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A student safety net is fraying in Central Texas

The student social services provider may have to cut back its work amid reduced funding.

News

A nonprofit that provides critical services to Austin-area students may have to pare down its work because of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="budget" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/10/28/austin-schools-consolidation-maplewood" data-vars-content-id="58a804ad-3eb7-4445-9837-7674e49013eb" data-vars-headline="A student safety net is fraying in Central Texas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/10/28/austin-schools-consolidation-maplewood" target="_self">budget</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="challenges" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/11/10/austin-tax-election-budget-cuts" data-vars-content-id="58a804ad-3eb7-4445-9837-7674e49013eb" data-vars-headline="A student safety net is fraying in Central Texas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/11/10/austin-tax-election-budget-cuts" target="_self">challenges</a> from key government partners.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Communities In Schools" data-vars-click-url="https://ciscentraltexas.org/" data-vars-content-id="58a804ad-3eb7-4445-9837-7674e49013eb" data-vars-headline="A student safety net is fraying in Central Texas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ciscentraltexas.org/" target="_blank">Communities In Schools</a> (CIS) of Central Texas provides clothes, meals, literacy help, money for rent, mental health services and more for students and families in need.

Austin AI startup Circuit raises $30M in major angel round

Circuit's AI software turns technical manuals and other documentation into step-by-step workflows.

Austin-based <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Circuit" data-vars-click-url="https://circuit.ai/" data-vars-content-id="6506fbe2-bebc-4634-a18d-0884911c622a" data-vars-headline="Austin AI startup Circuit raises $30M in major angel round" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://circuit.ai/" target="_blank">Circuit</a>, an AI startup co-founded by former <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Silicon Labs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/04/texas-instruments-silicon-labs-merger" data-vars-content-id="6506fbe2-bebc-4634-a18d-0884911c622a" data-vars-headline="Austin AI startup Circuit raises $30M in major angel round" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/04/texas-instruments-silicon-labs-merger" target="_self">Silicon Labs</a> CEO Tyson Tuttle, raised $30 million from angel investors to build an AI software for manufacturing and service operations.Why it matters: It&#x27;s one of Texas&#x27; largest angel rounds — an early-stage phase where individual investors pitch in — and a bet that AI can help manufacturers capture and scale institutional knowledge.

Texas families are opting for cremations over burials

Cremations are now twice as common as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="burials" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/10/29/gen-z-funeral-death-preferences-baby-boomers-cremation" data-vars-content-id="3a6bb65c-3471-414b-a911-9083b5a099e4" data-vars-headline="Texas families are opting for cremations over burials" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/10/29/gen-z-funeral-death-preferences-baby-boomers-cremation" target="_self">burials</a> in the U.S., reversing a norm from two decades ago, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the National Funeral Directors Association" data-vars-click-url="https://nfda.org/news/media-center/nfda-news-releases/id/9786/nfda-releases-2025-cremation-burial-report-comprehensive-insights-to-guide-the-future-of-funeral-service" data-vars-content-id="3a6bb65c-3471-414b-a911-9083b5a099e4" data-vars-headline="Texas families are opting for cremations over burials" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://nfda.org/news/media-center/nfda-news-releases/id/9786/nfda-releases-2025-cremation-burial-report-comprehensive-insights-to-guide-the-future-of-funeral-service" target="_blank">the National Funeral Directors Association</a>.Why it matters: Shifting attitudes around <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="religion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/05/religion-americans-spiritual-survey" data-vars-content-id="3a6bb65c-3471-414b-a911-9083b5a099e4" data-vars-headline="Texas families are opting for cremations over burials" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/05/religion-americans-spiritual-survey" target="_self">religion</a>, cost and the environment are reshaping how Americans — and Austinites — handle death.

Austin kids describe life inside immigration detention

The letters give a window into life inside the immigration detention center in Dilley.

Austin-area children detained with their parents at a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="South Texas immigration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/06/corecivic-immigrant-family-detention-center-texas" data-vars-content-id="fdacb6cd-5a9f-4a2d-80fc-929417743158" data-vars-headline="Austin kids describe life inside immigration detention" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/06/corecivic-immigrant-family-detention-center-texas" target="_self">South Texas immigration</a> facility describe missing basic comforts and feeling trapped, per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="letters published this month by ProPublica" data-vars-click-url="https://www.propublica.org/article/ice-dilley-children-letters" data-vars-content-id="fdacb6cd-5a9f-4a2d-80fc-929417743158" data-vars-headline="Austin kids describe life inside immigration detention" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.propublica.org/article/ice-dilley-children-letters" target="_blank">letters published this month by ProPublica</a>. The big picture: The letters give a window into life inside the immigration detention center in Dilley — and how some of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the hundreds of children" data-vars-click-url="https://www.propublica.org/article/life-inside-ice-dilley-children" data-vars-content-id="fdacb6cd-5a9f-4a2d-80fc-929417743158" data-vars-headline="Austin kids describe life inside immigration detention" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.propublica.org/article/life-inside-ice-dilley-children" target="_blank">the hundreds of children</a> there are faring.

Austin realtor launches Texas move-out service

Politics, weather and affordability are driving moving discussions for Texit clients.

An Austin realtor has launched <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Texit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.timetotexit.com/" data-vars-content-id="a0415546-a540-47d3-a784-0a17bbc53994" data-vars-headline="Austin realtor launches Texas move-out service" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.timetotexit.com/" target="_blank">Texit</a>, a real estate service aimed at helping Central Texans looking to move out of state.Why it matters: Citing the state&#x27;s politics or increasingly hot climate, some Texans have been looking to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="leave Texas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2022/08/17/texas-lgbtq-other-states-migration" data-vars-content-id="a0415546-a540-47d3-a784-0a17bbc53994" data-vars-headline="Austin realtor launches Texas move-out service" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2022/08/17/texas-lgbtq-other-states-migration" target="_self">leave Texas</a>.

Recent rain creates "breeding ground" for mosquitos

Nine mosquito pools have tested positive for West Nile in Travis County this season.

Mosquitoes carrying <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="West Nile virus" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2025/03/26/mapped-west-nile-cases" data-vars-content-id="03ba60bd-61cb-41dc-934d-cc6c3bda9a89" data-vars-headline="Recent rain creates &quot;breeding ground&quot; for mosquitos" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2025/03/26/mapped-west-nile-cases" target="_self">West Nile virus</a> have been detected in Travis County following heavy rainfall, public health officials warn.Why it matters: Roughly 20% of people infected with West Nile develop symptoms such as headache, body ache, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash, and infections can also lead to seizures, coma or death.

"Fire weather" is happening more often

Wildfire risk has been driving up insurance premiums.

Hot, dry and windy weather that helps <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="wildfires" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/08/14/climate-change-extreme-wildfire-season" data-vars-content-id="eb5fc7b7-e071-43c5-b11c-5afff21579ee" data-vars-headline="&quot;Fire weather&quot; is happening more often" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/08/14/climate-change-extreme-wildfire-season" target="_self">wildfires</a> spread is becoming more common across much of the U.S. amid climate change, a new analysis finds.Why it matters: What used to be several months of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;fire season&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/05/15/us-wildfire-outlook-2024-climate-change" data-vars-content-id="eb5fc7b7-e071-43c5-b11c-5afff21579ee" data-vars-headline="&quot;Fire weather&quot; is happening more often" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/05/15/us-wildfire-outlook-2024-climate-change" target="_self">&quot;fire season&quot;</a> is stretching in some places into a yearlong phenomenon, straining fire departments and others tasked with controlling or containing wild blazes.

Early season heat wave hits Austin

On average, Austin doesn't hit 100° until July 8, according to forecasters.

Austin is bracing for a blistering heat wave this week that could shatter daily temperature records and set a new all-time high for the month of May.Why it matters: Extreme temperatures are a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="major public health threat" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/14/climate-change-heat-related-deaths-surge-lancet-report" data-vars-content-id="606d03dd-0ae7-46f2-bd51-0d4d833a08ee" data-vars-headline="Early season heat wave hits Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/14/climate-change-heat-related-deaths-surge-lancet-report" target="_self">major public health threat</a> and play a role in droughts and wildfires.

Texas Parks partners with bee-sniffing dogs

Darwin's Bee Dogs and Texas Parks and Wildlife are working together to understand threats to pollinator habitats.

As the sun crept below the Wildflower Center&#x27;s Savanna Meadow, Gerty the German shorthaired pointer was hard at work, following the scent of bee nests hidden throughout a field.Why it matters: Ecologists like Jacqueline Staab, Gerty&#x27;s handler and BFF, hope bee-sniffing K-9s will help advance our understanding of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bumblebee nesting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/03/29/us-bee-farms-increase" data-vars-content-id="b3117139-7b90-4727-92b7-85e87edb9def" data-vars-headline="Texas Parks partners with bee-sniffing dogs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/03/29/us-bee-farms-increase" target="_self">bumblebee nesting</a> and potential threats to pollinators in Texas.

Worsening drought conditions loom for Central Texas

Austin's weather station Camp Mabry hasn't seen rain since Sept. 5.

It may be cooler this week, but Central Texas is facing worsening drought conditions.Why it matters: Severe drought and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="extreme heat" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/09/11/austin-fall-temperatures-rise" data-vars-content-id="cf0c7f8e-e219-4214-b24d-728bf6c7f07a" data-vars-headline="Worsening drought conditions loom for Central Texas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/09/11/austin-fall-temperatures-rise" target="_self">extreme heat</a> can lead to high fire risks and water shortages and impact trees and other plants.

Why Austin allergies are so bad

Central Texans deal with a nearly year-round allergy season.

Climate

Grab a tissue. Seasonal allergies are hitting Central Texans hard this month.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Climate change" data-vars-click-url="https://www.aamc.org/news/do-seasonal-allergies-seem-be-getting-worse-blame-climate-change" data-vars-content-id="49c4262a-d90e-4c2a-89da-af63486ca6c1" data-vars-headline="Why Austin allergies are so bad" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.aamc.org/news/do-seasonal-allergies-seem-be-getting-worse-blame-climate-change" target="_blank">Climate change</a> is making allergy seasons longer and more intense in many cities.

How Austin uses AI to detect wildfires

New cameras continuously scan the area and use AI to spot smoke.

Austin Energy and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pano AI" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pano.ai/" data-vars-content-id="1f8dcdec-2b33-426f-9a10-d3f36969d427" data-vars-headline="How Austin uses AI to detect wildfires" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pano.ai/" target="_blank">Pano AI</a> have teamed up to change the way wildfires are detected in Central Texas.Why it matters: A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recent analysis by Core Logic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.corelogic.com/intelligence/top-15-metro-areas-with-wildfire-risk/" data-vars-content-id="1f8dcdec-2b33-426f-9a10-d3f36969d427" data-vars-headline="How Austin uses AI to detect wildfires" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.corelogic.com/intelligence/top-15-metro-areas-with-wildfire-risk/" target="_blank">recent analysis by Core Logic</a> found that Austin ranks fifth in the nation for homes at risk of wildfire damage. Plus, warmer and drier weather due to climate change continues to put Central Texas <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="at a higher risk" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2023/07/13/weather-austin-texas-wildfire" data-vars-content-id="1f8dcdec-2b33-426f-9a10-d3f36969d427" data-vars-headline="How Austin uses AI to detect wildfires" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2023/07/13/weather-austin-texas-wildfire" target="_self">at a higher risk</a> of fires.

Austin's summer heats up

Heat index values as high as 110 are expected through Thursday.

Triple-digit temperatures aren&#x27;t behind us yet.Why it matters: Beyond extreme heat&#x27;s role in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="droughts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2023/08/25/austin-driest-summer-since-1910-drought" data-vars-content-id="42dcf5e0-6051-4a20-9fec-102d32c97a01" data-vars-headline="Austin&#x27;s summer heats up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2023/08/25/austin-driest-summer-since-1910-drought" target="_self">droughts</a> and wildfires, it raises questions about how the state&#x27;s power grid and local utility operators will manage in our increasingly hot summers.

Austin's urban heat island effect makes it even hotter than you think

74% of Austin residents live in neighborhoods where temperatures feel at least 8° higher than the actual temperature.

Temperatures reached triple digits in Austin over the weekend, but across the city, it felt even hotter.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Urban heat islands" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/26/heat-islands-cities-heat-wave-climate" data-vars-content-id="5d9e4e28-6a40-40de-a071-e2a44b1a2383" data-vars-headline="Austin&#x27;s urban heat island effect makes it even hotter than you think" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/26/heat-islands-cities-heat-wave-climate" target="_self">Urban heat islands</a> (UHIs) — urbanized areas that experience higher temperatures due to less greenery and more infrastructure like roads, buildings and parking lots — significantly exacerbate extreme weather.

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