Austin

Authorities returned the remains of 1st Lt. Woody T. Owen, a World War II Army Air Corps veteran, to his hometown of Elgin, Texas, after more than 80 years. Family members, local veterans’ organizations, and uniformed service members gathered for a graveside service and military funeral honors. Military officials coordinated the transfer of Owen’s remains following their identification and arranged his burial in Elgin in consultation with his relatives.

A former University of Texas at Austin police chief filed a lawsuit alleging she was fired because of her gender as part of a coordinated purge of female employees from the campus police department, claiming sex discrimination, retaliation and financial harm, and seeking damages, policy changes and a jury trial.

Austin City Council approves a new city budget for the coming fiscal year, adopting a spending plan that includes more than $38 million in cuts to social services and other programs. The council vote followed public hearings and staff presentations on revenue limits, rising costs, and funding priorities. The balanced budget sets funding for public safety, infrastructure, and city operations while reducing support for some health, human services, and community-based initiatives. Departments and contracted providers now prepare to adjust programs and contracts to align with the new allocations.

The Austin Independent School District board in Austin, Texas, voted to approve a school closure and consolidation plan that will shut down 10 campuses beginning next school year. District officials cited enrollment, facility use, and budget factors in the decision and will reassign students to designated receiving schools. Administrators will coordinate transportation changes, staff placements, and transition plans, and will communicate new campus assignments and support services to affected families and employees in the coming months.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed lawsuits against Round Rock ISD and Leander ISD, alleging both Austin-area districts violated a new Texas law requiring public schools to display privately donated Ten Commandments copies in classrooms. The suits follow a similar case against Galveston ISD and seek court orders forcing compliance with the statute.

Austin officials are preparing a comprehensive 2026 bond package and have formed a city task force to gather community feedback on potential projects. The task force is collecting input through public meetings, online surveys and departmental reports on infrastructure, transportation, housing, public safety, parks and libraries. Recommendations will go to the Austin City Council, which will finalize the bond proposal and decide what appears on the November 2026 ballot.

Austin ISD releases an updated school closure and consolidation plan, aiming to address a $19.7 million budget shortfall. The plan, revised to remove three schools from closure and delay boundary changes, will be voted on by the board on November 20, 2023. Superintendent Matias Segura to discuss further at a press conference.

Austin ISD is offering naming rights for certain athletic complexes, providing an opportunity for businesses and individuals to place their names on notable sports facilities in the district. This strategic move aims to generate additional revenue for district programs.