ATX-PFH: Impact 9/30/2025

Pflugerville residents will vote for a new mayor in the upcoming November election, with four candidates to choose from.

Dates to know: Early voting begins Oct. 20 and Election Day is Nov. 4. Check out these dates and times for when polling booths are open.

Travis County voting

• Oct. 20-25, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
• Oct. 26, noon-6 p.m.
• Oct. 27-29, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
• Oct. 30-31, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
• Nov. 4, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

• Oct. 20-25, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Oct. 26, noon-6 p.m.
• Oct. 27-31, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
• Nov. 4, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Work to expand a campus dedicated to the education of ninth graders in Hutto ISD and convert it into the district's second comprehensive high school is progressing quickly, district officials said in September.

The big picture: As the district's total enrollment is projected to grow by about 5,000 students, crews are working to convert the Hutto Ninth Grade Center to serve students in grades nine through 12.

During a Sept. 25 board meeting, the district administrators said work on the project was progressing at a rapid pace. The campus is expected to open in August 2027.

The Texas Education Agency will begin transitioning to a new standardized testing system after Gov. Greg Abbott signed a law Sept. 17 to replace the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness with three shorter exams.

The overview: Through the 2026-27 school year, Texas public school students in third through 12th grade will continue taking the STAAR each spring. Beginning in fall 2027, students will take three tests at the beginning, middle and end of the year under House Bill 8, the new law.

Students’ results will be released within 48 hours after each new test is administered. STAAR scores are currently released about six weeks after a test ends, according to the TEA. 

The debate: Bill author Rep. Brad Buckley, R-Salado, said the new system will reduce test-related anxiety; give students and teachers feedback throughout the school year; and increase legislative oversight of Texas’ assessment and accountability systems. Critics of the plan said it would increase the amount of time students spend taking exams and essentially create “another STAAR test” developed by the TEA.

Smokey Mo’s BBQ is marking 25 years of serving authentic Texas barbecue.

The backstory: The restaurant chain was founded in Cedar Park in July 2000 by Morris “Mo” and Lisa Melchor, a married couple who wanted to share their passion for classic Texas barbecue. The popularity of their first store led them to expand, and Smokey Mo’s now has 21 locations throughout Texas. 

What they offer: The restaurant is known for its ribs, brisket, sausages and pork belly burnt ends, in addition to a wide range of sides from mac and cheese to potato salad. All meats are smoked in-house daily, according to the company’s website.