Liberty Hill City Council on Sept. 24 approved the site plan for a Whataburger location at 12925 Hwy. 29.
The gist: The plan includes a 3,305 square foot building with a drive through and 36 parking spaces on 1.31 acres, according to agenda documents.
People will be able to access the restaurant from Hwy. 29, and the property is part of the Heritage Ridge subdivision, according to the documents.
Additionally, the property is located within the city limits, and the city will receive full sales tax from the business rather than having to share it with the local emergency services district as is the case with some businesses.
Shipley Do-Nuts holding grand opening for Leander store this weekend
Leander will get one more option for sweet treats when Shipley Do-Nuts opens its new location in Southbrook Station.
What’s happening: The Texas-born donut and kolache chain will be hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 26 and will be celebrating the event with a Community Appreciation Day. All teachers, first responders, nurses and local government employees can enjoy a free glazed doughnut all day on Friday.
Texas to overhaul STAAR, launch 3 new exams in 2027
The Texas Education Agency will begin transitioning to a new standardized testing system after Gov. Greg Abbott signed a law Sept. 17 to replace the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness with three shorter exams.
The overview: Through the 2026-27 school year, Texas public school students in third through 12th grade will continue taking the STAAR each spring. Beginning in fall 2027, students will take three tests at the beginning, middle and end of the year under House Bill 8, the new law.
Students’ results will be released within 48 hours after each new test is administered. STAAR scores are currently released about six weeks after a test ends, according to the TEA.
The debate: Bill author Rep. Brad Buckley, R-Salado, said the new system will reduce test-related anxiety; give students and teachers feedback throughout the school year; and increase legislative oversight of Texas’ assessment and accountability systems. Critics of the plan said it would increase the amount of time students spend taking exams and essentially create “another STAAR test” developed by the TEA.
Brooks & Dunn, Chris Stapleton to headline 2026 Two Step Inn festival in Georgetown
Brooks & Dunn, Chris Stapleton and the Goo Goo Dolls are among the top-billed artists for the 2026 Two Step Inn festival slated to take place in Georgetown’s San Gabriel Park from April 18-19.
The details: The Friends of Georgetown Parks and Recreation organization alongside festival promoter C3 Presents released the full event lineup Sept. 24.
What you need to know: This comes days after early-access tickets went on sale for Georgetown residents Sept. 22.
One-day and two-day ticket options are available. Non-Georgetown residents can sign up online for a one-hour presale at noon Sept. 26.
General admission pricing starts at $169 for one day and $299 for two days.
What else: Earlier this week, the festival announced a handful of changes coming for the 2026 festival, including:
FOODIE FRIDAY Check out these new restaurants and bars opening across the Austin area.
Eggman ATX has brought its New York-style breakfast sandwiches to another location in Austin, opening up a second food truck in the Mueller Hangar mobile food vender collective.
Founded by Queens native Richard Tavetian, Eggman brings a familiar favorite breakfast option from the East Coast down south.
The menu features a collection of “egg-slingin’ good” options such as the Bodega Classic with its two fried eggs, smoked center cut bacon, cheese and choice of sauce on a roll.
