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Texas lawmakers advance House Bill 186, which would prohibit minors from accessing social media, having passed the House and awaiting Senate review. The bill includes age verification and allows parents to request account deletions. Proponents argue it addresses mental health concerns linked to social media use among youth.
Travis Heights Elementary in Austin ISD received top marks for academic performance. Principal Michelle Amezquita-Navarro, who has served the school for seven years, emphasizes the diverse community, with over 15 languages spoken and a student body that is 43.7% Hispanic. The school's reading and math proficiency rates stand at 76% and 66%, respectively.
Texas lawmakers are advancing proposals to incorporate religious elements into public education, including posting the Ten Commandments in classrooms and allowing school prayer. Supporters argue these measures reinforce moral values, while opponents emphasize the importance of maintaining the separation of church and state. Governor Greg Abbott recently signed a $1 billion voucher program that could benefit religious schools.
New apartments in Austin shrank 6% in size from 2015 to 2024, averaging 872 square feet, according to RentCafe. This trend reflects a broader nationwide decrease in apartment sizes among the 100 largest U.S. cities. Developers are increasingly prioritizing smaller floor plans, impacting renters already facing high prices.
Austin's summer events calendar features a diverse array of performances and activities, including "Moulin Rouge! The Musical" and the Kerrville Folk Festival. Residents and visitors can enjoy free concerts at the Long Center and film screenings at the historic Paramount Theatre. Budget cuts and weather may impact event details, so attendees should verify information before participating.
Texas lawmakers will examine House Bill 2, a $7 billion public school funding package, after Governor Greg Abbott signed a law favoring private school vouchers. The bill aims to increase per-student funding, raise teacher salaries, and improve special education, amidst rising concerns about public school resources. Supporters hope it will pass despite skepticism about its effectiveness.
Traffic on Austin’s highways rose by 5% after state employees returned to the office full-time on March 31. Despite the increase in vehicles, average travel speeds on major routes remained stable, with morning speeds rising from 18 to 28 mph.
Fort Worth has overtaken Austin as Texas's fourth-largest city, reflecting Austin's stagnating growth rate of just 0.4% between 2023 and 2024. This slowdown stems from affordability issues and a post-pandemic tech downturn, impacting both retention and attraction of residents.
Axios announces its "Zoom In Series" event, focusing on economic mobility and the cost of living across major U.S. cities. The event will take place on May 14, 2025, from 12:03 PM to 2:02 PM GMT. Local business owners from cities like Austin, Chicago, and San Francisco will discuss challenges and opportunities in their communities.
FIFA began selling VIP hospitality packages for the 2026 World Cup, with prices starting at $6,750 per person. Austin will not host any matches, but its soccer fans showed strong interest during the 2022 World Cup. The U.S., Canada, and Mexico will co-host the tournament.