The team behind Still Austin Whiskey Co. aims to bring “The Musician” to life with the opening of Still Austin Quarter in South Austin.

The big picture: The 15,000-foot space will operate as a cocktail bar and music venue, inspired by the brand’s Straight Bourbon Whiskey, “The Musician.” Still Austin Quarter is an expansion of the existing facility, which includes the distillery, a tasting room and a whiskey garden.

The new venue is divided into four areas:

• The Atrium
• The Vinyl Lounge
• The Music Room
• A private event space

• 4211 Willow Springs Road, Austin

Austin leaders are seeking to mandate long-range water use and conservation plans from facilities that use large amounts of water, like data centers. The proposal comes as City Council is expected to consider several new regulations this summer that could restrict or ban hyperscale data center development in Austin.

“The overall message is that Austin is looking very carefully at water usage, and if you want to use a lot of water you’ll not only have to pay your fair share for water and infrastructure, but you also have to conserve as much as possible," said council member Mike Siegel.

The details: Siegel's resolution approved July 23 would impose new water planning processes for large-volume water users. It also kicks off new public reporting on usage by Austin Water's largest customers. More city policies related to land use, noise regulations and Austin Energy will be considered by council in the near future.

Residents in the Southwestern Travis County Groundwater Conservation District (SWTCGCD) are no longer subject to mandatory reductions following a moderate drought declaration.

Weeks of heavy rainfall in Central Texas has reduced drought intensity in the SWTCGCD and district officials lowered the drought stage from severe to moderate drought effective July 30.

However, SWTCGCD personnel are still recommending conservation measures.

The overview: Despite improved drought conditions, groundwater levels remain at historic lows throughout the district, according to a new release.

The portion of the Trinity Aquifer managed by the SWTCCD is deep underground and does not recharge as quickly as surface water. Increased rainfall does not immediately improve groundwater levels.

How to help: Current drought response measures entail a 10% voluntary reduction in groundwater use.

According to the release, recommended water conservation measures include:

• Watering lawns no more than every five days
• Watering only between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
• Avoiding washing outdoor surfaces unless necessary for health, safety or fire prevention

Across Texas, public school districts have approved at least 150 campus closures in the last three years as they grapple with declining enrollment, state accountability issues and hefty budget shortfalls.

What's happening: Among the closures are 56 schools in Community Impact’s coverage areas. Some districts have said that additional closures are not off the table.

Roughly 76,000 fewer students were enrolled in Texas public schools during the 2025-26 school year than the year prior. This marks the first non-pandemic enrollment drop in recorded history, according to Texas Education Agency data collected annually since 1987.

Analysts warn that this year’s enrollment decline is not a one-off, with demographics expert Bob Templeton predicting that enrollment could “drop over 100,000 kids” next year.

What they're saying: “This was a decision that I made, even knowing some of the challenges our students are going to face, because I think the alternative is untenable,” Fort Bend ISD board President Kristin Tassin said as the district voted to close seven elementary schools ahead of the 2026-27 school year.

Check out six stories trending in the Austin area July 27-30. 

1. 8 new and coming soon businesses to west Georgetown

2. Urban Egg to open its first Austin location this fall

3. Hao Hao Vietnamese & Chinese Restaurant planned for Pflugerville

4. Two Tim Hortons locations coming to Leander’s Hero Way, Ronald Reagan

5. A Little Shady announces opening date of Kyle location

6. Road work projects around CedarView development to be completed before Scheels opening