TxTag accepted in Kansas, staycation ideas, and more things Southwest Austinites should know this week
Austinites can opt for a staycation this summer by visiting one of the many nearby lakes, rivers or parks.
Recap the latest Southwest Austin news and see what residents should keep in mind as summer vacation gets underway:
- APD officers out and about in Southwest Austin
The Austin Police Department stations district representatives throughout the city to act as the liaison between the department and the residents of the communities they serve. Four officers cover the area of Southwest Austin, known as Region 4. Get to know your district representative here.
- Texas tolling agencies solidify Kansas agreement
The state's toll agencies now have an agreement with the Kansas Turnpike Authority to allow the use of Texas toll transponders on Kansas toll roads. Tim Reilly, director of operations for the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, said TxTag, TollTag and EZ TAG began working on Kansas toll roads in mid-May, and K-TAG may also be used on Texas toll roads as a method of payment. TxTag already works on toll roads in the Houston and Dallas areas.
- Austin joins legal challenge to sanctuary cities bill
On Friday morning, June 2, Austin city officials filed as an intervenor in a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the sanctuary city bill. The lawsuit was filed the night before by the city of San Antonio, the Workers Defense Project and the Mexican Legal Defense and Education Fund, or MALDEF. The bill would hold city officials criminally liable for failing to uphold statewide immigration law.
- Alamo Drafthouse Cinema receives backlash for women-only screening
All eyes were on Alamo Drafthouse Cinema last week when a sexist email published on Austin Mayor Steve Adler’s personal website berated the theater’s decision to hold a women-only screening of the film “Wonder Woman.” The Austin movie theater chain is well known for its fondness of themed, albeit sometimes less controversial, film screenings or “movie parties.” Check out a roundup of those regular series events here.
- Schools out for summer
Schools across the city let out for summer break last week. While many choose to travel to faraway vacation spots, those looking for a nearby getaway, here’s a list of places in and around Austin to enjoy the vacation season.
Olivia Lueckemeyer graduated in 2013 from Loyola University New Orleans with a degree in journalism. She joined Community Impact Newspaper in October 2016 as reporter for the Southwest Austin edition before her promotion to editor in March 2017. In July 2018 she returned home to the Dallas area and became editor of the Richardson edition.