Howard Wins Recount
The recount is over for the Texas House District 48 race. The recount shows Incumbent Democrat Donna Howard won re-election to her seat by just 12 votes. That's a narrower win than the original vote tally, which had her ahead by 16 votes after Election Day. Howard's Republican challenger Dan Neil requested the recount. But the race may still not be over. Neil has another option to challenge the results.
Aponte Indictments Reveal More Theft
The Austin-American Statesman reports indictments returned yesterday say the former leader of the Austin non-profit Family Connections stole more than a million dollars from the organization. That's more than double what was previously reported. Louanne Aponte was arrested Wednesday after returning from Venezuela. She faces charges of felony theft and misapplication of fiduciary property .
City, Emancipet Offering Free Spay/Neuter
The City of Austin is partnering with Emancipet to offer free spay/neuter services. But you have to live in one of these zip codes to get the deal: 78701, 78702, 78721, 78723, 78724, 78741, 78744, 78745, 78753 and 78758. The program is an effort to help Austin meet its goal of reducing the number of pets the city's animal shelter euthanizes. KUT's Matt Largey has reported on some of the challenges the Town Lake Animal Center is facing, including a move to a new location.
Fall Commencement Ceremonies This Weekend
Expect plenty of traffic in the UT area this weekend, and a bunch of students walking around in gowns. Thousands of students are graduating Saturday and Sunday. The Texas Exes are holding their usual open houses for graduates and their families to toast to the future.