Latest News
'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.
Fashion Meets Science in New Exhibition at Texas Science & Natural History Museum
By Austin Journal | Apr 3, 2024
A new exhibition titled "Particles of Color: Where Science Meets Fashion" has recently opened at the Texas Science & Natural History Museum in Austin, Texas. 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.Jessica Ciarla, a faculty member in the Division of Textiles and Apparel at the University of Texas at Austin, emphasized the importance of the exhibition by stating, "The fashion industry is a huge contributor to plastic pollution....
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.
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....
City of Austin City Council met March 5
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Mar 30, 2024
City of Austin City Council met Tuesday, March 5
City of Austin City Council met Feb. 27
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Mar 30, 2024
City of Austin City Council met Tuesday, Feb. 27
City of Austin City Council will meet April 11
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Mar 30, 2024
City of Austin City Council will meet at 9 a.m., Thursday, April 11
City of Austin Housing Public Facility Corporation Board of Directors will meet April 4
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Mar 30, 2024
City of Austin Housing Public Facility Corporation Board of Directors will meet at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, April 4
City of Austin City Council will meet April 4
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Mar 30, 2024
City of Austin City Council will meet at 10 a.m., Thursday, April 4
City of Austin Public Health Committee will meet April 3
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Mar 30, 2024
City of Austin Public Health Committee will meet at 10 a.m., Wednesday, April 3
Universal Brain-Computer Interface Lets People Play Games With Just Their Thoughts
By Austin Journal | Mar 29, 2024
AUSTIN, Texas - Engineers at The University of Texas at Austin have developed a groundbreaking brain-computer interface that allows individuals to play games using only their thoughts. The research, aimed at improving the lives of people with motor disabilities, incorporates machine learning capabilities, making it a one-size-fits-all solution.Satyam Kumar, a graduate student involved in the project, highlighted the significance of this new technology, stating, "When we think about this in a clinical setting, this technology will make it so we won’t need a specialized...
UT, ACC, Texas Institute for Electronics to Launch Semiconductor Training Center to Meet Industry Workforce Needs
By Austin Journal | Mar 28, 2024
A new partnership between The University of Texas at Austin, Austin Community College District, and Texas Institute for Electronics (TIE) aims to address the workforce needs of America's semiconductor industry by launching a Semiconductor Training Center in Central Texas. This collaboration seeks to bridge the gap in skilled labor within the semiconductor field by providing comprehensive education and training opportunities.President Jay Hartzell emphasized UT's commitment to advancing the semiconductor industry, stating, "UT has a rich history as a leader in the...
Celebrating 2023-24 Volunteers of the Year
By Austin Journal | Mar 27, 2024
In a heartwarming display of community recognition, the Austin Independent School District (AISD) is celebrating the Volunteers of the Year for 2023-24. These individuals have been acknowledged for their exceptional dedication and support to their respective schools.From Allison Elementary to Zilker Elementary, volunteers like Jessica Herrera and Tomas Ruedas from Allison Elementary, Maria del Carmen Ruiz and Reyna Cruz from Andrews Elementary, and many others have been shining examples of selflessness and commitment to the betterment of their communities.Reflecting on...
Board to discuss Texas Academic Performance Report
By Austin Journal | Mar 27, 2024
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has released the Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR) for the 2023-24 school year. The TAPR contains a wealth of performance data and information about districts and schools in the state. As part of the report, performance on the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) for students in grades 3–12 is highlighted, along with student and staff demographic information, enrollment, attendance, and graduation rates, as well as indicators of postsecondary readiness.However, due to ongoing litigation, the TEA did not release...
Annual Spring Climate Survey Launched by Austin ISD for Valuable Feedback
By Austin Journal | Mar 26, 2024
Austin Independent School District (AISD) has announced the launch of their annual spring climate survey, inviting parents and guardians to share their feedback until April 12.According to AISD, "Your insights provide invaluable perspectives on the educational climate, culture, and engagement within Austin ISD." The district emphasizes that "The district does not have access to individual responses or any personal data that could be used to identify a respondent."With a target of achieving an 80% completion rate across all campuses, AISD stresses the importance of...