News from January 2022
Austin gets ‘D’ grade on finances, with liabilities equaling $10,300 per taxpayer
By Austin Journal Reports | Jan 29, 2022
Among the 75 most populous U.S. cities, Austin ranks 55th for the state of its finances, chalking up $10,300 in liabilities per taxpayer, according to a Truth in Accounting (TIA) analysis of municipal data released this month.
City of Austin Energy Utility Oversight Committee met Nov. 16
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Jan 29, 2022
City of Austin Energy Utility Oversight Committee met Tuesday, Nov. 16.
'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.
'Marijuana is not the type of violation that we want to stockpile jails with': Austin to vote on marijuana enforcement, no-knock warrants
By Trina Thomas | Jan 28, 2022
The Austin City Council approved a proposal that will be placed on the May 7 ballot that would get rid of low-level marijuana enforcement and eliminate no-knock warrants.
City of Austin City Council will meet Feb. 3
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Jan 28, 2022
City of Austin City Council will meet at 10 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 3.
'We’re committed to making progress possible for families': Autism Learning Centers to open new Round Rock location
By Trina Thomas | Jan 27, 2022
Round Rock is one of four Texas cities that will be welcoming Autism Learning Partners (ALP), as the development disability treatment center announced plans for company expansion on Jan. 25.
'No one is above the law': Consultant's arrest puts Texas Ag commissioner in a tough spot
By George Willis | Jan 27, 2022
Sid Miller's re-election as agriculture commissioner is under scrutiny after his top political consultant, Todd Smith, was indicted on felony charges of taking bribes in return for access to state hemp licenses.
Enjoy a movie, comedy show or basketball game in Austin this week
By Julie Giyer | Jan 27, 2022
Austin events Jan. 27 - Feb. 1
2022 Edelman Trust Barometer shows that public trust in government, media outlets and businesses is dwindling, but 'opportunity' seen
By Andy Nghiem | Jan 27, 2022
Public trust in government, media and businesses all landed on shaky ground in the 2022 Edelman Trust Barometer, which attempts to measure public trust in these entities.
Texas A&M biologists sequence drug-resistant bacteria in pioneering U.S. phage therapy case
By Laurence Hecht | Jan 27, 2022
The full genome of nine different bacteriophages used in one of the first modern applications of this promising type of antibacterial agent in the United States was published last month. Also published were the genomes of three strains of the multidrug-resistant bacteria, Acinetobacter baumannii, that the phages targeted.
City of Austin Housing Finance Corporation Board of Directors will meet Feb. 3
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Jan 27, 2022
City of Austin Housing Finance Corporation Board of Directors will meet at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 3.
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.
'We are lucky to call Austin our home': Adler seeks $500 million bond to address soaring home costs
By Art Benavidez | Jan 26, 2022
The City of Austin is looking for creative solutions to try and alleviate its affordable housing problem.
City of Austin Energy Utility Oversight Committee will meet Feb. 1
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Jan 26, 2022
City of Austin Energy Utility Oversight Committee will meet at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 1.
'Building a dynasty': Lago Vista cheerleaders clinch second straight state title
By Zachary Richter | Jan 25, 2022
Last week, Lago Vista cheerleaders won the second straight UIL state title.
Texas announces 2022 spring game details
By Zachary Richter | Jan 25, 2022
Texas earlier this month unveiled details about the Longhorns' 2022 spring game.
Small business owners are most worried about 'inflation, taxes, supply chain issues and COVID-19 mandates,' survey finds
By Andy Nghiem | Jan 25, 2022
The Job Creators Network recently reported the results of a national survey conducted of small business for the month of December 2021.
Abbott: 'Small possession of marijuana is not the type of violation that we want to stockpile jails with'
By David Beasley | Jan 25, 2022
Austin police officers would be barred from making arrests or issuing citations for low-level marijuana offenses under a ballot measure that could be up for voter approval in May, the Texas Tribune reported.