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A wave of power outages hit San Marcos the morning of Jan. 23, impacting thousands of residents, as well as stoplights and a San Marcos CISD elementary school campus.

The overview: Beginning at approximately 4:15 a.m., multiple electric pole fires caused power outages on Hwy. 123 between Rattler Road and Wonder World Drive, according to the San Marcos Police Department.

As a result of the fires, power lines were down and traffic signals were not properly functioning. Subsequent updates indicated that all highway lanes were open and traffic lights along the highway were functioning properly.

Also of note: Just north of Rattler Road, Bowie Elementary School faced an early morning power outage, according to SMCISD. Bowie was the only campus to lose power and remained open to receive students.

The cause: A change in weather conditions following an extended amount of time without rain caused the multiple power pole fires, Will Holford, Bluebonnet Electrical Cooperative public affairs manager, said.

From dancing to pickleball, Hays County residents have plenty of opportunities to exercise their mind and body in February.

San Marcos Metaphysical and Holistic Fair
Heaven-Pathways-Earth will bring together wellness vendors, healing practitioners and spiritual resources to nurture the mind, body and spirit.

• Feb. 7-8, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Free (admission)
• Holiday Inn San Marcos, 105 Bintu Drive, San Marcos

• Feb. 14, 9-9:45 a.m.
• Free (registration)
• Inspired Minds Art Center, 121 Main St., Buda

• Feb. 21, 8 a.m.
• $15-20 (registration)
• Wallace Middle School, 1500 Center St., Kyle

Check out some of the top trending stories in the Austin area Jan. 19-22.

1. PopStroke eyes spring opening for new Cedar Park venture

2. 11 new and coming soon Georgetown-area businesses

3. Austin ISD to retake Mendez Middle School following charter school partnership

4. Construction of Round Rock ISD's $31M Early College High School complete

5. Check out these 8 Pflugerville business updates

6. Monkey Sports coming soon to The Crossover in 2026

With digital technology now integrated into much of everyday life, many studies have shown that the use of smartphones, social media and online gaming take up hours of Americans’ daily routine.

In a nutshell: While these devices have transformed how people communicate, work and relax, their widespread use has prompted growing discussions about excessive use, technology dependence and the benefits of disconnecting.

Breaking it down: According to the Center for Internet & Technology Addiction, 85% of Americans go online daily and, in a survey, 31% of American adults say they’re online “almost constantly.”

Today, the World Health Organization recognizes a type of technology addiction known as “gaming disorder,” which is on its official disease classification list. Furthermore, the WHO has signaled that problematic use of social media has been associated with less sleep, potentially impacting adolescents’ overall health and academic performance.

What's happening: As these issues gain more public recognition, organizations such as Omega Recovery in Austin are offering programs to help people gain control over their digital habits.

Landon Bryan Campbell and Alfonso O. Salazar are seeking votes in the Democratic primary election for Hays County criminal district attorney.

What it means: The winner will be on the ballot in the general election this November.

At the polls: A candidate must receive over 50% of the votes to win; if this doesn’t happen, a runoff election will be held in May.

Learn more: 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.