Austin ISD is delaying its first round of boundary recommendations until September as the district seeks more reliable enrollment data, officials shared Aug. 11.

The details: AISD had planned to release draft recommendations Aug. 7 but says recent changes have complicated planning. Phase one will focus on urgent overcrowding concerns, a new attendance zone for Marshall Middle School and campuses affected by recent consolidations. 

The district plans an Aug. 29 feedback open house at Marshall, followed by meetings Sept. 14 and 16. Recommendations are expected in September, with a board vote in October.

What’s next: The broader districtwide process begins in January 2027, with phase two engagement in spring and districtwide changes expected in fall 2028. 

AISD said the added time could help the district base recommendations on current enrollment rather than summer estimates, while giving families more opportunity to understand and respond to proposed changes.

Almost two dozen candidates have filed to run in Austin's five City Council races this fall, four of which may include incumbents seeking reelection.

The big picture: Half of Austin's council seats are on the November general election ballot, with candidates in districts 1, 3, 5, 8 and 9 seeking four-year terms starting in January. Residents can look up their council district online.

District 1 is the only open seat race as two-term council member Natasha Harper-Madison reached her term limit and will leave office at the end of the year. Incumbent District 3 council member José Velásquez, District 5 council member Ryan Alter, District 8 council member Paige Ellis and District 9 council member Zo Qadri are all seeking to hold their seats.

All Austin voters will also be considering two bond propositions and multiple charter amendments on the Nov. 3 election ballot.

A Logistics Park in Georgetown, a hotel in Austin and a Scooter’s Coffee in Cedar Park are among the five most expensive projects filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation in the Austin metro this week.

1. Northland Project ($60 million): This project involves the interior finish-out of an existing shell building.

2. Green Point Building 3 ($42 million): This project is part of the 231-acre GTX Logistics Park in Georgetown, and involves the construction of a 753,481 square foot concrete tiltwall warehouse shell.

3. East Austin 7th Street Hotel ($34 million): This project includes the construction of a new, 5-story commercial hotel.

4. Scooter's Coffee ($400,000): A new Scooter’s Coffee location is coming to Cedar Park, with construction set to wrap up in the spring.

5. Starbucks ($400,000): A new Starbucks location is coming to Bastrop, with construction set to wrap up in April.

An old Austin favorite has officially been resurrected, with a new take on an old concept officially opening in Kyle.

The restaurant A Little Shady has opened near Kyle Crossing, inspired by Austin's original Shady Grove, which was founded in 1992 at 1624 Barton Springs Road in Austin. Shady Grove closed in May 2020, according to previous Community Impact reporting.

The restaurant honors the original spirit of the Shady Grove restaurant, while introducing a new space and fast-casual service, according to a news release.

Quote of note: "We're excited to finally open the first A Little Shady in Kyle," owner and operator Rusty Zagst said. "Our team is passionate about great food, genuine hospitality and creating memorable experiences. We can't wait to welcome longtime Shady Grove fans and introduce a new generation to what made it so special."

On the menu: Customers can enjoy Shady Grove’s "greatest hits," offering a taste of nostalgia, alongside new menu items and indoor and outdoor full-service bars.

• 5172 S. FM 1626, Kyle

Many Texas students began returning to the classroom for the 2026-27 school year in mid-August.

Here are five things Texans should know as the 2026-27 school year kicks off.

The details:

• 2026 school accountability ratings issued
• New rule impacts accountability-related school closures
• 100K students using new Texas Education Freedom Accounts
• Public school closures deepen across Texas
• Check out recent public education laws