Hays County

Austin-area animal shelters have been overcrowded for years. Local officials and nonprofits are looking at different ways to alleviate the problem.

Public school districts across the state have made the switch to a four-day week in an attempt to recruit teachers, boost student attendance and increase overall morale. San Marcos CISD is in the early stages of considering the change.

The Republican narrowly beat Democrat Alex Villalobos with 52.69% of the vote.

Results for local elections: the county sheriff's race, a $440 million road bond and more.

More than half of registered voters in Travis, Hays and Williamson counties have already cast a ballot in the Nov. 5 election. Election officials expect long waits on Election Day.

The move comes after Secretary of State Jane Nelson said state law bars federal monitors from being inside polling locations. Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office also wants to block monitors from future elections.

In a lawsuit filed last week, four residents allege Hays County did not provide key information on a transportation bond currently on the ballot. They also claim local leaders violated state law.

The first step is to talk to the election judge at the polling location.

Hays County voters will decide on several local races this election, including a new sheriff and whether to pass a major transportation bond.

Construction started Tuesday on the first of eight road projects funded by a 2022 bond. Hays County is asking voters to approve a $440 million bond this fall that would overlap with some of these projects to help improve safety and congestion.