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Election 2024: Strong turnout in Texas for early voting

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Election 2024: Strong turnout in Texas for early voting


Strong early voting turnout continued on Wednesday, as more Central Texans opted to head to the polls ahead of Election Day. 

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“It does look like this is going to be a relatively high turnout election in Texas,” said Joshua Blank with the Texas Politics Project at UT Austin. 

“Higher turnout is good because it means people are supporting the system,” said Dr. Brian Smith, a political science professor at St. Edward’s University. 

In Travis, Williamson and Hays Counties, significantly more people turned out in the first week of early voting this year, compared to 2020. Although COVID and population growth affect that comparison, there’s no doubt this year’s numbers are high. 

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“This has been such a nasty, divisive election at the presidential level that people have made up their mind, and they want to cast their votes sooner rather than later,” said Smith. 

In Texas, some experts say that could spell an advantage for Republicans. 

“So far, the data from early voting indicates that significantly more voters with a Republican primary voting history have voted than voters with a Democratic primary voting history. And that gap is unlikely to be erased,” said Blank. 

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Part of that equation could be people turning out who haven’t voted in a while. 

“There’s been a lot of discussion lately about Trump’s ability to turn out low-propensity voters, people who are unlikely to vote, and his appeal among these voters,” said Blank. 

MORE ELECTION 2024 COVERAGE

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Other factors could help Democrats, though. Looking at Travis County, more young people and first-time voters are making their voices heard this year, with 18- to 25-year-olds showing the largest increase in registration. 

“When we look at first time voters, this often helps the Democrats. They tend to do better with younger voters or voters who are new to the system,” said Smith. 

In its latest poll, the Texas Politics Project delved into what issues are motivating Texans to show up. 

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“Voters told us that the economy and prices were driving them to the polls. This is an issue that most voters feel on a daily basis,” said Blank. “Abortion remains a concern, but more so for Democratic voters.”

That same poll showed former President Donald Trump leading Vice President Kamala Harris by five points in the presidential race in Texas. In the race for U.S. Senate, it showed Sen. Ted Cruz, leading Democratic challenger Rep. Colin Allred by seven points. 

“There’s no indication in our polling or any of the other polling at this point, along with what we’ve seen in early voting turnout to date indicate a Democratic surprise here in Texas,” said Blank. 

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Eight early voting locations in Travis County will have extended hours Thursday and Friday. They’ll be open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. for the last two days of early voting. Those locations are:

Austin Permitting and Development Center 

  • Ben Hur Shrine 
  • Carver Branch Library
  • Lakeway Activity Center
  • Pflugerville Rock Gym
  • Southpark Meadows 
  • Travis County Clerk
  • UT Union 



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Austin, TX

7 of The Best Travel Experiences in Texas

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7 of The Best Travel Experiences in Texas


Texas is home to some of the USA’s most treasured attractions and natural wonders. But you don’t have to follow what every other tourist is doing to truly experience the magic on offer. Below, we share some of Texas’ most exclusive travel activities to elevate your adventure.

7. Wake Up in Luxury at ARRIVE East Austin 

You need a great night’s sleep with all these adventures, right? We recommend choosing ARRIVE East Austin as your base for the most luxurious stay. 

Located in one of Austin’s trendiest areas, you’re just a few steps from the most buzzing bars and talked-about eateries. Moreover, the hotel offers a boho style that’s both modern and effortlessly timeless. Enjoy complimentary beer or wine on check-in and take your pick from any of the 83 luxuriously appointed guest rooms. 

6. Space Center Houston NASA VIP Tours

Imagine if you could witness fragments of a 4.5 billion-year-old asteroid or meet a real-life astronaut without the hassle of jostling with hundreds of tourists. Well, you can. With Space Center Houston NASA’s VIP tours, you can enjoy all the exhibits and behind-the-scenes access to astronaut training facilities in groups of no more than ten people. 

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In the morning tour, you’ll tour the Crew Systems Laboratory, Shuttle Avionics Integration Laboratory, Apollo Mission Control Center, and the all-important ISS Mission Control. If you find yourself on the afternoon tour, you’ll head to the Jake Garn Simulation and Training Facility, Astronaut Training Facility, and the Neutral Buoyancy Lab. These locations showcase the high-tech ways astronauts prepare for their physically demanding missions into outer space. 

NASA VIP Tours take place on weekdays. Guests must be 14 years old or older to participate. Tickets start at $199.95 per person per tour. 

5. See Texas From Above With a Private Hot Air Balloon Adventure

Between San Antonio and Austin, in the heart of Hill Country, Air Carriage Over Texas has been delighting passengers for over a decade. For the ultimate luxury travel experience in Texas, level up your Hot Air Balloon experience by booking an exclusive private ride. 

Arrive just before sunrise in the beautiful city of San Marcos, load into a chase vehicle, and travel to one of a few different launch sites, depending on ideal wind conditions.

As the sun rises over the Texas Hill Country, cruise over the river and marvel at the breathtaking views guided by wherever the wind takes you. You’ve got the whole balloon to yourself, so think of it as a private tour of the Lone Star State with your expert guide. 

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Tickets start at $2,500 per party. You can look forward to a 45-minute scenic sunrise flight with a complimentary champagne toast, a private and personalized tour, and a free ride back to your vehicle. 

4. Hire a Limousine to Travel Texas in Style 

If you’re celebrating a special occasion or want to get around the state in style, look no further than Texas Coast Limo. With a fleet that includes a Large Party Bus, Stretch Hummer Limo, and the more understated Black Lincoln Stretch Limo, ensure you’re the envy of all passersby as you toast another day of exclusive exploration wherever you are in Texas. 

3. Charter a Private Jet For a Day of Texas Sightseeing

At almost 700,000 square kilometers, Texas can be an overwhelmingly large place to get around. Driving from San Antonio to Dallas can take over four hours, but with premium air charter services, you could complete it in a little over an hour. 

Instead of spreading out your Texas trip over four or five days and spending much of that time driving, you can hire a private jet and enjoy the same excitement in one or two. Spend the morning at Space Center Houston NASA before jetting to Austin for lunch and walking around McKinney Falls State Park. Hop back in your private jet to witness sunset at The Alamo before wrapping up your day in Houston with a ballgame at Minute Maid Park.

Traveling by private jet maximizes comfort and security, with your dedicated team caring for all your needs. Last-minute change of plans? No problem. With a premium air charter service, you set the schedule.

2. Watch the Houston Astros in the Phillips66 Diamond Club

Baseball is one of the great all-American pastimes, and the Houston Astros are undoubtedly the best team in Texas. Seeing the Astros is almost a rite of passage, so this one should be at the top of your Texas bucket list. 

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The Phillips66 Diamond Club offers the finest personal entertainment with a “front row seat” that puts them closer to the batter than even the pitcher or the 30-foot projection screen in the dining room. Enjoy a pre-game dining experience with menus inspired by Houston celebrity chef Dominic Soucie and a guaranteed seat on one of the first nine rows behind the home plate. 

Getting seats here isn’t easy, with tickets in the Diamond Club often going for between $500-$1,000 per game, but if you’re looking for exclusive Texas experiences, they don’t get much more exclusive than this. 

1. Embark on a San Antonio Day Trip With Alamo and Boat Cruise

Few things are more exclusive than sipping champagne on a river cruise in the Texan sunshine, so why not enjoy a full-day trip that includes a 15-mile boat cruise along the San Antonio River? This 7-hour tour from Austin consists of a visit to the Alamo, Riverwalk, and the Tower of Americas observation. Learn about the region’s complex and colorful history from experienced tour guides with encyclopedic knowledge of one of the nation’s largest states. 

After the drive from Austin to San Antonio, with pitstops at all the famous landmarks along the way, you’ll meander down the winding river, passing the first neighborhood, La Villita, the Old Mill Crossing, and Selena’s Bridge. 

Tickets start at $254 per person for this full-day experience. 

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Exclusivity Awaits 

With so much to do and so little time, treat yourself to any of the above luxury experiences to save time, gain insight, and, most importantly, travel in style. 

Looking for more of the best travel experiences? Check these out!

Featured photo via Torsten Asmus on iStock





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Austin, TX

A community college could transform the Lockhart area. Will voters approve it?

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A community college could transform the Lockhart area. Will voters approve it?



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Representatives from Austin Community College speak with community members during an event on Wednesday, Oct 2, 2024 in Lockhart, TX. A program would allow Lockhart High School students to take college level courses while still in High School or take classes to learn trades and graduate with an associate degree.

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A billboard for Austin Community College in Spanish is on display on a highway that leads to Lockhart on Saturday Sept. 14, 2024. A program would allow Lockhart High School students to take college level courses while still in High School or take classes to learn trades and graduate with an associate degree.

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A pamphlet for Austin Community College during an event on Wednesday, Oct 2, 2024 in Lockhart, TX. A program would allow Lockhart High School students to take college level courses while still in High School or take classes to learn trades and graduate with an associate degree.

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Representatives from Austin Community College speak with community members during an event on Wednesday, Oct 2, 2024 in Lockhart, TX. A program would allow Lockhart High School students to take college level courses while still in High School or take classes to learn trades and graduate with an associate degree.

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Austin, TX

Behind the Takeoff with Lyn Estabrook

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Behind the Takeoff with Lyn Estabrook


After earning her degree in architecture, Lyn Estabrook began her professional journey at an architecture firm in Austin, where she played a role in designing government buildings, including the original airport concessions. Over the next decade, she honed her skills at various architecture firms before making a significant shift to the public sector.

In 2008, Lyn joined the City of Austin’s Building Services as a project manager. Her career continued to evolve as she transitioned to the Parks Department, managing capital improvement projects. Her commitment and hard work caught the attention of others, leading to a special assignment in the Office of Sustainability. “When you work hard and do good work, people notice,” Lyn says, emphasizing the importance of dedication in her field.

Most recently, she was promoted to Deputy Chief of Planning and Development in the Department of Aviation, showcasing her ambition and leadership. Lyn is not only passionate about architecture but also about helping her team grow. She finds joy in those “light bulb” moments when a team member discovers a new idea or solution. “I love being able to see a problem and help solve it,” she explains.

At first glance, airports may seem like public utilities, but many are structured to be financially self-sustaining. “We are a city-owned airport, but we make all of the money that we need on campus,” Lyn explains. This means that, unlike other city services, the airport doesn’t receive taxpayer funding. Instead, they rely on the revenue generated from the businesses operating within the airport—chief among them, the airlines.

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Lyn’s role in airport planning is all about looking ahead—not just a year or two, but decades into the future. With passenger numbers and flight traffic growing rapidly, Lyn and her team must think in long-term horizons to ensure the airport can meet future demand. “The planning team does a lot of future thinking,” she explains. “They have to look at trends, they have to look at what other airports are doing, and they have to look historically backward to understand where we’ve been.”

One of the biggest adjustments Lyn has had to navigate is the growth in both the size of the planes and the number of flights. The terminal, originally designed for smaller planes, now hosts much larger aircraft flying at full capacity. “The original design was for planes that had 135 people on them, with only 60% of the seats filled,” Lyn says. “But now we’re pushing larger planes, and they’re coming in with 190 people and load factors as high as 100%.”

For Lyn, building an airport is not just about concrete, gates, and terminals. It’s about turning a long-term vision into a reality that will serve millions of passengers for generations to come. As someone who oversees the planning and development of a major airport, Lyn’s work revolves around balancing intricate details with the big picture. At the heart of it all is the master plan, a document that guides the airport’s future expansion.

“All airports have to do what’s called a master plan. It’s an FAA-required master plan,” Lyn explains. But unlike neighborhood planning, an airport master plan is a highly technical document that sets the framework for everything from taxiways to terminals. “It’s more like a use plan,” she adds. “It lays out a concept for what we could do, not exactly how we’ll do it.”

The master plan is a starting point—a vision for what the airport could become. However, translating that vision into a functional airport involves a complex evolution of design, engineering, and construction. “What we’re building today is an evolution from that,” Lyn says. Her team moves from the high-level concept of the master plan to detailed construction layouts that take into account building codes, geotechnical reports, and the latest FAA guidelines. “The reality takes the technical requirements and moves them into a design and engineering framework so you can exactly know where the building is going.”

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Lyn’s work doesn’t stop at just envisioning the future; she leads her team through every phase of the project, from planning and design to the actual build. “You go through what we call 30, 60, 90,” she explains. At each design milestone—30%, 60%, 90%—the team reassesses the plans, refining them until they’re ready to be built. “At each stage, you review it and get closer to the final result.”

One of Lyn’s key strategies for keeping projects on track and on budget is alternative delivery, which brings contractors into the process early to collaborate with designers. “The contractor is on-site within 45 days of the designer,” she says. “They collaborate on how to build it, faster and more efficiently.” This method not only speeds up the process, but also ensures that quality and practicality are at the forefront.

Lyn’s career in airport planning and development has been a journey of balancing vision with practical execution, and nowhere is this balance more evident than in the intricate world of procurement. At the helm of projects that shape the future of the airport, Lyn plays a crucial role in ensuring that the right teams are selected to bring these massive undertakings to life.

For Lyn, procurement isn’t just about signing contracts; it’s a complex process that can take anywhere from six to nine months. “Procurement is the process of finding and selecting someone to do something,” she explains. “In our case, it’s a design team, a construction team, or both.”

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What makes airport procurement unique is the collaboration with the city’s purchasing office. This department sets the standards and provides templates, ensuring that everything follows specific regulations. “You’ve got to say what you want, what kind of skills you want, and how you’re going to score it,” Lyn says. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that only the most qualified teams are considered.

Lyn likens the process to a job interview. The teams vying for a project submit extensive documents, sometimes over 100 pages long, detailing everything from organization charts to their approach to working with partners. Once these submissions are reviewed by a panel, which Lyn makes sure is diverse in expertise, background, and experience, the best teams are selected. “It’s a different panel every time,” she notes. “The project manager will be there through the process, but they don’t always score.”

Ultimately, once a team is chosen, it still takes months of negotiation before the final agreements are signed and work can begin. For Lyn, every decision, from selecting the design team to approving construction methods, is part of her long-term vision for the airport. Her leadership ensures that each project is not only well-executed but also reflects the future of the airport she’s helping to build.

“Airports are fun because they’re dynamic. If you’re okay with things changing and evolving, it’s fun because you never know in the day-to-day what you’re going to be doing,” Lyn says with enthusiasm. That energy and curiosity are what have kept her engaged throughout her career. Lyn loves how the aviation industry is its own little world, with its own set of challenges and innovations. “We’re like a little city,” she explains, “and we’re very self-sustaining.”

Today, she leads with the same vigor she had when she first started. Her message to new employees is simple: “You can do anything here. If you decide, ‘I’m tired of being an admin, I want to go be a finance person,’ go for it!” For Lyn, the aviation industry isn’t just a job—it’s a career full of opportunities to grow, evolve, and thrive.

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