During an Aug. 17 meeting, the San Marcos CISD Board of Trustees reviewed the district’s 2026 accountability rating from the Texas Education Agency, or TEA. The district earned an overall score of 76, or a 'C' rating, with no change from its 2025 score.

​​​​​​​While SMCISD’s overall score remained the same, individual campuses saw change, with many facing significant rating increases or decreases.

The overview: SMCISD received four 'A' ratings, one 'B', two 'C' ratings, five 'D' ratings and no 'F' ratings, according to the 2026 accountability scores. Most campuses received a different rating in 2026 than in 2025.

“I think there's a lot here to celebrate,” said SMCISD board President Anne Halsey. “I think there's a lot here that we need to address and consider our challenges. I think that we don't do anything good unless we address it head-on."

Next steps: District staff identified systemic issues that may have contributed to some declining scores, including below-grade-level expectations and inconsistent practices across campuses.

Blackbird Brims, a locally owned hat studio, has moved from New Braunfels to San Marcos.

The overview: The hat shop, owned by Cage Patton, relocated from 5481 FM 1102, New Braunfels, to 232 N. LBJ Dr., Ste. 101, San Marcos on Aug. 10. Patton said they were sad to leave their cozy cabin off FM 1102, but San Marcos was the right next step for the business.

"It was too great of an opportunity to pass up," Patton said. "Between the school and the other unique local businesses, we felt it was a perfect fit to call Blackbird's new nest."

What they offer: Blackbird Brims opened in June 2025 and offers hat shaping and branding. The full-service custom hat studio also offers suede, hemp and jute hat cords and hat ribbons.

• 232 N. LBJ Dr., Ste. 101, San Marcos

A Travis County-funded feasibility study has found no engineering dealbreakers for a 125 mph passenger rail line connecting Austin and San Antonio, Travis County Judge Andy Brown announced Aug. 20.

The roughly $13.5 billion project would run largely on public right-of-way along SH 130 and I-10, cutting travel time between the two cities to 55-65 minutes, according to county documents.

"Central Texas has studied passenger rail before, and we cannot wait another 30 years to study it again," Brown said in the release.

What you need to know: The line would connect Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to a terminus near downtown San Antonio's Alamodome, with connectivity to the existing San Antonio Amtrak Station, and run independently of freight trains, per the study.

How we got here: Commissioners voted unanimously in October 2025 to hire HNTB for about $125,000 to study SH 130 and I-10 as an alternative to the congested I-35 corridor.

This is a feasibility analysis only, not a funding commitment. Environmental, ridership and financial studies are still needed.

Check out these trending stories from the Austin area Aug. 17-20. 

1. The Farm Fresh Network brings locally grown food to Texas schools

2. Hutto, Williamson County poised for $674M Blue Origin facility

3. Eagles Nest Street extension moves forward in Round Rock

4. 4 changes Bastrop drivers should know near Sendero, Burleson Crossing

5. Local Georgetown bakery celebrates 5-year anniversary

6. New Braunfels ISD receives 'B' rating from TEA for the 2025-26 school year

Democrat Tanya Lloyd and Republican incumbent Michael Cloud are facing off to represent Texas' 27th congressional district.

Lloyd advanced from the March primary election after defeating two other Democratic contenders, while Cloud defeated one candidate in the Republican primary.

Candidates were asked to keep responses within 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more election coverage, visit www.communityimpact.com.