German Casino could be rebuilt near Bastrop Convention and Exhibit Center
Bastrop is planning to rebuild the historic German Casino on the Convention and Exhibit Center grounds, according to city officials.
The details: The one-story building—which the German-American Social Club constructed in the 1860s on Farm Street as a casino hall—collapsed in November 2023 and was secured with tape and barricades to prevent public entry until it was fully demolished with oversight of the Historic Landmark Commission.
“The German Casino, right now, sits as a pile of bricks at the Public Works office,” City Manager Sylvia Carrillo-Trevino said in early September. “The plan is to create a gathering space as it was before—a place where bridal showers, baby showers and community gatherings can happen.”
Robert Eads will serve as the interim city manager of Elgin.
Elgin City Council approved the hire during a Sept. 16 meeting.
The details: Eads—who is a credentialed city manager by the International City Managers Association and a member of the Texas City Management Association—most recently served as the chief executive officer for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Laredo.
He also has more than 20 years of experience in local government, including a two-year stint as the city manager of Laredo.
“Mr. Eads brings a wealth of experience to this position and understands the unique financial and development challenges of cities like Elgin,” Elgin Mayor Theresa McShan said in a Sept. 18 statement. “His background in finance will be especially helpful for our city right now, and I know he will do a great job as we search for a permanent City Manager. I am excited to welcome Mr. Eads to our community and appreciate his willingness to serve.”
Oscar-winning composer Justin Hurwitz brings La La Land to life in Austin
Mark your calendars—theater lovers and romantics alike can look forward to a special screening and live performance of the 2016 Academy Award-winning film La La Land, starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone.
The details: The movie follows the story of a promising pianist and aspiring actress who cross paths and fall in love.
The performance will bring the film’s soundtrack to life with a full orchestra and jazz band, conducted by Oscar-winning composer Justin Hurwitz. Audiences can experience the movie on the big screen while hearing its iconic musical moments—including dynamic piano solos—performed live.
Hurwitz, both composer and screenwriter, is recognized for his longtime collaboration with director Damien Chazelle. He has composed the scores for many of Chazelle’s films, including Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench, Whiplash, La La Land, First Man and Babylon.
Tickets are currently on sale for a Valentine’s Day showing, Feb. 14, 2026, starting at 7:30 p.m. at the Bass Concert Hall.
Eligible K-12 students receive free school meals after legislature approves funding
This school year, students who are eligible for reduced-price meals can receive free breakfast and lunch at public schools across Texas.
The overview: During the recent legislative session, state lawmakers approved $19.8 million to cover the cost of reduced-price meals for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years.
What parents should know: Eligibility for free school meals is determined based on a family’s income through the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program.
Families can contact their school district to fill out an application for free or reduced-price meals at any time during the school year. Students who are deemed eligible for reduced-price meals will receive them at no cost through the 2026-27 school year.
What they're saying: “Kids who would have paid a small fee for meals will now receive them at no cost,” said Stacie Sanchez Hare, director of No Kid Hungry Texas. “[School] is where we know so many kids get their meals—it is a guaranteed place for kids to have access to free and nutritional meals.”
