Latest News


Opinion

Congress is ignoring small businesses on tech antitrust

For years, small businesses nationwide have raised alarms about misguided legislation targeting America’s biggest online companies - Google, Facebook, Apple, and Amazon.


Opinion

We must defend Texas’ growing economy – and consumers

From the gas pump to the grocery store, every Texan is feeling the pinch of rapid inflation. Business owners and consumers alike are drowning under the pressure of rising prices, interest rates, and operating expenses


Opinion

Small businesses anticipate revenue growth despite inflation and supply chain concerns

Small business owners in Austin and across the country report that inflation and supply chain disruptions are impacting their businesses in big ways.


Opinion

Cost of housing emergency and gentrification on Austin

The Housing affordability crisis in Austin has reached a boiling point. Recent news surrounding Councilwoman Mackenzie Kelly receiving notice from her landlord regarding a $500 per month minimum rent hike is one notable example but not unfamiliar.


Opinion

Texas Medical Board - The perils of government overreach

While COVID exposed some serious government agency shortcomings, among the most egregious is that of the Texas Medical Board (TMB).


Opinion

Texas PUC feeding generators at the expense of consumers

Following the political fallout from last year’s blackouts across Texas, the Texas Legislature took steps to divert attention from its contributions to the electric grid’s failure.


Opinion

Class Act: Founding principal reflects on first graduating class

When I was young, I never envisioned myself working in education. With an undergraduate degree from Princeton University and a law degree from UT, I was off to become a lawyer until I began teaching criminal justice for extra work in low-income areas around Austin. What I saw during that time changed my life forever.


Opinion

Texas cities struggle financially

Nearly every city in the country, including major cities in Texas, have ordinances in places requiring mayors and city council to pass balanced budgets each year.


Opinion

Texas preparing to boycott 'carbon conscious' investors

As far back as at least King Edward I of England, people have been concerned about the environmental effects of fossil fuels. 


Opinion

A Christmas special: Interview with Santa Claus

The North Pole may be the busiest place in the world at this time of year. Beginning in December, Santa Claus and his team of Elves kick their operation into high gear to fill wishes from children all over the world. The Austin Journal got a rare interview to learn more about his operation and plans this year.


Opinion

Five things that may surprise you about ACA plans in Texas

Right now, we are in the open enrollment period to purchase health insurance through an ACA marketplace for 2022 coverage.


Opinion

Tuesday's wins were local

There is a lot out there about the culture of cities and urban politics, but Tuesday night showed a glimmer of hope that the culture could be shifting.


Opinion

Texans must speak out to avoid higher electricity prices

As Texas politicians and regulators continue their endless debate about how to fix the problems that led to one of the worst blackouts in U.S. history, they might pause for a moment to consider Ockham’s razor.


Opinion

'Heartbeat Bill' enforcement distorts our legal system

There is no doubt in my mind that Sen. Bryan Hughes, the Senate author of Texas’ controversial “Heartbeat Bill”, is a nice, collegial guy - committed to his strongly held convictions. But, that’s not what’s at issue here.


Opinion

Hughes' law has revived a pulse on one of the biggest political debates

A Republican senator walks to his Democratic colleague after her speech on the Texas senate floor.


Opinion

Op-ed: Small biz ABCs should be taught in U.S. schools

Studies show that children with more physical books in the home do better, on average, than those with less books.


Opinion

Op-ed: ERCOT’s Roadmap to a California-style electricity market

In the aftermath of February’s Great Texas Blackout, there has been much consternation and confusion.


Opinion

Op-ed: Emergency policies have to come to an end

The adage “never let a good crisis go to waste” is one that has been embraced by officials in Texas and across the country over the last 18 months.