News from 2021
I-35 through Austin ranked 2nd most congested roadway in Texas
By Austin Journal Reports | Dec 31, 2021
A section of Interstate 35 in the Austin metro area costs drivers more than 600,000 hours per mile in delays annually, making it the second most congested roadway in Texas, according to a new study from the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI).
'Abbott did not have the opportunity to consider it': Abbott silent on whether he will pardon George Floyd
By John Kelly | Dec 30, 2021
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott released eight pardons for Texans on Dec. 23, and George Floyd once again generated controversy by not being on the list even though the officer in his case later had many convictions overturned.
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.
Special magazine issue honors Murray's contributions to mathematical biology
By Marjorie Hecht | Dec 30, 2021
A special issue of the Bulletin of Mathematical Biology, Dec. 4, celebrates the contributions of J.D. Murray, one of the modern founders of mathematical biology.
'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.
Austin's tree recycling program returns
By John Kelly | Dec 30, 2021
Austin residents can recycle their old Christmas trees by following these simple guidelines.
$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.
Uber to sell non-strategic stakes in other companies
By Andy Nghiem | Dec 28, 2021
Uber recently announced it plans to sell its non-strategic stakes in other companies.
Celebrate the new year in Austin this week
By Julie Giyer | Dec 28, 2021
Events in Austin Dec. 29-Jan. 4
Tellus Equipment Solutions 'extremely excited' to expand with store opening in Austin
By Caleb Lombardo | Dec 28, 2021
Tellus Equipment Solutions announced last week that they will be expanding their operations with the opening of a new store in Austin, Texas.
'Further accelerate growth': DESelect to open first U.S. office in Austin
By Ariana Chiarenza | Dec 28, 2021
Marketing data company DESelect announced plans on Monday to open a new office in Austin in order to better serve their U.S. market.
World's oldest family tree discovered with DNA research
By Press Release | Dec 27, 2021
By analyzing DNA extracted from the bones and teeth of 35 individuals entombed at Hazleton North long cairn in the Cotswolds-Severn region, the research team was able to detect that 27 of them were close biological relatives.
OPEC raises Q1 2022 oil demand forecast, expects 'mild' impact from omicron variant
By David Beasley | Dec 27, 2021
The alliance of oil exporting countries raised its forecast for global demand in the first quarter of 2022 by 1.1 million barrels a day.
Mastercard launches blockchain technology system to 'accelerate access to new ways to pay and prioritize choice for consumers and businesses'
By Karla Florez | Dec 25, 2021
Mastercard has garnered partnerships with cryptocurrency and digital asset companies to commit to the development of real-world platforms.
Average gas price in Texas is just under $2.90 per gallon, new AAA report finds
By Austin Journal Reports | Dec 23, 2021
Texans on average now pay a shade under $2.90 for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline, the lowest average gas price among all 50 states, according to a report from AAA Texas.
Adler reflects on another year of adversity for Austin: 'The top priority has to be housing affordability'
By Caleb Lombardo | Dec 23, 2021
Austin Mayor Steve Adler, who is about to enter his last year in office as mayor, reflected on another trying year for the city in a statement.
Austin's unemployment rate hits pandemic low of 3.2%
By David Beasley | Dec 23, 2021
Austin's unemployment rate for November was down to a pandemic low of 3.2%, the Austin American-Statesman reported.
'It was an easy decision': Texas hires ex-Cowboy Choice as running back coach
By John Suayan | Dec 23, 2021
Former running back Tashard Choice is returning to the state where he spent much of his short NFL career.
Santa Claus sighting in Austin? Pulido family looks forward to catching a glimpse of Santa — again
By Emily Bevard | Dec 23, 2021
Soon, children around the country will be dreaming of sugar plums as Santa Claus makes his way around the globe, but 8-year-old Cruz Pulido just may get a visit from Old St. Nick himself.