Austin Public Health facing 'uncertainty and instability' amid ongoing funding losses
Austin Public Health continues to face instability for its programs and employees as some of the department's extensive federal funding remains at risk or is being reduced.
APH has reported on its federal grant cuts throughout this year, and recently launched a website tracking the impacts of those changes. Public Health Director Adrienne Sturrup told City Council this week that the department remains in a period of "uncertainty and instability" related to millions of dollars for services and staff.
Several community-facing programs could be limited as grant funding winds down or is canceled. Sturrup said APH still remains prepared to confront a public health crisis, but that the department will likely face staffing challenges and less specialized response.
Preservation Austin announces participating businesses for Legacy Business Month
The 2025 Legacy Business Month participants have been announced, showcasing popular local destinations including Mozart’s Coffee Roaster and Room Service Vintage.
How it works: Starting Oct. 1, community members can pick up a free Legacy Business Month Passport from Wheatsville Co-op’s North and South locations or Zilker Taproom. Throughout the month, passport holders can visit participating businesses, support them with a purchase and receive a stamp in their passport.
Participants will have the opportunity to win prizes including two music passes to SXSW, spa experiences at Ottine Mineral Springs and gift cards and merch from participating businesses. Preservation Austin will host its kick-off party on Oct. 2 at Zilker Taproom from 6-9 p.m.. where Zilker Brewing Company will be serving limited edition Legacy Business Month beer.
Face Foundrié now offering inclusive skin care in Austin's Tarrytown
A new facial bar is now open in Tarrytown.
What they offer: Face Foundrie offers a variety of services, including facials, sculpting facial massages, brow and lash services, and more. All services are gender-neutral and designed for all skin types.
The facial bar offers walk-in services and a membership model.
The background: The franchise is based in Minnesota and was founded in 2019. There is an additional Austin location for the spa at 1221 S. Congress Ave., Ste. 110, Austin.
The grand opening: The local team celebrated the opening of Face Foundrie's newest location with a ribbon-cutting Sept. 3.
Quote of note: “At Face Foundrie, we believe everyone deserves to feel confident in their skin,” founder and CEO Michele Henry said in a news release. “Our Casis Village location is a perfect fit for the energy and elegance of Tarrytown. Whether it’s a quick lunchtime facial, brow tint, or high-tech skin treatment, we’re bringing efficient luxury and inclusivity to Austin’s skin care scene.”
Cellphone ban, library materials: 8 new Texas laws impacting public schools
When Texas students returned to school in August, some substantial changes awaited them.
The overview:
House Bill 2 increases state funding for public schools by $8.4 billion.
House Bill 1481 prohibits students from using cellphones and other personal communication devices throughout the school day.
Senate Bill 12 requires parental consent for students to receive "medical, psychiatric and psychological treatment" on campus.
Senate Bill 13 gives parents and school boards more oversight of library materials.
House Bill 6 gives teachers more discretion to remove repeatedly disruptive or violent students from class.
Senate Bill 10 requires most schools to display donated posters of the Ten Commandments in classrooms.
Senate Bill 11 allows districts to set aside time for students and staff to pray or read religious texts at school.
Senate Bill 965 codifies school employees' rights to "engage in religious speech or prayer while on duty."
The context: The sweeping changes come after lawmakers passed what state leaders have called “transformative” education laws during this year’s regular legislative session, which ended June 2.
