Texas State Technical College’s Williamson County campus will add two degrees to its advanced manufacturing program this fall. Additionally, the Manufacturing Technology Center will open in the spring to house the programs. 

Reece Van Haaften, communications lead for TSTC’s Williamson County campus, said the college anticipates student enrollment tripling with the opening of the Manufacturing Technology Center. 

Why it matters: The new semiconductor technology and automation program teaches students the skills essential for the manufacturing of microchips, which are used in technology like cars and cellphones. 

Meanwhile, the robotics technology program instructs students on building and operating computer-controlled systems and factory robots. 

What they're saying: "Texas is undergoing a massive industrial expansion, particularly right here in Central Texas where high-tech and modern manufacturing are taking off,” said Joel McCracken, team lead for the advanced manufacturing program. “The demand for skilled technicians who understand automated systems, robotics and precision manufacturing isn't just growing, it's urgent.” 

Mam Mam, a chef-driven Vietnamese and Thai concept from chef and co-owner Kris Hoang, is set to open a brick-and-mortar restaurant this fall in Pflugerville.

The details: After building a following through its pop-up, Mam Mam’s brick-and-mortar spot will serve an expanded menu alongside a full bar complete with Asian-inspired cocktails.

Mam Mam first launched in March 2024 at Wingman Kitchens inside Springdale General. The shared space only allows for six to eight rotating dishes at a time.

The offerings will be built around the pop-up’s most popular dishes, including Vietnamese chicken and rice, fried pork belly vermicelli bowl, fish sauce chicken wings, and xoi man porchetta.

• Opening this fall
• 1900 E. Howard Lane, Unit G-1, Pflugerville

Across Texas, public school districts have approved at least 150 campus closures in the last three years as they grapple with declining enrollment, state accountability issues and hefty budget shortfalls.

What's happening: Among the closures are 56 schools in Community Impact’s coverage areas. Some districts have said that additional closures are not off the table.

Roughly 76,000 fewer students were enrolled in Texas public schools during the 2025-26 school year than the year prior. This marks the first non-pandemic enrollment drop in recorded history, according to Texas Education Agency data collected annually since 1987.

Analysts warn that this year’s enrollment decline is not a one-off, with demographics expert Bob Templeton predicting that enrollment could “drop over 100,000 kids” next year.

What they're saying: “This was a decision that I made, even knowing some of the challenges our students are going to face, because I think the alternative is untenable,” Fort Bend ISD board President Kristin Tassin said as the district voted to close seven elementary schools ahead of the 2026-27 school year.