Austin Journal

Austin Journal News


Virtual book club explores fiction's greatest mysteries

Come join the Seven Per-Cent Solution Book Club as they delve into the world of fiction's greatest mysteries.


Texas Comptroller allocates $8.5 billion to state highway and rainy day funds

Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Glenn Hegar recently confirmed the completion of a massive transfer amounting to approximately $8.52 billion into two vital state funds. The money will be split between the State Highway Fund (SHF) and the Economic Stabilization Fund (ESF), also known as the "Rainy Day Fund," with both funds being critical for the economic stability and infrastructure development of Texas.


Austin and Chiang Mai sign New Sister City Partnership to boost trade, culture, and security collaboration

On November 12th, an important agreement was signed between the cities of Austin and Chiang Mai at Austin City Hall. Kirk Watson, the Mayor of Austin, and Nirat Phongsittithaworn, the Governor of Chiang Mai, initiated a partnership that aims to strengthen ties between these two diverse cities.


UT clinches first College Football Playoff berth: 'The mission continues'

The University of Texas (UT) Longhorns, newly minted as the Big XII Conference champion, have secured one of the much sought-after four spots in the College Football Playoff (CFP). The prestigious tournament will ultimately determine the national champion. Led by Steve Sarkisian, the Longhorns received news of their postseason participation a day after their decisive 49-21 victory over Oklahoma State University (OSU) Cowboys, marking their final conference crown before they transition to the elite Southeastern Conference (SEC) next year.


Abbott on upcoming Governor’s Small Business Summit in Houston: 'Texas offers more of these growth opportunities than any other state'

Governor Greg Abbott has announced that Houston will be the host city for the 2023 Governor’s Small Business Summit, an event designed to honor women business owners and entrepreneurs. This announcement was made by the Office of the Texas Governor, who noted that these summits serve as a platform to assist the state's small business owners and entrepreneurs with accessing necessary resources and information needed to establish their businesses.


Dog Man fan party celebrates new book release with kid-friendly activities

The public is invited to join a fan party celebrating the release of "Dog Man 13: Big Jim Begins."


Registration open for Joe Pappalardo's event at BookPeople

To reserve a spot for the event "Joe Pappalardo: Four Against the West," interested individuals are encouraged to register through Eventbrite.


New romance book club invites readers to monthly meetings

BookPeople has announced the formation of a new romance book club, inviting readers to explore tales of love and companionship.


Save Our Springs Alliance announces details for annual holiday party

The Save Our Springs Alliance recently unveiled details for its forthcoming annual holiday party, scheduled to take place on December 8 in Austin, Texas. Attendees can expect a festive ambiance with food, beverages and a silent auction at the gathering.


Texas Comptroller approves opioid abatement fund initiatives

Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced his endorsement of the Opioid Abatement Fund Council's (OAFC) inaugural abatement strategies, grant plans, and adopted rules for distributing opioid settlement funds to Texas hospital districts. The OAFC, in its decision, greenlit the allocation of up to $25 million from the opioid settlement trust funds. This initiative comes as a response to combat the growing opioid crisis in Texas.


Austin police accepting applications for Community Police Academy

The Austin Police Department (APD) is currently accepting applications for its Community Police Academy (CPA). The program makes a return following its suspension because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative is a crucial aspect of APD's community outreach efforts, providing citizens with an immersive insight into police operations.


UFCU opens Georgetown branch

University Federal Credit Union (UFCU) announced the opening of its innovative and first-of-its-kind branch in Georgetown, Texas. This new branch offers a range of services, including a 24/7 drive-through and walk-up ATM, a self-serve coin-counting machine, safe deposit boxes, and personalized financial expertise. The branch opened with the aim of improving financial accessibility for both existing members and the wider community.


World War II veteran celebrates 106th birthday with skydive with Abbott

Gov. Greg Abbott made a 106-year-old World War II veteran’s birthday all the more memorable by accompanying the gentleman on a skydive. The Office of the Texas Governor said Abbott, a Republican, and Al Blaschke went to Skydive Spaceland San Marcos on Blaschke’s special day. This thrilling event took place when both men were flown in a de Havilland DHC-6-200-Twin Otter aircraft and leapt from 8,500 feet above the ground.


Longhorns throttle visiting Texas Tech 57-7 to secure berth in Big XII title game

The University of Texas (UT) Longhorns football team has secured a place in their last Big XII Conference championship game, by trouncing the Texas Tech University (TTU) Red Raiders at home 57-7. This upcoming match with the No. 13 Oklahoma State University (OSU) Cowboys on Dec. 2 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX will be a key determinant of UT's legacy in the conference before its departure.


Comptroller Hegar urges delay in listing decision for two Edwards Aquifer fish species

The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Glenn Hegar, announced that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) should postpone its decision on listing two blind, cave-dwelling fish as endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This announcement is concurrent with the comptroller's office opening up invitations for research proposals from Texas public universities on ESA-listed or potential candidate species.


Texas comptroller Hegar boosts BEAD funding with new waiver approval

The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Glenn Hegar, announced his approval for the federal government's decision to grant a waiver for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, providing potential applicants with expanded financing choices. This move took place as the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) issued a waiver for the letter of credit (LOC) requirement outlined in the BEAD Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).


Governor Abbott rings Nasdaq closing bell

The Texas Governor's Office announced that Governor Greg Abbott participated in a virtual bell-ringing ceremony with Nasdaq, Inc., marking the closure of the Nasdaq stock exchange to commemorate Texas' economic successes. The event took place at the Governor's Mansion in Austin. This prestigious occasion signified recognition for the robust economic growth witnessed by the state.


LPL Financial said Advisors join LPL Financial from UBS

``` LPL Financial announced that financial advisors Michael J. Pumo CFP®, CEPA®, AWMA, and David A. DiRe have become part of LPL Financial’s broker-dealer, RIA, and custodial platforms. Following this transition, Pumo and DiRe inaugurated 360 Wealth Advisors, establishing an independent financial practice situated in Austin, Texas. This move comes as part of their strategic effort to expand their reach and offer comprehensive financial services.


Benefit concert planned for musician Cameron Fisher after motorcycle accident

Friends and supporters of musician Cameron Fisher are organizing a benefit event to be held on Monday, November 25th.


Austin-based band Neapolitan blends rock and pop influences

Neapolitan, an alternative-rock band from Austin, Texas, is gaining attention for its diverse musical influences.