Austin Current

Local journalism for Austin — always told through the real impact on people. Sign up for our newsletter at the link below. Supported by @texas_tribune

[Austin Current @_AustinCurrent]

We’re heading into the final weekend of our membership drive.

We still need 8 new members.

Help Austin Current reach its goals before Oct. 26. Your local newsroom needs you: https://t.co/lB5LLb6jYJ

[Austin Current @_AustinCurrent]

Local news in your inbox. A Hill Country getaway on your wish list. 🌿

Our drive to get to 25 members ends Oct. 26 and features a $6,000 Canyon Ranch Austin getaway for two in 2027.

Learn about membership, plus giveaway entry details and rules: https://t.co/lB5LLb5M9b

[Austin Current @_AustinCurrent]

🚨 An investigation could be underway to see if campus parents were pressured to sign a petition to close Webb Middle School. One of the allegations include that families’ private information was shared without authorization.
https://t.co/ZBdtkHiYl2

[Austin Current @_AustinCurrent]

A getaway with room to exhale. 🌿

Our Canyon Ranch Austin prize includes two nights for two in 2027, all-inclusive food and beverage, plus a $200 nightly wellness allowance per person.

Valued at $6,000. Entry details and rules are here👇
https://t.co/lB5LLb6jYJ

[Austin Current @_AustinCurrent]

Austin city council took out $566 million of non-voter approved bonds for real estimated improvements.

@CMChitoVela said that the city had to move fast to acquire good deals, which an election could delay.

“No one’s going to wait for us,” Vela said.

https://t.co/H25aWEDJzH

[Austin Current @_AustinCurrent]

Who controls Austin's schools when the state steps in? Join us Wednesday as education researchers, a former @teainfo official and a former @AustinISD trustee discuss what state intervention has meant elsewhere and what Austin families could face. RSVP 👇 https://t.co/QoCKcsaYOJ

[Austin Current @_AustinCurrent]

Is Austin getting its own DOGE?

@GregCasar and several Austin City Council members are pushing back against Proposition I, warning the proposed ballot measure has the potential to gut city departments.

https://t.co/ATXvEAMQ4D

[Austin Current @_AustinCurrent]

Your next reset could be in the Hill Country. 🌿

Our membership drive features a Canyon Ranch Austin giveaway: a three-day, two-night getaway for two in 2027, valued at $6,000.

Explore the prize, entry details and rules: https://t.co/lB5LLb6jYJ

[Austin Current @_AustinCurrent]

“Every time we go to the max tax rate and then put bonds on the ballot, we are asking a lot of people.”

Austin City Council Member @Marc4AustinD10 on the affordability pressures facing residents.

https://t.co/W3MbzfWjIu

[Austin Current @_AustinCurrent]

#txed #aisd #statetakeover

[Austin Current @_AustinCurrent]

🚨 Parents at Burnet & Webb middle schools met the threshold for petitions asking @teainfo to close their schools. The petitions must be verified by @AustinISD. Some parents say they felt pressured to sign or didn't understand what the petitions could mean https://t.co/5ImhSrUJll

[Austin Current @_AustinCurrent]

Austin, let’s make this happen. 💛

Our October Member Drive started yesterday! We’re aiming for 25 new members and $5,000 by Oct. 26 to support Austin Current’s local reporting.

Read us. Count on us. Help keep us going.

Become a member: https://t.co/lB5LLb5M9b

[Austin Current @_AustinCurrent]

While TTPF is advocating to tighten how such bonds can be used, Adam Haynes of the Texas Conference of Urban Counties rebutted the idea: “The conservatives say, ‘Well, you can’t do a bond unless the voters approve it.' That’s just not the way government financing 101 works.”

[Austin Current @_AustinCurrent]

@austintexasgov has borrowed $566 million since 2024 without voter approval.

Council members say the money is for purchasing and renovating city buildings, but the borrowing comes at a cost: millions in interest and added pressure on property tax bills.

https://t.co/H25aWEDJzH

[Austin Current @_AustinCurrent]

@austintexasgov has borrowed $566 million since 2024 without voter approval.

Council members say the money is for purchasing and renovating city buildings, but the borrowing comes at a cost: millions in interest and added pressure on property tax bills.

https://t.co/H25aWEDJzH

[Austin Current @_AustinCurrent]

Austin ISD is one of four school districts to undergo a financial review performed by the state comptroller’s office. The investigation will determine if funding complies with state laws and review how much is directed towards administrative efforts.

https://t.co/utOyHKnjBv

[Austin Current @_AustinCurrent]

Burnet and Webb parents need signatures representing more than 50% of students by Oct. 15.

As of Friday:
Burnet: 11%
Webb: 2%

Now, the Austin Council of PTAs is joining the push to close the schools as @AustinISD faces state intervention.

https://t.co/Qv7LVjqTEE

[Austin Current @_AustinCurrent]

@AustinISD is the only one of Austin’s five major taxing entities that lowered its property tax rate this fall. @austintexasgov, @TravisCountyTX , Central Health and ACC all raised theirs.

https://t.co/W3MbzfWjIu

[Austin Current @_AustinCurrent]

State Comptroller Don Huffines announced that AISD will undergo financial review ahead of next year’s legislative session.

“This review is an important step to ensure transparency, accountability, and the responsible use of public funds,” Huffines said.

https://t.co/utOyHKnRr3

[Austin Current @_AustinCurrent]

Austin’s property tax rates are rising, but that doesn’t necessarily mean your bill will. Falling home values combined with homestead exemptions could soften the impact for some homeowners.

Read Sam Stark’s breakdown:

https://t.co/W3MbzfWjIu

[Austin Current @_AustinCurrent]

Families at @AustinISD's Burnet & Webb face a wrenching choice: Ask the state to close their schools for a chance to shape what happens next or leave the decision to @teainfo. Petition deadline is Oct. 15. Here's what parents heard — and said — Monday: https://t.co/kK05FmEkYZ