Williamson County awarded $20M to improve urban road safety
WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas — Williamson County has been awarded over $20 million in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe…
WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas — Williamson County has been awarded over $20 million in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe…
The Austin Police Department (APD) announced the death of one of its longtime K-9 officers, marking a significant loss for the department.
The City of Austin will cut $5.2 million from social services contracts after voters overwhelmingly rejected Proposition Q in the November election, forcing budget adjustments. City officials notified affected providers, revised contract amounts, and coordinated changes to program scopes and service levels. The cuts apply within the current fiscal year and reflect the revenue gap created by the failed ballot measure. Austin’s finance department and city leadership reviewed updated projections and directed reductions to keep the budget balanced while continuing to monitor future funding conditions.
New Braunfels police in Texas are searching for a male suspect in a December 21 shooting and warn the public that he is armed and dangerous. Authorities urge residents not to approach the suspect and to call 911 with any information. The New Braunfels Police Department continues to investigate the incident, gather evidence, and increase patrols while withholding the suspect’s name pending further developments. This straight news report covers what happened, when and where it occurred, who is involved, why police issued the warning, and how residents should respond.
Austin police officials in Austin, Texas, report that the city has recorded fewer homicides so far in 2025 after several years of rising violence, while detectives continue to investigate two homicide cases that remain unsolved. The Austin Police Department tracks homicide trends, analyzes data, and adjusts investigative strategies based on case reviews and developments. Investigators gather evidence, interview witnesses, and coordinate with other agencies as needed. The department maintains public tip lines, issues bulletins when appropriate, and works with victim services to support affected families, with plans to release more detailed 2025 homicide statistics in an upcoming public safety briefing.
Several Central Texas cities have removed automated license plate readers after years of using the technology to aid police investigations. Local officials ended contracts, deactivated devices, and took down equipment following reviews of costs, performance, and policy priorities. Police departments reported that the systems had helped locate suspects and vehicles in past cases, while investigators in other jurisdictions, including in the Brown University shooting case, continue to use license plate reader data. Central Texas agencies now rely on other investigative tools and traditional policing methods and say any future use of license plate readers would require new public discussions and approvals.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order in Austin, Texas, reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug under federal law. The order directs agencies to move cannabis to a lower schedule, easing some research restrictions while stopping short of federal legalization. Supporters expect expanded scientific studies and potential new medical products, while critics warn of enforcement and public health challenges. State regulators, law enforcement, researchers, and businesses are now reviewing the implications of the federal shift and awaiting detailed implementation rules from federal agencies.
Austin Independent School District filed a lawsuit against North Austin residents who oppose the district’s plan to sell a former school site, seeking a court ruling on its authority to dispose of the property. Neighbors said the proposed sale could permanently change their community and have raised concerns about future land use, traffic, and neighborhood character. The case now moves through the civil court process in Austin, where a judge will determine the parties’ rights and any limits on the district’s ability to sell the land.
Leander Independent School District in Austin, Texas, has approved a plan to close Faubion Elementary School for the 2026-27 school year. The school board voted after reviewing enrollment and facility data and directed administrators to create a transition plan for students and staff. District officials said they will announce new school assignments, transportation details and rezoning information before the 2026-27 academic year and will hold community meetings to explain the changes.
Austin Energy in Austin, Texas, announced a $735 million 10-year electric resiliency plan to strengthen grid infrastructure against severe weather. The utility developed the plan after a year of stakeholder meetings, system analysis and weather impact assessments. The long-term program will fund grid hardening projects, phased upgrades and reliability improvements across the service area. Austin Energy will align the work with state reliability standards, provide public updates and adjust project priorities based on system performance and evolving weather conditions.