Melia Masumoto

1 week ago | kvue.com | Melia Masumoto

BASTROP, Texas — The race to choose a new mayor in Bastrop continues as two candidates now head to a June runoff. Voters will return to the polls early next month to choose between Ishmael Harris and Willie DeLaRosa after neither candidate secured more than 50% of the vote in the May 3 election. Harris earned around 48% and DeLaRosa earned about 34%; the third candidate on the ballot, Ward Northcutt, earned 17% of the vote.

2 weeks ago | wltx.com | Melia Masumoto

AUSTIN, Texas — Flipping through his 24 college admission letters, LBJ High School senior Gahmoto Malangalila was ecstatic to see that 22 of them read "congratulations" at the top. Even more surprising was the more than $1 million in scholarships he has received, earning him a nickname on campus: “Money Man Moto”. “It was amazing,” Malangalila said. “I felt like I was on top of the world.” But Malangalila’s peers and mentors said they weren't surprised to hear about his success.

2 weeks ago | kvue.com | Melia Masumoto

AUSTIN, Texas — There’s a new place to relax and get some fresh air at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in between your flights. Many travelers might remember it as the Chase Sapphire Terrace, but now anyone can use the outdoor patio. “It’s fresh air. You know, the terminal is super busy, kind of frenetic energy type of environment,” said Sam Haynes, the deputy chief communications officer for the airport.

2 weeks ago | kvue.com | Melia Masumoto

ELGIN, Texas — As more people are moving further out of Austin, surrounding areas like Elgin are figuring out how to manage that growth. This May, Elgin first responders are hoping voters will approve a sales tax increase that could help them speed up response times. “In order for us to continue to grow to help the citizens that are here, we need that extra cash,” said Mark Wobus, the Assistant Fire Chief for Bastrop Travis County ESD 1. Back in 2007, Bastrop Travis ESD 1 was created by voters.

3 weeks ago | kvue.com | Melia Masumoto

AUSTIN, Texas — Flipping through his 24 college admission letters, LBJ High School senior Gahmoto Malangalila was ecstatic to see that 22 of them were labeled with "Congratulations" at the top. Even more surprising was the more than $1,000,000 in scholarships he received, earning him a nickname on campus: “Money Man Moto”. “It was amazing,” Malangalila said. “I felt like I was on top of the world.” But Malangalila’s peers and mentors said they weren't surprised to hear this.