Richardson ISD continues to expand its technology systems that support its school bus fleet and other vehicles, while also increasing safety initiatives and professional development for drivers and staff members.

The overview: Mike Jasso, assistant superintendent of district operations, said RISD runs one of the largest transportation operations in the area, transporting between 5,000 and 6,000 students daily. Richardson ISD uses several technology systems to support their transportation fleet, including Samsara AI technology and a new app that parents can use to track their student’s bus.

The details: Richardson ISD recently introduced the Stopfinder app to district families, which parents can use to track their student’s bus and receive notifications from the district’s transportation department. Families can use the app to set up alerts to know when their student’s bus is approaching their stop or when a bus is delayed.

Holistic wellness center SimpleVeda is set to open in Richardson’s Twilight Plaza later this year, owner Christina Vargas confirmed over email. SimpleVeda will offer yoga and meditation classes, holistic wellness services, an herbal apothecary and a salt room sauna, she said.

The details: SimpleVeda, which currently operates one Dallas location, will take over former office space at Twilight Plaza. Vargas said she aims to open the Richardson location by the end of the year. 

SimpleVeda’s classes and services are rooted in Ayurveda, an ancient system of holistic wellness, she said.

“Our approach is nervous-system oriented, focused on helping the body shift out of stress and into a state of rest and repair,” Vargas said.

• 508 Twilight Trail, Ste. 204, Richardson

Prosper officials recommended denial of a $580 million proposed data center, while Rio Mambo Tex Mex y Mas closed in Colleyville. Check out six trending stories from Community Impact’s Dallas-Fort Worth coverage areas.

1. Prosper commission OKs commercial development
2. Rio Mambo closes in Colleyville
3. Prosper commission recommends denial of $580 million data center
4. Frisco delays zoning changes for 21-home community near FM 423
5. Chicken Salad Chick to open first Denton location
6. JPMorgan Chase leases 41,000 square feet at Frisco’s Hall Park

Two candidates are running for the U.S. House of Representatives District 32 seat in the Nov. 3 election.

What you need to know: Democratic candidate Dan Barrios will run against Republican candidate Jace Yarbrough. The recently redrawn district includes parts of Richardson, Carrollton, Garland and Rockwall, as well as reaching into East Texas in areas north of Longview. Candidates were asked to keep responses within 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or shortened to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order by last name.