In spring 2025, multiple painted crosswalks and curb extensions, featuring local wildlife and plants, along San Antonio Street in San Marcos were completed as part of the Paint the Path project. City crews began removing the artwork April 22 to comply with a directive from the Texas Department of Transportation.

The gist: TxDOT issued a letter to municipalities across the state, including San Marcos, in October, requesting the removal of all pavement markings that do not comply with the Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, according to a city news release.

The city was required to remove the noncompliant street marking within 30 days of receiving the letter unless an exception was granted with approval from TxDOT’s Traffic Safety Division.

What happened: San Marcos identified four locations in the downtown area that would be impacted by the directive.

The city submitted an exception request for the identified artwork in November. TxDOT denied the request in April and required a removal plan be submitted for the locations.

Built in 2005, Chapel Dulcinea sits on a 30-acre property less than 2 miles west of Buda.

The Hill Country venue offers a unique wedding location for couples, providing a deeply personal experience on the special day, said Samantha Bradshaw, Chapel Dulcinea visitor center director.

Booking the venue: Couples looking to wed at the chapel can secure the venue for a 90-minute period. On certain days and times, the venue can be booked for free with a refundable $200 deposit.

Booking the venue is done completely online, where couples can access the reservation calendar and select between three wedding tiers, including free, $500 or 1,000.

The big day: Couples who have booked the venue will check in on their selected date and time and receive a map of the property. They have 90 minutes to decorate as they please and hold their ceremony.

Check out the latest Austin metro transportation updates. 

Upcoming projects
Roundabout at Sam Bass Road, Hairy Man Road Intersection
Project: A roundabout will be added to the intersection of Sam Bass and Hairy Man Roads in Round Rock to improve traffic flow and safety.
Update: Project design is 60% complete, per Round Rock city officials.

• Timeline: TBD
• Cost: TBD
• Funding source: TBD

• Timeline: total project completion expected in 2026
• Cost: $500,000 for design
• Funding source: Hutto Economic Development Corporation funding

• Timeline: summer 2024-spring 2026
• Cost: $6.9 million
• Funding source: Austin 2016 Mobility Bond

Texas residents are increasingly facing damaging storms that drive up home insurance rates and other housing costs. Ahead of the state's 2027 legislative session, consumer advocates and insurance industry representatives are urging lawmakers to consider affordability solutions.

What's happening: The average Texas home insurance premium—the amount paid to an insurance company—was $3,291 in 2024, according to the latest Texas Department of Insurance data. In total, premiums rose about 50% between 2022-24.

Texas’ high propensity for natural disasters has been “the No. 1 driver” behind recent rate increases, said Rich Johnson, a spokesperson for the Insurance Council of Texas.

Stay tuned: While Texas can't legislate itself out of weather risks, lawmakers have considered some policy changes to increase disaster resiliency and boost regulatory oversight of the insurance industry. Proposals range from creating grants to help residents weather-proof their homes to placing limits on future rate hikes.