News from April 2024
Hartzell in D.C. Seeks Congressional Support of Public AI Research and Workforce Initiatives
By Austin Journal | Apr 18, 2024
University of Texas at Austin President Jay Hartzell recently made a significant push in Washington, D.C. to garner Congressional support for the University's artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives aimed at expanding the AI workforce and advancing critical research. Hartzell emphasized the importance of these efforts, stating, "We have the largest GPU cluster in all of academia. We are home to the National Science Foundation’s Institute for Machine Learning. And we are the headquarters of the Army Futures Command, which works closely with Texas Robotics and other...
Stetson & Associates audit reports issues in special education
By Austin Journal | Apr 17, 2024
Issues in special education persist despite significant systemic improvements, as revealed in an audit conducted by Stetson & Associates for the Austin Independent School District (AISD). The audit highlighted the progress made in enhancing special education services for students, while also pointing out areas for further improvement in climate, culture, staff efficacy, data management, and shared responsibility for all students with disabilities.The audit was a result of the Texas Education Agency (TEA) Order aimed at addressing necessary enhancements in special...
Attorney General Ken Paxton Highlights Legal Victories Supporting Defense of S.B.4 in Recent Notice to Fifth Circuit
By Austin Journal | Apr 17, 2024
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has sent a notice of supplemental authority to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, detailing how recent legal victories support Texas's defense of S.B.4.In a recent victory at the U.S. Supreme Court in DeVillier v. Texas, the Supreme Court sided with Texas, directing plaintiffs to seek redress through existing state law rather than directly under the U.S. Constitution. The Court emphasized that constitutional rights do not typically come with a built-in cause of action, but are generally invoked defensively in the absence of...
Attorney General Ken Paxton secures win on Texas property rights case
By Austin Journal | Apr 16, 2024
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has achieved a significant victory at the U.S. Supreme Court with a unanimous 9-0 decision in a case concerning Texas's authority to handle property compensation disputes under State law. The case involved a group of citizens who sought compensation under the Takings Clause of the U.S. Constitution following flooding in the Houston area in 2017 and 2019.The plaintiffs claimed that a barrier on the highway acted as a dam, protecting a flood-evacuation route but leading to flooding on their properties. Despite Texas allowing such claims...
'Maestro en Casa' announces 1000th graduate in Austin ISD
By Austin Journal | Apr 16, 2024
The Austin ISD celebrated its 1,000th graduate from the Maestro en Casa program since its inception in 2015. Participants in the program attend classes at their children's schools to enhance their English skills, navigate common scenarios, and grasp key vocabularies in various essential areas.
District of Innovation exemption to support students with nicotine e-cigarettes
By Austin Journal | Apr 15, 2024
A new District of Innovation exemption regarding HB 114 will allow the district more flexibility in supporting students found in possession of nicotine e-cigarettes, as campuses may now provide educational resources instead of immediate alternative education placement. These resources aim to keep students at their home campus while educating them about the harm of nicotine e-cigarettes.In August, Texas House Bill 114, which banned e-cigarettes in public schools and events, was discussed. The bill mandated that students violating the law be placed into a District...
National Coalition of Attorneys General Files Amicus Brief Condemning Texas State Bar for Baseless Lawfare Weaponized Against Texas OAG Leadership
By Austin Journal | Apr 15, 2024
A national coalition of state attorneys general has filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court of Texas in a case involving the State Bar of Texas and the leadership of the Texas Office of the Attorney General (OAG). The case, which revolves around allegations of politically motivated lawfare, specifically targets Attorney General Ken Paxton's top deputy, First Assistant Attorney General Brent Webster.The State Bar of Texas's Commission for Lawyer Discipline initiated disciplinary action against Paxton and Webster for their involvement in the Texas v. Pennsylvania...
Salute Finalists announced for Annual Staff Celebration
By Austin Journal | Apr 15, 2024
Salute, an annual staff celebration, is three weeks away and for the first time, we’re expanding our recognition categories and celebrating even more of our incredible team members. In a recent statement, the organization emphasized the importance of acknowledging the collective effort that goes into providing students and families with a stellar educational experience.Among the finalists in various categories, Paola Arroyo-Forteza from Harris Elementary School, Jill Stockton from Brentwood Elementary School, Coleen Azeez from Webb Middle School, and Cameron Daniel from...
U.S. Air Force's first female fighter pilot to deliver commencement address at UT Austin
By Austin Journal | Apr 15, 2024
Retired Maj. Gen. Jeannie M. Leavitt, the U.S. Air Force’s first female fighter pilot and a 1990 graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, has been selected to deliver the keynote address at UT’s 141st Spring Commencement on May 11. The commencement ceremony, set to take place at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, is expected to draw over 50,000 attendees.
University of Texas at Austin announces associate vice president
By Austin Journal | Apr 15, 2024
The University of Texas at Austin has appointed Mark Arnold as the new associate vice president for Discovery to Impact, the university’s connection unit between campus innovators and industry. Arnold will play a role in enhancing the University’s research commercialization efforts, formalizing a dedicated technology transfer office, and launching Texas Startups, a division aimed at positioning UT as a national leader in supporting startups from various academic levels.
UT’s Newest Truman Scholar Bridges the Israeli-Palestinian Divide
By Austin Journal | Apr 12, 2024
Elijah Kahlenberg, a junior at The University of Texas at Austin, has been announced as the university's latest Truman scholar. The prestigious scholarship, providing $30,000 for graduate studies in public service fields, was presented to Kahlenberg by President Jay Hartzell, who described the achievement as a significant one for both the student and the university.Kahlenberg humorously recalled his initial reaction to the news, saying, "I thought, either I’m being expelled or I’m getting Truman." Expressing his gratitude, he added, "It was a surreal experience. I’m still...
Travis County announces public hearing on fair housing assessment
By Austin Journal | Apr 11, 2024
Travis County is extending an invitation to the public for a hearing scheduled on April 30, 2024, at 9:00 am in the Travis County Commissioners Courtroom. This event will focus on the Fair Housing Assessment and Analysis of Impediments. Attendees can join in person or by calling a toll-free number: (800) 304-1055. The session will also be accessible online via a link available on the hearing date at https://traviscotx.civicclerk.com/web/home.aspx.
Clint Dawson, Stephen Vladeck receive President’s Research Impact Award
By Austin Journal | Apr 10, 2024
AUSTIN, Texas — Clint Dawson, the creator of a code to predict hurricane storm surges, and Stephen Vladeck, an expert on federal courts and constitutional law, have been named the 2024 recipients of The University of Texas at Austin President’s Research Impact Award.President Jay Hartzell established the award in 2023 to recognize researchers whose endeavors have changed lives and understanding. Dawson, the Cockrell Family Regents Chair in Engineering #2, was instrumental in developing a simulation code used globally in hurricane storm surge predictions. Dawson's work has...
Attorney General Ken Paxton Urges Expedited Process In Concertina Wire Lawsuit
By Austin Journal | Apr 10, 2024
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has urged the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit to expedite the resolution of the ongoing concertina wire case in order to safeguard Texas's border security measures. In a letter filed with the court, Paxton highlighted new and crucial facts pertaining to the case.Paxton emphasized findings from the district court regarding events at the border. The court determined that the three drowning deaths near Shelby Park on January 12 occurred before the federal government reached out to the Texas National Guard or Department of Public...
Holey Moley opens in downtown Austin offering themed mini-golf and dining
By Austin Journal | Apr 10, 2024
Holey Moley Golf Club has officially opened its doors in downtown Austin, Texas. The venue began welcoming the public on March 22, 2024, offering a unique mini-golf experience combined with food and beverages. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on April 2nd with the Austin Chamber to mark this occasion.
Hatch chiles bring unique flavors to diverse culinary creations
By Austin Journal | Apr 9, 2024
In the culinary world, hatch chiles are celebrated for their distinctive smoky and spicy flavor. These peppers can transform ordinary dishes into unique culinary experiences. Whether roasted to enhance their smokiness, stuffed with cheese for a rich appetizer, or blended into sauces for tacos, hatch chiles offer endless possibilities.
UT’s Excellence and Impact On Display in Latest Graduate School Rankings
By Austin Journal | Apr 9, 2024
The University of Texas at Austin has once again demonstrated its excellence in graduate education, as highlighted in the recent release of U.S. News & World Report's "Best Graduate Schools." President Jay Hartzell expressed pride in the university's performance, stating, "Our talent is what puts UT at the leading edge of discovery in AI and robotics, life sciences, population research, and many other disciplines that are at the forefront of solving many of the world’s most pressing problems and bettering society."UT's College of Education made significant strides, moving...
Wheatsville Food Co-op names Kristi Willis as new CEO
By Austin Journal | Apr 9, 2024
Wheatsville Food Co-op, a community-owned grocery store in Austin, has announced the appointment of Kristi Willis as their new Chief Executive Officer. Willis will assume her role on April 15, 2024.
Bulky Cleanup Day set for April 27 in Creedmoor
By Austin Journal | Apr 9, 2024
Residents of Mustang Ridge and Creedmoor are invited to participate in a community cleanup event scheduled for April 27, 2024. The initiative is part of Earth Month activities aimed at making local communities cleaner and more environmentally friendly.
Student guide: best places to eat and drink in Austin
By Austin Journal | Apr 9, 2024
Every year, as new students arrive in Austin, the quest for good food and drink begins. With an array of options available, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start. Here are some recommendations that every new student should consider.