The University of Texas at Dallas is set to increase its role in training the semiconductor industry’s workforce.

The University was selected to “ lead key initiatives within the new National Network for Microelectronics Education,” according to a UT Dallas news release.

The gist: As part of a national effort to boost semiconductor UT Dallas will expand its existing North Texas Semiconductor Innovation Consortium, a program that partners with the local community colleges in order to train technicians.

The consortium currently includes Collin College, Dallas College, Grayson College, Tarrant County College and Murray State College, according to the release.

Newly constructed northbound lanes on Custer Parkway in Richardson are now open.

What you need to know: Starting July 9, northbound traffic on Custer from Campbell Road to the railroad tracks just north of Cap Rock Drive will be moved to the newly constructed lanes, according to a city news release.

Southbound traffic will also be shifted to the new northbound lanes as work shifts to the southbound lanes.

In Texas, 246 of the state’s 254 counties are designated by the federal government as “mental health professional shortage areas,” meaning local law enforcement are often tasked with responding to mental health crisis calls.

The situation: All Texas peace officers are required to complete crisis intervention and deescalation trainings, according to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.

What's happening: Across Community Impact’s coverage areas, some city and county law enforcement agencies are partnering with local mental health professionals to respond to crisis calls. However, law enforcement and criminal justice leaders from smaller communities told state legislators July 7 that they have “limited tools” to effectively respond to mental health calls and help people in crisis.

“We do not have any inpatient mental health facilities in my county—we've never had that, and we've needed them for decades,” Comal County Criminal District Attorney Jennifer Tharp said July 7. “We originally started out sending individuals to the San Antonio area, and right now we are transporting individuals for inpatient treatment to North Austin.”