Robert Sormani, Superintendent

Manor ISD announces 2026 Robotics Challenge at Manor High School Complex in March

Manor Independent School District will host its Robotics Challenge at Manor High School Complex on March 28–29. The event features student teams competing with robots they built themselves. Admission is free and open to all community members.

Ghizlane Badawi, CEO

Austin airport prepares for increased passenger traffic during spring break and festivals

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport expects heavy passenger traffic during Spring Break and festival season starting March 12. Travelers are urged to arrive early due to anticipated crowds, expanded security checkpoints, parking constraints, ongoing construction projects, and upcoming changes affecting airline terminals.

Dr. Robert Sormani Superintendent of Schools

Manor ISD begins development of 2027–2032 strategic plan with community input

Manor Independent School District has begun developing its new five-year strategic plan with input from students, staff, and community members. Superintendent Dr. Robert Sormani said this effort aims to set clear goals for student success amid changing times.

Superintendent Matias Segura

Austin ISD board to consider 2026–27 academic calendars, including pilot Additional Days School Year plan

Austin ISD will consider a new academic calendar that adds instructional days through a pilot program at select schools. The proposal includes extra summer classes and Saturday sessions at no cost to families. A board vote is scheduled for March…

Superintendent Matias Segura

Austin ISD proposes charter partnership for three middle schools to avoid state intervention

Austin ISD has proposed a new charter partnership for Burnet, Dobie, and Webb middle schools aimed at improving student achievement while avoiding state intervention. If approved by trustees later this month, the plan would bring additional funding and maintain current…

Jay Hartzell President

Scientists map deadly hantavirus, bringing treatments one step closer

Researchers at The University of Texas at Austin have mapped a key protein structure in the deadly Andes hantavirus. Their findings mark an important step toward developing vaccines and antibody therapies against these high-risk pathogens.

Angela Means Interim Director

Austin Parks and Recreation reports wildfire mitigation efforts in 2025

The Austin Parks and Recreation Department announced it treated 520 acres for wildfire mitigation in fiscal year 2025. Efforts included ecological restoration across multiple parks under a city-approved management plan.

Superintendent Matias Segura

Austin ISD announces finalists for 2026 Salute Awards across ten staff categories

Austin Independent School District has named finalists across ten categories for its annual Salute Awards. Winners will be revealed at a ceremony on May 6. The awards celebrate exceptional staff contributions throughout Austin ISD’s diverse school communities.

Kirk Watson, Mayor

Austin adopts national Tree Equity Score framework for urban forestry planning

The City of Austin has announced it will replace its Community Tree Priority Map with the Tree Equity Score as the main tool for urban forestry planning.

Jorge L. Morales, Director

East Williamson Creek Greenbelt receives upgrades for recreation access and flood protection

City officials and local residents have marked the completion of new amenities and flood mitigation measures in southeast Austin’s East Williamson Creek Greenbelt.

Ghizlane Badawi, CEO

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport sees modest passenger growth in January

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) reported a 2.77% increase in passenger traffic for January 2026 compared to the same month in 2025, with a total of 1,435,466 passengers.

Colin Wallis, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Austin Parks Foundation

Austin Parks Foundation reports over 4,500 volunteers joined It’s My Park Day Spring 2026

More than 4,500 volunteers joined Austin Parks Foundation’s Spring It’s My Park Day in March. Participants completed over a hundred projects across city parks. Their work contributed significant improvements valued at nearly half a million dollars.

Jeremy Martin, President at Austin Chamber of Commerce

ETERNA Jewels opens new boutique at The Domain in Austin

ETERNA Jewels has opened a new boutique at The Domain in Austin. The store offers fine jewelry crafted with gold and Colombian gemstones alongside custom design services. The opening highlights ongoing efforts by local organizations like the Austin Chamber of…

James E. Davis, President

University of Texas develops robotic hand with sensitive touch for fragile objects

Researchers at The University of Texas at Austin have developed a robotic hand capable of delicately handling fragile items like potato chips without breaking them. The new technology combines tactile sensing with soft robotics for improved performance in tasks requiring…

Kirk Watson, Mayor at City of Austin

Austin sees decline in severe traffic crashes amid ongoing safety initiatives

Austin reported 99 traffic fatalities and 301 serious injuries in 2025, according to preliminary data.

Jonathan Shulkin , co-president and partner at Valor Equity Partners

UT Austin receives naming gift for its Department of Accounting

Jon Shulkin, an alumnus of the University of Texas at Austin and co-president of Valor Equity Partners, has made a significant donation to the McCombs School of Business.

Jorge L. Morales, Director

City warns public about blue-green algae risks in Austin waterways

Residents in Austin are being urged to use caution around local waterways due to the presence of blue-green algae mats, which may be toxic.

Tiffany Harrison, Chief Financial Officer of Austin Regional Clinic

Tiffany Harrison named Chief Financial Officer at Austin Regional Clinic

Tiffany Harrison, CPA, has been appointed as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Austin Regional Clinic (ARC).

Ryan Cengel, Food and Nutrition of Manor Independent School District

Manor ISD’s Ryan Cengel receives national honors for leadership in school nutrition

Manor Independent School District’s Food and Nutrition Director, Ryan Cengel, has received national recognition for his work in school nutrition.

Ghizlane Badawi, CEO

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport wins ACI World’s ASQ award for customer experience

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) has received the 2025 ASQ Customer Experience Award for Best Airports at Departures: 15 to 25 Million Passengers in North America from Airports Council International World (ACI World).

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