Like many Texas school districts, Round Rock ISD employs uncertified teachers as long-term educators working toward full certification.

How it works: As a District of Innovation, RRISD is one of several districts in the state that has used a policy exemption to hire uncertified teachers.

However, In the 89th Legislature, lawmakers passed a requirement that districts begin phasing out exemptions for teacher certification requirements for core subjects by the 2027-28 school year.

About the program: Round Rock ISD’s alternative certification program has brought dozens of participants since it launched in the 2022-23 school year.

The district also launched an apprenticeship program this fall, bringing a new inroad to the classroom for employees.

Rush Bowls opened in Round Rock in early September.

About the business: The shop’s menu includes a variety of smoothie bowls, with toppings such as fresh fruit, granola and shredded coconut; blended smoothies; grab-and-go granola, banana bread and coconut bites; refresher-style beverages called revivers; and cold-brewed coffee.

• 115 Sundance Parkway, Ste. 340, Round Rock

Texas State University received a record-breaking number of applications for the 2026-27 school year, with a total of 83,479. Heading into the fall semester, the university set 11 additional attendance records as it continues to grow year over year.

The gist: Texas State’s preliminary census day count determined the university has 47,513 total students this fall, a 7% increase from the 2025-26 school year, according to a Texas State University news release. The school welcomed 12,715 new undergraduates, including 9,145 freshmen.

The increased enrollment indicates the university’s ability to provide more students with access to higher education and the opportunities Texas State offers, said Texas State University President Kelly Damphousse.

Texas State is one of the fastest-growing universities in the state, increasing access through expanded graduate programs, strengthened partnerships with community colleges, and additional opportunities through online degrees and the Round Rock campus, Damphousse said.

Also of note: The Round Rock campus will serve 4,003 students through a combination of in-person and online programs, a 37% increase, according to the release.

For the first time in over a decade, there is no incumbent in the Texas attorney general's race as Republican Ken Paxton runs for U.S. Senate.

Democrat Nathan Johnson, a state senator from Dallas; Republican Mayes Middleton, a state senator from Galveston; and Libertarian Tom Oxford, an attorney from Nederland, are running to replace him this November. Community Impact asked the candidates for their perspectives on Texas' open records laws, state litigation and other topics.

How we got here: Johnson and Middleton each won their primary runoff elections in May, Community Impact reported, while Oxford was selected as the Texas Libertarian Party's candidate during an April nominating convention.

Looking ahead: Early voting in eight statewide races and dozens of local elections runs from Oct. 19-30. Election Day is Nov. 3.