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Austin will strip markings from several roadways in response to state and federal safety directives, ending months of local planning and opposition to mandates.

A national transportation safety program launched in 2025 led Texas officials to mandate the removal of all roadway markings deemed to be potentially distracting and unrelated to traffic control. Cities and counties that didn't comply risked losing significant funding and mobility partnerships, prompting Austin to begin a local compliance process that includes prominent installations like rainbow painted crosswalks downtown and a roadway mural dedicated to Black artists in East Austin. 

A city review found crashes around more than a dozen targeted roadways weren't impacted by street art or paintings, and sought exemptions from the state process. However, the city learned this spring that no exceptions would be made and all markings will now be stripped this summer.

City leaders had also convened a resident-led task force to propose alternative installations at the identified locations, a process that is continuing after public celebrations at those places in June.

810 Entertainment is headed for Northwest Austin, bringing arcade games and bowling to Austin EastVillage, CEO Mike Siniscalchi said. 

The company is targeting an early 2027 opening, though the date is subject to change based on construction and permitting, Siniscalchi explained. 

The framework: 810 Entertainment’s new location will have live entertainment, bowling, an arcade, golf simulators and other activities such as mini golf, darts and axe throwing. Patrons will also be able to head upstairs for more entertainment, including more bowling lanes and an event space for celebrations and gatherings, Siniscalchi shared. 

On the menu: The business will also feature a restaurant and bar serving up American classics. The menu features starters like loaded nachos and buffalo wings, as well as burgers, wood-fired pizzas and salads, according to the website.

The bar menu features specialty cocktails, beer, wine, mocktails and sodas. 

• 4701 E. Yager Lane, Bldg. 1, Austin

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.

Check out some top trending stories from the Austin area June 22-25. 

1. Last Austin-area Hooters location closes

2. Developer of The Domain partners with legacy family on 1,200-acres

3. Universal Music partner joins White Rocks project to build hotel and private residences

4. Hays County denies agreement with 340-acre development over Edwards Aquifer recharge zone

5. Liberty Hill ISD students outperform state average on majority of 2026 STAAR exams

6. Georgetown veterans to have VA health care closer to home