SUMMARY: HISD Superintendent Mike Miles announced that 118 of the district’s 274 schools, nearly 43%, are located near potentially hazardous train tracks, underscoring safety risks for students. This revelation follows the tragic death of Milby High School student Sergio Rodriguez, who was struck by a train while crossing near campus. The district identified nine particularly dangerous crossings and is encouraging parents to request hazardous transportation assistance. Plans for a pedestrian bridge near Milby are complicated by intergovernmental coordination and funding, with an estimated cost of $6.5 million. Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick may seek legislative action if Union Pacific does not assist.

HISD Superintendent Mike Miles suggest that Union Pacific aids the district to build a skywalk following the death of a 15-year-old boy who was struck by a train on the way to school.

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SUMMARY: Bush Intercontinental Airport is set to open a new international arrivals pickup area after nearly three years of construction. The temporary curb used since January 2022 caused congestion and crowding for travelers. The new pickup area will improve the passenger experience, with six of eight lanes opening this Saturday, December 14th. Officials expect the change to ease traffic and improve flow during the busy holiday season, with a 6% increase in passengers compared to last year. The project includes final adjustments after a successful test run and is expected to fully open by January.

“It’s going to really have a big impact on the traveling public,” Houston Airport System Director Jim Szczesniak said.

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SUMMARY: KXAN is tracking traffic fatalities in Austin, reporting 88 fatalities as of December 6, 2024, a decline from 94 in 2023 and a record-high 122 in 2022. The data hub provides updated charts and interactive maps detailing crash locations and types. Various incidents are documented month by month, including several pedestrian and vehicle collisions leading to fatalities. The reporting highlights ongoing concerns about road safety as patterns in traffic-related deaths are analyzed and made accessible to the public, encouraging awareness and prevention efforts. The data is part of KXAN’s broader initiative to present critical information through numbers.

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