Austin, Texas — The Austin Independent School District (AISD) is confronting a budget deficit exceeding $19.7 million and the looming possibility of state intervention if it fails to stabilize its finances and improve underperforming campuses. While no final decisions have been made, district officials have begun a series of public meetings to address community concerns, explain their financial situation, and present a preliminary plan aimed at long-term sustainability. The distri

Austin Independent School District has unveiled a sweeping consolidation and boundary change proposal that could reshape public education in the city for years to come. Facing persistent enrollment decline, a multimillion-dollar budget shortfall, and accountability requirements, district leaders have laid out a plan that includes closing 13 schools, redrawing boundaries across nearly every campus, and repurposing several facilities to new academic programs. The plan, released Friday, immediately

Austin Independent School District (ISD) is taking critical steps to address a multi-year budget deficit and ensure a more efficient education system. The district, which has faced deficits for three consecutive years, plans to close some schools, redraw attendance boundaries, and implement other realignment measures. The ultimate goal is to reduce $30 million from the district’s budget and streamline operations while preserving the quality of education.

Austin has just surpassed Houston in height, securing its spot as the home of the tallest building in Texas. The Waterline Tower, located at 98 Red River Street, stands at an impressive 74 stories and reaches a height of 1,025 feet. This new landmark in the Texas skyline is now 23 feet taller than the Chase Tower in Houston, which had held the title of Texas' tallest building since 1981. Waterline Tower:

The article provides an overview of Texas State Senator Paul Bettencourt's proposal for a major upgrade to the state's flood warning systems following the devastating flooding in Texas Hill Country in July 2025, which claimed over 130 lives. Bettencourt is introducing Senate Bill 2, which aims to improve the flood warning systems in flood-prone areas, particularly in the Hill Country, and other regions of Texas. H

Kyle Mayor Travis Mitchell, the city’s longest-serving mayor, has announced his resignation one year before his term officially ends. His departure marks a significant moment in the political landscape of Kyle, Texas, as he prepares to step down after nearly a decade of dedicated service. Having first joined the city council nine years ago, Mitchell has served as mayor for the past eight years and has become a familiar and trusted figure in the local government. Mitchell&

Across Central Texas, dozens of school districts are stepping up to provide essential nutrition to children during the summer months through free meal programs. These programs are designed to support children and teens aged 18 and younger, as well as disabled students up to 21 who are enrolled in school programs. Families do not need to register, provide identification, proof of residency, or income to access these meals, making it one of the most accessible su

In Austin, Texas, public school advocates are voicing strong opposition to the Austin Independent School District's proposed "turnaround" plan for three underperforming middle schools Dobie, Burnet, and Webb. On Thursday, ATX United for Public Schools, a coalition of parents, staff, and educators, staged a protest demanding transparency, job security for teachers, and more time to explore alternatives to disruptive reform.

Cedar Hill, TX – Cedar Hill Independent School District has announced Dr. Maria Gamell as the sole finalist for the position of superintendent following a comprehensive selection process. The announcement was made during a board meeting on Thursday, highlighting Gamell’s extensive experience and vision for educational leadership. With 24 years of service in the field of education, Dr. Gamell most recently

Austin’s own Devon Walker, best known for his rising presence on “Saturday Night Live,” is making waves outside late-night TV with his brand-new comedy podcast, “My Favorite Lyrics.” Known for his wit, relatable charm, and offbeat humor, Walker now brings that same energy to the podcast world but with a twist. Walker, a native of Pflugerville and Texas State University graduate, launched the show just two weeks ago. The premise? A lovingly absurd breakd

As Central Texas braces for another round of early May storms, experts warn that the region’s most dangerous weather is yet to come. While May is traditionally known as the peak of severe weather season bringing thunderstorms, hail, and tornadoes flash flood season officially reaches its height in June, according to data from the National Weather Service (NWS). Between 1996 and 2020, South Central Texas reported 498 flash flood incidents in May, 506 in June, and 430 in July. T

In a sweeping move to address growing concerns over the mental health impact of social media on young people, the Texas House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bill that would ban individuals under 18 from using social media platforms. The bill, known as House Bill 186, passed with a 116-25 vote and now heads to the Texas Senate for further consideration. The bill, authored by Rep. Jared Patterson (R-Frisco), would require social media companies to verify the age of users upo

The Dallas Independent School District (DISD) is mourning the loss of one of its most influential leaders. Nolan Estes, who served as Dallas ISD superintendent from 1968 to 1978, passed away over the weekend at the age of 94, the district announced. The cause of his death has not been publicly disclosed. Nolan Estes began his career in education as a math and science teacher in Waco, Texas. His leadership skills and dedication to improving education quickly propelled him through various admin

Rapid growth across Williamson County is reshaping the once-rural town of Liberty Hill, bringing a surge in development, new residents, and pressing challenges for local schools. “When I moved out here 5 years ago, it was very calm, very country,” said Natalie Menteer, a Liberty Hill resident. “Now, apartments going up, homes going up, a lot of businesses it’s growing fast.” That growth is being felt acutely in Liberty Hill ISD (LHISD), where student enrollment i

A recent audit released by the City of Austin has revealed that the Austin Police Department (APD) still lacks a long-term recruitment and staffing plan, despite a landmark $218 million contract deal signed just six months ago to address the ongoing officer shortage. The findings come amid heightened scrutiny over public safety staffing in the capital city. According to the audit, APD’s vacancy rate has doubled to 18 percent between 2020 and 2024. While department leadership celebrates

Preliminary data collected from hospitals across Texas reveals that tens of thousands of undocumented patients received medical treatment in recent months, costing the state’s health care system millions of dollars, according to testimony from a state health official this week. During a House Public Health Committee hearing on Monday, lawmakers reviewed a new bill introduced by Rep. Mike Olcott (R–Fort Worth) that would formalize Governor Greg Abbott’s 2024 executive order r

A quiet Sunday morning in Northwest Austin turned into chaos and devastation after a powerful house explosion shook the Double Spur Loop neighborhood just before noon on April 13. According to the Austin Fire Department, the two-story home was completely leveled by the blast, and the effects of the explosion were felt and seen miles away. Initial emergency calls came in around 11:30 a.m., with witnesses reporting a massive boom and visible smoke plumes. Emergency crews arr

Austin Independent School District (AISD) is facing mounting pressure from both performance and leadership crises as parents, students, and community members raise concerns about the future of local campuses. Thursday night’s board meeting revealed deep-seated challenges within the district, including the uncertain status of Dobie Middle School and the sudden resignation of a principal at a renowned all-girls school. One of the most pressing concerns is Dobie Middle School, wh

Faced with the challenge of limited future water sources and rapid population growth, the city of Austin is ramping up its efforts in water reuse, conservation, and underground storage as part of an ambitious long-term strategy to meet demand for decades to come. At a recent infrastructure summit hosted by the Austin Chamber of Commerce, water planners and city leaders outlined Austin's evolving strategy, which centers on extending the lifespan of its current water resources through smart

The University of Texas at Austin has announced the immediate termination of its Flags program, a cornerstone of its graduation requirements for the past two decades. The university will replace it with a skills-based educational model designed to better align with workforce demands, student flexibility, and public scrutiny around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The Flags program required undergraduates to complete coursework in cultural diversity, global cultures, ethics,