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College Station City Council voted June 25 to buy additional police safety equipment from Axon, which is part of a 10-year agreement the city signed with the company for use of its body cameras, Tasers, law enforcement software and artificial intelligence assistance.

The overview: Axon Enterprise manufactures police safety equipment and is known for the invention and sales of the Taser. The company also produces police body cameras, drones, robots and digital records management software.

According to city documents, College Station and Axon signed a 10-year contract in 2022 to purchase equipment for the city’s police department. The original contract amount was roughly $6.4 million and has been amended twice in its almost four years, increasing to the current $8,518,186.

Axon has integrated AI technology in various products to “make public safety faster, smarter and more effective,” according to its website.

The takeaway: The council voted unanimously to purchase the equipment at its June 25 meeting. Thirteen more officers will now be equipped with Axon equipment in the near future.

As Bryan-College Station continues to grow, so does its role in the health care landscape.

Assessing the need: Driven by population growth and demand for specialized services, local health care leaders say the community is becoming a regional health care hub, with growth reflected in both patient volumes and educational programs.

The expansion: Baylor Scott & White officials said fewer patients are leaving the region for specialized care. BSW recently installed a 3T MRI machine, allowing patients access to advanced diagnostic services locally.

Growing challenges: The most recent Community Health Improvement Plan identifies transportation as the region’s most significant barrier to care.

While transit district officials say access to care is especially important, it noted how challenges can come up when appointments occur outside traditional service hours.

Keep in mind: Health care leaders acknowledge gaps but point to growing collaboration among hospitals, universities and community organizations as part of the solution.

The impact: Leaders agree the region's challenge moving forward will be ensuring growth benefits not only Aggieland, but also the Brazos Valley.

Throughout the short last week of June, “Big 6” will have two main lane closures in Bryan-College Station.

What you need to know:

• June 30: Single-lane closure of the northbound frontage road between William D. Fitch Parkway and Barron Road, 7:30 p.m.-6:30 a.m.
• July 1: Full closure of northbound mainlanes from Harvey Mitchell Parkway and Briarcrest Drive, 8:30 p.m.-6:30 a.m.

Austin-based restaurant Hopdoddy Burger Bar has been acquired by by Founders Table Restaurant Group.

What's happening: Hopdoddy CEO Jeff Chandler will transition to an advisory role. Hopdoddy Vice President of Operations Kenny Jett will assume the role of president.

"I've had the privilege of seeing firsthand what makes this brand so special—from our incredible team members to the loyal guests who support us every day," Jett said in a news release. "I'm honored to step into this role and excited to build on the strong foundation we've created as we continue growing the brand."

The background: Hopdoddy was founded in Austin in 2010 and has 47 locations today, including in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and at Century Square in College Station.

Founders Table was founded in 2020. The brand's portfolio includes Chopt Creative Salad Company, Dos Toros Taqueria and Protein Bar & Kitchen.