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ACC to host Austin chapter of NASA Space App Challenge, RiverHacks
Austin Community College’s RiverHacks hackathon will coincide with NASA’s third annual International Space App Challenge, where teams can participate in open data challenges and network with space leaders and experts.
The gist: The ACC Center for Government and Civic Services is collaborating with The Space Workforce Incubator for Texas to host the RiverHacks hackathon and the Austin portion of the NASA International Space Apps Challenge, Oct. 4-5 at the Rio Grande campus.
The global event encourages participants to leverage free, open data from NASA and their international space agency partners to create innovative solutions for Earth- and space-related challenges.
Open data may include:
Satellite imagery
Climate and weather records
Planetary data
Astronomical data
Earth observation data
Teams can choose from 18 challenges, created by NASA subject matter experts, to build solutions such as apps, data visualizations or prototypes.
Opportunity Austin partners with Workforce Solutions Capital, Rural Capital Area to support regional industry growth
A new information partnership between Opportunity Austin and both Workforce Solutions Capital and Rural Capital Area will provide data insights into a variety of growing industries in the Austin metro area.
What you need to know: Called the Workforce Industry Insights partnership, the initiative will provide employers with timely workforce data, per a news release shared Sept. 17.
About the program: Using white papers, which are formal data-driven reports, case studies and other opportunities to analyze local data, the partnership will help employers in several industries with insights on hiring trends, workforce needs and strategies, as well as showcasing the connections between community organizations, educational institutions and economic development in fostering regional growth.
Travis County homeowners will see an average $200 increase in property taxes this year after commissioners approved a one-year 9.12% tax hike to fund flood recovery efforts. The increase is allowed without voter approval due to state and federal disaster declarations following July’s severe flooding.
The breakdown: The higher tax rate—roughly 3 cents more per $100 of property value—is expected to raise about $42 million for a special reserve dedicated to flood repairs and road recovery. County officials have already spent over $21 million from emergency funds, covering debris removal, temporary road fixes and personnel costs. An additional $1.8 million is proposed for ongoing projects, including Cow Creek, Sandy Creek Bridge and a community resource liaison role.
The outlook: Commissioners emphasized the need to repair substandard roads, with roughly 100 miles still in need of upgrades, while ensuring transparency in emergency spending. Residents like Robert Ruggiero expressed concern about the impact on those on fixed incomes, worrying the law enabling the tax hike could lead to “government abuse.”
Texas to overhaul STAAR, launch 3 new exams in 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.
FOODIE FRIDAY Check out these new restaurants and bars opening across the Austin area.
Eggman ATX has brought its New York-style breakfast sandwiches to another location in Austin, opening up a second food truck in the Mueller Hangar mobile food vender collective.
Founded by Queens native Richard Tavetian, Eggman brings a familiar favorite breakfast option from the East Coast down south.
The menu features a collection of “egg-slingin’ good” options such as the Bodega Classic with its two fried eggs, smoked center cut bacon, cheese and choice of sauce on a roll.
