News from November 2023
Texas Comptroller approves opioid abatement fund initiatives
By Austin Journal | Nov 29, 2023
Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced his endorsement of the Opioid Abatement Fund Council's (OAFC) inaugural abatement strategies, grant plans, and adopted rules for distributing opioid settlement funds to Texas hospital districts. The OAFC, in its decision, greenlit the allocation of up to $25 million from the opioid settlement trust funds. This initiative comes as a response to combat the growing opioid crisis in Texas.
Austin police accepting applications for Community Police Academy
By Austin Journal | Nov 29, 2023
The Austin Police Department (APD) is currently accepting applications for its Community Police Academy (CPA). The program makes a return following its suspension because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative is a crucial aspect of APD's community outreach efforts, providing citizens with an immersive insight into police operations.
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UFCU opens Georgetown branch
By Austin Journal | Nov 29, 2023
University Federal Credit Union (UFCU) announced the opening of its innovative and first-of-its-kind branch in Georgetown, Texas. This new branch offers a range of services, including a 24/7 drive-through and walk-up ATM, a self-serve coin-counting machine, safe deposit boxes, and personalized financial expertise. The branch opened with the aim of improving financial accessibility for both existing members and the wider community.
World War II veteran celebrates 106th birthday with skydive with Abbott
By Austin Journal | Nov 28, 2023
Gov. Greg Abbott made a 106-year-old World War II veteran’s birthday all the more memorable by accompanying the gentleman on a skydive. The Office of the Texas Governor said Abbott, a Republican, and Al Blaschke went to Skydive Spaceland San Marcos on Blaschke’s special day. This thrilling event took place when both men were flown in a de Havilland DHC-6-200-Twin Otter aircraft and leapt from 8,500 feet above the ground.
Longhorns throttle visiting Texas Tech 57-7 to secure berth in Big XII title game
By Austin Journal | Nov 27, 2023
The University of Texas (UT) Longhorns football team has secured a place in their last Big XII Conference championship game, by trouncing the Texas Tech University (TTU) Red Raiders at home 57-7. This upcoming match with the No. 13 Oklahoma State University (OSU) Cowboys on Dec. 2 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX will be a key determinant of UT's legacy in the conference before its departure.
Comptroller Hegar urges delay in listing decision for two Edwards Aquifer fish species
By Austin Journal | Nov 27, 2023
The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Glenn Hegar, announced that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) should postpone its decision on listing two blind, cave-dwelling fish as endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This announcement is concurrent with the comptroller's office opening up invitations for research proposals from Texas public universities on ESA-listed or potential candidate species.
Texas comptroller Hegar boosts BEAD funding with new waiver approval
By Austin Journal | Nov 27, 2023
The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Glenn Hegar, announced his approval for the federal government's decision to grant a waiver for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, providing potential applicants with expanded financing choices. This move took place as the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) issued a waiver for the letter of credit (LOC) requirement outlined in the BEAD Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).
City of Austin Housing Finance Corporation Board of Directors will meet Nov. 30
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Nov 26, 2023
City of Austin Housing Finance Corporation Board of Directors will meet at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 30
Governor Abbott rings Nasdaq closing bell
By Austin Journal | Nov 26, 2023
The Texas Governor's Office announced that Governor Greg Abbott participated in a virtual bell-ringing ceremony with Nasdaq, Inc., marking the closure of the Nasdaq stock exchange to commemorate Texas' economic successes. The event took place at the Governor's Mansion in Austin. This prestigious occasion signified recognition for the robust economic growth witnessed by the state.
LPL Financial said Advisors join LPL Financial from UBS
By Austin Journal | Nov 26, 2023
``` LPL Financial announced that financial advisors Michael J. Pumo CFP®, CEPA®, AWMA, and David A. DiRe have become part of LPL Financial’s broker-dealer, RIA, and custodial platforms. Following this transition, Pumo and DiRe inaugurated 360 Wealth Advisors, establishing an independent financial practice situated in Austin, Texas. This move comes as part of their strategic effort to expand their reach and offer comprehensive financial services.
City of Austin City Council will meet Nov. 30
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Nov 25, 2023
City of Austin City Council will meet at 10 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 30
Benefit concert planned for musician Cameron Fisher after motorcycle accident
By Austin Journal | Nov 25, 2023
Friends and supporters of musician Cameron Fisher are organizing a benefit event to be held on Monday, November 25th.
City of Austin Water Oversight Committee will meet Nov. 28
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Nov 25, 2023
City of Austin Water Oversight Committee will meet at 9 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 28
City of Austin City Council will meet Nov. 28
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Nov 24, 2023
City of Austin City Council will meet at 9 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 28
Austin-based band Neapolitan blends rock and pop influences
By Austin Journal | Nov 24, 2023
Neapolitan, an alternative-rock band from Austin, Texas, is gaining attention for its diverse musical influences.
Austin City Manager unveils Homeless Strategy Office initiative
By Austin Journal | Nov 23, 2023
The city of Austin announced the Homeless Strategy Division, presently under Austin Public Health, is slated to become a standalone office. This strategic transformation will take effect on December 4, 2023.
Allegiant introduces nonstop AUS to Eugene, Oregon
By Austin Journal | Nov 23, 2023
The city of Austin and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) revealed Allegiant's latest announcement of a nonstop route to Eugene, Oregon. This new addition by Allegiant adds to their existing 18 routes from the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, thereby bolstering their connectivity.
City of Austin City Council met Oct. 26
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Nov 23, 2023
City of Austin City Council met Thursday, Oct. 26
UT honors legacy of philanthropist and benefactor Robert L. Moody
By Austin Journal | Nov 22, 2023
The University of Texas at Austin (UT) announced that Robert L. Moody, a prominent businessman, philanthropist, and supporter of the university, passed away at the age of 88. The Moody Foundation, led by Moody, has contributed over $204 million to the University, playing a pivotal role in establishing and supporting various academic initiatives, including colleges, centers, institutes, programs, and venues. This loss is felt deeply within the institution where his impact will continue to be recognized for years to come.
University of Texas at Austin said UT honors legacy of philanthropist and benefactor Robert L. Moody
By Austin Journal | Nov 22, 2023
``` The University of Texas at Austin (UT) announced that Robert L. Moody, a prominent businessman, philanthropist, and supporter of the university, passed away at the age of 88. The Moody Foundation, led by Moody, has contributed over $204 million to the University, playing a pivotal role in establishing and supporting various academic initiatives, including colleges, centers, institutes, programs and venues. This event took place on the UT campus where many attribute their achievements to Mr. Moody's generous contributions. Highlighting some key...