{"id":151858,"date":"2026-02-05T08:19:37","date_gmt":"2026-02-05T08:19:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/151858\/"},"modified":"2026-02-05T08:19:37","modified_gmt":"2026-02-05T08:19:37","slug":"the-weeks-biggest-news-in-brief-the-austin-chronicle-15","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/151858\/","title":{"rendered":"The Week’s Biggest News in Brief \u2022 The Austin Chronicle"},"content":{"rendered":"

ICE Protests Continue: As ICE operations continue<\/a> in Minnesota and around the country, Texas lawmakers organized a \u201cStop ICE\u201d rally at Pan American Neighborhood Park on Saturday, Jan. 31. According to KUT,<\/a> thousands of demonstrators joined state Reps. James Talarico and Gina Hinojosa, along with U.S. Reps. Joaquin Castro and Greg Casar, to protest operations. Just days before, Casar and Castro joined U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett to visit the Dilley Detention Center to demand the release<\/a> of 5-year-old Liam Ramos \u2013 a Minneapolis child who was arrested by ICE with his father on January 20. This past Saturday, U.S. District Judge Fred Biery ordered for both the father and son to be released by immigration authorities. The two have since returned to Minneapolis<\/a>.<\/p>\n

A.G. After AISD: Following student walkouts from 14 Austin ISD schools to protest ICE operations last Friday, Jan. 30, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced<\/a> on Feb. 2 that he will be investigating the school district and requesting documents from its administration, accusing the district of facilitating students\u2019 departure from campus. In a letter sent out to AISD families Jan. 30, Superintendent Matias Segura said some administrators and AISD police accompanied the students while protesting to ensure their safety, but that the protest was not \u201csponsored or endorsed by Austin ISD or any of our schools.\u201d Paxton is demanding information regarding policies related to allowing students to leave campus, excused absence policies, security protocols of Austin ISD, and internal communications about the protest. \u201cThese AISD officials are trying to impose their radical political agenda on the next generation,\u201d Paxton alleged.<\/p>\n

Student Protest Leads to Brawl: Students of Moe and Gene Johnson High School in Buda held a walkout protest against ICE on Monday, Feb 2. According to KXAN<\/a>, the demonstration eventually escalated due to an argument between one of the students and an adult male who was driving at the intersection of RM 967 and FM 1626, where the protest was held. A video that was sent to KXAN shows that a brawl emerged \u2013 multiple students involved in a physical altercation with the man. Buda police responded to the incident and have identified both the female student and the adult man. A 45-year-old Kyle man has since been arrested<\/a>, now facing two counts of assault causing bodily injury. Following student-led protests<\/a> that took place across the Austin area in recent days, Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas Education Agency have now gotten involved. \u201cWe are also looking into stripping the funding of schools that abandon their duty to teach our kids the curriculum required by law,\u201d Abbott said in an X post<\/a>. On Tuesday, Feb. 3, the TEA warned<\/a> youth educators that they could possibly be sanctioned by the TEA for assisting students in leaving school for political demonstrations.<\/p>\n

\"\"Taylor Rehmet with Texas AFL-CIO President Leonard Aguilar and Secretary-Treasurer Lorraine Montemayor Credit: The Texas AFL-CIO<\/p>\n

Dem Taylor Rehmet Wins Runoff: Union leader and military veteran Taylor Rehmet has won the runoff election for Texas Senate District 9, defeating Republican Leigh Wambsganss. Rehmet\u2019s victory marks a significant win for Democrats, as the Tarrant County seat has been held by Republicans since 1991<\/a>. \u201cThis is a huge win for Texas workers. Taylor embodies what it means to be a union leader \u2013 working together to address the struggles of real, everyday Texans,\u201d said Leonard Aguilar<\/a>, president of the Texas AFL-CIO.<\/p>\n

Texas A&M Ends Gender Studies Programs: Back in November, Texas A&M University System regents \u2013 appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott \u2013 approved a policy<\/a> that requires campus presidents to approve any coursework that \u201cadvocates\u201d for race and gender ideology, along with any material that relates to gender identity and sexual orientation. Now, the university has announced<\/a> that it is ending programs in women\u2019s and gender studies. Not only that, but the university has modified hundreds of courses to comply with the policy. \u201cThis is absolutely devastating for the faculty and colleagues who have done so much important and groundbreaking research and teaching in this area, and it\u2019s really devastating for the state of Texas,\u201d said Ira Dworkin, an associate professor of English at the university and vice president of the American Association of University Professors at the College Station chapter.<\/p>\n

\"\"Austin City Council Member Paige Ellis Credit: Jana Birchum<\/p>\n

CM Ellis Donations Appear to Exceed City Limits: According to Statesman reporting<\/a>, City Council Member Paige Ellis \u2013 currently seeking a third term to represent District 8 \u2013 has received campaign donations that appear to exceed the approved limit. Current regulations limit candidates to no more than $450 per contributor per election. Ellis\u2019 campaign finance reports from July 2025 and this past January show that at least 10 individuals donated more than the legal limit through single donations of more than $450 or multiple donations that surpassed the mark. The Ellis campaign told the Statesman that the issue was due to spouses who donated jointly as well as individually. It\u2019s not the first time Ellis has been accused of exceeding donation limits<\/a>. After a 2022 investigation by the city\u2019s Ethics Review Commission, Ellis was sanctioned and issued refunds to donors that violated that limit.<\/p>\n

22 AISD Turnaround Plans Approved: On January 29, AISD Superintendent Matias Segura announced<\/a> that the Texas Education Agency has approved 22 of 24 turnaround plans for schools across the district. This comes after the November AISD decision<\/a> to approve the 24 plans that were ordered by the TEA<\/a> in September. Of the 24, the two plans that have not been approved are for Wid\u00e9n and Winn elementaries, with the TEA requesting more information before making a final decision. According to KXAN, the revised plans for the two elementary schools will be resubmitted by AISD by March 24.<\/p>\n

KUT Announces Festival Lineup: KUT is hosting the first KUT Festival on May 1 and 2 at UT-Austin\u2019s campus. The news organization just announced its initial lineup<\/a> for the event, including musicians, politicians, and influential figures. Some of the notable locals include Mayor Kirk Watson, U.S. Rep. Greg Casar, Council members Vanessa Fuentes, Chito Vela, Zo Qadri, and more. There will be local food trucks, vendors, nonprofit organizations, and other activities throughout the two-day event.<\/p>\n

\"\"Gov. Greg Abbott Credit: Jana Birchum<\/p>\n

Abbott\u2019s Homeland Security Plan: Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas Department of Public Safety released a new Texas Homeland Security Strategic Plan<\/a> on Tuesday, Feb. 3, which provides an updated five-year framework for addressing the state\u2019s homeland security priorities and strategy to prevent and respond to \u201cterrorist, criminal, and hostile foreign national attacks and natural and technological disasters.\u201d The plan includes six goals, 31 objectives, and 158 priority actions to address the state\u2019s security challenges, such as illegal border crossings, threats from transnational criminal organizations, street gangs, and more.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Elon Musk\u2019s Involvement With Epstein: As the Department of Justice released on Friday more than 3 million new pages related to Jeffrey Epstein, more individuals\u2019 involvement in activities has come to light \u2013 one of the most recent being Elon Musk. Though Musk has denied allegations<\/a> of having a close relationship with the convicted sex offender, recent documents show<\/a> that Musk and Epstein had plans for two separate trips to Epstein\u2019s infamous private island in 2012 and 2013. According to the Statesman<\/a>, Musk asked Epstein about Christmas parties he had planned, invited and seemingly hosted him at SpaceX, discussed potentially working together, and more. In an X post, Musk said, \u201cNo one pushed harder than me to have the Epstein files released and I\u2019m glad that has finally happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

Austin\u2019s Largest Erosion Project Ever: On Friday, Feb. 6, the city is holding a ribbon-cutting to commemorate the creek stabilization<\/a> of the Roy G. Guerrero Colorado River Metropolitan Park \u2013 the largest erosion project in the city\u2019s history, according to the press release. The improvements made consist of providing stabilization along Country Club Creek to protect nearby homes, bridges, infrastructure, and parkland, along with replacing a pedestrian bridge. The revitalization has been made complete through an $8.45 million FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant.<\/p>\n

2026 Urban Forest Grant Recipients: On Tuesday, Feb. 3, Austin Climate Action and Resilience announced the organizations that will receive funding from the 2026 Urban Forest Grant, a total of $1.3 million. The funding goes to \u201ccommunity projects that protect, expand, and steward Austin\u2019s urban forest,\u201d the press release said. Of the 27 recipients, American YouthWorks and The Trail Conservancy received the most of the funding, each securing $150,000 for the organizations\u2019 projects.<\/p>\n

Austin Trail\u2019s New Developments: Austin Transportation and Public Works has completed developments to two of its trails: the Wishbone Bridge and the Unity Underpass, the city announced<\/a> on Wednesday, Feb. 4. The Wishbone Bridge will serve as a pedestrian and bicycle bridge over Lady Bird Lake, connecting the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail at Mt. Holly Peninsula, Canterbury Park, and Longhorn Shores. The Unity Underpass connects Roy G. Guerrero Trail and Krieg Fields with Longhorn Shores, featuring a 5,000-square-foot mural by artist Reginald C. Adams. A grand opening ceremony will take place on Saturday, Feb. 7, at Wishbone Bridge, with multiple city leaders set to speak.<\/p>\n

Austin Joins Childhood Support Program: On Feb. 3, Austin announced<\/a> that it would be joining 15 other cities as part of the Prenatal-to-Three Impact Lab, an early childhood support program led by the National League of Cities. The initiative works to partner city officials with childhood experts to foster healthy environments, family financial security, and safe housing to protect Austin\u2019s youngest citizens. The lab will help guide the city\u2019s departments, efforts, and plans, as well as build upon existing efforts like the Cities Connecting Children to Nature<\/a> initiative, according to the press release. Mayor Kirk Watson said he is committed to making Austin \u201ca city where every child has the opportunity to thrive.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

CapMetro Tap to Pay: CapMetro buses now accept tap to pay, the organization announced last week<\/a>. The rollout of the payment method \u2013 which began on Feb. 1 \u2013 is set to make transactions more efficient for travelers. Individuals can use contactless debit or credit cards, as well as Apple Pay or Google Pay, with most major companies and banks accepted, except for American Express. CapMetro also says that those who use the same payment method will also benefit from daily fare capping, stating that they will never pay more than $2.50.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Riverside H\u2011E\u2011B Fire: The Riverside H-E-B plans to reopen today after a small fire<\/a> caused minor damages to the interior of the store on Tuesday, Feb. 3. No injuries were reported and the fire was quickly contained, according to Bryan Gonzales of H-E-B\u2019s public relations agency. The Austin Fire Department said the fire broke out around 10:15pm in the toilet paper aisle. The cause of the fire is still unknown and is under investigation by arson specialists. \u201cH-E-B thanks the Austin Fire Department for their quick response,\u201d said Gonzales.\u00a0<\/p>\n

San Marcos Buc-ee\u2019s Developments: The state\u2019s most beloved travel stop and gas station is working on opening another location \u2013 this particular development taking place in San Marcos, off I-35. Once completed, the $47 million, 74,000-square-foot Buc-ee\u2019s will mark the 37th location throughout the state. According to Statesman reporting<\/a>, the gas station is anticipated to create around 175 full-time jobs, with an expected opening date of May 2026. After rumors circulated online that Buc-ee\u2019s CEO Arch \u201cBeaver\u201d Aplin III had donated $1 million to ICE, the company\u2019s general counsel told Chron.com<\/a> this week that \u201cthe claim is entirely unfounded.\u201d<\/p>\n

ICE Body Cams: Following ICE agents\u2019 killing of Alex Pretti<\/a> and Renee Good<\/a> and amidst ongoing conflicts involving immigration enforcement in Minneapolis, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that all ICE agents in Minneapolis will begin wearing body cameras<\/a>. Democrats have threatened to withhold support for Homeland Security funding until Republicans agree to more regulations<\/a> for immigration officers, including body camera requirements. Noem said that mandated body cams will expand nationwide as funding becomes available.<\/p>\n

\"\"Credit: castro.house.gov<\/p>\n

QUOTE OF THE WEEK<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is no easy way out of this, folks. We are going to have to vote our way out of this in November.\u201d<\/p>\n

San Antonio U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro at Saturday\u2019s \u201cStop ICE\u201d rally<\/a><\/p>\n

This article appears in February 6 \u2022 2026<\/a>.<\/p>\n

A note to readers:\u00a0Bold and uncensored,\u00a0The Austin Chronicle\u00a0has been Austin\u2019s independent news source for over 40 years, expressing the community\u2019s political and environmental concerns and supporting its active cultural scene. Now more than ever, we need your support to continue supplying Austin with independent, free press. If real news is important to you, please consider making a donation of $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, to help keep our journalism on stands. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"ICE Protests Continue: As ICE operations continue in Minnesota and around the country, Texas lawmakers organized a \u201cStop…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":151859,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[432,132,134,133,4092,1967,3669,3042],"class_list":{"0":"post-151858","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-austin","8":"tag-aisd","9":"tag-austin","10":"tag-austin-headlines","11":"tag-austin-news","12":"tag-department-of-homeland-security","13":"tag-ken-paxton","14":"tag-paige-ellis","15":"tag-texas-am"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/151858","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=151858"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/151858\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/151859"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=151858"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=151858"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=151858"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}