🌵 What the new STAAR scores show

Summer has a funny way of making you notice how fast your kids are growing up. Sometimes it’s the shoes that suddenly don’t fit. Sometimes it’s the fact that they’re using words you’ve never heard before.

One thing I've learned recently is that apparently I am getting old. The kids keep using words that aren't actually words. The other day I heard "rizz." I still have no idea what rizz is. Then I heard someone describe something as "mid." Which, apparently, is bad. Back in my day, if we didn't like something, we just called it bad. We didn't need a whole new vocabulary.

Every generation thinks the next generation is a little strange. And every generation is right.

But one thing never changes. Summer still has a way of making kids feel like time is endless. Parents, meanwhile, are over here wondering how we’re already this far into it. One minute you're buying sunscreen and popsicles, and the next you're trying to squeeze in all the things you swore you’d do before the first day of school sneaks up.

So enjoy the slow mornings, the late sunsets, the sticky hands, the random kid slang, and all the little moments that make this season what it is.

Soak it up, friends.

No cap.

The Gist: Rollingwood leaders are considering adding surveillance cameras and related technology to help police monitor public spaces. No decisions have been made, and officials say privacy protections and transparency will be key.

Why It Matters: If you've ever gotten one of those emergency alerts about nearby police activity, you know safety and privacy can sometimes pull in opposite directions. City leaders are trying to figure out whether cameras can help officers respond faster without making neighbors feel like they're giving up too much privacy.

The Gist: New 2026 STAAR results show improvement across high school End-of-Course exams, including Algebra I, Biology, English I, English II, and U.S. History. Biology, English I, and English II continued improving and are now above pre-pandemic levels, while Algebra I rose seven percentage points from last year.

For elementary and middle school students, math and social studies saw gains, while reading stayed mostly steady. Science results for grades 3-8 are expected July 31.

Why It Matters: The results point to real progress, but the gains aren’t showing up evenly. High school scores are moving in a stronger direction, while younger students are seeing smaller gains, especially with reading mostly holding steady.

For families, it’s a reminder to look beyond the headline and check their child’s individual score report, because statewide improvement can look different depending on the grade, subject, and student.

Read more here.

Sometimes the simplest places leave the biggest impression. Taqueria De Diez brings the feel of a classic taco stand indoors, serving authentic Mexican favorites that have locals talking. Fresh tortillas hold up beautifully, while standouts like the carne asada volcan, quesadillas, and campechana keep people coming back for more.

The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with quick service and outdoor seating that makes an easy lunch or family meal even better. Add a frozen or guava margarita, and you have one more reason to linger a little longer.

More details here.

From roaches to scorpions, TOPS Pest Control offers smart, serious results with no contracts and a 100% satisfaction guarantee from Austin to Dripping Springs.
Call 📞 (737) 338-7540 or visit 🌐 Topspest.com to protect your family today!

Neighborhood Vintner blends the charm of a wine shop with the easygoing feel of a neighborhood gathering place. Guests can sip from an extensive by-the-glass menu, enjoy a flight, or pick out a bottle to take home.

The beautifully designed space feels intimate without being stuffy, and conversations often flow as easily as the wine. Whether you’re trying something new or coming back to an old favorite, there’s plenty to discover with every visit.

More details here.

Summer is here, and your irrigation system is about to become the MVP of your yard. Before the heat and water bills ramp up, take 20 minutes to give your system a quick check. Make sure your controller is programmed correctly, inspect each zone for leaks or broken heads, and confirm you're getting even coverage across the lawn.

If DIY isn't your thing, that's okay too. A professional irrigation check now can save a lot of stress in July. We also offer irrigation maintenance plans for homeowners who want fewer surprises and healthier landscapes year-round. Choose between two seasonal visits or four visits with priority scheduling during peak summer months, plus perks like discounts on parts, free service calls, and annual backflow testing.

Bonus: smart controllers, rain sensors, and efficient heads can save water and money all summer long.

Check it out HERE.

🤹 Matt Tardy Master Juggler | Library | Lakeway | 06/26 | More
Comedy, juggling, and audience antics keep kids laughing.

🧪 Mad Science Show | Laura’s Library | Austin | 06/27 | More
Explosive experiments and silly surprises delight curious kids.

🦎 Zoofari Animal Show | Public Library | Bee Cave | 06/27 | More
Meet fascinating critters during this fun, family-friendly animal adventure.

✍️ Poetry for Kids: Limericks | Westbank Library | Austin | 06/29 | More
Young writers explore playful poems and creative rhymes.

☕ Baby & Toddler | Pikopye's Town | Lakeway | 06/30 | More
Soft play and coffee create a relaxed morning for little ones.

🎸 Live Music Night with 4740 | Little Woodrow's | Bee Cave | 06/26 | More
Patio singalongs and laid-back tunes pair perfectly with cold beer.

🐐 GOGA Goat Yoga | GOGA Goat Yoga | Bee Cave | 06/27 | More
Playful yoga with baby goats guaranteed to spark smiles.

🎨 Patriotic Paint Party | MK Art + Design Studio | Bee Cave | 06/28 | More
Create festive artwork while enjoying a relaxed, social afternoon.

🌕 Full Moon Guided Hike & Yoga | Hotel Viata | Austin | 07/01 | More
Mindful movement and Hill Country trails inspire renewal and reflection.

🥃 Bourbon Pairing Dinner | That’s My Jam | Bee Cave | 07/02 | More
Thoughtfully paired courses celebrate bold Texas bourbon flavors.

🧸 Elmo’s Got the Moves! | ACL Live | Austin | 06/26 | More
Sesame Street live show with music, dancing, and family-friendly fun.

🥁 Zimbabwean Marimba Dance Party | Casa de Luz | Austin | 06/27 | More
Joyful rhythms and hands-on music invite everyone to join in.

🕷️ Oddities & Curiosities Expo | Palmer Events Center | Austin | 06/27–06/28 | More
Two-day market featuring unusual art, collectibles, and live sideshow entertainment.

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