News from April 2024
District Safeguards Classrooms As It Seeks To Cut Spending
By Austin Journal | Apr 5, 2024
In an effort to navigate financial challenges, the Austin Independent School District (AISD) has unveiled a preliminary budget for the 2024-25 school year, featuring significant cuts to non-campus based expenses amounting to $30 million. The district's focus remains on safeguarding classrooms amidst cost-saving measures.According to a statement from AISD, "Though we must make difficult cuts, we committed to finding savings in areas that protect the classroom as much as possible." This commitment underscores the district's dedication to preserving the quality of education...
New Advanced Quantum Science Institute Will Bridge Basic Research and Applied Science
By Austin Journal | Apr 5, 2024
The University of Texas at Austin has announced the establishment of the Texas Quantum Institute, a new initiative aimed at advancing research and education in quantum science and engineering. The institute will serve as a platform for bridging basic research with practical applications in various fields such as computing, electronics, communications, sensors, quality control, and climate observation.Dan Jaffe, vice president for research at the University of Texas at Austin, expressed enthusiasm for the potential impact of quantum research, stating, "Some of the most...
Important Reminders: Solar Eclipse Event on Monday, April 8
By Austin Journal | Apr 5, 2024
Austin ISD is gearing up for the much-anticipated solar eclipse event happening this Monday, April 8th. In preparation for this celestial phenomenon, the district has issued some important reminders to ensure the safety and educational experience of students and staff.According to Austin ISD, all bus routes will run on a normal schedule on Monday, although delays are possible in the afternoon due to increased traffic. Families are encouraged to monitor the arrival time of their buses using the district's website.To maintain a focused learning environment, Austin ISD has...
Exciting Return of the American Indian Education Program to Austin ISD
By Austin Journal | Apr 4, 2024
The American Indian Education Program (AIEP) has made a welcomed return to Austin ISD, with a primary focus on supporting American Indian and Alaskan Native students and their families in their academic pursuits.Students at Austin ISD who identify as Native American or Alaskan Native during enrollment are encouraged to "Join AIEP," as stated by the American Indian Education Program. The program aims to provide tailored academic support to meet the unique needs of these students, in collaboration with Student Support Services.The AIEP, in partnership with Great Promise...
'Texas offers hardworking Texans the freedom to aspire': Abbott praises continuous economic growth
By Austin Journal | Apr 3, 2024
The Bureau of Economic Analysis recently released data indicating that the Texas economy continues to outpace the rest of the United States. This development, reported on April 2, was positively received by Gov. Greg Abbott, as per a press release from the Office of the Texas Governor.
Fashion Meets Science in New Exhibition at Texas Science & Natural History Museum
By Austin Journal | Apr 3, 2024
A new exhibition titled "Particles of Color: Where Science Meets Fashion" has recently opened at the Texas Science & Natural History Museum in Austin, Texas. The exhibition focuses on sustainability in the fashion industry and showcases the use of compostable, plant-based, and biodegradable materials in clothing, accessories, jewelry, and art.Jessica Ciarla, a faculty member in the Division of Textiles and Apparel at the University of Texas at Austin, emphasized the importance of the exhibition by stating, "The fashion industry is a huge contributor to plastic pollution....
ACC Announces Free Tuition for 2024 Graduates
By Austin Journal | Apr 3, 2024
Austin Community College (ACC) has made a groundbreaking decision to offer free tuition to high school graduates of 2024. The initiative, presented by ACC Chancellor Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart, aims to remove financial barriers and provide educational opportunities for more students."The five-year program will begin with the class of 2024," stated a representative from the institution. Additionally, it was highlighted that "There are no GPA requirements or income restrictions," making the program inclusive and accessible to all aspiring students. The ultimate goal is to...
Blanco no-hitter powers Astros' first win of 2024 season
By Austin Journal | Apr 2, 2024
The Houston Astros recently celebrated their first victory of the 2024 regular season under new manager Joe Espada, a win that came with an impressive distinction. The team's starting pitcher, Rodel Blanco, registered a no-hitter – the first of the year in Major League Baseball (MLB) – during Houston's 10-0 triumph over the Toronto Blue Jays. The game was held at Minute Maid Park on April 1 and was attended by 27,285 spectators.
Attorney General Ken Paxton Announces Education Partnership Between OAG Cold Case and Missing Persons Unit and Texas State University School of Criminal Justice and Criminology
By Austin Journal | Apr 2, 2024
Attorney General Ken Paxton has announced a partnership between the Office of the Attorney General (“OAG”) and Texas State University (“TXST”) to facilitate educational opportunities and bring more investigative power to solving cold cases. The TXST program, termed the Cold Case Team, is a one-year internship program enabling students in the Texas State University School of Criminal Justice and Criminology to work with the OAG Cold Case and Missing Persons Unit (CCMPU). Attorney General Paxton established the CCMPU in 2021 within the Criminal Investigations Division to...
Attorney General Ken Paxton Announces $6.6 Million Settlement With Intercontinental Terminals Company For Injuries to Natural Resources Resulting From 2019 Deer Park Fire
By Austin Journal | Apr 2, 2024
Attorney General Ken Paxton announced a settlement of over $6.6 million with Intercontinental Terminals Company, LLC (“ITC”) to address natural resource damages resulting from the 2019 fire at the Deer Park facility. Paxton expressed satisfaction with the settlement, stating, “I’m pleased we were able to secure this natural resource damages settlement after the serious destruction caused by the fire at Deer Park. This fire burned for three days, spewing hazardous chemicals into our air, water, and land.”The State of Texas and the United States filed a civil complaint and...
'Texas stands with survivors of sexual assault': Abbott proclaims April as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month
By Austin Journal | Apr 1, 2024
On April 1, Gov. Greg Abbott acknowledged the commencement of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month in Texas. A press release from the Office of the Texas Governor confirmed that Abbott, a Republican, has pledged the Lone Star State's support for survivors of sexual assault.
Move More, Sleep Better, UT Study Finds
By Austin Journal | Apr 1, 2024
A new study conducted by an interdisciplinary team of researchers at The University of Texas at Austin has unveiled the strong connection between physical activity, sleep quality, and psychological health. Published in Nature Scientific Reports, the study focused on how daily physical activity impacts sleep stages and emotional well-being over an extended period.The research, which involved 82 young adults, utilized advanced wearable technology to monitor sleep and activity levels. Benjamin Baird, a research assistant professor of psychology and one of the study's...
Austin ISD Teacher of the Year finalists announced
By Austin Journal | Apr 1, 2024
Four educators from Austin ISD have been named as finalists for the prestigious title of Austin ISD Teacher of the Year. The finalists are Paola Arroyo-Forteza from Harris Elementary School, Jill Stockton from Brentwood Elementary School, Coleen Azeez from Webb Middle School, and Cameron Daniel from LBJ Early College High School.These outstanding teachers were selected for their exceptional dedication and contributions to the education community. Ms. Arroyo-Forteza was recognized for her ability to establish trusting relationships and advocate for every student. Ms....