ATX PULSE 10/21-22/25 (free) (sponsored by TX Flyover): State Launches Encampment Cleanups in ATX // Families Fight SW ATX School Consolidation // APD Chief Denies Interest in CPD Opening // 2 Injured in ‘Machete’ Fight at 1st & Lavaca // Travis County Launches Light Rail Study Connecting ATX, SA // UT Readies for Road Game at Miss St.

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2025 - WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2025

Compiled by Matt Mackowiak

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WEATHER

Today: H: 91° / L: 71°. Cool down and rain expected, per Fox 7 Austin.

Friday: H: 88° / L: 65°

Saturday: H: 82° / L: 63°

Sunday: H: 85° / L: 64°

TOP NEWS

“Abbott launches Austin operation targeting homeless encampments for removal” Washington Examiner’s Emily Hallas — “Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) on Tuesday announced he has launched a state-led operation to “clean up” Austin by removing homeless camps in the capital city. 

“Texans should not endure public safety risks from homeless encampments and individuals,” the governor said in a statement. “Weapons, needles, and other debris should not litter the streets of our community, and the State of Texas is taking action. I directed state agencies to address this risk and make Austin safer and cleaner for residents and visitors to live, travel, and conduct business.”

The effort began last week, Abbott said in a press release. As of Tuesday, the governor said the operation, led by the Texas Department of Public Safety in collaboration with other state agencies and the Texas State Guard, had already cleared 48 homeless encampments, removed over 3,000 pounds of debris, arrested 24 repeat felony offenders, and seized over 125 grams of narcotics. 

In 2021, Austin voters supported reinstating a ban on public homeless encampments by a large margin, rolling back the city council’s move in 2019 to lift the ban. However, there have been complaints that the ban is not being enforced from Save Austin Now, a local group that remains in litigation with the city over the matter.  

Homelessness has become a growing problem in Austin. The number of homeless people has increased 36% over the past two years, according to a report from local nonprofit ECHO that was released in May. 

Abbott’s latest effort to target the encampments has received praise from local groups, including Save Austin Now and the Austin Police Association. 

“[The public] drive[s] by these encampments. They see these activities. They see the needles. They’ve been around schools and all these other things, so it has a huge impact,” Michael Bullock, president of the Austin Police Association, told CBS Austin.

However, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson expressed criticism, arguing that the state’s efforts lack empathy and stating that there has been a lack of coordination between Abbott’s office and city officials. 

“We don’t need it politicized. We don’t need it to be done in a way where it actually creates problems and does damage to what we’re attempting to do,” he said, adding the state did not notify city staff about the clean-ups.

“It’s unclear to us who will be doing what and where they’ll be going next,” the mayor added, according to KVUE. 

His criticism came as Austin had launched its own initiative to address the homeless issue just hours before Abbott announced his operation on Tuesday, according to the Texas Tribune. The Citywide Encampment Management Prioritization Initiative has cleared 46 encampments and arrested two people as of Monday evening. The initiative is set to last through Nov. 8 “to connect people with resources and shelter before severe weather arrives.”” Washington Examiner

“Southwest Austin families fight AISD school consolidation amid commute and safety concerns,” CBS Austin’s Farrah Walton — “Families in a Southwest Austin neighborhood are pushing back against Austin ISD’s proposed consolidation plan, saying it would mean longer commutes and increased safety risks for their children.

The district says the plan, which could close 13 schools, would help address a multi-million-dollar budget deficit, and balance enrollment across the district.

For the Avana neighborhood, the changes could mean a big shift. More than 200 students who would normally attend Gorzycki Middle School would instead move to Bailey Middle School, about six miles away.

“It takes us from an 8-minute commute to a potentially 45 to 50-minute commute,” said Chris Maguire, Bear Creek Elementary PTA president.

Families say their current commute is generally quick and easy, with many children walking or biking to school.

“All you have to do is cross Highway 45, where there is a protected 4-way stoplight,” Maguire said.

If the plan passes, families say commutes could double, forcing cars and buses to travel north on MoPac, exit at Slaughter Lane, and drive down Brodie Lane — an area already known for congestion.

“There is no pedestrian access, there’s no bike access,” said Danielle Morin, a Bear Creek Elementary parent.

Some families say the only other option is taking a toll road, which adds another expense.

“We estimate that that’s going to be between 4 and $500 each year, just if you’re picking your kid up before and after school,” Maguire said.

Morin said the added car traffic and distance could create new safety challenges.

“Getting every kid into a car doesn’t help traffic, it doesn’t help safety,” she said.

CBS Austin reached out to AISD, asking for updates on how the district plans to address transportation logistics and safety for longer commutes, but has not yet heard back.

For many families, the district’s decision could determine more than just where their kids go to school.

“Now you’re having folks who are truly looking at, okay, depending on whether this proposal passes or not, I might have to move,” Maguire said.

AISD Trustee David Kauffman attended a meeting with Southwest Austin families Tuesday night to hear their concerns and share them with district leadership. He is one of nine trustees who will vote on the proposal on November 20.” CBS Austin

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