The University of Texas at Austin reports a 25% rise in applications despite concerns that a ban on DEI initiatives would deter students, particularly those from underrepresented groups.

Travis County lifted its burn ban temporarily due to recent rainfall that reduced the risk of wildfires, with officials set to reassess conditions in the near future.

Drones are set to patrol State Highway 130 in Texas as part of an intelligent infrastructure initiative, aiming to improve traffic control and security.

Austin City Council to vote on landmark designation for a historic building in East Austin, symbolizing the fight against intense gentrification and potential demolitions.

The Texas House Speaker race tightens between Republicans Dustin Burrows and David Cook after Dade Phelan's withdrawal, with both claiming significant support.

Blanco, Texas, forms a 25-year partnership with TWC to overhaul city water infrastructure, enhancing water supply reliability and completing key improvements.

Representative David Cook won the GOP nomination for Texas House Speaker after a lengthy and divisive internal vote, while his opponent, Rep. Dustin Burrows, exited the vote prematurely but remains confident.

Carly Kehoe Pearson has been appointed as the new Assistant City Manager of Taylor, starting December 30, 2024.

Proposition A in Austin leads to teacher pay raises and funding influx for AISD, though the state recapture policy limits the district's benefit from increased property taxes.

Austin City Council is considering a $6.5 million budget to maintain an emergency homeless shelter, amid local concerns over safety and increased crime.

The Texas DPS has announced changes to the Vehicle Safety Inspection Program, effective January 1, 2025, which exempts non-commercial vehicles from many inspections but introduces a fee at registration.

Austin plans to request HUD funds on Dec 23, 2024, for Cairn Point at Montopolis, a 150-unit senior housing project with no significant environmental impact. Public comments on the ERR are open until Dec 20, 2024.

Texas is abolishing annual vehicle safety inspections in 2025, replacing them with a fee, but keeping emissions tests in some counties. New laws also enhance online data privacy and introduce funding changes for schools.