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Over the course of 2025, multiple initiatives and governmental approvals have helped the progression of the Great Springs Project, which aims to connect 100 miles of trails lining four of Texas’ great springs between Austin and San Antonio.

The details: The goal is to have the trail connections completed by 2036, establishing the Texas Bicentennial Trail, promoting Texas' rich historical and cultural heritage and enhancing economic development and outdoor recreation, according to the Great Springs Project plan updated in September.

What’s happening? Through collaboration with our many partners, the Great Springs Project unifies and supports existing local efforts and catalyzes new efforts to address the most critical water, land, wildlife, and public health and equity challenges facing the Central Texas region.

Utilizing urban and rural paths, the connections will run through Barton Springs, San Marcos Springs, Comal Springs and San Antonio Springs, creating a trail network from the Alamo to the State Capitol.

A new restaurant and coffee spot is opening soon in New Braunfels.

The details: Lulu's Coffee y Tacos is anticipated to open this spring at 1847 W. Hwy. 46, Ste. A, owner Jessica Celedon told Community Impact.

Lulu's Coffee y Tacos will sell coffee and breakfast tacos, taking over a 1,350-square-foot facility. The business will also offer drive-thru availability for those on the go, Celedon said.

• 1847 W. Hwy 46, Ste. A, New Braunfels

Guadalupe County commissioners postponed a vote to update its 2012 major thoroughfare plan during its regular meeting Jan. 6.

A major thoroughfare plan is a long-range planning tool used for potential future roadways. The plan does not define the final alignment of roadways, nor does it construct roadways and acquire new property. Instead, the plan aims to identify general alignments and roadway classifications needed to accommodate transportation needs and facilitate mobility and connectivity, according to Guadalupe County's website.

Some details: Guadalupe County Judge Kyle Kutscher said thoroughfare plans are a challenging conversation from start to finish.

Precinct 1 Commissioner Jacqueline Ott said her vote will depend on what she thinks is best for Precinct 1.

Stay tuned: The Commissioners Court will discuss the plan again at an upcoming meeting scheduled for Jan. 24 or Feb. 10.

Hundreds of Texas private schools have been approved to participate in the state’s new education savings account program, per a map released by the state comptroller in early January.

The overview: As of press time, 775 private schools and prekindergarten providers had been approved to accept education savings accounts, or ESAs. There are over 1,300 accredited private schools in the state, according to the Texas Private School Accreditation Commission. 

Of the approved schools, there are:

• 233 schools in the Houston area
• 195 schools in the Dallas-Fort Worth area
• 94 schools in the San Antonio area
• 70 schools in the Austin area