Austin ISD to extend prekindergarten care at 9 campuses with Travis County funding
Austin ISD will begin offering free after-school child care for eligible prekindergarten students at nine campuses this semester.
The Travis County Commissioners Court approved a $3.7 million, two-year contract to fund the new Apple Blossom Centers at an Aug. 26 meeting.
What parents need to know: The Apple Blossom Centers will provide extended after-school care for around 300 3-year-old prekindergarten students from 3-6 p.m. each school day, according to AISD information.
The centers will have dual-language and English-as-a-second-language classrooms. Classrooms will have a ratio of nine students per teacher with no more than 17 students in a class, according to AISD's website.
The program will be offered at nine elementary schools that have 75% or more economically disadvantaged students or are located in areas lacking adequate availability of child care services, known as child care deserts, according to Travis County information.
Off-leash dog park BARk House Social serves food, drinks in East Austin
BARk House Social, a private off-leash dog park serving food and drinks, opened to pets and their owners in East Austin in August.
The overview: The membership-based business provides access to a 1-acre, turf dog park that is mud free. The business features a splash park for pets, and serves puppy bowls and ice cream, Owner Sandra Vargas said.
Pet owners can enjoy lunch and dinner entrees from three food trucks with indoor and outdoor seating options. A full-service bar offers alcoholic beverages as well as espresso and matcha drinks.
How it works: Pet owners can become a member for $45 a month or purchase a day pass for $15. Memberships are only required for pets while people get in free.
Dogs must be at least four months old, have received all their vaccines and be spayed or neutered. Staff members, known as bark bouncers, clean up after the dogs and ensure they are well-behaved to provide a safe environment, Vargas said.
Austin-area roads set for nearly $4B in state investment
Gov. Greg Abbott announced a new 10-year state transportation plan in August that includes nearly $4 billion in funding for Austin-area roads.
The details: The plan, known as the 2026 Unified Transportation Program, was approved Aug. 21 by the Texas Transportation Commission. Statewide, it outlines $101.6 billion in projects focused on safety, congestion relief and keeping pace with Texas’ fast-growing population and economy. This marks the third consecutive year the program has topped $100 billion.
In the Austin region, funding is slated for major corridors on the Texas 100 Most Congested Roadways list, including I-35, SH 130, SH 71 near the airport, Loop 360, RM 620 and RM 1826. The plan also dedicates millions toward traffic-management technology along I-35 and SH 71.
Abbott said the investments are designed to “build the future of Texas for generations to come.”
CityVet to open new veterinary clinic near Mueller in East Austin
CityVet is expected to open a clinic near the Mueller area in East Austin early next year.
The details: The company provides veterinary and urgent care for pets, including medical, dental and surgical services. Additional offerings include pharmacy, bathing and grooming services, according to CityVet's website.
