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With digital technology now integrated into much of everyday life, many studies have shown that the use of smartphones, social media and online gaming take up hours of Americans’ daily routine.

While these devices have transformed how people communicate, work and relax, their widespread use has prompted growing discussions about excessive use, technology dependence and the benefits of disconnecting.

What's happening: According to the Center for Internet & Technology Addiction, 85% of Americans go online daily and, in a survey, 31% of American adults say they’re online “almost constantly.”

Today, the World Health Organization recognizes a type of technology addiction known as “gaming disorder,” which is on its official disease classification list. Furthermore, the WHO has signaled that problematic use of social media has been associated with less sleep, potentially impacting adolescents’ overall health and academic performance.

As these issues gain more public recognition, organizations such as Omega Recovery in Austin are offering programs to help people gain control over their digital habits.

Quartz and ceramic component manufacturer LTD Material LLC was awarded $1 million in state semiconductor investment funds to support its $25 million expansion in Austin, Gov. Greg Abbott announced Jan. 29.

LTD Material has two locations in the city, and in 2023 broke ground on a new 88,000-square-foot manufacturing and research facility next to its existing fabrication plant. The site will increase the company's capacity to produce high-purity quartz parts deemed "essential" for semiconductor manufacturing and wafer fabrication, according to Abbott's office, and create 40 jobs.

The $1 million award is provided through the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund, or TSIF, established under the 2023 Texas CHIPS Act enacted to incentivize semiconductor research and manufacturing statewide.

The LTD Material expansion is the latest TSIF recipient in Central Texas, where millions of dollars have been directed under the state CHIPS Act since 2023. This month, other regional semiconductor grant awards included a Round Rock component manufacturer and Williamson County technician training center.

From efforts to improve enrollment to intervention plans at struggling schools, here are five of the biggest stories happening in Austin ISD.

State education agency approves 22 of 24 AISD turnaround plans

The Texas Education Agency has approved turnaround plans for 22 out of 24 low-performing campuses.

The agency has requested additional details for the two remaining campuses—Widén Elementary and Winn Montessori.

AISD board approves sale of former Brooke Elementary

At a Jan. 29 meeting, the AISD board approved selling of the former Brooke Elementary site to Trammell Crow Company and High Street. The board's vote will allow Superintendent Matias Segura to negotiate and execute a sale with the developer.

District prepares for future attendance boundary changes, school closures

The AISD board could vote to close more schools and rezone thousands of students this fall.

The district now plans to resume work and community engagement around potential boundary changes this spring before deciding in October whether to rezone or close additional campuses in the 2027-28 school year, according to AISD information.

The New Braunfels-based audiology practice is opening a location in Dripping Springs at the Arbor Center.

Learn more: Local and veteran-owned by Sally and Carlos Miranda, Hear in Texas will offer a range of services, including hearing assessments, cognitive screenings, cochlear implants and tinnitus management.

Carlos said they chose Dripping Springs as the location of the new clinic to provide more comprehensive audiology care to the fast-growing community.

• Soft opening late February
• 800 W. Hwy. 290, Bldg. C, Dripping Springs

Check out some of the top trending news stories from the Austin area Jan. 26-29. 

1. PopStroke eyes spring opening for new Cedar Park venture

2. Layne's Chicken Fingers now open in Leander

3. Juan & Lupe's Kitchen closes in Georgetown

4. Tejas Meat Supply to expand to Round Rock

5. New lakeshore landscape unfolding south of downtown Austin

6. Tumble 22 opens new Pflugerville location