More dollars from the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund will be dispersed to the area as Gov. Greg Abbott announced Jan. 14 that a $15.2-million grant will go to Tekscend Photomask in Round Rock.

Overview: Tekscend manufactures components in semiconductor chip production called photomasks.

The grant money will go to an expansion of the company’s photomask production capacity by 40% at its Round Rock manufacturing facility, according to a news release.

Additionally, the funds will go to modernizing the facility’s equipment to improve efficiency and allow the company to produce components down to 12 nanometers, which is used for manufacturing AI, industrial devices, automotive components and more. The project is expected to create 50 new jobs.

E-commerce and retail platform company Digital Brands Group could open a Round Rock office, a new project filing shows.

What you need to know: A project filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation shows the California-based e-commerce company could open an office in the EastGroup industrial park located at 350 Texas Avenue, in central Round Rock.

The details: The filing shows a 4,375-square-foot space in the industrial center would be renovated for the business.

Check out the top six trending stories in the Austin area for Jan. 12-15. 

1. Round Rock council gives initial go-ahead for speed limit reduction on Greenlawn Boulevard

2. LongHorn Steakhouse saddles up for Bastrop opening

3. Tunnels complete for Lake Travis deep-water intake project

4. Updates on 8 current and future transportation projects in Georgetown

5. Check out 13 of Leander’s latest launches, leavings and local leaps

6. From Thai food to beer: Check out 6 business updates in Dripping Springs

Two major parks projects in Pflugerville will soon be completed and open for play: the new Kelly Lane Park and the second phase of 1849 Park.

Kelly Lane Park: The neighborhood park located at the southeast corner of the intersection of Kelly Lane and Falcon Pointe Boulevard will have pickleball courts, a new playground and trail connections. Jeff Achee, Pflugerville Parks and Recreation Department assistant director, said the park’s primary purpose is meant to bring more recreation options to underserved areas. The pickleball court will be the first public facility in the city.

1849 Park Phase 2: Most Pflugerville residents—particularly those with children in local sports programs—might be familiar with the current iteration of 1849 Park. The first phase of the park focused on soccer fields, occupying a small portion of the 300 acres set aside by the city for future expansion.

The second phase, which opens in early 2026, will provide the community with its first city-owned baseball and softball facilities.

Animal Hospital of Hutto is now open and providing veterinary services.

What they offer: The practice provides comprehensive wellness exams designed to detect early signs of illness, prevent future issues and support a healthy lifestyle for both dogs and cats.

The office, led by Dr. Natasha Knight, also provides vaccines, dental care, spay and neuter services, urgent care, surgery and end-of-life care.

The clinic is providing free first exams for new clients until April 5.