Additional parking is planned for a bond-funded renovation at Round Rock High School, with the goal of minimizing traffic congestion, reducing walking distance and strengthening campus security. However, the proposal for facility improvements met some friction when it was shared with the board of trustees for approval. 

What you need to know: Round Rock ISD officials gave approval to move forward with a concept plan for renovations at RRHS in May that is different in scope from what was included in the original bond proposal, some trustees said. 

A representative of Perkins & Will Architects said the full cost of demolishing the five buildings and rebuilding the same amount of square footage is not feasible with the amount of funds approved by voters. Further delays in approval for the project could also increase costs, the representative said. 

Recent advancements in the study of cancer treatment are leading to fewer visits and side effects for patients receiving treatment through the Round Rock location of Baylor Scott & White Cancer Center. 

What you need to know: Per the hospital system, breast cancer patients receiving radiation treatment services trough the cancer center are benefiting from industry advancements in cancer research. In particular, breast cancer patients are experiencing fewer treatment sessions, down from 30 to as few as six; less fatigue and skin reactions; and fewer trips back and forth from the clinic, potentially bringing relief to working families and helping patients return to a sense of normalcy during a difficult time. 

What they're saying: Dr. Prashant Gabani, an MD whose background is in radiation oncology and works at the cancer center, said this is because patients are receiving higher, specifically targeted doses of radiation while protecting surrounding tissues. 

Over the past decade, neonatal intensive care unit expansions across Central Texas have widened access to specialized care for families in Northwest Austin and Williamson County. As the region continues to grow, hospitals and nonprofits are expanding services for parents navigating a NICU stay.

By the numbers: NICU admissions have risen nationwide, and Texas is no exception. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 9.7% of infants in Texas were admitted to a NICU in 2023, part of a larger upward trend between 2016 to 2023.

Of the state’s 24 Level IV NICUs—the highest level of neonatal care—Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas and St. David’s Medical Center are the only two such facilities located in the Austin area.

While local birth rates have surged, nonprofits supporting NICU families have noticed the growth as well. According to Kristin Coulter, CEO of the Ronald McDonald House Central Texas, the organization has had a waitlist for over six years.

New homes within The Trails at Carmel in Pflugerville are now up for sale.

The overview: Ashton Woods announced in May that its 500 homes in the new community are officially for sale, offering floor plans with three to five bedroom, two to five bathrooms and options for two to three car garages.

The homebuilder is offering the “Studio” experience for new homes at The Trails at Carmel, according to a news release. The program offers buyers the chance to collaborate with designers to customize their new home. The community has four model homes buyers can tour, all furnished by different designers.

“Leading this project meant curating a team of four designers whose distinct sensibilities could each bring one of these models to life,” Amanda Sims, design studio manager at Ashton Woods, said in the release. “Our goal was a collection that feels layered and personal at the model level, yet intentional and cohesive as a neighborhood. The result is homes with real character, and a community that reflects personal style.”

Check out the latest transportation project updates across the Austin metro. 

Upcoming projects
MoPac South expansion
Project: The project features a number of express lanes along the 8.7-mile stretch from Cesar Chavez Street to Slaughter Lane in Austin, alongside shared-use paths and pedestrian crossings, according to the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority.
Update: Public comment on the proposed project closed May 3. West Lake Hills and Rollingwood officials issued a conditional letter of support for the project in April.

• Timeline: TBD
• Cost: $825 million
• Funding source: TBD

• Timeline: 2025-27
• Cost: $7 million
• Funding source: city of Leander certificates of obligation bonds