A new game room is opening in Leander on Sept. 19.
What they offer: Ketta’s Social aims to create a Vegas-style experience in Central Texas, according to owner Tersea Vota.
The social club will offer slots, video poker and other games across more than 40 machines. The location is not permitted to serve liquor, but patrons can bring their own alcohol while playing.
The club is for ages 18 and up, and a free membership is required to play.
Austin Community College District expands student housing support with collaboration
Austin Community College District has introduced a new partnership with Housing Connector, a nonprofit organization focused on removing barriers to housing.
The impact: A recent survey conducted by the college found that 55% of students indicated they are housing-insecure, and 57% stated they would have difficulty finding $500 cash or credit in an emergency.
“Stable housing is essential to our students' success,” ACC Chancellor Russell Lowery-Hart said. “Our mission is simple: help every student succeed. This partnership is about meeting students where they are, removing barriers and making sure they have the stability and support to keep moving toward their goals.”
The partnership will connect students with local property owners who are willing to offer accessible and affordable housing options.
The context: Housing Connecter has a partnership with the city of Austin’s Homeless Strategy Office, which provides funding to expand housing for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Austin moves to slow displacement, preserve thousands of affordable units with new fund
Public dollars could be matched with private and philanthropic dollars in a new effort to preserve existing, less expensive housing units for lower-income earners across Austin.
The details: Council members voted Sept. 11 to broaden the city's efforts to maintain naturally occurring affordable housing, or units that are available at cheaper rates without any government subsidy. That housing is often older and in need of repair, making it a target for redevelopment that can bring more costly and luxury-oriented units to the market while pushing out original residents.
Modeled after similar programs that have seen success in Dallas and other major cities, Austin's new housing preservation fund could offer financial support to property owners in exchange for a commitment to keep housing costs low. The fund will also be opened to investments from outside entities to quickly expand on an initial city investment, likely totaling several million dollars.
Eligible K-12 students receive free school meals after legislature approves funding
This school year, students who are eligible for reduced-price meals can receive free breakfast and lunch at public schools across Texas.
The overview: During the recent legislative session, state lawmakers approved $19.8 million to cover the cost of reduced-price meals for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years.
What parents should know: Eligibility for free school meals is determined based on a family’s income through the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program.
Families can contact their school district to fill out an application for free or reduced-price meals at any time during the school year. Students who are deemed eligible for reduced-price meals will receive them at no cost through the 2026-27 school year.
What they're saying: “Kids who would have paid a small fee for meals will now receive them at no cost,” said Stacie Sanchez Hare, director of No Kid Hungry Texas. “[School] is where we know so many kids get their meals—it is a guaranteed place for kids to have access to free and nutritional meals.”
