Austin, TX

Tensions high in Central Texas as Election Day approaches

Published

1 year ago

November 5, 2024

Tensions high in Central Texas as Election Day approaches

Tensions high before Election Day

As the clock winds down on Election Day, tensions are high in Central Texas. One business even decided to stop a promotion for voters.

AUSTIN, Texas – As Election Day approaches, tensions are high in Central Texas.

A popular part of elections are the freebies from local businesses, whether it’s a slice of pizza, a doughnut or even a free succulent for showing you voted.

“I think it’s a pretty fun way to get people to get out to vote,” said Austin resident, Cameron Zuniga.

“I think it’s a really good thing. I think it’s very encouraging. You know, a lot of us are going to vote anyway, so it’s good to have community support,” said Austin resident, Christine Torres.

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Soup Peddler shared its promotion of bringing your “I voted” sticker in for a free cup of soup of your choice at any of its locations.

But as the election drew closer, they took to social media again, saying, “unfortunately, for the safety of our staff, we have had to make the decision to end our free soup during the voting period promotion early.”

The director of operations at Soup Peddler says there were a couple of interactions about the promotion with members of the public that made some of its staff uncomfortable. The business didn’t say what those interactions were, but says it decided to nip it in the bud before anything escalated.

“I think maybe playing it safer than sorry is okay from a business standpoint,” said Torres.

Travis County Election Day operations

Fifty-one percent of registered voters in Travis County voted early. Election officials now are preparing for those who will show up on Election Day

The general manager at the Airport Blvd. location says he saw an increase in business as a result of the promotion. He assured the community that no threats were made.

With Election Day on Tuesday, demonstrators with anti-LGBTQ and anti-abortion signs were present during drop-off at Austin High School on Monday. The demonstrators left after an hour.

Austin High School Principal Dr. Melvin Bedford notified parents in a letter saying those messages are in direct opposition to Austin High School and the district’s values.

He said in part, “Austin AISD is committed to creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all students and staff. Counseling is available for any child who was exposed to the demonstrators.”

You can read the full statement below:

“Dear Austin High School community,

I regret having to share with you that about two demonstrators with anti-LGBTQ and anti-abortion signs arrived at our school today during arrival.

We immediately contacted our campus police and Austin ISD Police who remained on-site to ensure everyone’s safety. The demonstrators left after about an hour.

If your child was exposed to this hateful demonstration and needs support, please contact our counseling team at 512-414-2519.I want to emphasize that these hateful messages are in direct opposition to our values here at Austin High and to the values of our district. Austin ISD is committed to creating a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for all students and staff.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to call me at Melvin.Bedford@austinisd.org.”

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Austin, TX

Volunteers build wheelchair ramp for resident, marking 40 years of Texas Ramp Project

Published

1 day ago

November 17, 2025

Press Room

Volunteers build wheelchair ramp for resident, marking 40 years of Texas Ramp Project

AUSTIN, Texas — Volunteers gathered in East Austin on Saturday to build a wheelchair ramp for a local resident, marking the Texas Ramp Project’s 40th anniversary of providing free mobility solutions to Texans in need.

Jimmy Garcia received the ramp at his home on East 22nd Street, where volunteers worked from morning through early afternoon to complete the installation. Before the ramp, he relied on his wife Jenny or their children to help him navigate the stairs.

“I feel grateful. I appreciate it,” Garcia said. “It’s a good program.”

Volunteers gathered in East Austin on Saturday to build a wheelchair ramp for a local resident, marking the Texas Ramp Project’s 40th anniversary of providing free mobility solutions to Texans in need. (Photo: Texas Ramp Project)

Jackie Gardener, the build team leader, said the organization has served more than 30,000 individuals across Texas since its founding in 1985. The nonprofit commemorated four decades of service by constructing one of 40 ramps planned across the state.

“It is such a special feeling of joy to be able to see a client take a look at their ramp and know that in less than a day, we’ve really changed somebody’s life,” Gardener said.

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More than 1.7 million Texans use wheelchairs or walkers, with nearly 23% of residents 65 or older living with mobility-limiting disabilities, according to the organization.

Jenny Garcia said the ramp would restore her husband’s independence after concerns about falls on the steps. “It’s going to be a big improvement with his walker to be able to come down by himself and have his independence back somewhat,” she said.

The organization depends entirely on its network of 3,500 volunteers. WellMed and the WellMed Charitable Foundation have contributed more than $100,000 and helped build over 100 ramps.

More information is available here.

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Austin, TX

High school volleyball: Three Austin area schools make state finals

Published

2 days ago

November 16, 2025

Press Room

High school volleyball: Three Austin area schools make state finals

UIL STATE VOLLEYBALL FINALS

When/where: Thursday-Saturday in Garland.

Thursday — Class A, Blum vs. Water Valley, 3 p.m.; Class 2A DI, Jewett Leon vs. Nocona, 5 p.m.; Class 2A DII, Iola vs. Crawford, 7 p.m. Friday — Class 3A DI, Goliad vs. Bushland, 11 a.m.; Class 3A DII, Clifton vs. Boyd, 1 p.m.; Class 4A DI, La Vernia vs. Decatur, 4 p.m.; Class 4A DII, Wimberley vs. Eagle Mountain, 6 p.m. Saturday — Class 5A DI, A&M Consolidated vs. Highland Park, 11 a.m.; Class 5A DII, Cedar Park vs. Argyle, 1 p.m.; Class 6A DI, Pearland Dawson vs. Northwest Nelson, 4 p.m.; Class 6A DII, Austin High vs. Southlake Carroll, 6 p.m.

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Austin, TX

Texas Longhorns: 4 takeaways from critical 35-10 SEC loss to Georgia

Published

3 days ago

November 16, 2025

Press Room

Texas Longhorns: 4 takeaways from critical 35-10 SEC loss to Georgia

Texas Longhorns receiver Ryan Niblett (21) is tackled during the game against Georgia at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman

In the end, it wasn’t a dramatic ending or a big play or even a big mistake that decided No. 10 Texas football’s 35-10 loss Saturday night to No. 5 Georgia. Simply put, the Bulldogs outplayed the Longhorns, had Texas’ offensive line playing on its heels, won all three phases of the game and Georgia coach Kirby Smart outcoached Steve Sarkisian.

Put all those together and you’ve got Georgia’s big win and Texas’ big loss — the Longhorns’ third loss takes them out of the SEC championship game conversation and virtually dooms their College Football Playoff hopes. Blame that Oct. 4 loss in Gainesville. The best Texas can do from here out is win out, play spoiler to Texas A&M, win on early National Signing Day next month and win its non-CFP bowl game.

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Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) drops a pass during the game against Georgia at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman

Texas quarterback Arch Manning was sacked three times, but he was hit and hurried all night long. The Longhorns were just 2 of 12 on third-down conversions finished with only 274 yards of total offense, ran for only 23 yards and committed nine penalties to Georgia’s one. Texas cut the lead to 14-10 on a Ryan Wingo touchdown catch late in the third quarter, but two fourth-down conversions, one touchdown and one surprise onside kick later, Georgia got the win.

WHAT CED SAID: So far, the Texas Longhorns sure do have a Georgia Bulldogs puzzle in the SEC

MORE: Does Texas coach Steve Sarkisian have a big game problem? Let’s look at the numbers.

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Here’s what we saw from Saturday’s loss:

Kirby Smart outsmarts Steve Sarkisian once again

It’s hard to argue against the facts: In three meetings between Texas coach Steve Sarkisian and Georgia’s Kirby Smart, the Bulldogs boss has coached circles around Sarkisian. To be fair to the fifth-year Texas coach, Smart has coached circles around almost everyone in his decade with Georgia, but it’s especially obvious in his matchups with Texas. Smart is a defensive-minded coach while Sarkisian’s coaching roots extend deep on the offensive side of the ball; in three meetings over the past two years, Texas has scored a total of 44 points. Oh, and Smart’s sassy onside kick Saturday in the fourth quarter was an added dash of spice that came after a touchdown drive fueled by two gutsy calls to go for it on fourth down.

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Georgia pummeled Texas through the air

The return of Michael Taaffe and Jelani McDonald from injury did not resolve Texas’ difficulties defending the pass. Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton completed 24 of his 29 attempts for 229 yards and four touchdowns, becoming the third straight signal-caller to shred the Longhorns’ secondary. Mississippi State’s Blake Shapen threw for 382 yards and five TDs in Texas’ victory Oct. 25, then Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia blitzed Texas for 365 yards and three TDs a week later.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) snaps the ball during the game against Georgia at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman

Non-existent running game did Arch Manning no favors

Yes, Texas quarterback Arch Manning got sacked three times for 16 yards. But take away those sacks and Texas still ran for only 36 yards on 11 carries. The Longhorns’ offense is completely reliant on Manning at this point of the season, and that imbalance shows in a matchup against an elite squad like Georgia. Manning played well with 251 yards on 27-of-43 passing, but he can’t carry the Texas offense — at least in his first season as a starter.

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Texas fails on special teams against Georgia (again)

The Longhorns did not learn from the special teams mistakes they made the last time they met these Bulldogs. Kirby Smart’s team guzumped Texas on special teams once again Saturday night, attempting and recovering a surprise onside kick in the fourth quarter with an 11-point lead. The Bulldogs used their positive field position to score a touchdown that extended the lead to 18. Texas fans will remember last year’s SEC championship game when a fourth-quarter fake punt changed the dynamic of the contest, along with a pair of missed field goals by the Longhorns.

Up next for Texas: Arkansas

Next Saturday at Royal-Memorial Stadium. Kickoff will be either at 2:30 p.m., 6 p.m. or 6:30 p.m.

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At least the Longhorns won’t have to recover from Saturday’s disappointment by traveling to Fayetteville. It’s the first of two home games to close the regular season, with No. 3 Texas A&M on tap the day after Thanksgiving.

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