News from October 2024
SIMS Foundation pauses services; collaborates with HAAM for musician support
By Austin Journal | Oct 26, 2024
The SIMS Foundation has announced a temporary pause in most of its services for a 90-day period, from November 1, 2024, to January 31, 2025.
Lyle Lovett: a career spanning genres with 14 albums
By Austin Journal | Oct 26, 2024
A singer, composer, and actor, Lyle Lovett has expanded the scope of American music throughout his career spanning 14 albums. The Texas-based musician combines elements of country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel, and blues in a unique way that challenges traditional boundaries.
City of Austin City Council met Oct. 24
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Oct 25, 2024
City of Austin City Council met Thursday, Oct. 24
Eanes Independent School District misses enrollment projections in 2024-25
By Austin Journal | Oct 25, 2024
This month, the Eanes Independent School District staff presented adjusted budget projections to the Eanes School Board, revealing a $3.3 million budget shortfall for the 2024-25 school year due to lower-than-anticipated student enrollment.
Austin FC reaches contract extension with midfielder Wolff
By Austin Journal | Oct 24, 2024
Austin FC has extended the contract of midfielder Owen Wolff, securing his position with the Major League Soccer (MLS) team through the end of the 2027 season, with an option for 2028. The club, known as El Verde, announced this development in a recent press release.
Jessie Murph to perform at ACC Vote Early Concert
By Austin Journal | Oct 24, 2024
Jessie Murph, known for her recent performance at the 2024 VMAs, is set to perform live for community college students in Austin ahead of Vote Early Day. The event is part of a special concert series celebrating democracy and encouraging voter participation in the upcoming election.
City of Austin Housing and Planning Committee met Oct. 24
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Oct 24, 2024
City of Austin Housing and Planning Committee met Thursday, Oct. 24
Austin ISD reveals Prop A compensation plan details ahead of vote
By Austin Journal | Oct 24, 2024
A detailed plan for Austin ISD's Proposition A compensation has been released, revealing that 85% of the district's regular, benefits-eligible staff could see pay increases if voters approve the measure. The proposal outlines various increments for different categories of employees.
ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot supports Caritas with Thanksgiving charity run
By Austin Journal | Oct 24, 2024
The ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot, a popular Thanksgiving event in Austin, began in 1991 with just a few volunteers and 600 participants. It has since become the largest five-mile run in Texas, attracting over 20,000 participants from across the United States and beyond, supported by more than 700 volunteers.
Federal grant supports Austin-Bergstrom Airport’s concourse expansion
By Austin Journal | Oct 24, 2024
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) has been awarded $33.27 million from the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Airport Terminal Program, a part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill. The funding will aid in constructing the airport's new Concourse B project, which includes an underground tunnel connecting it to the existing Barbara Jordan Terminal.
Austin ISD highlights standard response protocols during School Safety Week
By Austin Journal | Oct 24, 2024
In recognition of School Safety Week, attention is being drawn to the Standard Response Protocols (SRPs) employed by campus administrators and the Austin ISD police to ensure student safety. These protocols include five types: Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter.
Uber launches new pilot program, expands service animal education for drivers
By A. D. Bamburg | Oct 24, 2024
On October 10, Uber announced a new pilot program designed to improve accessibility to rideshare services for riders with service animals. In the coming weeks, Uber will begin testing a voluntary self-identification option with a group of volunteers in the U.S. and Canada.
Avery Anna's rise from TikTok singer to recognized music artist
By Austin Journal | Oct 23, 2024
Warner Music Nashville recording artist Avery Anna has quickly emerged as a notable talent. Her career began on TikTok, where she shared clips of herself singing in an acoustic-friendly, claw-foot bathtub. Over three years, her account has amassed more than 1.6 million followers and nearly 37 million likes.
Antone's presents special event featuring Emo Kids with unique participation opportunities
By Austin Journal | Oct 23, 2024
Antone's is presenting a special event featuring Emo Kids. With the purchase of tickets, attendees are automatically entered into a raffle to win free Emo Kids apparel at the show. The earlier tickets are ordered, the more entries participants receive.
Code2College hosts event featuring local bands to support girls' STEM internships
By Austin Journal | Oct 22, 2024
Code2College will host an evening event showcasing the talents of local bands Matchmaker and Tomar & the FC’s. Attendees will learn about the significant contributions of interns and have the opportunity to support funding for 100 girls' summer STEM internships for 2025. The fundraising goal is set at $100,000.
Boy Named Banjo navigates musical evolution amid pandemic challenges
By Austin Journal | Oct 22, 2024
In a time when the popular choice is to chase the double yellow line down the road to country radio, Boy Named Banjo thrives on its fringes. The Nashville-raised five-piece is a fusion of contemporary country, Americana, and folk-rock stacked on a foundation of bluegrass.
Austin LGBT Chamber organizes trip supporting LGBTQ+ businesses in Taylor
By Austin Journal | Oct 22, 2024
The Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce is organizing a trip to Taylor, Texas, to support LGBTQ+ owned and allied businesses.
Jessica Gomez receives Golden Rave Award for dedication in dyslexia education
By Austin Journal | Oct 22, 2024
Superintendent Matias Segura recently visited Palm Elementary School to present the Golden Rave Award to Jessica Gomez, a dyslexia interventionist, in recognition of Dyslexia Awareness Month. Gomez has been a dedicated member of Austin ISD for 21 years, focusing on providing specialized instruction and resources to help students succeed.
University develops advanced thermal interface material for improved electronics cooling
By Austin Journal | Oct 22, 2024
A new cooling technology developed by a team at The University of Texas at Austin could significantly impact heat management in electronic devices, ranging from semiconductors to large data centers. The researchers have created a "thermal interface material" that efficiently removes heat from high-powered electronics, potentially reducing the need for extensive cooling systems. This innovative material, composed of liquid metal and aluminum nitride, surpasses current commercial materials in conducting heat.
Travis County seeks public input on CDBG annual report
By Austin Journal | Oct 21, 2024
Travis County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) has opened the floor for public comments on its Program Year 2023 (PY23) annual report, known as the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER). The invitation to comment is accessible in both English and Spanish.