Round Rock will host a celebration of local arts and culture downtown in August.​​​​​​​

What you need to know: Known as the Summer Arts Fest, the new signature arts festival will bring live music, food vendors, art demonstrations and exhibitors downtown Aug. 6-9. Attendees can view fine art, fine crafts and other showcases, as well as meet local artists, per the city. 

The four-day festival replaces the city's event previously held in October. 

What else? Several streets will be closed for the event, according to the city of Round Rock. These include East Main Street from the Lampasas Street intersection to Sheppard Street; Sheppard Street between East Main Street and Liberty Avenue; and Liberty Avenue from Lampasas Street to Sheppard Street. All city parking garages will be accessible, per the city.

A new spot bringing a new take on fried chicken is now open in Round Rock

About the business: The Arkansas-based Slim Chickens chain opened its first Round Rock location in July, following the opening of its first Kyle location in November. 

On the menu: The fried chicken restaurant's menu includes a variety of chicken wings, tenders and sandwiches alongside Southern-style sides, such as macaroni and cheese, potato salad, and fried pickles.

For a sweet treat, customers can choose from a selection of dessert jars including chocolate brownie pudding, key lime pie and strawberry cheesecake; fried cookie dough bites; and chocolate chip brownies.

Texas State Technical College’s Williamson County campus will add two degrees to its advanced manufacturing program this fall. Additionally, the Manufacturing Technology Center will open in the spring to house the programs. 

Reece Van Haaften, communications lead for TSTC’s Williamson County campus, said the college anticipates student enrollment tripling with the opening of the Manufacturing Technology Center. 

Why it matters: The new semiconductor technology and automation program teaches students the skills essential for the manufacturing of microchips, which are used in technology like cars and cellphones. 

Meanwhile, the robotics technology program instructs students on building and operating computer-controlled systems and factory robots. 

What they're saying: "Texas is undergoing a massive industrial expansion, particularly right here in Central Texas where high-tech and modern manufacturing are taking off,” said Joel McCracken, team lead for the advanced manufacturing program. “The demand for skilled technicians who understand automated systems, robotics and precision manufacturing isn't just growing, it's urgent.” 

Across Texas, public school districts have approved at least 150 campus closures in the last three years as they grapple with declining enrollment, state accountability issues and hefty budget shortfalls.

What's happening: Among the closures are 56 schools in Community Impact’s coverage areas. Some districts have said that additional closures are not off the table.

Roughly 76,000 fewer students were enrolled in Texas public schools during the 2025-26 school year than the year prior. This marks the first non-pandemic enrollment drop in recorded history, according to Texas Education Agency data collected annually since 1987.

Analysts warn that this year’s enrollment decline is not a one-off, with demographics expert Bob Templeton predicting that enrollment could “drop over 100,000 kids” next year.

What they're saying: “This was a decision that I made, even knowing some of the challenges our students are going to face, because I think the alternative is untenable,” Fort Bend ISD board President Kristin Tassin said as the district voted to close seven elementary schools ahead of the 2026-27 school year.