A new grocery store and two new eateries are just a couple of updates to know for the Lake Travis-Westlake area this November.

Now open
Trader Joe’s
The grocery chain opened its fourth Austin-area location this fall. The store offers specialty items alongside staples such as fresh produce, meat, milk, eggs and bakery items. A selection of fresh flowers are also available. The new location, in the Shops at the Galleria, was previously occupied by Office Depot.

• Opened Oct. 29
• 12812 Shops Parkway, Ste. 300, Bee Cave

• Opened Nov. 11
• 701 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Ste. A-050, Austin

New revenues have added over $4 million in funding toward Leander ISD's 2025-26 budget shortfall, bringing the total down to $15.8 million from over $20 million.

The gist: According to Chief Financial Officer Pete Pape, the district received $4.2 million in new state revenues following increases to the homestead exemption and over-65 hold harmless provision. There was also a $200,000 decrease in recapture payments.

Pape said district officials expect to have more accurate estimates of the exemption and provision's impacts in December. The Texas Comptroller will then certify these values in January, and the Texas Education Agency will rerun these numbers to recalculate funding in February.

Remember this?: LISD is still lacking $10.5 million in other state funding. The bill changed funding formulas for a hold harmless provision that protected the district from revenue losses caused by prior state-mandated reductions to the tax rate. While the updated shortfall does not include any additional revenue from this, officials are continuing to advocate for a resolution.

Since its inception in 1915, The Paramount Theatre has established roots in Austin as a safe haven for community members from all walks of life and interests. While the theatre has seen many changes in physical attributes and ownership, its presence as a community staple has remained strong throughout the decades.

The impact: The theatre is home to various annual events including South by Southwest, Austin Film Festival, ATX Television Festival and Moontower Comedy Festival. In addition to these larger-scale events, community members can find all sorts of entertainment hosted at the theatre from live podcasts and comedy to special movie screenings and musical concerts.

With strong roots tied to a multitude of Austin communities, the space has become known as a hub for individuals of all backgrounds to find connection. CEO and executive director of Austin Theatre Alliance Jim Ritts said he’s come across people who call the theatre “Austin’s church” because of its reputation as a gathering place.

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission is moving forward with a set of permanent rules designed to prohibit the sale of consumable THC products to anyone under 21 years old.

The overview: The proposal is similar to emergency rules adopted Sept. 23, which are currently in effect and prohibit Texas alcohol retailers from selling intoxicating THC products to minors. The state health department adopted similar emergency rules in October.

The context: The existing and proposed THC rules are the result of a September executive order by Gov. Greg Abbott, who called for age restrictions on THC sales and tighter guardrails on the multibillion-dollar industry.

Earlier this month, federal lawmakers approved a ban on most consumable THC products, which is set to take effect in November 2026. The ban is part of a federal funding package that became law Nov. 12, ending a 43-day federal government shutdown.

Next steps: Texans can weigh in on the TABC's proposed permanent rules during a Dec. 11 virtual public hearing or submit written public comments through Jan. 4.