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Over the past decade, neonatal intensive care unit expansions across Central Texas have widened access to specialized care for families in Northwest Austin and Williamson County. As the region continues to grow, hospitals and nonprofits are expanding services for parents navigating a NICU stay.

By the numbers: NICU admissions have risen nationwide, and Texas is no exception. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 9.7% of infants in Texas were admitted to a NICU in 2023, part of a larger upward trend between 2016 to 2023.

Of the state’s 24 Level IV NICUs—the highest level of neonatal care—Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas and St. David’s Medical Center are the only two such facilities located in the Austin area.

While local birth rates have surged, nonprofits supporting NICU families have noticed the growth as well. According to Kristin Coulter, CEO of the Ronald McDonald House Central Texas, the organization has had a waitlist for over six years.

Driftwood Springs High School’s official colors will be navy blue and gold following several months of community deliberation.

The Dripping Springs ISD board of trustees selected the official colors for Driftwood Springs High School at a June 22 meeting.

The overview: DSISD officials, employees, students and community members have been discussing the naming and branding of the new high school since February, when the district sent out a community survey.

A 64-person High School No. 2 Naming & Branding Committee met four times over the past few months to discuss options for the school’s name, colors and mascot.

The district also posted a public naming and branding survey to gain community input. The survey garnered 3,950 responses. A majority of respondents felt the new high school should share one color with Dripping Springs High School. Dripping Springs High School’s colors are maroon and gold.

What’s next: The Driftwood Springs mascot is expected to be approved in the fall, according to a news release from the district.

Oakwood Public Market in Dripping Springs is closing at the beginning of July due to “numerous challenges.”

The details: After opening last fall, the business faced several roadblocks, "both internal and environmental,” including staffing constraints, leadership turnover and rising costs, according to a Facebook post. The ownership team is “recalibrating and reimagining” Oakwood’s future.

Looking back: Oakwood Public Market opened last September, featuring a coffee shop, a patio bar, a soda shop and a pizza restaurant. 

• 2500 Beverly Drive, Ste. 101, Dripping Springs

Looking for ways to celebrate Independence Day this summer? Check out these July events dedicated to ringing in America’s 250th birthday, including parades, pickleball and pool parties. 

This list is not comprehensive. All events are subject to change. 

4th of July Country Fest
The Fieldhouse at the Crossover is hosting a weekend filled with live music, water slides, a hot dog eating contest and food from local vendors. 

• July 3-4, 10 a.m. (daily start)
• Free (admission)
• 1717 Scottsdale Drive, Ste. 160, Leander

• July 4, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
• Free (admission)
• 900 W. Riverside Drive, Austin

• July 4, 9:30 p.m.
• Free (admission)
• 1100 Aquarena Springs Drive, San Marcos

A Crunch Fitness, a Bootbarn and a Dick’s Sporting Goods are among the five most expensive projects filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation in the Austin metro this week.

1. The Westlyn ($70 million): This project involves the construction of a mixed use/adaptive re-use project.

2. TxDOT Georgetown AEM Facility Renovation & Expansion ($19 million): This project includes construction of a new 11,200 square foot area engineer office building at the existing 10.2-acre Texas Department of Transportation property.

3. Boot Barn ($16.5 million): A Boot Barn is coming to Kyle.

4. Dick's Sporting Goods ($16.5 million): Dick’s Sporting Goods is bringing a new location to Kyle Park.

5. Crunch Fitness ($4.9 million): A new Crunch Fitness location is coming to Manor, with construction set to begin in the fall.

Changing drinking preferences are hitting retail shelves across Central Texas, with THC- and CBD-infused drinks increasingly positioning themselves as alternatives to traditional alcohol.

A closer look: Shayda Torabi, the cofounder of RESTART CBD + THC—a hemp retailer based in Austin—said many consumers are drinking less alcohol while actively looking for an alternative with an effect, not just a mocktail—what she referred to as the “sober curious movement.”

“People don't just want an adaptogenic drink, they don't just want a fizzy knockoff cosmopolitan. They want that drink that they're subbing alcohol for to have some experience, to have some effect,” Torabi said. “I think that's where cannabis beverages have really nicely parlayed into this next generation of consumers.”

What you should know: Torabi explained that many consumable hemp products can range from 2 milligrams to 10 milligrams of THC, but some products contain dosages as high as 100 milligrams. For first-time users, Torabi recommends starting with a low dose, around 2.5 milligrams of THC.