ATX-SBK: Impact 10/22/2025

San Marcos residents can provide feedback for the city’s ongoing Police Staffing Study at meetings on Oct. 23 and Oct. 25.

In a nutshell: Officials said the study is to assess the current staffing levels and service delivery of the San Marcos Police Department to determine whether they align with community needs and expectations for public safety services.

The city approved the $116,000 study by Matrix Consulting Group in May.

Why it matters: "This is your opportunity to share what you expect, need and value from local law enforcement," officials said in a statement.

• Oct. 23, 6-7:30 p.m.; Oct. 25, 10-11:30 a.m.
• San Marcos Public Library, 625 E Hopkins St., San Marcos

With early voting underway through Oct. 31 and Election Day on Nov. 4, Hays County Elections Administrator Jennifer Doinoff explained what residents need know before casting their votes, including what’s on the ballot in the cities of San Marcos, Buda and Kyle, what to expect if a runoff election is called, and tips for navigating this year's ballot—which includes races ranging from council seats and city charter amendments to the next Kyle mayor.

The gist: Doinoff said she recommends reviewing what's at stake ahead of time, as San Marcos, Buda and Kyle voters can expect “extremely long” ballots with state propositions, city charter amendments and other local races.

What you need to know: The ballots are lengthier than in previous years, largely due to city charter amendments, including 12 in San Marcos, eight in Buda and 17 in Kyle.

As Thanksgiving approaches, families and running enthusiasts in Austin and the surrounding areas are gearing up for the holiday tradition of turkey trots.

This list highlights eight events, offering a variety of abilities and distances for those still seeking or yet to register for a trot.

San Marcos
Thankful Turkey 5K and Kids Run: Thankful Turkey’s 5k and kid run will hold its 22nd annual trot. All proceeds will go back into the San Marcos community to benefit local and Lions’ charities and youth programs.

• Nov. 22, 8 a.m.
• 325 W. McCarthy Ln., Hays

• Nov. 27, 7 a.m.
• 701 W. Riverside Dr., Austin

• Nov. 27, 8 a.m.
• 18216 Weiss Ln., Pflugerville

Travis County approved a new deal ensuring the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix Oct. 16 which will now continue at Circuit of the Americas through 2034.

The big picture: The adrenaline-fueled event draws more than 430,000 fans annually—nearly 70% from out of state—and generates over $1 billion in economic activity across Travis County each October, according to county documents.

By endorsing the race, the county allows organizers to apply for state funding through the governor’s major events program, which helps cover event costs but does not include any property tax breaks for COTA. Since debuting in Austin in 2012, Formula 1 has generated more than $10 billion regionally.