Bob Martin News
Abbott leads in polls, but some GOP members disagree with Trump endorsement
By Bob Martin | Feb 18, 2022
Gov. Greg Abbott was recently given a major endorsement for the upcoming GOP gubernatorial primary: former President Donald Trump.
'Texas shines as a beacon of hope, prosperity and freedom': Abbott releases Report to the People of Texas
By Bob Martin | Feb 18, 2022
Gov. Greg Abbott recently released his 2022 Report to the People of Texas, saying that last year the state stood up to challenges brought forth by deadly weather events all while going through the COVID-19 pandemic.
'Don’t take yourself too seriously': Austin City Council meetings graced by singing citizen
By Bob Martin | Jan 28, 2022
For about 17 years, the Austin City Council meetings have been a bit different than most others, thanks to Carol Anne Rose Kennedy, who sings her concerns to government officials as well as singing about the lighter things in life.
'This one is even more personal for me': Texas synagogue hostage situation worries Jewish community
By Bob Martin | Jan 28, 2022
On Jan. 15 a man took four people including a rabbi hostage at the Congregation Beth Israel outside of Dallas for 10 hours, and while each hostage was rescued safely, the suspect was pronounced dead.
South by Southwest seeks volunteers for March festival, conference
By Bob Martin | Jan 26, 2022
Austin-based entertainment festival and conference South by Southwest is looking for help from volunteers at both the conference and festival taking place this March.
ERCOT: Texas power grid is ready for harsh winter weather
By Bob Martin | Jan 10, 2022
As we enter the heart of the winter season, Texans might be wary due to last year’s catastrophic ice storm that put millions without power and heat. But residents can have a bit of peace of mind as, after more than 300 tests, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has announced that the power grid is in good shape and ready for extreme winter weather events.
Grackles flock to central Texas, in particular to grocery stores
By Bob Martin | Jan 6, 2022
It is grackle season in many areas of Texas, which involves area grocery stores being invaded by huge numbers of the large black birds.
UT forgives $5 million in student debt as 'students work to complete their degrees'
By Bob Martin | Dec 30, 2021
The University of Texas at Austin announced it has forgiven the debt of 8,144 students, amounting to nearly $5 million, or about $610 per student, according to the Austin American-Statesman.
'It just meant a lot to me': Imade pays tribute to his late mother during senior game last month
By Bob Martin | Dec 30, 2021
At the University of Texas senior night on the last regular-season game of the season, Longhorns offensive lineman Tope Imade honored his late mother by holding a photograph of her as he ran out of the tunnel for the last time.
$38.4 million award from Abbott's Public Safety Office to help fund 'Operation Lone Star'
By Bob Martin | Dec 29, 2021
Gov. Greg Abbott announced that $38.4 million from his Public Safety Office will be awarded to Operation Lone Star, which will go to law enforcement, jail operations and court activity in Texas.
'One of the most valued leaders in our community': Huston-Tillotson's first female president announces retirement
By Bob Martin | Dec 15, 2021
The first female president of Huston-Tillotson University has announced that she will be calling it a career with her retirement coming on June 1.
Abbott guarantees 'lights will stay on' this winter, regardless of potential storms
By Bob Martin | Dec 5, 2021
Last February, a major winter storm in Texas devastated the state and left much of the population without electricity and heat after the power grid failed, but Gov. Greg Abbott said Texans should have no fear this winter, as he made a guarantee to his constituents that they are in good hands.
Vandegrift knocks off undefeated Cibolo Steele to advance in state tourney
By Bob Martin | Nov 24, 2021
A battle between two of the state’s top football teams turned into a one-sided affair with Vandegrift shutting out then-undefeated Cibolo Steele in the state tournament 38-0.
'This is a place of community': Austin Clubhouse re-opens, holds December fundraiser
By Bob Martin | Nov 24, 2021
Last summer the Austin Clubhouse felt that it needed to shut its doors after Gov. Greg Abbott signed an executive order that prevented them from asking for vaccination proof of its patients, according to a report by Spectrum Local News.
Westlake wins 34th straight game to claim district title
By Bob Martin | Nov 12, 2021
Westlake High School continued its dominance with its 34th straight win to claim the district title with a blowout 63-21 win last week over Lake Travis, which just so happens to also be the last team to beat the Chaparrals.
'We coach hard': Top wide receiver Moore leaving Texas Longhorns
By Bob Martin | Nov 12, 2021
As if four straight losses weren’t enough of a hole to dig out of, University of Texas Longhorns’ top receiver Joshua Moore will reportedly be entering the transfer portal and leaving the team.
'A victory for residents': Austin votes against upping police force at risk of cutting firefighters, EMS and more
By Bob Martin | Nov 5, 2021
One thing was made clear in this year’s election in Austin: The majority of voters were against increasing the city’s police force at the risk of other cuts, as Proposition A was voted down handily with 68.4% against, The Texas Tribune reported.
'We understood the assignment': Austin FC beats Sporting KC 3-1 in final home game
By Bob Martin | Nov 5, 2021
In the final home game of Austin FC’s first Major League Soccer season, Austin FC left on a high note by beating Sporting Kansas City 3-1 on Nov. 3, according to austinfc.com.