1. Hwy. 290 extension could improve travel between Travis and Bastrop counties
The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority is planning for a 290 Extension Project—improvements that would reduce congestion between Hwy. 130 and Hwy. 95 South.
The Mobility Authority identified several potential solutions, including:
- Adding lanes alongside existing lanes
- Enhancing cross street intersections
- Including pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure
2. Bridge placed over Lake Creek to connect Round Rock West with downtown area
The city of Round Rock continues work on a new trail segment to connect Round Rock West with the downtown area, most recently using a crane to place a bridge over Lake Creek.
The one-mile Lake Creek Trail will connect the east side of I-35 to the west side. It includes a connection from Round Rock West Park, through a pedestrian underpass under I-35 and a bridge connecting to Centennial Plaza.
Check out the full update from Editor Grant Crawford.
3. Austin ISD unveils plans to close 13 schools in 2026-27 school year
Austin ISD has proposed closing 13 campuses in the 2026-27 school year, seven of which have received three consecutive F ratings from the Texas Education Agency.
Superintendent Matias Segura said he will present his final school consolidation and attendance boundary recommendation to the board of trustees for approval at the Nov. 20 board meeting.
AISD is expected to save $25.6 million through the proposed school consolidations, according to district information.
Click to read the full story by Reporter Chloe Young.
4. Cedar Park’s Firefly launches $855 million bid for defense tech company
Cedar Park’s Firefly Aerospace is expanding its reach into the defense sector with the acquisition of a national security technology company.
On Oct. 5, Firefly announced it would be acquiring SciTec Inc. for $855 million. SciTec specializes in national security initiatives such as missile detection, surveillance and intelligence. Firefly aims to use the company’s programs to enhance its space services by adding mission-driven defense software, remote sensing and data analysis capabilities.
Read more from Editor Steve Guntli.
5. Bastrop Automotive to be built on FM 969
Bastrop Automotive, owned by Maxwell residents Steve and Marissa Classen, is scheduled to begin soon with a completion date of June 1.
In 2023, Bastrop City Council approved a zoning change that would allow the developers to demolish the existing structures—a workshop, a residential home and a shed—on the nearly two-acre site and develop the site for use as an auto body shop, according to city documents.
Find out more from Reporter Joel Valley.
6. Samsung employees to move into office building on Taylor campus this November
Employees of Samsung Austin Semiconductor will move into the new office building at the manufacturer’s Taylor campus by the end of November.
The six-story office building boasts a number of amenities, including two cafeterias, open-concept cubicles, atriums, a fitness center and a meditation space.
Hear more from Samsung officials in Editor Claire Shoop's story.
