ATX-NNW: Impact 10/22/2025

Mini-golf company PopStroke has taken over The Pitch in North Austin.

What to know: Community members can find 18 mini-golf courses, pickleball and volleyball courts, an esports gaming area and a full-service ice cream parlor.

Individuals can pay a daily rate for the space’s experiences or invest in a membership fee, which provides access to all games and sports amenities. The space can also be rented out for events or retreats.

• 13000 Harris Ridge Blvd., Austin

A state-led homeless encampment clearing operation in Austin has seen dozens of people relocated or arrested, Gov. Greg Abbott said, while city officials pushed back on Texas' "show of force" and a lack of local coordination.

The details: The state initiative is taking place under both local and state law that bans camping in public and has involved the Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Department of Transportation, Texas State Guard and Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

While state leaders promoted the results of their efforts so far, city leaders said the operation expanded without warning this week. They criticized a lack of notice from the state, said the response ended up duplicating Austin's own encampment management work, and worried it won't result in more residents permanently moving off the streets.

The Texas operation was announced as the city advances its own, separate, encampment and resource program ahead of the winter season and anticipated severe weather.

Round Rock ISD earned an "A" rating in the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas for the 2024-25 financial year, administrators shared in October. 

What you need to know: The Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas scores districts as A through F. This rating is based on 15 different metrics, such as audit and governance disclosures, cash and investments, tax collections, fund balance, debt management, administrative costs, capital projects, and staff levels.

Remember this? Last year, the district earned a rating of 96 out of 100. This year, RRISD earned the same score, translating to an A or "superior" rating.

Travis County approved a new deal ensuring the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix Oct. 16 which will now continue at Circuit of the Americas through 2034.

The big picture: The adrenaline-fueled event draws more than 430,000 fans annually—nearly 70% from out of state—and generates over $1 billion in economic activity across Travis County each October, according to county documents.

By endorsing the race, the county allows organizers to apply for state funding through the governor’s major events program, which helps cover event costs but does not include any property tax breaks for COTA. Since debuting in Austin in 2012, Formula 1 has generated more than $10 billion regionally.