News from April 2024
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....