News from April 2024
'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.
UT announces new exhibit at Texas Science & Natural History Museum
By Austin Journal | Apr 3, 2024
A new exhibition titled "Particles of Color: Where Science Meets Fashion" has opened at the Texas Science & Natural History Museum in Austin. 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.
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.
Infrastructure Summit focuses on growth challenges in Central Texas
By Austin Journal | Apr 2, 2024
Austin's business community convened at the AT&T Conference Center on April 1st for the annual Infrastructure Summit. The event addressed current and future growth challenges in Central Texas, emphasizing the need for strategic planning to accommodate anticipated expansion.
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....