Read about developments Community Impact has been following in San Marcos, Buda, Kyle and Dripping Springs.

1. $27M Buda project breaks ground on local shops, community spaces

2. Kyle moves forward with 99-acre mixed-use project

3. New homes coming soon to San Marcos' Kissing Tree development

4. Caliterra breaks ground on $40M housing complex in Dripping Springs

5. Construction begins on Kyle’s inclusive skate park

6. Dripping Springs officials break ground on Stephenson Building

Panda Express is now serving customers near San Marcos’ Aquarena Springs, adding to San Marcos’ I-35 dining options.

The details: This is the second San Marcos spot outside of the one at 100 W. Woods St., on the Texas State University campus, which offers a self-ordering kiosk and counter service. The eatery’s other San Marcos location is at 2850 S. I-35.

What they offer: The American Chinese fast-food chain serves chicken, beef and shrimp entrees, such as orange chicken, honey walnut shrimp and broccoli beef, along with noodle and rice dishes, vegetable sides, appetizers and family-size meals.

• 1430 N. I-35, San Marcos

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.

Looking for ways to ring in the new year? Check out these events happening in the Austin area, including family friendly events and outings for adults age 21 and older.

This list is not comprehensive, and all events are subject to change. 

Lakeway Polar Bear Plunge
Community members are invited to end the year with a trip down the water slide at Lakeway Swim Center. After a dip in the pool, attendees can hang out and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa.

• Dec. 31, 9-10 a.m.
• Free
• 3103 Lakeway Blvd., Austin

• Dec. 31, 8-11 p.m.
• Free
• 3519B, N. RM 620, Austin

Each school year, Austin-area school districts are tasked with meeting federal and state nutrition guidelines while serving meals that are appetizing to students.

These regulations, ranging from limits on sodium, sugar and fat, are intended to help prevent disease in the United States but can present challenges for districts who must attract students to generate funding, said Susan D'Amico, President of the Texas Association for School Nutrition.

“We don't get money for a meal unless a child takes it ... so we have to make the food appealing to students also," D'Amico said.

Something to note: Nationwide, Austin ISD has set a gold standard for school nutrition through its scratch cooking and sourcing products from local farmers, said Stacie Sanchez Hare, director of No Kid Hungry Texas—a national nonprofit that advocates to end childhood hunger.

Dig deeper: Although federal and state funding covers the cost of meals for some students, No Kid Hungry and local nonprofits like Hungry Souls are partnering with school districts to address food insecurity experienced by families in Central Texas.