North Austin News

On Sunday, January 13, the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) activated the Emergency Operations Center in partnership with Travis County Office of Emergency Management. HSEM staff has been working tirelessly to ensure coordination between departments and agencies in order to prioritize life safety, transportation access to hospitals, and shelter support for people experiencing homelessness. HSEM has also been working closely with NGOs and community organizations to support emergency response efforts.Austin's Transportation and Public Works...

McCaul Sponsors Bill to Repeal Democrats’ Kill Switch in Cars Mandate

U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) has taken a stand against what he calls the "blatant overreach" of the Biden administration and Congressional Democrats. Rep. McCaul is sponsoring H.R. 6563, also known as the No Kill Switches in Cars Act, which aims to repeal a provision in the Democrats' Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This provision mandates the inclusion of a kill switch in new vehicles produced after 2026.In a statement, Rep. McCaul expressed his concerns about the potential infringement on privacy and the arbitrary disabling of vehicles. He stated,...

24/7 Cold Weather Shelter Operations Demobilized

After five days of extreme temperatures brought by Winter Storm Heather, the Austin-Travis County Emergency Operations Center is supporting the demobilization of 24/7 shelter operations. The weather forecast predicts warmer temperatures during the day, allowing the Cold Weather Shelters (CWS) to reopen tonight.During the storm, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson expressed his pride in the city's response and commended the dedication of staff members who worked over the holiday weekend to serve the community. He recognized the efforts made by the Office of Homeland Security and...

Traffic Fatality in the 3800 block of E SH 71 WB

Austin, TX - A tragic traffic accident occurred on Sunday, December 17, 2023, in the 3800 block of E SH 71 WB, resulting in the death of Joan M Cooper, a 76-year-old white female. According to the Austin Police Department (APD), the incident involved a collision between a sedan and a pick-up truck.Preliminary investigations suggest that both vehicles were traveling west on SH 71, approaching the 130 Toll Road. The pick-up truck was in the left lane, while the sedan was in either the center or right lane. For reasons yet unknown, the sedan made a left turn in front of the...

City of Austin Watershed Protection Department Releases 2023 Annual Report

The City of Austin Watershed Protection Department has recently published its 2023 Annual Report, which is now available online. This report highlights the department's dedication to safeguarding the lives, property, and environment of the Austin community by mitigating the effects of flooding, erosion, and water pollution.One of the significant accomplishments mentioned in the report is the extensive cleaning and maintenance of storm drain pipelines. According to the report, crews cleaned an impressive 76,748 feet of storm drain pipeline, which is equivalent to driving...

2020-21 School Year: 20.9% of the 536 students at Vista Ridge High School not on "college track"

Of the 536 students at Vista Ridge High School in Leander, 112 (20.9%) weren't on the academic track to qualify for college in the 2020-21 school year, according to North Austin News' analysis of test scores from the Texas Education Agency (TEA).

Bell County Education: 18,694 Black students were enrolled in schools in 2021-22 school year

There were 18,694 Black students enrolled in Bell County schools in the 2021-22 school year, according to the Texas Education Agency.

Medium commissioner of education mike morath 2023

There were 107 white students enrolled in Coupland ISD schools in 2021-22 school year

Coupland ISD schools had 107 white students enrolled in their schools in the 2021-22 school year, according to the Texas Education Agency.

EOC Update: City Shifts to Winter Weather Recovery

The city of Austin is transitioning from emergency response to recovery following Winter Storm Heather, which brought below-freezing temperatures and dangerous weather conditions. While the worst of the storm has passed, the city continues to urge residents to take precautions and protect themselves and their property.Austin Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director Ken Snipes expressed gratitude for the coordination of all partners in emergency management and public safety. He stated, "The City has recovery resources and tips online at austintexas.gov/recovery...

Homicide Investigation in the 11400 block of IH 35

On Friday, January 12, 2024, tragedy struck in the 11441 N IH 35 - Cricket Hollow Apartments as a shooting incident took the life of Cleiver Gamez-Santos, an 11/22/2001 born Hispanic male. The Austin Police Department (APD) swiftly responded to reports of the shooting at approximately 7:54 p.m.Upon arriving at the scene, officers immediately halted a vehicle matching the description provided by 911 callers. Inside the vehicle, they discovered Gamez-Santos, who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. The officers wasted no time in rushing him to a nearby hospital, but,...

Analysis: 16 of 60 students at Thrall High School not on "college track" in 2020-21 school year

Of the 60 students at Thrall High School in Thrall, 16 (26.7%) weren't on the academic track to qualify for college in the 2020-21 school year, according to North Austin News' analysis of test scores from the Texas Education Agency (TEA).

Bastrop County Education: 929 Black students were enrolled in schools in 2021-22 school year

In Bastrop County schools, 4.9% of students identified as Black in the 2021-22 school year.

Williamson County home prices rose in December 2023 compared to December 2022

In December 2023, the median sale price of a home in Williamson County rose by $9,647 from the same period in the previous year, while total sales decreased by 18.7%.

Enrollment Analysis: white students comprised 50.1% of Goodwater Montessori School District's student body in 2021-22 school year

White students made up 50.1% of Goodwater Montessori School District's student body in the 2021-22 school year.

Update on Winter Weather Moving Through Central Texas

Jan 16 2024While the worst of the weather from this most recent winter event has passed, the danger of below freezing temperatures continues to affect Austinites. Please continue to protect the four Ps: People, Pets, Pipes, and Plants while also checking on your neighbors. According to the National Weather Service, the Hard Freeze Warning and Wind Chill Advisory remain in effect through 10 a.m. on Wednesday. It is advised to take precautions by limiting time outdoors and dressing in layers or staying covered as much as possible.City of Austin and Travis County...

Thrall ISD schools Education: 498 white students were enrolled in schools in 2021-22 school year

White students made up 63.2% of Thrall ISD schools' student body in the 2021-22 school year.

Effective property tax rate in Williamson County outpaced the national average in Q4 2023

Property owners in Williamson County paid 2.9% of the value of their homes in property taxes in the fourth quarter of 2023, which is more than 2.6 times the national average, according to the real estate analysis posted by North Austin News.

AFD, APD Investigate Deceased Person in Outdoor Fire

The Austin Fire Department (AFD) and the Austin Police Department (APD) are currently conducting a joint investigation into the discovery of a deceased person at a homeless encampment in the 8300 block of N. Mopac. The incident occurred on Sunday, January 14, 2024, when AFD Engine 21 responded to a report of an outdoor fire."After they extinguished the fire, firefighters discovered a deceased person," stated the AFD.The cause of death is pending an autopsy by the Travis County Medical Examiner's Office, and the cause of the fire has yet to be determined. No further...

Winter Storm Impacting Central Texas

A winter storm is currently impacting Central Texas, prompting the City of Austin to urge community members to take precautions and stay indoors. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning, with severe cold and winter weather expected to continue until Wednesday morning. Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and Travis County Judge Andy Brown, along with various city departments and emergency response agencies, held a news conference to provide updates on the situation.Mayor Watson emphasized the importance of winter weather safety precautions and urged residents...

Rouse High School: 27.6% of the 409 students not on "college track" in 2020-21 school year