News from February 2023
National Association of Scholars fellow: Texas Tech using 'ideological litmus tests' in faculty hiring
By Austin Journal Report | Feb 8, 2023
In a Wall Street Journal opinion column, John Sailer, a fellow at the National Association of Scholars, explores how Texas Tech University was using diversity statements and a DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) committee to evaluate qualities of candidates for faculty positions.
Texas lawmakers, energy analysts say 'more is needed' to improve grid
By John Kelly | Feb 8, 2023
Following the severe winter storm Uri in 2021, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott directed the Public Utility Commission to "take immediate action" in order to improve grid reliability across the Lone Star State.
Schwertner on DWI arrest: 'I’m deeply sorry, I'm apologetic to my citizens and my family, I made a mistake'
By John Suayan | Feb 8, 2023
A member of the Texas Senate from the Austin area was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly driving while intoxicated (DWI), Austin-based media outlets reported.
Tepper on bill to ban DEI offices at Texas public colleges: DEI office activities are 'distasteful, counterproductive to race relations'
By Sam Jackson | Feb 8, 2023
Texas State Rep. Carl Tepper recently said he filed House Bill 1006, which aims to ban offices of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) because he feels public universities shouldn't push political narratives "on the taxpayer dollar."
Pet of the Week: Puppers
By Submitted by New Hope Animal Rescue | Feb 8, 2023
Pet of the Week: Puppers
Coinbase co-founder: Cryptocurrency 'isn't going anywhere'
By T.H. Lawrence | Feb 8, 2023
The collapse of FTX, one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, raised eyebrows and questions about the digital-asset industry as a whole.
City of Austin Water Oversight Committee met Oct. 19
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Feb 8, 2023
City of Austin Water Oversight Committee met Wednesday, Oct. 19
Case: 'I understand the happiness and confidence that comes with a beautiful smile'
By Andy Nghiem | Feb 7, 2023
Pearl Mobile Teeth Whitening made dental whitening more accessible in Austin with the launch of its mobile clinic in 2022.
Dell officials on layoffs: 'This is a difficult decision that was not made lightly'
By John Suayan | Feb 7, 2023
Austin-based Dell has joined the slew of technology companies that have announced layoffs to begin 2023, according to reports from Austin-based media outlets.
Austin Energy's Sargent on projected date for full power restoration: 'This is frustrating for everyone'
By John Suayan | Feb 6, 2023
Sunday, Feb. 12 is when power lost during the recent winter storm is expected to be fully restored, according to Austin Energy, Austin-based media outlets reported.
City of Austin Audit and Finance Committee will meet Feb. 15
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Feb 6, 2023
City of Austin Audit and Finance Committee will meet at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 15
Watson on latest winter disturbance to hit Austin: 'Like so many of our residents, I've been frustrated'
By John Suayan | Feb 3, 2023
In what’s apparently the first major crisis of his second tenure as leader of the state capital, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson discussed the winter storm Thursday that rumbled through Central Texas, per reports from Austin-based media outlets.
Austin FC's Precourt on Reyna resignation: 'He will remain in a position to contribute to our organization'
By John Suayan | Feb 2, 2023
Austin FC announced late last month that Claudio Reyna has stepped down as its sporting director but will remain with the young Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise in a lesser role, according to a report from Austin NBC affiliate KXAN.
Pet of the Week: Peach #2
By Submitted by New Hope Animal Rescue | Feb 2, 2023
Pet of the Week: Peach #2
City of Austin Public Health Committee met Dec. 14
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Feb 2, 2023
City of Austin Public Health Committee met Wednesday, Dec. 14
Abbott: 'There is not anticipated to be any challenge to the power grid in the state of Texas'
By John Suayan | Feb 1, 2023
As the City of Austin and Central Texas grapple with freezing conditions, many residents have been rendered without electricity, with Austin Energy warning that blackouts could last into the next day.
City of Austin City Council will meet Feb. 9
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Feb 1, 2023
City of Austin City Council will meet at 9 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 9