Austin Journal Report News
Crowl: 'We are honored to be chosen as a financial partner by more people in Austin and Central Texas than any other credit union'
By Austin Journal Report | Aug 21, 2023
On July 27, 2023, University Federal Credit Union (UFCU) announced that, for the eighth consecutive year, the Austin Business Journal ranked them as Austin's top credit union. UFCU, the largest locally owned financial institution in Austin, outperformed other credit unions in terms of Austin-area membership and deposits according to a press release by UFCU.
Chacon: 'The Austin Police Department is looking for those with passion and heart to be a public servant'
By Austin Journal Report | Aug 7, 2023
The Austin Police Department (APD) is seeking participants for its numerous future academy classes through next year, per a press release issued by the law enforcement agency on Aug. 4. APD said that prospective academy hires don’t require prior law enforcement experiences.
Governor Abbott signs property tax cut bill
By Austin Journal Report | Aug 2, 2023
Gov. Greg Abbott's press release on July 22 marked the official signing of an $18 billion tax cut package for Texas property owners into law, bringing closure to one of the most contentious matters addressed by state lawmakers in the recent legislative session.
Austin receives state grant for homeless
By Austin Journal Report | Aug 2, 2023
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson (D) announced on July 27 that the state capital has received $65 million from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) to go toward addressing rampant homelessness. In his latest Watson Wire newsletter, the mayor said he has spoken to the Office of the Texas Governor and local community partners about the issue before he was elected to lead the city of over 960,000 a second time.
'This is only the beginning,' mother of Robb victim says as she launches Uvalde mayoral bid
By Austin Journal Report | Aug 1, 2023
Kimberly Mata-Rubio, whose daughter, Lexi, was among the 21 people killed in last year’s mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, announced on July 20 her intentions to run for mayor of the Southwest Texas city of more than 15,000 people, dedicating her run to the late fourth-grader.
Attorney General Paxton asserts right not to testify in impeachment trial
By Austin Journal Report | Jul 31, 2023
The impeachment trial of Attorney General Warren Kenneth Paxton Jr. took a new turn in early July as his legal team filed a motion seeking to preclude him from being compelled to testify before the Texas State Senate.
Congressional committees investigating intimidation of border whistleblower
By Austin Journal Report | Jul 28, 2023
House Committee chairmen, James Comer and Mark Green, launch a probe into U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) over alleged retaliation against a witness in the Biden border crisis investigation.
Abbott vows to fight Biden Administration in court over border barrier
By Austin Journal Report | Jul 26, 2023
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott remains defiant in his efforts to secure the southern border, deploying floating barriers in the Rio Grande River despite threat of legal action by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in an effort to take them down.
Sens. Cornyn and Cruz praise fallen border agent
By Austin Journal Report | Jul 24, 2023
U.S. Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, Republicans from Texas, introduced a bill on July 20 to honor a fallen Border Patrol Agent. The legislation would rename the United States Postal Service office in McAllen, Texas, for Agent Raul Gonzalez Jr., who was killed in the line of duty this past December.
Gov. Abbott on economic agreement with France: 'Forging strong economic bonds with reliable partners is more important now than ever'
By Austin Journal Report | Jul 24, 2023
Gov. Greg Abbott culminated his office’s economic development mission to Europe with the signing of an economic development Statement of Intent with Olivier Becht, France’s Minister for Foreign Trade, Economic Attractiveness and Foreign Nationals Abroad in Paris on July 14, which was the Bastille Day holiday in the country, according to a press release.
Texas University Banks: 'The recent challenges regarding Dr. McElroy have made it clear to me that I must retire immediately'
By Austin Journal Report | Jul 23, 2023
This week, Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp issued a press release announcing the departure of Dr. Katherine Banks as president of the flagship university in College Station.
Texas' Cruz: Supreme Court code of conduct measure a 'leftist political attack in the guise of an ethics bill'
By Austin Journal Report | Jul 22, 2023
Keeping in line with his party’s stance, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) slammed a piece of legislation this week that seeks to implement a code of conduct for U.S. Supreme Court justices.
Allstate Spokesperson Keats: 'the annual Crossbar Classic will launch a new tradition in college football'
By Austin Journal Report | Jul 20, 2023
This week, the University of Texas announced the creation of the Allstate Crossbar Classic football game, which will hold its first ever game this fall.
Gutierrez on US senatorial bid: 'Everything that we’ve seen in this state has been nothing but taking care of rich people'
By Austin Journal Report | Jul 19, 2023
Texas State Sen. Roland Gutierrez, D-San Antonio, recently entered his name into the 2024 Texas Democratic primary for the United States Senate, calling out incumbent Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, for “taking care of rich people” and ignoring the working class..
Pool says 'people are wondering if anything is ever really going to happen' with Ryan Drive project
By Austin Journal Report | Jul 19, 2023
Austin City Council Member Leslie Pool says the community is frustrated with the lack of progress on the Ryan Drive redevelopment project after the city awarded, then canceled the contract of a developer chosen to take on the job.
Abbott: New interim attorney general 'has firsthand experience on how the agency operates'
By Austin Journal Report | Jul 19, 2023
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) has appointed Angela Colmenero to be the state's interim Attorney General (TXAG) beginning July 14. Colmenero replaces John Scott, interim TXAG since May.
Patrick on Paxton impeachment gag order: 'All 31 senators and I are subject to communication rules which prohibit discussing the merits of the trial'
By Austin Journal Report | Jul 19, 2023
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick ordered silence from the participants in the upcoming impeachment trial of suspended Texas attorney general Ken Paxton on July 17. Patrick said in a statement released by the Office of the Texas Lieutenant Governor that he has fielded many questions about the trial, which is slated for Sept. 5.
Huffines on latest property tax legislation: 'almost guarantees us and ensures us that we can never completely phase out the local property taxes and that should be our goal'
By Austin Journal Report | Jul 19, 2023
After the Texas Legislature finally agreed on a plan to provide property tax relief to Texans last week, Don Huffines joined Bill Peacock on his podcast The Liberty Cafe to examine the deal. According to Mr. Huffines, the disastrous plan shows a missed opportunity and hurts efforts to entirely eliminate school property taxes.
Chair of Austin Chamber Air Service Task Force on Copa Airlines’ new travel route: ‘this partnership is connecting our city and community to the beautiful country of Panama’
By Austin Journal Report | Jul 19, 2023
The Austin Chamber of Commerce announced on July 6 that Copa Airlines started a new service between Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) and Panama City in Panama. According to a release, there was a ribbon cutting celebration held at AUS in honor of the first flight, which included speakers, Panamanian dancers and refreshments.
Higdon: 'Julian exemplifies an employee who is willing to do it all – personifying the words ‘team player’'
By Austin Journal Report | Jul 18, 2023
In July 2023, Austin Bank honored Julian Mierop as the Star of the Month, acknowledging his exceptional commitment to teamwork and dedication to going the extra mile in his role.