Business Can Sue New Braunfels Over Can Ban
The Associated Press reports that a judge has ruled that tourism businesses and others can sue New Braunfels over the city's so-called "can ban." The city says it will appeal the decision and that the ban remains in effect.
Floating on area rivers is a longstanding tradition during hot Texas summers – one often enjoyed with a few adult beverages in tow. But turnout on local rivers has been down over the last several years, attributable to flooding, drought and, according to ban opponents, a recent prohibition on disposable containers.
The ban was approved last summer by the New Braunfels City Council over concerns about the cost of cleaning up after visitors. Voters affirmed the ban last November when it was brought to a ballot referendum by opponents. The ban went into effect this summer.
Local businesses say the ban has already affected their business.
Tourists may be confused about whether drinking alcohol is allowed, or how to go about imbibing without using disposable containers. Visitors are allowed to bring alcohol and other beverages along for river rides and tubing trips, but they must follow rules about the types of containers used.
Capital Metro Ridership on the Rise
Capital Metro ridership has increased roughly four percent this fiscal year, which translates to an upswing of about 898,000 trips.
Ridership on the MetroRail has also tripled since the service began two years ago.
Total ridership is on track to exceed 33 million in 2012, with a projected increase to 34 million in 2013.
Cap Metro officials attribute the rise to an increase of connectivity in service and dedication of local residents to using public transportation.
To thank passengers for riding, the transit authority will host customer celebration events at several MetroRail stations on August 10.
UT Athletes to Compete in Diving, Track and Field
Spoiler Alert: Skip if you plan on watching time-delayed Olympics coverage later today.
Early this morning (CST), former UT athlete Troy Dumais finished 5th in the Men’s 3m Springboard semifinal, securing himself a spot in the final later today. He scored a total 490.55 for his dives.
This is the fourth Olympics for Dumais but he just recently earned his first Olympic medal. He garnered a bronze medal in the Men’s 3m Synchronized Diving event last week.
Commentators have claimed the medal has emboldened Dumais with the confidence required to secure a medal in the Men’s 3m Springboard final.
Other UT athletes set to compete today: Allison Peter and Sanya Richards-Ross in the Women’s 200m semifinals, Leo Manzano in the Men’s 1500m finals, and Destinee Hooker in the Women’s Volleyball quarterfinal versus the Dominican Republic.
