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Hot, dry, and windy weather linked to climate change is increasing wildfire risks across the U.S., with 'fire weather' days rising significantly since 1973. An analysis by Climate Central found that some areas, like parts of Texas, now experience two additional months of fire weather annually. This shift strains firefighting resources and raises insurance concerns for property owners.
Bank of America launched the "Golf with Us" program, making golf accessible to kids in Austin for $5 or less per round. The initiative partners with Youth on Course to provide free lessons and memberships to children ages 6-18, aiming to teach valuable life skills through the sport.
More than 100 flights were delayed at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport due to Federal Aviation Administration staffing issues. The delays, occurring just before a busy travel weekend, highlight ongoing concerns about aviation safety and the FAA's workforce challenges.
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.
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.
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.
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.