Students have reached summer's end, though you couldn't tell by the weather. The beginning of school year brings changes in some Capital Metro bus schedules. That includes the elimination of three bus routes that circulated MetroRail passengers throughout downtown from the Austin Convention Center.
Rick Perry Returns to Texas
A week after announcing his bid for the Republican presidential nomination, Gov. Rick Perry returns to Austin Saturday. He said hello to friends and supporters during a "meet and greet" at a Lake Austin restaurant. Perry will spend a few days in the state huddling with advisors, before hitting the road again. Reporter Kate Galbraith of our political reporting partner, the Texas Tribune, writes about what a Perry presidency could mean for energy exploration and environmental regulation.
New School Year, New School Budget
School starts tomorrow for students in the Austin Independent School District and many other districts across Central Texas. Hours after AISD welcomes students back, the district's board of trustees is expected to approve a budget for the 2011-12 school year. That $700 million plan includes $35 million dollar in cuts over last year. You can a conversation between AISD Superintendent Meria Carstarphen and KUT's Nathan Bernier about the new year, the new budget and the challenges still facing the district here.
Saving Money with More Police
A top official inside the Austin Police Department tells Sunday's Austin American-Statesman that hiring more officers could save the city money. Department Chief of Staff David Carter cites a Rand Corporation report, which found that hiring 49 more officers, including two exclusively for duty at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, would save the city $14.7 million in fewer robberies, burglaries and other major crimes. Chief Carter plans to take the numbers to the city's Public Safety Commission next month.
