Austin Journal Reports News


'Texas stands with survivors of sexual assault': Abbott proclaims April as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month

On April 1, Gov. Greg Abbott acknowledged the commencement of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month in Texas. A press release from the Office of the Texas Governor confirmed that Abbott, a Republican, has pledged the Lone Star State's support for survivors of sexual assault.


Move More, Sleep Better, UT Study Finds

A new study conducted by an interdisciplinary team of researchers at The University of Texas at Austin has unveiled the strong connection between physical activity, sleep quality, and psychological health. Published in Nature Scientific Reports, the study focused on how daily physical activity impacts sleep stages and emotional well-being over an extended period.The research, which involved 82 young adults, utilized advanced wearable technology to monitor sleep and activity levels. Benjamin Baird, a research assistant professor of psychology and one of the study's...


Austin ISD Teacher of the Year finalists announced

Four educators from Austin ISD have been named as finalists for the prestigious title of Austin ISD Teacher of the Year. The finalists are Paola Arroyo-Forteza from Harris Elementary School, Jill Stockton from Brentwood Elementary School, Coleen Azeez from Webb Middle School, and Cameron Daniel from LBJ Early College High School.These outstanding teachers were selected for their exceptional dedication and contributions to the education community. Ms. Arroyo-Forteza was recognized for her ability to establish trusting relationships and advocate for every student. Ms....


City of Austin City Council met March 5

City of Austin City Council met Tuesday, March 5


City of Austin City Council met Feb. 27

City of Austin City Council met Tuesday, Feb. 27


City of Austin City Council will meet April 11

City of Austin City Council will meet at 9 a.m., Thursday, April 11


City of Austin Housing Public Facility Corporation Board of Directors will meet April 4

City of Austin Housing Public Facility Corporation Board of Directors will meet at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, April 4


City of Austin City Council will meet April 4

City of Austin City Council will meet at 10 a.m., Thursday, April 4


City of Austin Public Health Committee will meet April 3

City of Austin Public Health Committee will meet at 10 a.m., Wednesday, April 3


Universal Brain-Computer Interface Lets People Play Games With Just Their Thoughts

AUSTIN, Texas - Engineers at The University of Texas at Austin have developed a groundbreaking brain-computer interface that allows individuals to play games using only their thoughts. The research, aimed at improving the lives of people with motor disabilities, incorporates machine learning capabilities, making it a one-size-fits-all solution.Satyam Kumar, a graduate student involved in the project, highlighted the significance of this new technology, stating, "When we think about this in a clinical setting, this technology will make it so we won’t need a specialized...


UT, ACC, Texas Institute for Electronics to Launch Semiconductor Training Center to Meet Industry Workforce Needs

A new partnership between The University of Texas at Austin, Austin Community College District, and Texas Institute for Electronics (TIE) aims to address the workforce needs of America's semiconductor industry by launching a Semiconductor Training Center in Central Texas. This collaboration seeks to bridge the gap in skilled labor within the semiconductor field by providing comprehensive education and training opportunities.President Jay Hartzell emphasized UT's commitment to advancing the semiconductor industry, stating, "UT has a rich history as a leader in the...


Celebrating 2023-24 Volunteers of the Year

In a heartwarming display of community recognition, the Austin Independent School District (AISD) is celebrating the Volunteers of the Year for 2023-24. These individuals have been acknowledged for their exceptional dedication and support to their respective schools.From Allison Elementary to Zilker Elementary, volunteers like Jessica Herrera and Tomas Ruedas from Allison Elementary, Maria del Carmen Ruiz and Reyna Cruz from Andrews Elementary, and many others have been shining examples of selflessness and commitment to the betterment of their communities.Reflecting on...


Board to discuss Texas Academic Performance Report

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has released the Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR) for the 2023-24 school year. The TAPR contains a wealth of performance data and information about districts and schools in the state. As part of the report, performance on the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) for students in grades 3–12 is highlighted, along with student and staff demographic information, enrollment, attendance, and graduation rates, as well as indicators of postsecondary readiness.However, due to ongoing litigation, the TEA did not release...


Annual Spring Climate Survey Launched by Austin ISD for Valuable Feedback

Austin Independent School District (AISD) has announced the launch of their annual spring climate survey, inviting parents and guardians to share their feedback until April 12.According to AISD, "Your insights provide invaluable perspectives on the educational climate, culture, and engagement within Austin ISD." The district emphasizes that "The district does not have access to individual responses or any personal data that could be used to identify a respondent."With a target of achieving an 80% completion rate across all campuses, AISD stresses the importance of...


Austin ISD Police Department Introduces Motorcycle Unit for Enhanced Campus Safety

The Austin ISD police department has unveiled its first motorcycle police unit, a move aimed at significantly improving school safety and community involvement."With the support of our board, our Austin ISD Police force will more than double in size, allowing us the flexibility with scheduling and supporting special events," said Wayne Sneed, Austin ISD police chief.The department's decision to establish the motorcycle unit comes in response to the introduction of Texas House Bill 3 last year, which mandated certain measures to ensure compliance with state regulations...


Critical Reminder about School Bus Safety

In the wake of a tragic bus accident in Bastrop County, the Austin Independent School District is emphasizing the importance of school bus safety. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, in 2022, seven people lost their lives and 51 were seriously injured in crashes involving Texas school buses.One of the main factors contributing to these accidents was driver inattention and speed. In response to concerns about bus safety, the Austin ISD confirmed that all 551 of their buses are equipped with seatbelts, with 91 having lap belts and 460 having lap and...


City of Austin Mobility Committee met Feb. 22

City of Austin Mobility Committee met Thursday, Feb. 22


City of Austin Housing and Planning Committee met Feb. 20

City of Austin Housing and Planning Committee met Tuesday, Feb. 20


City of Austin Audit and Finance Committee met Jan. 24

City of Austin Audit and Finance Committee met Wednesday, Jan. 24


City of Austin Mobility Committee will meet March 28

City of Austin Mobility Committee will meet at 1 p.m., Thursday, March 28