ATX-PFH: Impact 10/6/2025

Ivybrook Academy plans to open in Pflugerville this year.

The gist: The private preschool, owned by Sagar and Jesal Bhakta, offers early childhood education with programs for children from ages 18 months to 6 years old. T

he half-day school provides curriculum that integrates elements of the Reggio Emilia and Montessori philosophies. Curriculum subjects include literacy, mathematics, creative arts, science and nature, and social-emotional learning.

The school also offers a full-day, dual-session option for ages 3 to 5.

Hutto officials established an AI use policy for city employees in October, putting guard rails on how new tools can be used in city operations and communications. 

What you need to know: Hutto City Council approved an AI use policy Oct. 2, requiring that city employees complete training on AI tool use and establishing guidelines for how they can be used.

The details: The policy requires annual training through security awareness company KnowBe4, as well as during onboarding for new staff.

According to a Sept. 26 press release, Target has launched a first-of-its-kind accessible self-checkout experience designed for guests with disabilities, including those who are blind or have low vision.

The self-checkouts will roll out nationwide beginning this holiday season and in early 2026 as part of Target's ongoing checkout improvements, according to the release.

What to expect: Per the release, the innovation is a guest-first design that primarily supports people who are visually impaired while supporting those with motor disabilities.

The technology works with Target’s existing self-checkout system and includes:

• Braille and high-contrast button icons
• A headphone jack with adjustable volume controls
• Physical navigation buttons and a dedicated information key

Nana B’s Country Kitchen, owned by Victor Friar and Keysha Nichols-Friar, is now open in Round Rock.

The gist: The restaurant offers comfort food with dishes such as smash burgers, fried catfish, turkey legs, oxtails, wings, chili and more.

“Everything is made with love,” Nichols-Friar said. “It’s not just food; it’s a whole vibe.”

The restaurant is located in the former space of Mi Vida Comida.

Here are the top trending Community Impact stories in the Austin metro from Sept. 29-Oct. 3.

1. New restaurant Grey Orchard to open in Round Rock

2. Nana B's Country Kitchen now serving comfort food in Round Rock

3. Jet's Pizza opens Round Rock shop near Old Settlers Boulevard

4. Texas Roadhouse to open in Leander this November

5. Austin ISD adopts lower tax rate for 2025-26, homeowners could see savings

6. Q&A: Meet 4 candidates for Pflugerville mayor