Voters in Austin ISD District 1 will choose their school board trustee on Nov. 3, with early voting running Oct. 19-30. Community Impact asked candidates to share their motivations, priorities, and vision for the district.

Read the full Q&A for details on each candidate's platform ahead of the general election.

Southwest Austin families have another option for martial arts studios with the opening of Life Ki-do Martial Arts and Personal Development. The team invites the community to the grand opening from Sep. 8 to 14 and to attend a free trial class.

What they offer: The studio provides martial arts classes for kids and teens ages 3 to 17.

Additional offerings include:

• Karate camps
• Personal development sessions
• Birthday parties

Meet the owner: Local Jonathan Hewitt opened the original location in 1993. 

• 11720 RM 1826, Austin

Sixty people who have experienced chronic homelessness in Travis County will have a permanent home at Seabrook Square II, a supportive housing community in East Austin from county mental health authority Integral Care.

Fourteen residents moved in the first week, with more arriving in waves of about 15, said Kristi Kaiser, Integral Care's practice administrator for housing and healthcare in its homeless initiatives.

How it works: Referrals come through the county's Coordinated Entry system, and a full-time on-site team provides voluntary services. Treatment or sobriety is not required to qualify or stay housed.

By the numbers: Austin-Travis County officials counted 3,238 people experiencing homelessness in its January 2025 Point-in-Time count, a 36% jump from 2023.

What's next: The community holds a welcome gathering Aug. 28, followed by a Sept. 18 mural unveiling honoring the building's namesake, Dr. J.J. Seabrook.

Additions and renovations to Deerpark Middle School in Round Rock ISD, a refresh of the Yeti headquarters building and a new donut shop in Austin are among the five most expensive projects filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation in the metro this week.

1. Aalo Advanced Manufacturing ($25 million): This project involves the renovation of an existing 204,350 square-foot one-story warehouse building to provide lab, machine shop and production floor space for Aalo Atomics Advanced Manufacturing.

2. Deerpark Middle School additions and renovations ($20 million): Renovations will be taking place at Deerpark Middle School, including a fine arts and classroom addition at the main building.

3. Yeti HQ refresh ($2.1 million): The Yeti headquarters building in Austin will undergo a renovation. 

4. UT Austin President's Office renovation ($1 million): This project involves the renovation of the main suite to serve as the temporary President’s Office during the main building restoration.

5. Smiling Donuts ($120,000): A new Smiling Donuts location is coming to Austin.