Community & World
![As the sun continues to bear down relentlessly upon the Texas landscape, many residents find it difficult to venture out of their homes. Paired with scattered rains and record-breaking heat, the state is undergoing extreme cases of humidity and faces the threat of wildfires.](https://westwoodhorizon.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pic.png)
Wildfire Watch: Austin Braces for Extreme Heat and Wildfire Risks
Nghi Le
• July 7, 2024
![In April, Tesla made the “Autopilot” feature free for drivers, allowing for semi-autonomous driving. Controversy arose about the feature after a lawsuit was recently settled regarding a man who was killed by Autopilot.](https://westwoodhorizon.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/IMG_9359-1200x901.jpg)
Tesla Lawsuit Regarding Autopilot Feature Sparks Controversy
Jacob Chow, Heritage Staff
• May 25, 2024
![Faith Dietz 24 pulls a lane rope across the El Salido Pool in preparation for the pools patrons. The lifeguards do many such tasks as a part of their daily duties.](https://westwoodhorizon.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/IMG_8390-e1715108120931.jpg)
“The Best Job You Can Have as a High-Schooler”: Students Lifeguard at El Salido Pool
Mallory Milner, Reporter
• May 7, 2024
![During her presentation of Germany, Lena Boas 25 demonstrates how to roll pretzels. In addition to pretzels, Boas showed other German cultural items, including lederhosen, a dirndl, and school cone.](https://westwoodhorizon.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/German-pretzels-1.jpg)
Lena Boas ’25 Brings Geography and World Cultures to Local Classrooms
Prima Changwatchai, Assistant Editor
• April 27, 2024
![A topic of immense interest and controversy, the banning of diversity, equity, and inclusivity (DEI) programs has attracted much attention, especially at the University of Texas at Austin. Numerous students have argued that DEI programs not only foster diversity, but also promote a creative learning environment.](https://westwoodhorizon.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_6597-e1713382313829-1200x1016.jpg)
Controversy Continues: Texas DEI Bans
Ellen Chuo, Photo Editor
• April 17, 2024
![Texas House Bill 598 was passed on May 24, 2023 and prevents convicted animal abusers from owning an animal for five years. The bill currently acts as a precedent, opening up future implications for further legal action against animal abusers.](https://westwoodhorizon.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/hb-598.png)
Texas House Bill 598 Sentences Abusive Pet Owners to Five-Year Ban
Valerie Zhang, Reporter
• April 11, 2024
![After doing her work, Payton Vopat 26 uses her phone. While educators often believe phones have a strictly negative effect on students, many students see it as a way to spend their free time.](https://westwoodhorizon.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_5384-1200x900.jpg)
Phone Bans Elicit Divisive Reaction
Gabriel Oliveira, Reporter
• April 8, 2024
![In preparation for the upcoming total solar eclipse, Austin resident Erik Schlanger practices using solar eclipse glasses. Those planning to observe the total eclipse have been encouraged to use these special shaded lenses to protect their eyesight from the suns harsh rays.](https://westwoodhorizon.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/PXL_20240328_215941823.MP_-e1711773791740-1173x1200.jpg)
Texas Prepares for Total Eclipse
Lilah Schlanger, Reporter
• March 29, 2024
![Senate Bill 4 is a new Texas law that criminalizes illegal immigration and expands state law enforcement officials abilities to detain suspected migrants. The law has sparked protests from Mexican-Americans and immigration rights activists.](https://westwoodhorizon.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Screenshot-2024-03-28-2.21.03-PM.png)
Texas SB 4 Immigration Law Sparks Protest
Valeria Tijerina, Reporter
• March 28, 2024
![On Tuesday, March 5, otherwise known as Super Tuesday, voters cast their votes at polling stations such as the Austin Public Library. As a result of the 2024 presidential primaries, Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden are the official party nominees, but many young people dont feel like either candidate represents them. Its just [between the] lesser of two evils, Lexy Hall 24 said. We really just havent had a good president in a while. We havent had someone who has been making good change because our country has become so extremist.](https://westwoodhorizon.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IMG_1270-1200x900.jpg)
The Lesser of Two Evils
Hannah McDonough, Horizon Assistant Editor
• March 14, 2024
![McNeil has already begun to display their new IB accreditation by modifying their website and description to include the words “IB World School”. This accreditation is taking the next step in providing a better academic environment for McNeil students, but has left some Westwood IB transfers feeling conflicted.](https://westwoodhorizon.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Copy-of-Pink-White-Watercolor-Colorful-Landscape-Label.png)
McNeil’s New IB Program Conflicts Westwood Transfers
Aarya Kale, News Editor
• March 9, 2024
![A Westwood graduate and parent, Council Member Mackenzie Kelly completes most of her work from her office on Anderson Mill Road. She is currently hosting an art contest in order to showcase the talent of Austin area students.](https://westwoodhorizon.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/CM-KELLY-OFFICE-FILE-IMAGE-1200x900.png)
Austin Council Member Mackenzie Kelly Holds “I Love District 6” Art Contest
Scott Seamon, Managing Editor
• February 27, 2024
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