During this time, in an effort to enforce DWI laws, police can collect blood evidence from those suspected of driving under the influence or while intoxicated by quickly obtaining warrants for those that refuse breathalyzers.
2021
Posted inTravis County
Diversion programs can reduce mass incarceration in Travis County
At Thursday’s work session, the Travis County Commissioners Court fielded discussion about the benefits of, and recent updates to, several jail diversion programs underway in Travis County. Such programs included pretrial and pre-charge diversion programs, as well as a DWI diversion program. Roughly 500 people have been accepted to the programs so far, according to […]
Posted inAustin
Church leaders praise city, county for committing fed funds toward homelessness
Leaders from 50 religious organizations around Travis County have praised the work of city and county leaders who have dedicated more than $200 million toward ending homelessness in Central Texas. In an online forum on Tuesday, leaders of congregations from Central Texas Interfaith gathered with their constituents to discuss the significance of Austin City Council […]
Posted inElections
Who’s running for the District 4 seat?
As of the Thursday afternoon deadline, seven candidates had filed valid ballot applications for the Jan. 25 election to fill the District 4 City Council seat being vacated by Council Member Greg Casar. Casar, who is running for Congress, released a statement endorsing José “Chito” Vela for the Council seat. Casar said, “I know that […]
Posted inZoning
520-unit multifamily project on the way to St. Elmo area
Eight acres of vacant land in South Austin may soon turn into 520 apartments and condos. The Planning Commission Tuesday recommended a zoning change for the project at 4700 Weidemar Lane, but not before addressing neighbors’ concerns about the rerouting of a natural gas line as part of the development. The applicant, Alice Glasco on […]
Posted inWhispers
Area students to tackle climate work
The first Austin Youth Climate Equity Council has been selected, and its 18 members are ready to continue their education by learning about sustainability, city planning and policy. According to a press release about the council, “The local high school students were selected through a competitive process. Each demonstrates an interest in developing public policy […]
Posted inPublic Safety
County looks to Sobering Center to house jail-diversion program
On Thursday, the Travis County Commissioners Court convened a working group meeting to receive the findings of a feasibility study regarding the potential combination of a criminal justice/mental health diversion program with the Austin-Travis County Sobering Center. The county commissioned the study to ascertain whether saving costs on the diversion program by coupling it with […]
Posted inWhispers
This holiday season, ABIA offers travel tips
Airport officials are putting out the word that travelers should allot plenty of time if they plan on traveling this holiday season. The Transportation Security Administration advises those flying to arrive at least two hours early for domestic and three hours early for international flights. Peak travel is expected from now through Jan. 4, particularly […]
Posted inPublic Health
Researchers at Dell Med are studying psychedelics as treatment for severe depression, anxiety and PTSD
The Dell Medical School at UT Austin is launching a research center focused on studying the therapeutic effects of psychedelics, which are drugs that affect an individual’s state of consciousness, including psilocybin, MDMA, ibogaine and ayahuasca. Researchers say the center’s goal will be to come up with possible treatment plans and options for people suffering […]
Posted inCity Hall
Committee sends ‘meeting place question’ to full Council
Although they rejected the idea of changing the bylaws of three land use commissions to designate a specific meeting place, members of the City Council Audit & Finance Committee on Wednesday expressed their willingness to consider directing staff to hold the meetings at City Hall instead of at the new Permitting and Development Center (PDC) […]
Posted inWhispers
City to hold District 4 forum … somewhere
Early voting for the District 4 special election starts in less than a month, and the tight timeline and upcoming holidays has the city scrambling to put together a candidate forum, as evidenced by the recent discussion at the Ethics Review Commission. Currently, the forum is tentatively scheduled at City Hall on Thursday, Jan. 6, […]
Posted inWhispers
Austin Water pushes cold-weather preparedness
Though it might not feel like it outside, winter is coming. And, this year, Austin Water wants to help you prepare for freezing temperatures by providing free meter keys, hose bib covers and information. Winter tool kits can be picked up at the north and south branches of the city’s utility customer service locations (located […]