Little Innovator Workshop opens new day care in Lakeline Mall
Little Innovator Workshop, a new day care facility for kids ages 3-12, opened recently in Lakeline Mall.
The details: Little Innovator provides a hands-on learning environment that puts an emphasis on teaching STEM skills. Children are able to experiment and build their own creations, which they get to take home at the end of the day.
The location offers a variety of workshops on activities such as sewing, origami, soap making, candle making, pottery, 3D printing and more. Parents can sign their kids up for individual workshops or purchase monthly memberships.
Round Rock ISD to hold Coffee with a Cop event Sept. 29
Round Rock ISD community members will have the opportunity to learn more about the district's police department and make connections with officers at an upcoming Coffee with a Cop event.
What you need to know: The event will be held 5-7 p.m. Sept. 29 at Cedar Ridge High School, 2801 Gattis School Road, Round Rock.
The details: Participants can enjoy light bites, coffee, tea and conversation with school-based law enforcement officers from each learning community, according to the district.
Texas to overhaul STAAR, launch 3 new exams in 2027
The Texas Education Agency will begin transitioning to a new standardized testing system after Gov. Greg Abbott signed a law Sept. 17 to replace the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness with three shorter exams.
The overview: Through the 2026-27 school year, Texas public school students in third through 12th grade will continue taking the STAAR each spring. Beginning in fall 2027, students will take three tests at the beginning, middle and end of the year under House Bill 8, the new law.
Students’ results will be released within 48 hours after each new test is administered. STAAR scores are currently released about six weeks after a test ends, according to the TEA.
The debate: Bill author Rep. Brad Buckley, R-Salado, said the new system will reduce test-related anxiety; give students and teachers feedback throughout the school year; and increase legislative oversight of Texas’ assessment and accountability systems. Critics of the plan said it would increase the amount of time students spend taking exams and essentially create “another STAAR test” developed by the TEA.
Dry weather prompts Travis County to reinstate burn ban through October
Travis County commissioners have approved a new countywide burn ban, effective through Oct. 21, due to ongoing dry conditions. While recent summer rains eased drought severity across Central Texas, the U.S. Drought Monitor still classifies 96% of the county as “abnormally dry.”
The outlook: Fire Marshal Gary Howell said the ban could be lifted early if significant rainfall occurs in the coming weeks. The county’s last burn ban was enacted earlier this year when National Weather Service forecasts pointed to extreme fire weather conditions. At that time, Travis County STAR Flight assisted neighboring Hays County where multiple vegetation fires spread quickly in windy, dry conditions.
What you need to know: Under the ban, all outdoor burning is prohibited, including brush burning, bonfires, trash burning and campfires in non-designated areas. Officials urge residents to remain cautious, avoid sparks from vehicles or grills, and keep water nearby when using fire outdoors.
Residents can sign up for local emergency alerts at WarnCentralTexas.org.
FOODIE FRIDAY Check out these new restaurants and bars opening across the Austin area.
Eggman ATX has brought its New York-style breakfast sandwiches to another location in Austin, opening up a second food truck in the Mueller Hangar mobile food vender collective.
Founded by Queens native Richard Tavetian, Eggman brings a familiar favorite breakfast option from the East Coast down south.
The menu features a collection of “egg-slingin’ good” options such as the Bodega Classic with its two fried eggs, smoked center cut bacon, cheese and choice of sauce on a roll.
