From mobile libraries to southern boutiques, check out some of the businesses that opened in the first half of 2026.

Library on Wheels: The Dripping Springs Community Library recently launched The Library on Wheels, which offers STEM labs, story times, cultural programs, books and technology. 

• Opened April 23

• 501 Sportsplex Drive, Dripping Springs (Mobile Library)

Ritzy Rexann: The Ritzy Rexann team said they wanted to bring a different take on Western style to Dripping Springs. The store offers an assortment of vintage-style pieces, including pants, blouses and jackets, as well as accessories such as jewelry and hats.

• Opened Jan. 13

• 12013 W. Hwy. 290, Austin

Rice and Oak Thai Texas Grill Kitchen: The Thai restaurant opened early this year in downtown Dripping Springs. Rice and Oak’s menu features woks, curries, rice bowls, shareables, soups and more. Rice and Oak is owned by Siwaphan Sampaotong. 

• Opened Jan. 2

• 1025 Cannon Drive, Ste. 105, Dripping Springs

Switzerland-based Stadler has been selected to deliver the train cars for Austin Light Rail, the third and final major vendor brought on for the project's first stages before construction begins next year.

The details: Officials with the Austin Transit Partnership, the entity overseeing the transit program, advanced a $39 million contract with Stadler to design the vehicles July 15.

The fully electric vehicles will be roughly 120 feet long with capacity for 240 or more passengers, and can be coupled for special events. Designs will allow for greater rider accessibility, with level boarding access and low floors throughout most of the car area to avoid steps.

The initial $39 million authorized in July is one piece of an overall $352.8 million initiative to design, build and test Austin Light Rail vehicles for delivery in the 2030s.

Otsuka ICU Medical LLC announced plans for a $500 million expansion through a new facility and upgrades to its existing facility in Austin, with the goal of improving the long-term supply of IV solutions and supporting new IV products, according to a news release.

What’s happening: Otsuka ICU Medical will expand its existing 700,000-square-foot manufacturing site in Austin with a new 500,000-square-foot facility. The project is meant to help strengthen the supply chain of IV solutions and also bolster the transition to non-DEHP IV solutions containers.

Some context: The expansion is the first major milestone part of the joint venture by ICU Medical Inc. and Otsuka Pharmaceutical Factory Inc., which began in 2025. ICU Medical, which is headquartered in California, specializes in the development, manufacturing and sale of medical devices. Otsuka Pharmaceutical Factory, which is based out of Japan, is a global IV solutions manufacturing subsidiary of Otsuka Holdings Co.

Music, auctions and a mission to support medically fragile children will come together when Abbey Lights Up COTA returns for its eighth year.

What’s happening: The fundraising gala will feature auctions, drinks, food, music, raffles and more.

“The Daytripper” creator and host Chet Garner will serve as emcee.

Where funds go: Proceeds will support the Abigail E. Keller Foundation’s financial assistance, hospice care baskets, birthday celebrations and more.

Funds will also advance plans for Abbey House—a proposed pediatric respite and hospice facility in Central Texas.

Why it matters: Abbey House would provide temporary overnight care outside a hospital, giving caregivers time to rest or tend to other family needs.

What they’re saying: “The vision for Abbey House is rooted in the belief that no family should have to face those challenges alone,” foundation President and CEO Melissa Keller said.

• Aug. 22, 5-10 p.m.
• $350 (admission); $500 (VIP)
• Circuit of The Americas, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd., Austin

As heavy rain and flash flooding threatens large swaths of South and Central Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott spoke to reporters about the state's preparation for and response to the severe weather July 15.

The big picture: The heaviest rainfall is occurring in southwest Texas, according to the National Weather Service, with 10-15 inches of rain expected through July 16 along the U.S. 90 corridor west of San Antonio. As of 2:40 p.m. July 15, all or parts of 14 counties were under a flash flood warning, including Comal, Hays and Bexar counties.

The city of New Braunfels announced several road closures July 15, and the city closed recreational access to the Comal River due to continued rainfall and rising water levels, Community Impact reported.

The severe weather came just over a year after historic flooding killed more than 130 people in Central Texas on July 4-5, 2025.

More details: Dozens of other counties were under flood watches, advisories and warnings. Fifty-nine counties were also under a state disaster declaration as of July 14.