Austin

AISD has three sites that it wants to repurpose, including the former Pease Elementary School in downtown Austin. The district began holding public meetings in January and has three left for public input, as well as a survey that closes on Oct. 9.

The sugary substance is known as "honeydew," and it's secreted by sap-sucking insects.

The Austin Police Department released a long-awaited report Friday detailing the police response to racial justice protests, which injured dozens.

Voters will be asked whether the Office of Police Oversight should operate independently of the department it oversees. Council members could have just approved the move themselves, but voted instead to put the measure on the May ballot.

The devices scan license plates in the hopes of assisting police in tracking down stolen vehicles, missing children and people who have felony warrants. Opponents argue they could be used to track people seeking abortions or undocumented immigrants.

City staff originally recommended the city double what's called a parkland dedication fee. Council members opted for a milder increase, upping these fees 10%.

The city-owned shelter began restricting intake this week because its kennels are overcrowded. Austin Animal Center is now at 110% capacity, with some dogs living in temporary pop-up crates.

The observation, which starts Thursday, celebrates the histories, cultures and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

Austin's most consistent source of money to buy land for parks is a parkland dedication fee, which is paid by developers. On Thursday, the City Council is considering raising these fees.

A new quarter-mile stretch of the hike and bike trail closes the last gap in the lakeside loop.