Austin Journal News
Abbott hails latest Texas employment data as testament to state's economic strength
By Austin Journal | Nov 20, 2023
The Office of the Texas Governor announced that October employment data reveals the continued leadership of the Lone Star State in annual jobs growth nationwide. The state also set new records with the largest civilian labor force ever at 15,162,100 and more Texans being either employed or self-employed than ever before, reaching a count of 14,536,800.
Allegiant Air to launch new service between Austin, Eugene, OR next year
By Austin Journal | Nov 16, 2023
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) and low-cost carrier Allegiant Air announced new non-stop flights between the Texas state capital and Eugene, Oregon. Allegiant will begin the service from the South Terminal on May 31, 2024, operating seasonally through Aug. on twice-weekly service.
UFCU appoints Joe Gonzalez as Associate VP of Everyday Banking
By Austin Journal | Nov 15, 2023
University Federal Credit Union (UFCU) announced the promotion of Joe Gonzalez to lead the Everyday Banking and Payments business unit, effective immediately. Starting as a mortgage coordinator at UFCU in 2005, Gonzalez has taken on increasingly senior positions over the last 18 years.
Interim Austin police chief Henderson on late officer Pastore: 'Please help me and our APD family pay tribute to SPO Jorge Pastore for his brave & heroic actions'
By Austin Journal | Nov 15, 2023
Funeral plans for the late Austin police officer Jorge Pastore have been released, with Weed Corley Fish Funeral Homes and Cremation Services handling the arrangements. The 38-year-old Pastore was fatally shot while responding to a purported hostage situation in a south Austin neighborhood.
Austin City Council approves purchase of former Salvation Army Downtown Shelter
By Austin Journal | Nov 14, 2023
Austin City Council voted to approve the purchase of the former Salvation Army Downtown Shelter at 501 E. 8th St.at its Nov. 9 meeting. The city hopes the purchase will help fill the need for shelter beds for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Texas Comptroller updates list of financial companies boycotting energy firms
By Austin Journal | Nov 11, 2023
The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Glenn Hegar, announced the inclusion of five firms to the list of companies boycotting the oil and gas industry. The Comptroller’s office conducted a review of investment funds, identifying approximately 350 funds subject to divestment under the same provisions as the companies, according to a press release by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.
October state sales tax revenue reaches $3.8 billion
By Austin Journal | Nov 11, 2023
The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Glenn Hegar, announced that state sales tax revenue reached $3.81 billion in Oct., experiencing a 0.3 percent decrease compared to Oct. 2022. The cumulative sales tax revenue for the three months concluding in Oct. 2023 increased by 2.7 percent when compared to the corresponding period in the previous year, according to a press release by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.
October state sales tax revenue reaches $3.8 billion
By Austin Journal | Nov 11, 2023
Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Glenn Hegar, announced that state sales tax revenue reached $3.81 billion in Oct., experiencing a 0.3 percent decrease compared to Oct. 2022. The cumulative sales tax revenue for the three months concluding in Oct. 2023 increased by 2.7 percent when compared to the corresponding period in the previous year, according to a press release by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.
Favor promotes Chief Taco Officer: ‘I cannot wait to begin my new position as Favor’s Chief Tasting Officer’
By Austin Journal | Nov 9, 2023
One year after being hired as Favor Delivery’s Chief Taco Officer, Chris Flores has been promoted to Chief Tasting Officer and the company is looking to build a team of Order-In Experts. According to Flores, this new position will allow him to highlight food culture in Texas.
Abbott announces fourth special session to cover school choice, border security
By Austin Journal | Nov 8, 2023
The fourth special session of the Texas Legislature is underway after Gov. Greg Abbott announced it into session on Nov. 5. According to a press release from the Office of the Texas Governor, the agenda for the latest special session will focus on education and border security.
Gov. Abbott unveils Texas Small Business Credit Initiative
By Austin Journal | Nov 6, 2023
Governor Greg Abbott has announced the Texas Small Business Credit Initiative (TSBCI) and is welcoming applications from Texas financial institutions seeking to participate in the small business support programs. The U.S. Department of the Treasury ratified the State of Texas' State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) allocation agreement, thus providing funding for TSBCI programs, according to a press release from Governor Abbott's office.
Pneumonia stricken Patrick works, recovers from home
By Austin Journal | Nov 6, 2023
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has announced that he is currently recovering from viral pneumonia, according to a statement from his office. "He is recovering and working from home", stated the office of the Republican leader.
Abbott on meeting with Netanyahu: 'Texas has always, and will always, support Israel and the Israeli people'
By Austin Journal | Nov 6, 2023
Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas recently held meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli President Isaac Herzog, and several other officials to explore ways in which the Lone Star state can continue to support Israel. The visit, his third since assuming office in 2015, coincided with the end of the first month since Israel declared war on Palestinian militant group Hamas following surprise attacks on cities and towns close to the blockaded Gaza Strip.
Austin to host largest AV, IT expo in Texas
By Austin Journal | Nov 3, 2023
Austin is set to host the largest tech expo for AV and IT professionals in Texas, named AVI Live, on Nov. 8 at the Palmer Events Center. "AVI Systems will host an AV and IT expo in Austin on Nov. 8.", announced the organizers.
Rangers win first-ever World Series crown: 'Bochy Ball forever'
By Austin Journal | Nov 2, 2023
The Texas Rangers have claimed their first-ever victory in the 2023 World Series, sweeping the Arizona Diamondbacks four games to one in the best-of-seven championship round for Major League Baseball’s (MLB) grand prize. This achievement comes after two unsuccessful attempts more than a decade ago.
Abbott on expansion of third special session agenda: 'The legislation will create an Education Savings Accounts program with universal eligibility for all Texas schoolchildren'
By Austin Journal | Nov 1, 2023
Gov. Greg Abbott has expanded the agenda for the third special session of the 88th Texas Legislature to include additional school finance, such as teacher pay raises, school safety, and special education, the Office of the Texas Governor said. Abbott, a Republican, said that the announcement follows what he described as productive discussions with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives Representative Dade Phelan (R-Beaumont).
Executive director of Maravilla at The Domain: ‘We are deeply committed to providing best-in-class community and care’
By Austin Journal | Oct 31, 2023
Austin-based senior living community Maravilla at The Domain recently celebrated the grand opening of its on-site integrated healthcare clinic. According to Mark Ranno, executive director of Maravilla at The Domain, this new clinic shows how much they care about the residents of their community.
Cruz backs Israeli ground offensive against Hamas
By Austin Journal | Oct 30, 2023
U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) has expressed his support for Israel's decision to launch a ground offensive against Hamas, the Palestinian militant group. In a press release issued by his office on October 27, Cruz emphasized that Israel has the right and obligation to ensure the security of its citizens.
Concordia University Texas reduces tuition costs by nearly 40%
By Austin Journal | Oct 30, 2023
Concordia University Texas has announced a new tuition plan called "The Right Call Initiative" for the 2024-25 academic year. This initiative will reduce tuition costs by nearly 40%, bringing the published tuition down to $23,500. The university aims to make college education more accessible and transparent, breaking down financial barriers and expanding access to higher learning for all students.
UT establishes open source software office for research support
By Austin Journal | Oct 27, 2023
The University of Texas at Austin (UT) has established the Open Source Program Office, a central hub for open source initiatives in research and education, to enhance their societal and economic impact. The project, funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, aims to promote open source practices across the institution and is led by experts from various university departments.