H-E-B announced its plans to close the Spicewood Springs location effective July 31, according to a news release from May 20. The closure reflects the company’s long-term growth strategy, the release states. 

Learn more: The Spicewood Springs grocery store, located on Research Boulevard, was constructed in the early 1980s and has not been renovated to feature the brand’s updated layouts. 

Upon the closure, H-E-B will direct customers to one of five nearby stores that have more modern features.

Next steps: H-E-B is also offering free curbside pick-up and delivery for all of August to residents in the surrounding neighborhood to help ease the transition.

“While decisions like this are never easy, we are grateful to the customers, partners and community who have supported this store over the years,” Cathy Harm, H-E-B senior vice President of Central Texas, said.

• 12860 Research Blvd., Austin

Check out the latest updates impacting the Leander ISD community.

LISD approves 2026-27 compensation plan: A review from the Texas Association of School Boards found that LISD salaries remain competitive with surrounding districts, but district officials recommended a 0% general pay increase due to continued budget challenges. However, the approved plan also includes a one-time lump sum retention payment of up to $1,000 for full-time employees and $500 for part-time employees.

Citizens' Facility Advisory Committee works toward potential bond package: The CFAC could form a potential bond package for a November 2026 bond election. Superintendent Chris Clark said that the district now needs to think about bonds differently, focusing on facility modernization, lifecycle replacements and addressing aging infrastructure. 

LISD considers $18 million budget impact for three-point seat belt buses: A senate bill passed during the 2025 Texas Legislative session requires all school districts to equip its bus fleet with three-point seat belts by Sept. 1, 2029. Of LISD's current fleet of 318 buses, 212 are equipped with three-point seat belts.

Royce Flournoy, president and founder of Texas Construction, launched the business over 30 years ago, bringing decades of craftsmanship to the Austin area. As a certified aging-in-place specialist, Flournoy supports homeowners in evolving their space to support changing needs.

The approach: Aging in place refers to the decision for older residents to stay in their existing homes as aging may cause physical limitations and a need for new infrastructure.

Texas Construction works with design specialists at Amity Worrel & Co. to make home improvement modifications at Age in Place in Style. By teaming up, the companies provide a comprehensive service to homeowners so they don’t have to compromise safety or style as their needs evolve over time.

Dig deeper: The Texas Construction team connected with Community Impact to discuss the importance of modifying homes for the safety and comfort of aging residents. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

• 5609 S. Congress Ave., Ste. 210, Austin

Texas’ primary election season came to a close May 26 as candidates declared victory in dozens of federal, state and local runoff races.

The latest: The winner of each runoff will advance to the Nov. 3 general election, joining candidates who won their primaries outright in March.

Voters will see 18 statewide contests on the November ballot, alongside all congressional seats, most state legislative seats, eight State Board of Education seats and a variety of local positions.

On the ballot: 

• U.S. Senate: Attorney General Ken Paxton and state Rep. James Talarico
• Governor: Greg Abbott (incumbent) and state Rep. Gina Hinojosa
• Lieutenant governor: State Rep. Vikki Goodwin and Dan Patrick (incumbent)
• Attorney general: State Sens. Nathan Johnson and Mayes Middleton
• Comptroller: State Sen. Sarah Eckhardt and businessman Don Huffines
• Land commissioner: Dawn Buckingham (incumbent) and Bay City council member Benjamin Flores
• Agriculture commissioner: Businessman Nate Sheets and rancher Clayton Tucker
• Railroad commissioner: Former Tarrant County GOP Chair Bo French and state Rep. Jon Rosenthal