News from December 2023
UT prepares for national semi revenge match against Washington
By Austin Journal | Dec 29, 2023
The University of Texas (UT) Longhorns are poised to take on the University of Washington (UW) Huskies in a pivotal match that could secure them a spot in the College Football Playoff National Championship. The last time the Longhorns found themselves in such a promising position was over a decade ago, which also marked the beginning of the University of Alabama's dynasty.
Paxton: Texas has led the nation in the fight to hold giant tech companies accountable for monopolistic activity
By Austin Journal | Dec 28, 2023
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has announced a $700 million settlement with Google over anticompetitive practices. The agreement, which is supported by his counterparts in other states and territories, requires Google to pay $630 million in restitution, excluding costs and fees, to individuals who made purchases on the Google Play Store between August 2016 and September 2023 and were adversely affected by these practices, according to the state's top law enforcement officer.
Biles takes Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year for third time
By Austin Journal | Dec 28, 2023
Simone Biles has been awarded the title of Associated Press (AP) Female Athlete of the Year for 2023, marking her third receipt of this honor. The 26-year-old former Olympian from Houston recently returned to competition following a two-year hiatus after the Tokyo Summer Games in 2021.
Rowing Dock Austin's Director of Ops: 'We have a really good pulse on what the community needs'
By Austin Journal News Service | Dec 27, 2023
In a recent interview with the Austin Journal, Rowing Dock Austin's Director of Operations Lindsay Rohler explained the services the company provides and its mission of becoming more than a rental service.
Kinsey’s previous service in the Air Force and depth of experience as a business leader will be a boon
By Austin Journal | Dec 19, 2023
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Aaron Kinsey, a resident of Midland, as the new chair of the Texas State Board of Education (SBOE). The Office of the Texas Governor announced that Kinsey will serve as the head of the SBOE until December 17, 2025, succeeding Dr. Keven Ellis.
Leander English teacher earns state honor
By Austin Journal | Dec 19, 2023
The Leander Independent School District (LISD) has disclosed that Amber Funderburgh, a teacher at Vista Ridge High School, was honored as Teacher of the Year by The Texas Council of Teachers of English Language Arts (TCTELA). The TCTELA annually bestows this accolade upon elementary, middle school, high school and college educators it considers exceptional. Funderburgh's nomination was due to her commitment to the field of literacy, according to LISD.
Match the Promise Scholarship applications open until end of month
By Austin Journal | Dec 18, 2023
Glenn Hegar, the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, has issued a reminder that the deadline for the Texas Match the Promise Foundation℠ scholarship awards is fast approaching. In partnership with the Comptroller's office, the Match the Promise Foundation offers competitive matching scholarships to encourage Texas families to save for college education.
Bouldin Creek Neighborhood representatives meet to discuss Oak Creek Village development
By Austin Journal | Dec 18, 2023
The Bouldin Creek Neighborhood Association Zoning Committee met on Dec. 11 to discuss the Oak Creek Village development. As part of the proposed Phase 2 development at Oak Creek Village, the property owner is requesting to remove some restrictions on the height of the buildings and the amount of units that can be developed.
Cowboys clinch third straight playoff berth, fall to Buffalo on road
By Austin Journal | Dec 18, 2023
The Dallas Cowboys' journey to Orchard Park in western New York resulted in a disappointing 31-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills. However, the team returned to Arlington with a secured playoff berth. In what is viewed as a potential Super Bowl LVIII matchup, Buffalo surpassed Dallas with 266 yards on the ground, securing two consecutive victories. Nevertheless, losses by the Philadelphia Eagles and the San Francisco 49ers propelled the Cowboys into the postseason.
City of Austin City Council met Nov. 9
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Dec 18, 2023
City of Austin City Council met Thursday, Nov. 9
Cornyn, senators introduce legislation to improve veterans' access to mental healthcare
By Austin Journal | Dec 16, 2023
U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), along with a bipartisan group of senators, has introduced the Veterans Mental Health and Addiction Therapy Quality of Care Act. This proposed legislation aims to ensure veterans' access to quality mental health care. Joining Cornyn in this initiative are fellow Republican U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Democrats U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Michael Bennet (D-CO).
Austin Chamber names 2024 board chair and chair-elect
By Austin Journal | Dec 15, 2023
The Austin Chamber has unveiled its board leadership for the 2024-2025 term. Rudy Garza, the President and CEO of GarzaEMC, is slated to assume the role of board chair in 2024. Meanwhile, Mark Ramseur, Managing Principal of Pape-Dawson Engineers, will serve as the chair-elect in 2024 before assuming the position of board chair in 2025.
Austin recognized as a leader in digital inclusion
By Austin Journal | Dec 15, 2023
The city of Austin has been recognized by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) as a Digital Inclusion Trailblazer for 2023. This year, Austin is one of 47 honorees, including municipal, county, and regional governments across the country, all acknowledged for their contributions to the development of digitally inclusive communities.
Austin City Council approves progress for Colony Park Sustainable Community
By Austin Journal | Dec 15, 2023
The City of Austin has confirmed the approval of crucial advancements for the development of the Colony Park Sustainable Community by the Austin City Council. The next phase of the process includes plans to return to the city council early next year to finalize the financing package and related matters.
Abbott graces Higher EDge 2023 leadership conference
By Austin Journal | Dec 14, 2023
Governor Greg Abbott recently addressed the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s (THECB) Higher EDge 2023 leadership conference in Austin. During his speech, the Republican governor celebrated the significant achievements of the Lone Star State in higher education.
Abbott presides over Menorah lighting in Austin
By Austin Journal | Dec 13, 2023
Governor Greg Abbott recently presided over the Texas Capitol Menorah Lighting Ceremony to mark Hanukkah in Austin. The Office of the Texas Governor reported that more than 200 people attended the ceremony.
Texas alum receives Schwarzman Scholarship
By Austin Journal | Dec 13, 2023
The University of Texas at Austin (UT) has announced that Sebastian De Beurs, a Dutch immigrant and 2019 Presidential Scholar graduate with bachelor's degrees in Plan II Honors and Government, has been awarded the prestigious Schwarzman Scholarship. De Beurs, who co-founded Healis Therapeutics after his tenure at Boston Consulting Group, will now be part of a fully-funded program focused on enhancing participants' understanding of China and nurturing leadership skills.
Favor Delivery and the Southern Smoke Foundation come together for a holiday giving campaign, aiming for donation goal of $50,000
By Austin Journal | Dec 12, 2023
Favor Delivery has announced a partnership with the Southern Smoke Foundation for the holiday season. This initiative will allow customers to support restaurant industry workers when placing orders through the Favor app or website until the end of the year. With a donation goal set at $50,000, Favor plans to double the impact of customer contributions by matching every dollar donated, up to a total of $25,000.
City of Austin Housing Finance Corporation Board of Directors met Nov. 9
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Dec 11, 2023
City of Austin Housing Finance Corporation Board of Directors met Thursday, Nov. 9
City of Austin Housing Finance Corporation Board of Directors will meet Dec. 14
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Dec 10, 2023
City of Austin Housing Finance Corporation Board of Directors will meet at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 14