Your trusted source for local Austin, TX news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Austin celebrates Pride Month with various queer events and special promotions from local businesses. Notable offerings include Jo's Coffee's Pride coffee bean boxes and drag shows at venues like the Blue Room and High Noon. Community support remains strong as proceeds from these initiatives benefit local LGBTQ nonprofits.
Central Texas will celebrate Juneteenth on June 19 with a series of events honoring the day in 1865 when enslaved individuals were informed of their freedom. Key activities include a parade at Rosewood Park in Austin, a remembrance ceremony at the George Washington Carver Museum, and various cultural events throughout the region. The day will conclude with a fireworks display at 9 p.m.
Texas families now require an annual income of over $204,000 to feel financially secure, according to a SmartAsset analysis. This figure is substantially higher than the state's median household income of $75,000, highlighting the increasing cost of living. A single adult needs nearly $91,000 annually to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.
A severe storm in Austin on May 28 caused power outages for over 124,000 residents, marking it as the third-worst storm in Austin Energy's history. Utility officials reported that the storm's effects exceeded expectations, prompting immediate restoration efforts.
Austin's Q2 Stadium will host three matches in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, starting with the U.S. versus Saudi Arabia on Thursday. Tickets for the matches begin at $80, and the tournament features teams from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Saudi Arabia serves as CONCACAF's invited guest, highlighting its investment in the region's sports.
Eastside Early College High School in east Austin won a national design award for its innovative architecture that honors the legacy of desegregation. The $80 million project, developed by Perkins and Will, reflects the historical significance of the site of the former L.C. Anderson High School, Austin's only Black high school until its closure in 1971.
Arjav Ezekiel, co-owner of Birdie's, won a James Beard Award in the Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service category. This prestigious recognition serves as a significant boost for restaurants, highlighting Austin's growing reputation as a wine city.
Thousands of demonstrators rallied at the Texas Capitol for the nationwide "No Kings" event, protesting the Trump administration's perceived erosion of democratic norms. Participants, including scientists and activists, expressed concerns over policies related to immigration and environmental regulation while holding signs and wearing crowns. The protest remained mostly peaceful, with no reported injuries or arrests, despite some tensions with law enforcement.
The National Weather Service forecasts mid-90s temperatures in Austin throughout next week, with high humidity pushing the heat index to 106. A 20% chance of rain exists today, while health officials urge residents to stay hydrated and limit sun exposure. This trend continues into the weekend with possible afternoon thunderstorms.
U.S. drug overdose deaths peaked at 114,670 in June 2023 but declined to 80,391 in 2024, showing a significant downward trend. In Travis County, opioid-related deaths dropped 22% from 486 in 2023 to 380 in 2024, aided by increased naloxone availability. Officials emphasize the importance of continuing anti-opioid programs despite the end of federal funding.