Austin Journal

News from March 2022


'The pulsing heart of Austin, Texas': City prepares for return of South by Southwest

A few days remain until the start of one of the City of Austin's signature events, South by Southwest (SXSW).


Texas has seventh highest real estate property tax nationally

Texas has the seventh highest real estate property taxes nationally, according to a WalletHub study.



'A relentless and malicious attack': Oil billionaire Warren brings defamation lawsuit against O'Rourke

A Dallas oil billionaire and the top donor to Gov. Greg Abbott's reelection campaign has filed a defamation lawsuit against Democratic gubernatorial candidate Beto O'Rourke.


'That's how we do it in Austin': Verde reels off second straight five-goal victory

Goals were hard to come by for Austin FC during their inaugural season in 2021.


'The demands are clear': Nine Texas colleges, universities among 140 institutions in Amazon education partnership

Seattle-based online retail giant Amazon has partnered with nine Texas colleges and universities to fully fund the tuition for the company’s 750,000 hourly employees, according to a press release.


Former ERCOT head Magness: Abbott ordered high energy prices

The former chief of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) testified late last month that Gov. Greg Abbott was responsible for the high energy prices that occurred during the winter freeze last year, while the governor has maintained that his office was not involved in the decision.


Austin-based Lighthouse will bring software fight against human trafficking to Louisiana

Lighthouse will beam its efforts to turn a spotlight on human trafficking into Louisiana, the organization announced Feb. 22.


'Excited and relieved': Austin-Travis County moves to Stage 2 COVID-19 guidelines

Just days after moving to Stage 3 of the City of Austin’s COVID-19 risk-based guidelines, Austin-Travis County has announced a shift to Stage 2.



Austin finishes 30th in ranking of the nation’s happiest cities

Austin ranked 30th in a new WalletHub study that examines how content the residents of more than 180 large U.S. cities are based on their physical and emotional health and other social and economic criteria.


Lawsuit demands all Austin City Council seats to be on November ballot

A lawsuit is requesting Travis County District Court to render all 10 Austin City Council seats up for election in the fall.



'We’re excited about growing our international service': Spirit Airlines starts Austin-Monterrey, Mexico service

Miramar, Florida-based Spirit Airlines will debut Austin-Monterrey, Mexico service in June.


'Our COVID-19 numbers have significantly decreased': Austin Independent School District to make masks optional

Citing decreasing COVID-19 figures, the Austin Independent School District will leave the decision whether to wear a mask up to faculty, staff and students.


City of Austin Mobility Committee met Feb. 10

City of Austin Mobility Committee met Thursday, Feb. 10.


'Republicans sent a message': Primary victories for Abbott, O'Rourke set up November gubernatorial contest

Gov. Greg Abbott's quest for a third consecutive term continues as he emerged the victor in the Republican primary, pitting him against former U.S. Congressman Beto O'Rourke in the November gubernatorial contest.


City of Austin Public Health Committee met Feb. 9

City of Austin Public Health Committee met Wednesday, Feb. 9.


'We have something special here': Hendrickson girls down Pflugerville to capture district title

Projected to have a rebuilding year before the season began, the Hendrickson High School girls basketball team has captured the District 18-5A championship with a 48-41 win over Pflugerville on Feb. 1.


'We look forward to serving': Vision Solar opens first Texas office in Austin

Blackwood, New Jersey-based Vision Solar is set to open its first Texas office in Austin.