As Easter approaches, Austinites are preparing for the holiday festivities, but some may encounter closed doors at their favorite stores. Local favorite H-E-B, along with Aldi, Central Market, Costco, Sam’s Club, and Target, will be closed for the day. This means that last-minute Easter needs should be double-checked for availability at the nearest locations.

On the other hand, convenience and grocery stores like 7-Eleven, Walgreens, and Walmart will remain open for business, catering to those in need of last-minute essentials. H-Mart also reassures customers of its commitment to availability by opening 365 days a year, including Easter.

Good Friday, falling on March 29, is observed by many Christians as a day for solemn reflection on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. While it holds significant religious importance, it is not a federal holiday. However, state holiday recognition in 12 states, including Texas, may impact some services. Banks will generally maintain regular operations, with the exception of those in states observing Good Friday as a state holiday. Mail delivery services will continue uninterrupted, and courier services such as UPS and FedEx will operate as usual. On the stock market front, both the Nasdaq and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) will be closed for the day. While federal offices will remain open, state government agencies in the 12 states observing Good Friday as a state holiday are likely to be closed.

In other news, Austinites recently celebrated the 23rd Annual Cesar Chavez Day with a march in East Austin, honoring Chavez’s contributions to workers’ rights. This event served as a reminder of pivotal moments in Chavez’s activism that frequently brought him to the city.

Following a tragic bus crash in Buda that claimed the lives of a child and an adult, the local community is advocating for greater oversight of commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders. A Buda parent is calling for accountability and improved safety measures, prompting the local school district to install bus seatbelts in response to the community’s demands.

Meanwhile, Williamson County, Texas, launched the inaugural Kitten-Fest to support feline adoption and animal welfare in Georgetown. This event aimed to raise awareness and encourage the adoption of kittens, promoting animal welfare in the region.