SUMMARY: For the 2025-26 school year, Central Texas school districts are setting starting teacher salaries amid budget planning. Of 58 districts, 19 have released salary data. Del Valle ISD offers the highest starting salary at $60,000, followed by Manor ISD at $57,669. Several others offer over $50,000, while a few remain below $50,000, with Mason ISD at $40,000. The state minimum salary increased by $300 to $33,960. Eleven districts raised starting pay, led by Llano ISD’s 8.5% increase. House Bill 2 allocates $4.2 billion for teacher raises, but retention funds apply only after three years, leaving starting salaries unchanged unless districts decide otherwise.

Read the full article

The post MAP: Which school districts increased teacher pay for the 2025-26 school year? appeared first on www.kxan.com

SUMMARY: As used car sales peak in July, scams targeting buyers and sellers are on the rise. John Mattery reports that counterfeit checks are a common trick, with scammers sending fake checks for more than the asking price and asking sellers to return part to a shipping company. Seller Matt Neff experienced this with his 1948 Packard. Buyers, like Dejan Wallace, can also be targeted on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, where sellers may rush sales and propose suspicious payments. To avoid losing money, never cash checks and send funds back or wire money to strangers, and always insist on in-person meetings and test drives.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling a used car this summer, consumer experts say now is the time to be extra cautious.

Source

SUMMARY: A man armed with a rifle intentionally started a wildfire near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and ambushed firefighters responding to the blaze, killing two and wounding a third. The suspect’s body was found in a wooded area with a firearm nearby after a tactical response. Officials believe the shooter acted alone, using a high-powered rifle from rugged terrain. The injured firefighter is in stable condition after surgery. Authorities urged residents to avoid the area as the fire continued burning. The FBI and local law enforcement responded. The attack shocked the community and officials, who expressed condolences and called for prayers.

Read the full article

The post Gunman started Idaho blaze and then fatally shot 2 firefighters in ambush attack, officials say appeared first on www.kxan.com