Austin, TX

Explaining SB2, the proposal for Texas Education Savings Accounts

Published

10 months ago

February 13, 2025

Explaining SB2, the proposal for Texas Education Savings Accounts

LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Education savings accounts are a top priority for Governor Abbott and the Texas Legislature this session.

Born from the concept of “school choice,” lawmakers are hoping to give Texas families the opportunity to remove their children from public school and send them to private school.

“The issue I hear mostly from parents is that they are angry at a ‘woke’ agenda being pushed on their [public school] kids,” Governor Abbott said during a rally at a private school last week.

The concept of “school choice” isn’t new. America First Policy Institute reports at least 32 states across the country have some form of voucher system. Those include vouchers, tax-credit scholarship programs, and education savings accounts.

Vouchers are simply taxpayer dollars made available for families to use for private school tuition. Tax-credit scholarship programs involve businesses or individuals donating to a scholarship fund in exchange for tax credits.

Education savings accounts, which Texas lawmakers hope to implement, are state-supported bank accounts that parents can access for things like private school tuition and transportation.

SB2 requires the Texas Comptroller’s Office to set those accounts up and comb through applications. It also proposes accountability measures. The bill requires the Comptroller’s Office to contract with a company that will regularly audit the accounts.

Senate Bill 2 proposes $10,000 be made available per student, per year. That number increases to $11,500 for students with disabilities and could also provide $2,000 for homeschool students.

Any child already enrolled in public school, from pre-K to high school seniors, is eligible for a savings account. Any child already enrolled in private school can also apply.

It is important to keep in mind; however, that private schools are not required to accept a student, even if they can pay tuition. That’s one of the major concerns for lawmakers and parents who are against SB2.

“You’re telling us this bill would allow hard-working Texans’ taxpaying dollars the ability to be presented to a private institution that could deny that student?” State Senator Jose Menendez, of San Antonio, asked of the bill’s author. “The Texas constitution requires equal educational opportunities. It has a mandate for us to do that. How do you reconcile the two?”

Both chambers of the legislature agreed to initially set aside $1 billion for this program. There are more than 5.5 million students enrolled in public schools across Texas, according to the Texas Education Agency. That means the state’s education savings accounts will only allow 0.018% of the student population to switch to private school.

That percentage also has lawmakers concerned, and questioning who would receive the funds at the end of the day.

“In terms of our public school system, it’s predominately minority, is it not? And private schools are predominately white? So, we are about to fund a component of the state’s education system that is currently, let’s say, 75 percent white,” State Senator Royce West, of Dallas, asked on the Senate floor.

If demand surpasses state funding, only children with disabilities or those who fall 500% under the federal poverty line will be considered for the accounts. In 2024, the federal poverty line for a family of four was $31,200. Five times that amount would be $156,000 a year.

The state conducted a fiscal analysis of SB2 last month. That report estimates Texas will need to set aside $4 billion for the savings accounts by 2030. Public schools rely on attendance for state funding, and the report estimates 98,000 students will leave public schools for private schools by that same year.

It’s not yet clear when the House will take SB2 up. Committees were just created on Thursday. That means the bill will now have to pass through the House’s Public Education Committee before it can be brought to the floor for a vote.

Source link

Austin, TX

Pho Austin: Best Pho Restaurants In Austin (2025)

Published

6 hours ago

November 30, 2025

Press Room

Pho Austin: Best Pho Restaurants In Austin (2025)

Last Updated On – 30th November, 2025

Jump To: Affordable | Traditional | Modern & Trendy

Pho Austin lovers know that the city’s Vietnamese food scene continues to grow fast — and pho is one of the biggest standouts. Whether you’re craving a deep, traditional broth or a modern, creative take on the classic soup, Austin has something for every pho fan.

Below are the 10 best pho restaurants in Austin for 2025, organized into helpful categories so you can instantly find the perfect bowl.

Warm up with a bowl of pho, then keep the day going with something fun. Check out the latest Things To Do in Austin This Weekend to find concerts, pop-ups, and seasonal happenings around the city.

Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out.

Also, check out our articles on Chinese Food Austin, Vietnamese Food in Austin, and Best Sushi Restaurants Austin.

Affordable Pho Austin

The One Pho

Image credit: The One Pho

The One Pho is a favorite Vietnamese spot in Austin, known for its extensive menu that includes classic noodle soups and innovative Asian fusion dishes. Locals often praise their signature Wagyu Beef Hot Stone Pho, where the broth is poured tableside over fresh ingredients in a piping hot stone bowl.

Where: 10721 Research Blvd b110, Austin, TX 78759
Operating Hours: Thursday CLOSED | Friday – Wednesday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm

Pho Van

Pho Van is a highly-rated, no-frills Vietnamese restaurant in Austin, known for serving authentic dishes like flavorful pho, fresh spring rolls, and banh mi. Many regulars consider their broken rice plates, such as the grilled chicken or pork, to be an excellent alternative to the namesake soup.

Where: 8557 Research Blvd #120, Austin, TX 78758
Operating Hours: Daily 10:30 am – 9:00 pm

Tan My Restaurant

Tan My Restaurant is widely celebrated as one of Austin’s best for authentic Vietnamese cuisine, famous for its rich, aromatic broth that elevates their signature noodle soups. For an especially satisfying meal, be sure to try the Pho Dac Biet, a combination pho that features a generous variety of meats.

Where: 1601 Ohlen Rd # E, Austin, TX 78758
Operating Hours: Sunday CLOSED | Monday – Saturday 10:00 am – 8:30 pm

888 Pan Asian Restaurant

Image credit: 888 Pan Asian Restaurant

888 Pan Asian Restaurant is a popular pho Austin spot known for its vast menu of well-priced, generously portioned Vietnamese, Thai, and Chinese dishes. Patrons especially praise the flavorful pho broth, and the crispy spring rolls are a highly recommended appetizer to start your meal.

Where: 2400 E Oltorf St #1A, Austin, TX 78741
Operating Hours: Sunday 12:00 pm – 9:45 pm | Monday – Saturday 12:00 pm – 10:45 pm

Once you’ve finished your pho adventure, explore what else Austin has brewing. Browse our guide to Things To Do in Austin This Weekend for festivals, outdoor fun, and can’t-miss local events.

Best Traditional Pho in Austin

Pho Saigon Noodle House

A long-loved staple of South Austin, Pho Saigon delivers a deep, rich broth and the classic herb-forward flavor that makes traditional pho irresistible. Its consistency and generous portions make it one of the city’s most reliable pho spots.

Where: 10901 N Lamar Blvd A108, Austin, TX 78753
Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday 10:00 am – 8:00 pm | Friday – Saturday 10:00 am – 8:30 pm

Pho Dan

North Austin residents swear by Pho Dan. The broth here is clean and comforting, and the bowls come packed with noodles and meats. It’s a great everyday pho spot, especially for those who love straightforward, authentic flavors.

Where: 11220 N Lamar Blvd B-200, Austin, TX 78753
Operating Hours: Daily 9:00 am – 9:00 pm

Pho Phong Luu

Image credit: Phở Phong Lưu

Known for bold, aromatic broth and generous toppings, Pho Phong Luu offers classic Vietnamese flavors done right. It’s a go-to for long-time Austin residents seeking a consistently satisfying bowl.

Where: 11800 Dessau Rd Suite 302, Austin, TX 78754
Operating Hours: Wednesday – Thursday CLOSED | Friday 10:00 am – 2:30 pm & 4:30 pm – 8:00 pm | Saturday – Sunday 10:00 am – 2:30 pm | Monday – Tuesday 10:00 am – 2:30 pm & 4:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Best Modern & Trendy Pho Spots in Austin

Sip Pho

Image credit: Sip Pho

Sip Pho brings a modern, fresh aesthetic to the pho Austin scene. Expect beautifully plated bowls with a focus on clean flavors, perfect for diners who appreciate high-quality ingredients in a contemporary setting.

Where: 512 W 29th St, Austin, TX 78705
Operating Hours: Daily 11:00 am – 9:00 pm

Pho Please

Pho Please is one of the most popular modern Vietnamese spots in Austin. It has a bright, trendy atmosphere, fast service, and a broth that’s light yet incredibly flavorful. A reliable pick for young professionals and students.

Where: 1920 E Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78741
Operating Hours: Daily 11:00 am – 9:00 pm

1618 Asian Fusion

While 1618 Asian Fusion isn’t strictly a pho restaurant, its version of the dish has earned a dedicated following. The flavors are balanced and the portions generous, making it ideal for mixed groups craving different Asian dishes.

Where: 1618 E Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78741
Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday 10:00 am – 9:30 pm | Friday – Saturday 10:00 am – 10:30 pm

Craving more ways to enjoy the city after your pho stop? Dive into our updated roundup of Things To Do in Austin This Weekend and discover what’s happening across Austin right now.

Lacey is a freelancer and Austin local who’s always on the hunt for new restaurants to try, fun activities to do, and local events to attend. She loves sharing her discoveries with others through her writing and hopes her work encourages both visitors and locals to be active in the community. When she’s not writing, you can find her exploring one of the city’s many hiking trails with her Blue Heeler, Oreo, getting lost in a good book, or dancing the night away to some house or techno beats at one of her favorite rave spots.

Austin, TX

Austin police investigate early morning shooting outside club; victim stable

Published

24 hours ago

November 29, 2025

Press Room

Austin police investigate early morning shooting outside club; victim stable

AUSTIN, Texas — Austin police are investigating a shooting that happened early Friday morning after an altercation in front of a north Austin night club.

Police say that the shooting happened just after 1 a.m. Friday morning in the parking lot at the Rodeo Night Club at 9515 N. Lamar Blvd.

APD says that a man in his 20s was taken to the hospital with gunshot wounds.

ALSO | Lawyer: 19-year-old student detained, deported before flight to Austin for Thanksgiving

The injuries were first reported as critical, but the victim was later determined to be in stable condition, according to police.

Two suspects were detained at the scene, police say, and the incident is being investigated as an aggravated assault.

Source link

Austin, TX

Texas vs. Texas A&M rivalry reignites excitement among fans tailgating for game

Published

2 days ago

November 28, 2025

Press Room

Texas vs. Texas A&M rivalry reignites excitement among fans tailgating for game

AUSTIN, Texas — The excitement around the Texas vs. Texas A&M game returned to the 40 acres this weekend. After students camped outside the stadium to secure prime seats, the tailgate lots were full up with Longhorns and Aggies fans alike.

“Go Horns!” exclaimed Darrick Price from UT Tailgaters, celebrating the reunion with “little brother.” Laura McWha, a Texas A&M fan, added, “WHOOP!!” as Aggies traveled from College Station for the game.

Price noted, “It feels amazing. We’re so happy that little brother’s back in town.” The rivalry, restored last year, has friends and family rooting against each other in what is the biggest home game for Texas this year. “I have a senior now who’s considering which school he wants to go to, and I just think it means everything for this city,” Price said.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE| Longhorns vs. Aggies tickets soar as fans prepare for epic showdown

McWha expressed confidence, saying, “We’ve been doing great this season….We’re gonna show what we’ve got.”

This was about as fiery as the smack talk got today as fans enjoyed communing with their frenemies in the lots.

Lanece Marley, another A&M fan, shared, “I think it’s wonderful. We love coming. We love celebrating with these guys.”

Hannah Morgan, an Austin-native and Aggie grad, reflected on her divided household, saying, “Oh yes I know what it means. It means everything to us.” With a father and brother who went to UT-Austin, Morgan says she successfully converted her mother over to rooting for the Aggies. Morgan also anticipated the game, stating, “I think it’s going to be really sweet to get revenge… to beat them at home would be a big deal for us.”

Texas won last year’s matchup in College Station, which was the first meeting between the two schools since 2011.

Source link