Austin ISD is subject to potential state intervention after Burnet and Webb middle schools each received a fifth consecutive failing accountability rating, according to Texas Education Agency data released Aug. 14.

What's happening: State law requires the commissioner to either close a campus with five consecutive failing ratings or replace the district's elected board with a board of managers. Any closure or takeover would not happen immediately, and a decision could come as early as January.

What's next: If a board of managers is appointed, it would replace the district's nine elected trustees and the commissioner would appoint a superintendent. The district's ratings are not yet official, and the agency will finalize ratings by Dec. 11 after reviewing any appeals.

Stay up to date with the latest Northwest Austin business news—a collection of newly opened businesses, upcoming openings, relocations and closings.

Now open

Austin Sports Club: Lobos Hospitality and Boardroom Hospitality partnered to open Austin Sports Club, a new dining and entertainment hub downtown. The club will feature American cuisine, including chilled lobster rolls, ribeye and grilled branzino, as well as a lineup of signature cocktails. 

• Opened Sept. 10

• 205 E. 3rd St., Austin

Industrious gym: Luis Herrera and his wife Mallory opened Industrious, offering 50-minute group fitness workouts led by coaches. The space features 13x13 personal training zones known as the HALO, each set up with equipment like a bench, barbells, rowing machine, treadmill and more.

• Opened Sept. 5

• 2501 W. Parmer Lane, Ste. 400A, Austin

Alteño Austin : Alteño Austin comes from James Beard-nominated Chef Johnny Curiel and Kasie Curiel of Fonda Fina Hospitality. The Michelin-recommended restaurant concept serves up Mexican flavor inspired by the Jaliscan Highlands. Dinner plates include queso fundido, duck carnitas and chile relleno. 

• Opened Sept. 3

• 96 Red River St., Austin

Check out the latest Austin metro transportation project updates.

Completed projects

I-35 Capital Express Central: MLK Jr. Boulevard Bridge Segment

Project: The project included reconstruction and widening of the MLK Jr. Boulevard bridge over I-35 in Austin, adding sidewalks, shade structures, a safety barrier, and rebuilt I-35 entrance and exit ramps in both directions.

Update: The bridge is now fully operational, as two lanes reopened in each direction in early August. Crews are finishing shared-use paths and wider sidewalks.

• Timeline: 2024-26

• Cost: $34.4 million

• Funding source: TxDOT and CAMPO

Ongoing projects

Spicewood Springs Road Regional Mobility Project

Project: The project includes widening the two-lane road in Austin into a four-lane road with left-turn bays, pedestrian and bicycle shared-use paths, and improving the storm drain system.

Update: An August update stated that weather-related delays pushed the project's substantial completion from late 2026 to summer 2027. Starting in September, work will be underway on shared-use pathways on both sides of Spicewood Springs Road.

• Timeline: 2023-27

• Cost: $31 million

• Funding source: city of Austin 2016 Mobility Bond

Incumbent state representative Democrat Donna Howard will face Republican challenger Anthony Gupta in the District 48 race for the Texas House of Representatives.

The district covers parts of South Austin, North Austin, West Lake Hills and Rollingwood.

Community Impact reached out to the candidates running in the State Representative District 48 race. Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents.

What else

Voter registration ends Oct. 5.

Early voting in several local and state races runs from Oct. 19-30, and Election Day is Nov. 3.