Austin Journal Reports News
Clint Dawson and Stephen Vladeck Honored With President’s Research Impact Award
By Austin Journal | Apr 10, 2024
AUSTIN, Texas — Clint Dawson, the creator of a code to predict hurricane storm surges, and Stephen Vladeck, an expert on federal courts and constitutional law, have been named the 2024 recipients of The University of Texas at Austin President’s Research Impact Award.President Jay Hartzell established the award in 2023 to recognize researchers whose endeavors have changed lives and understanding. Dawson, the Cockrell Family Regents Chair in Engineering #2, was instrumental in developing a simulation code used globally in hurricane storm surge predictions. Dawson's work has...
Attorney General Ken Paxton Urges Expedited Process In Concertina Wire Lawsuit
By Austin Journal | Apr 10, 2024
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has urged the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit to expedite the resolution of the ongoing concertina wire case in order to safeguard Texas's border security measures. In a letter filed with the court, Paxton highlighted new and crucial facts pertaining to the case.Paxton emphasized findings from the district court regarding events at the border. The court determined that the three drowning deaths near Shelby Park on January 12 occurred before the federal government reached out to the Texas National Guard or Department of Public...
UT’s Excellence and Impact On Display in Latest Graduate School Rankings
By Austin Journal | Apr 9, 2024
The University of Texas at Austin has once again demonstrated its excellence in graduate education, as highlighted in the recent release of U.S. News & World Report's "Best Graduate Schools." President Jay Hartzell expressed pride in the university's performance, stating, "Our talent is what puts UT at the leading edge of discovery in AI and robotics, life sciences, population research, and many other disciplines that are at the forefront of solving many of the world’s most pressing problems and bettering society."UT's College of Education made significant strides, moving...
Attorney General Ken Paxton Sues Harris County Over Illegal “Guaranteed Income” Welfare Scheme
By Austin Journal | Apr 9, 2024
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has taken legal action against Harris County for implementing what he deems an unlawful “guaranteed income” program. The initiative, introduced by Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo in 2023, involves distributing public funds in a manner that Attorney General Paxton argues violates the Texas Constitution.The program in question aimed to randomly select 1,928 eligible Harris County residents through a lottery system to receive $500 cash payments for 18 months with “no strings attached.” Funded by $20.5 million allocated to the county from...
After School Activities Moved Indoors Due to Tornado Watch in Austin ISD
By Austin Journal | Apr 9, 2024
After a tornado watch was issued by the National Weather Service for Austin ISD until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9, all after school activities have been moved indoors as a precaution. In a message to families and staff, the district emphasized the importance of safety protocols in place during such weather events."We are under a tornado watch from the National Weather Service until 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 9. This means that a tornado is possible but not imminent, so we are prepared and monitoring the forecast," stated the district communication.The district further...
Despite a population and resource boom, public transit in Austin is in decline
By Austin Journal | Apr 8, 2024
In 1985, voters in Austin established the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority, known locally as CapMetro, to provide public transportation service to the greater Austin area. The services provided today by CapMetro include bus services, paratransit services for persons with disabilities, and a commuter rail.
City of Austin City Council met Feb. 29
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Apr 7, 2024
City of Austin City Council met Thursday, Feb. 29
City of Austin Public Health Committee met March 20
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Apr 7, 2024
City of Austin Public Health Committee met Wednesday, March 20
City of Austin City Council will meet April 18
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Apr 7, 2024
City of Austin City Council will meet at 10 a.m., Thursday, April 18
City of Austin Housing Public Facility Corporation Board of Directors will meet April 18
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Apr 7, 2024
City of Austin Housing Public Facility Corporation Board of Directors will meet at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, April 18
District Safeguards Classrooms As It Seeks To Cut Spending
By Austin Journal | Apr 5, 2024
In an effort to navigate financial challenges, the Austin Independent School District (AISD) has unveiled a preliminary budget for the 2024-25 school year, featuring significant cuts to non-campus based expenses amounting to $30 million. The district's focus remains on safeguarding classrooms amidst cost-saving measures.According to a statement from AISD, "Though we must make difficult cuts, we committed to finding savings in areas that protect the classroom as much as possible." This commitment underscores the district's dedication to preserving the quality of education...
New Advanced Quantum Science Institute Will Bridge Basic Research and Applied Science
By Austin Journal | Apr 5, 2024
The University of Texas at Austin has announced the establishment of the Texas Quantum Institute, a new initiative aimed at advancing research and education in quantum science and engineering. The institute will serve as a platform for bridging basic research with practical applications in various fields such as computing, electronics, communications, sensors, quality control, and climate observation.Dan Jaffe, vice president for research at the University of Texas at Austin, expressed enthusiasm for the potential impact of quantum research, stating, "Some of the most...
Important Reminders: Solar Eclipse Event on Monday, April 8
By Austin Journal | Apr 5, 2024
Austin ISD is gearing up for the much-anticipated solar eclipse event happening this Monday, April 8th. In preparation for this celestial phenomenon, the district has issued some important reminders to ensure the safety and educational experience of students and staff.According to Austin ISD, all bus routes will run on a normal schedule on Monday, although delays are possible in the afternoon due to increased traffic. Families are encouraged to monitor the arrival time of their buses using the district's website.To maintain a focused learning environment, Austin ISD has...
Exciting Return of the American Indian Education Program to Austin ISD
By Austin Journal | Apr 4, 2024
The American Indian Education Program (AIEP) has made a welcomed return to Austin ISD, with a primary focus on supporting American Indian and Alaskan Native students and their families in their academic pursuits.Students at Austin ISD who identify as Native American or Alaskan Native during enrollment are encouraged to "Join AIEP," as stated by the American Indian Education Program. The program aims to provide tailored academic support to meet the unique needs of these students, in collaboration with Student Support Services.The AIEP, in partnership with Great Promise...
'Texas offers hardworking Texans the freedom to aspire': Abbott praises continuous economic growth
By Austin Journal | Apr 3, 2024
The Bureau of Economic Analysis recently released data indicating that the Texas economy continues to outpace the rest of the United States. This development, reported on April 2, was positively received by Gov. Greg Abbott, as per a press release from the Office of the Texas Governor.
Fashion Meets Science in New Exhibition at Texas Science & Natural History Museum
By Austin Journal | Apr 3, 2024
A new exhibition titled "Particles of Color: Where Science Meets Fashion" has recently opened at the Texas Science & Natural History Museum in Austin, Texas. The exhibition focuses on sustainability in the fashion industry and showcases the use of compostable, plant-based, and biodegradable materials in clothing, accessories, jewelry, and art.Jessica Ciarla, a faculty member in the Division of Textiles and Apparel at the University of Texas at Austin, emphasized the importance of the exhibition by stating, "The fashion industry is a huge contributor to plastic pollution....
ACC Announces Free Tuition for 2024 Graduates
By Austin Journal | Apr 3, 2024
Austin Community College (ACC) has made a groundbreaking decision to offer free tuition to high school graduates of 2024. The initiative, presented by ACC Chancellor Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart, aims to remove financial barriers and provide educational opportunities for more students."The five-year program will begin with the class of 2024," stated a representative from the institution. Additionally, it was highlighted that "There are no GPA requirements or income restrictions," making the program inclusive and accessible to all aspiring students. The ultimate goal is to...
Blanco no-hitter powers Astros' first win of 2024 season
By Austin Journal | Apr 2, 2024
The Houston Astros recently celebrated their first victory of the 2024 regular season under new manager Joe Espada, a win that came with an impressive distinction. The team's starting pitcher, Rodel Blanco, registered a no-hitter – the first of the year in Major League Baseball (MLB) – during Houston's 10-0 triumph over the Toronto Blue Jays. The game was held at Minute Maid Park on April 1 and was attended by 27,285 spectators.
Attorney General Ken Paxton Announces Education Partnership Between OAG Cold Case and Missing Persons Unit and Texas State University School of Criminal Justice and Criminology
By Austin Journal | Apr 2, 2024
Attorney General Ken Paxton has announced a partnership between the Office of the Attorney General (“OAG”) and Texas State University (“TXST”) to facilitate educational opportunities and bring more investigative power to solving cold cases. The TXST program, termed the Cold Case Team, is a one-year internship program enabling students in the Texas State University School of Criminal Justice and Criminology to work with the OAG Cold Case and Missing Persons Unit (CCMPU). Attorney General Paxton established the CCMPU in 2021 within the Criminal Investigations Division to...
Attorney General Ken Paxton Announces $6.6 Million Settlement With Intercontinental Terminals Company For Injuries to Natural Resources Resulting From 2019 Deer Park Fire
By Austin Journal | Apr 2, 2024
Attorney General Ken Paxton announced a settlement of over $6.6 million with Intercontinental Terminals Company, LLC (“ITC”) to address natural resource damages resulting from the 2019 fire at the Deer Park facility. Paxton expressed satisfaction with the settlement, stating, “I’m pleased we were able to secure this natural resource damages settlement after the serious destruction caused by the fire at Deer Park. This fire burned for three days, spewing hazardous chemicals into our air, water, and land.”The State of Texas and the United States filed a civil complaint and...