More than 1 million Houston toad eggs were released in Bastrop County this spring as part of a renewed effort to restore the endangered species.

What's happening: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department officials said they hope to reestablish Houston toads at Bastrop State Park after the species disappeared following the 2011 Bastrop County Complex Wildfire.

What’s different: Previous reintroduction attempts in 2015 and 2019 were unsuccessful; however, this year was the largest number of eggs released at Bastrop State Park.

Houston Toad Recovery Coordinator Matt Lammers said the program is testing three sites—two in Bastrop County and one in Milam County—to track what environmental factors help populations succeed.

Why it matters: “Going forward, we can measure the varying success of these populations to determine what environmental factors are helping them along,” Lammers said. “Then we can try to replicate the most important of these factors in our other sites and across the state.”

The Lower Colorado River Authority is set to invest billions in infrastructure across its service area to address the needs of Central Texas' growing population. 

What you need to know: The authority announced its investment and business plan for fiscal year 2026-27 on May 21. The plan projects water demand will grow "significantly" through 2031, alongside electrical demand. 

The details: Plans show power, water and broadband infrastructure development account for $1.8 billion for just FY 2026-27. The funds will come from the authority's on revenues and debt, with no state appropriations included, a news release states.

Check out some of the most-read stories from the Austin area May 18-21. 

1. The Pulao Company set to open this summer in Leander

2. City moving toward 2.6K-acre annexation to support decades of mixed-use development in East Austin

3. $250M Amazon warehouse, distribution center near CR 172 in Round Rock now operational

4. H-E-B plus! expansion, new fitness gym and more Kyle business news this spring

5. Berry Creek Drive in Georgetown closed due to storm damage

6. Pflugerville ISD teachers, nurses, psychologists to see pay bump in 2026-27

Mad Hippie’s first storefront is set to open in Austin on May 28, bringing a range of skincare products from its digital platform straight to customers, according to a news release.

What they offer: The skincare brand sells a range of products including the Antioxidant Facial Oil, Vitamin C Serum, Luminizing Facial SPF and a range of creams and cleansers. 

In addition to Mad Hippie products, the store will also stock a selection of products from local and small businesses, including ceramics, silk loungewear, Moroccan slippers and textiles. 

The 3,600-square-foot space will be rooted in nature, with a 300-year-old live oak tree, lounge areas, a vinyl turntable and tea service. The store will also have a facial bar for customers to test products and estheticians and staff to offer help with applications. 

One more thing: The new location will also host community events such as skincare workshops, panels, outdoor yoga, flower markets and more. 

• 700 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin

Dozens of federal, state and local primary campaigns will come to a close May 26 as Texas voters cast ballots in the Republican and Democratic runoff elections.

How it works: Texas held its primary elections in March, with some races advancing to an overtime round, known as a runoff, after no single candidate picked up more than half of the vote.

On May 26, voters may see statewide offices, state legislative seats, redrawn congressional districts, the State Board of Education and county-level positions on their ballots. The winner of each runoff race will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot.

At the polls: Polling places across Texas will be open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. May 26. Voters in the following counties in Community Impact’s coverage areas can vote at any polling location within their county of residence: Bastrop, Bexar, Brazoria, Brazos, Collin, Comal, Fort Bend, Galveston, Guadalupe, Harris, Hays, Tarrant, Travis and Williamson.

Registered voters in other counties are required to visit a polling place specific to their voting precinct.