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Texas comptroller race could shape new school voucher program

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Texas comptroller race could shape new school voucher program


In 2026, Texans will decide who will be the next state comptroller, known as the chief financial officer for the Lone Star State.

This election cycle, some experts are saying the stakes are higher, with the comptroller tasked with overseeing the state’s new school voucher program that starts next fall.

The state legislature passed the $1 billion program this year, allowing families to apply to receive thousands of dollars to move to a private school.

“It’s a position that’s becoming increasingly important,” said Mark P. Jones, political science professor at Rice University. “The education savings account program, which is $1 billion and is politically very important to Gov. Abbott, will be managed by the comptroller.”

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The job is currently held by Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock, who was appointed by Abbott this year to fill the position left open by Glenn Hegar. Hancock is vying to keep the role.

“We’re offering the largest educational freedom accounts in the state of Texas that we’ve ever seen in the nation,” Hancock told CBS Austin earlier this month.

ALSO| State Sen. Sarah Eckhardt launches bid for Texas Comptroller

Hancock is overseeing the launch of the school voucher program, setting its rules, hiring outside companies, and answering to the public.

He is in the race with other Republicans, like former State Senator Don Huffines.

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“I’ve always fought to empower parents and students with education freedom and real competition, because competition lowers costs and raises the quality of everything it touches,” Huffines said in a statement Friday. “It works in every industry, and it is guaranteed to fix failing government schools. When I am Comptroller, Texas will have the most grand education freedom program in the world.”

Austin-area Democratic State Senator Sarah Eckhardt also launched her campaign for the office earlier this month.

“I think that voters have lost trust that we have a government that’s accountable to them. That we have a government that will show up when we need them and get out of our way when we don’t need it,” she said after filing to run.

The role has already been in the headlines this month.

Hancock requested an opinion from Attorney General Ken Paxton about whether or not schools linked to the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) should be disqualified from the program, citing Gov. Abbott’s recent order declaring CAIR a “foreign terrorist organization.”

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What some experts are calling a “sleeper race” may end up being one of the most impactful.

The Texas Primary Election is scheduled for Tuesday, March 3rd.



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Austin, TX

Camera Sensor for iPhone 18 Camera to be Made by Samsung in Austin, TX Facility

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Camera Sensor for iPhone 18 Camera to be Made by Samsung in Austin, TX Facility


Samsung is taking steps to provide Apple with image sensors built with advanced technology for iPhones. Reportedly, the sensors for the iPhone will be manufactured in Samsung’s current Austin, Texas facility, and the company is anticipated to soon have production equipment installed for the upcoming project.

The image sensor of the iPhone is expected to have a three-stack design for better low-light performance and a higher density of pixels with multiple layers stacked vertically. This results in less power consumption, a dynamic range that’s higher, and faster speeds for readouts.

Camera Sensor for iPhone 18 Camera to be Made by Samsung in Austin, TX Facility

It’s believed that the new sensor will be made for the upcoming iPhone 18 in 2027. Apple and Samsung have reportedly arrived at a deal where Samsung will be supplying the component for the sensor. This marks the first occasion Apple will be going with another company apart from Sony as their main supplier for image sensors for its iPhones.




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Austin, TX

Arch Manning Shares Why He Is Staying With Texas

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Arch Manning Shares Why He Is Staying With Texas


Texas football has lost its fair share of players to the NFL draft and transfer portal over the past few weeks, dwindling the roster. Despite the loss of a few big names such as linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., safety Michael Taaffe and others, the Longhorns have held onto star quarterback Arch Manning.

While it was unlikely that Manning would enter the portal, there was some hype surrounding the possibility of the first-year starter entering the NFL Draft. Why did the young star decide to forego the pros? According to Manning, his journey at Texas isn’t quite finished.

Manning Wants to Continue His Development With Texas

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Nov 28, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning keeps the ball and runs for a touchdown during the second half against the Texas A&M Aggies at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images | Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

“I felt like I developed a lot this year, especially towards the back half, and I want to keep it going,” Manning said, according to Inside Texas’s Evan Vieth. “There’s no reason to leave. I feel like I got a lot more football left to play, and excited to still be a part of this team.”

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Manning didn’t quite have the season that most fans and analysts envisioned for him, struggling at the start of the year. Despite these struggles, Manning went on to improve throughout the regular season, demonstrating why he is one of the nation’s top quarterback talents.

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At the start of the season, Manning’s accuracy and timing were a bit off. The offense as a whole seemed out of sync, and Texas was not looking like the powerhouse that was promised heading into the season.

Eventually, though, Manning found his stride, and more than just improving his stats, the Longhorn quarterback looked more comfortable. Eventually, the stat sheet reflected his improvements, posting 1,625 passing yards over the last six games of the season, alongside 16 total touchdowns.

Now, returning to Texas for what will likely be his last year in college before departing for the NFL, next season should be an exciting one for the Longhorns. Not only is Manning more experienced as the team’s top quarterback, but the wide receiving core will have developed as well.

Texas wide receivers had their struggles with drops this season, but showed improvements at some points throughout the year.

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Though it may be difficult to abstain from declaring for the draft, ultimately Manning made perhaps the best decision for his career and development. With another year to grow, by the time he enters the NFL, Manning will be much more experienced and likely better prepared.

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Manning will have one more chance to take the field this season in the upcoming Citrus Bowl, where Texas will take on the Michigan Wolverines on December 31.



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Celebrate Dental & Braces South Austin Expands Access to Affordable Family Dental Care and Invisalign for Austin Residents

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Celebrate Dental & Braces South Austin Expands Access to Affordable Family Dental Care and Invisalign for Austin Residents


Austin, TX , Dec. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Celebrate Dental & Braces South Austin is expanding access to affordable Invisalign and comprehensive family dental care for Austin residents through its South Congress location. As more families seek convenient and cost effective orthodontic and dental solutions the practice is responding by offering flexible treatment options designed to fit real life needs.

Celebrate Dental & Braces

With rising demand for clear aligner therapy and orthodontic transformations, Celebrate Dental & Braces South Austin is making it easier for patients to begin treatment without delay. The practice focuses on comfort, quality and long term oral health while emphasizing friendly, compassionate care for both children and adults.

Patients throughout South Austin and surrounding areas including South Congress, William Cannon, Buda, Circle C, and Del Valle benefit from a convenient location that offers general dentistry and orthodontics under one roof. This integrated approach reduces referrals, shortens treatment timelines and ensures continuity of care for the entire family.

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The South Austin location is led by Dr David Ensley and Dr Nazgol Gharbi who bring extensive experience and patient focused care to the community.

Dr David Ensley a board certified orthodontist in Austin explains that orthodontic treatment goes beyond straightening teeth. Proper orthodontic care can improve facial balance, jaw development and the natural resting position of the lips. According to Dr Ensley the most significant transformations often occur when treatment begins during childhood typically between the ages of 7 and 14. He encourages families to remember that a healthy smile is a beautiful smile and invites patients of all ages to schedule a free consultation to determine the most effective treatment plan.

To support access to orthodontic care Celebrate Dental & Braces South Austin is offering a free Invisalign consultation with Dr Ensley. Invisalign payment plans start at only $169 per month and braces are available starting at $160 per month. Most major insurance plans are accepted allowing patients to move forward with confidence.

Celebrate Dental & Braces is a multi location dental and orthodontic provider serving communities across Texas.
Celebrate Dental & Braces

Alongside orthodontic care Dr Nazgol Gharbi provides comprehensive dental services for adults and children. Dr Gharbi is a board certified dentist with more than 14 years of experience delivering gentle preventive, restorative, and cosmetic care. She emphasizes that preventive dentistry plays a key role in long term oral health and that consistent care helps patients avoid more complex issues in the future. By combining general dentistry and orthodontics in one location the practice helps families stay proactive about their oral health.

The South Austin office uses cutting edge, modern digital imaging and treatment planning technology to create precise personalized care plans for each patient. This approach supports accurate diagnosis, efficient treatment and improved patient comfort throughout the care process.

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Celebrate Dental & Braces South Austin has earned the trust of the community with over 700+ five star patient ratings and continues to be recognized as a trusted dental and orthodontic provider in Austin. The practice accepts most PPO insurance plans and Medicaid and remains committed to transparent pricing, flexible financing and compassionate care.

Austin residents interested in Invisalign braces or family dental services are encouraged to schedule a free orthodontic consultation or visit the South Congress location to learn more about available treatment options.

About Celebrate Dental & Braces

Celebrate Dental & Braces is a multi location dental and orthodontic provider serving communities across Texas. Known for patient centered care modern technology and accessible pricing the practice offers comprehensive dental and orthodontic services for patients of all ages with a focus on long term oral health and confident smiles.

Celebrate Dental & Braces also connects with the Austin community through its active presence on TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook where the team shares educational and entertaining content focused on oral health awareness, smile care, and everyday dental tips for families.

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Media Contact

Muhammad Ibrahim Khan Turk

Celebrate Dental & Braces

ibrahim@celebratedental.com

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