Latest News
Congress is ignoring small businesses on tech antitrust
By Rob Retzlaff | Jun 29, 2022
For years, small businesses nationwide have raised alarms about misguided legislation targeting America’s biggest online companies - Google, Facebook, Apple, and Amazon.
We must defend Texas’ growing economy – and consumers
By Asheesh Agarwal | Jun 24, 2022
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
Small businesses anticipate revenue growth despite inflation and supply chain concerns
By Kyle Joseph | May 20, 2022
Small business owners in Austin and across the country report that inflation and supply chain disruptions are impacting their businesses in big ways.
Cost of housing emergency and gentrification on Austin
By Paul Saldaña | May 19, 2022
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.
Texas Medical Board - The perils of government overreach
By State Sen. Bob Hall | May 19, 2022
While COVID exposed some serious government agency shortcomings, among the most egregious is that of the Texas Medical Board (TMB).
Texas PUC feeding generators at the expense of consumers
By Bill Peacock | May 6, 2022
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.
Class Act: Founding principal reflects on first graduating class
By Taylor Nichols | Apr 28, 2022
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.
Texas cities struggle financially
By Charles Blain | Feb 17, 2022
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.
Texas preparing to boycott 'carbon conscious' investors
By Bill Peacock | Feb 14, 2022
As far back as at least King Edward I of England, people have been concerned about the environmental effects of fossil fuels.
A Christmas special: Interview with Santa Claus
By Staff | Dec 8, 2021
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.
Five things that may surprise you about ACA plans in Texas
By Jamie Dudensing | Nov 24, 2021
Right now, we are in the open enrollment period to purchase health insurance through an ACA marketplace for 2022 coverage.
Tuesday's wins were local
By Charles Blain | Nov 5, 2021
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.
Texans must speak out to avoid higher electricity prices
By Bill Peacock | Oct 19, 2021
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.
'Heartbeat Bill' enforcement distorts our legal system
By Tori Moreland | Oct 7, 2021
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.
Hughes' law has revived a pulse on one of the biggest political debates
By Marilyn Quigley | Sep 24, 2021
A Republican senator walks to his Democratic colleague after her speech on the Texas senate floor.
Op-ed: Small biz ABCs should be taught in U.S. schools
By Bill Briggs | Aug 26, 2021
Studies show that children with more physical books in the home do better, on average, than those with less books.
Op-ed: ERCOT’s Roadmap to a California-style electricity market
By Bill Peacock | Aug 14, 2021
In the aftermath of February’s Great Texas Blackout, there has been much consternation and confusion.
Op-ed: Emergency policies have to come to an end
By Charles Blain, president of the Urban Reform Institute | Aug 5, 2021
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.