Since Aug. 12, 2025, the Edwards Aquifer Authority’s San Antonio Pool has been under a Stage 4 drought designation, reducing permit holders’ authorized annual water withdrawals by 40%. The EAA announced a transition from Stage 4 drought to Stage 3, which will increase allowed pumping.

What happened: The Stage 3 drought designation went into effect Sunday, April 26, as a result of improved aquifer conditions, according to an EAA news release. The San Antonio Pool provides water to permit holders in Medina, Bexar and parts of Atascosa, Caldwell, Guadalupe, Comal and Hays counties.

The impact: Edwards Aquifer groundwater permit holders authorized to pump more than 3 acre-feet annually must reduce the amount of water withdrawn by 35% of their normal permitted allowance during the days the Stage 3 drought is active, according to the Critical Period Management Plan.

The reductions apply to industrial users, agricultural users and water utilities permitted to pump from the aquifer. All impacted permit holders must report pumping totals to the EAA on a monthly basis.

A popular footwear brand recently opened a location at the San Marcos Premium Outlets, bringing a variety of sandals ahead of the summer months.

The gist: Birkenstock’s newest store is situated between the Psycho Bunny and Karl Lagerfeld Paris stores in the outlet mall.

The brand sells a variety of footwear, including sandals, clogs, professional shoes, sneakers, boots and footwear-related accessories for men, women and children.

• 3939 S. I-35, Ste. 1350, San Marcos

From road construction in Georgetown to a skatepark in Kyle, here are five of the most expensive projects filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation in the Austin metro this week.

1. Ronald Regan Boulevard Widening ($29.7 million): This project includes the construction of new lanes and intersection improvements on Ronald Reagan Boulevard, including drainage structures, bridges, retaining walls, lighting, signals and more.

2. Expo Center Park and Ride ($17.3 million): This project involves construction of a new park-and-ride. It will include bus bays and electric vehicle charging stations.

3. Round Rock ISD Hartfield PAC Renovation ($6 million): Construction will begin next year on a total roof replacement, mechanical equipment replacement, public address system upgrade, and interior other work, including replacement of flooring and wall finishes in the lobby and green room.

4. Gregg-Clarke Skatepark ($3.1 million): The Kyle skatepark will include approximately 34,000 square feet of concrete skatepark and pump track.

5. Creekview Vet Clinic ($2 million): Construction will begin in June on a vet clinic in New Braunfels.

Over 130 Central Texas residents and visitors died over the July 4 weekend as an intense rainstorm and flooding swept through the region. Among them were 28 deaths at Camp Mystic: 25 young campers, two 18-year-old counselors and Richard "Dick" Eastland, the camp's executive director.

The private Christian girls camp has been under scrutiny for the actions camp leaders took to attempt to save campers in cabins near the Guadalupe River.

What's happening: During the second day of public hearings April 28, a panel of lawmakers investigating the July 4 flood was scheduled to hear testimony from:

• The Eastland family, which owns and operates Camp Mystic
• The head of the Texas Division of Emergency Management
• Leaders from the Texas Department of State Health Services
• Flood victims' families
• The parents of some campers who survived the flood