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Future of Austin ISD dual language campuses uncertain amid school consolidation process
Austin ISD parent Delicia Mclean said her children have thrived at Becker Elementary—a wall-to-wall dual language campus where all students are taught in both English and Spanish. A couple months into the 2025-26 school year, however, Mclean said she is concerned about the campus’s future amid AISD’s school consolidation process.
What’s happening: AISD officials have discussed relocating wall-to-wall dual language programs at Becker, Ridgetop, Reilly and Sunset Valley elementaries to campuses where a greater number of emergent bilingual students reside. This unofficial proposal comes amid the district’s plan to consolidate schools in the 2026-27 school year.
Over time, the four campuses have shifted to serving less emergent bilingual students and more non-emergent bilingual, or English proficient students.
What’s next: Director of Planning Services Raechel French said the district is “being vague” about the changes to the wall-to-wall dual language campuses as officials are working with principals to develop transition plans.
On Oct. 9, district officials will present a draft school consolidation plan that will go to the board of trustees for approval Nov. 20.
4,000-capacity live music venue breaks ground in Austin's River Park development
A 65,000-square-foot live music venue is coming soon to Southeast Austin, representing the first piece of the 109-acre mixed-use River Park development coming to Riverside.
The new mid-size venue from entertainment company AEG Presents will offer space for concerts and other public or private events off Riverside Drive. It'll be surrounded by two apartment buildings, a hotel, thousands of square feet of retail, and new public plaza and park space as part of the first phase of Presidium's River Park project.
"It’s going to sound great, it’s going to look great, it’s going to fit in this community. All of those things are important attributes anytime we’re looking at a project, and this one’s going to check all of those boxes," AEG Chief Operating Officer Shawn Trell said at a Sept. 24 groundbreaking.
AEG hasn't yet announced the name of the venue, currently expected to open in early 2027. The surrounding residential, retail and hotel spaces will be built over the coming years, according to Presidium.
Dry weather prompts Travis County to reinstate burn ban through October
Travis County commissioners have approved a new countywide burn ban, effective through Oct. 21, due to ongoing dry conditions. While recent summer rains eased drought severity across Central Texas, the U.S. Drought Monitor still classifies 96% of the county as “abnormally dry.”
The outlook: Fire Marshal Gary Howell said the ban could be lifted early if significant rainfall occurs in the coming weeks. The county’s last burn ban was enacted earlier this year when National Weather Service forecasts pointed to extreme fire weather conditions. At that time, Travis County STAR Flight assisted neighboring Hays County where multiple vegetation fires spread quickly in windy, dry conditions.
What you need to know: Under the ban, all outdoor burning is prohibited, including brush burning, bonfires, trash burning and campfires in non-designated areas. Officials urge residents to remain cautious, avoid sparks from vehicles or grills, and keep water nearby when using fire outdoors.
Residents can sign up for local emergency alerts at WarnCentralTexas.org.
American Cancer Society, Occidental partner to expand access to cancer care in Texas
Per a Sept. 12 press release, the American Cancer Society and Occidental have partnered to expand access to life-saving cancer treatment to patients across Texas. Occidental’s half-million-dollar donation will help the American Cancer Society continue to deliver the resources patients need to access cancer care that could save their lives.
The details: With the new contribution, Occidental is helping fund essential access to care programs that remove barriers often standing between diagnosis and survival for cancer patients, according to the release.
Programs the partnership is helping with include free lodging, rides to treatment and 24/7 support for cancer patients and caregivers.
Quote of note: “We are honored to contribute to the American Cancer Society and help remove barriers to accessing vital care so people can focus on their healing journey,” said Rob Stevens, vice president of supply chain with Occidental.
