In 2025, developers, government entities and Leander ISD submitted more than a hundred projects to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation for the Leander area. Here is a look at the six most costly projects, many of which will begin or finish construction in 2026.

Leander ISD Early Childhood Center

• Project: The center is expected to have a capacity for about 600 3- and 4-year-old prekindergarten students.
• Timeline: broke ground in 2025 and is estimated to be completed in 2026
• Cost: According to the TDLR permit, the construction cost will exceed $48 million. The district allocated more than $60 million in 2023 bond funds for the project.
  

• Project: The hotel chain will open a location near the Northline district.
• Timeline: late 2025-late 2026, according to the TDLR filing
• Cost: $11 million

Williamson County received over $20 million for road safety improvements through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All grant program on Dec. 23.

The local impact: Using the SS4A grant, the county plans to install:

• 3,648 reflective signal backplates to improve traffic signal visibility at 238 intersections
• 75 pedestrian-activated warning lights at crosswalks
• 32 speed feedback signs

Here are the top Community Impact stories in the Austin area from Dec. 29-Jan. 1:
1. Kohl’s will not open new store in Bastrop
2. Bastrop Sprouts seeks 82 new hires ahead of spring opening
3. Austin ISD names principals for schools affected by closures and turnaround plans
4. AI guardrails, tax rates after disasters: New Texas laws take effect Jan. 1
5. Bastrop concludes $3.5 million Agnes Street extension project
6. Austin Energy planning for 'tremendous strain,' possible billing impacts from new data centers

With digital technology now integrated into much of everyday life, many studies have shown that the use of smartphones, social media and online gaming take up hours of Americans’ daily routine.

While these devices have transformed how people communicate, work and relax, their widespread use has prompted growing discussions about excessive use, technology dependence and the benefits of disconnecting.

What's happening: According to the Center for Internet & Technology Addiction, 85% of Americans go online daily and, in a survey, 31% of American adults say they’re online “almost constantly.”

Today, the World Health Organization recognizes a type of technology addiction known as “gaming disorder,” which is on its official disease classification list. Furthermore, the WHO has signaled that problematic use of social media has been associated with less sleep, potentially impacting adolescents’ overall health and academic performance.

As these issues gain more public recognition, organizations such as Omega Recovery in Austin are offering programs to help people gain control over their digital habits.