Central Texas students have a clearer path from the classroom to the skies with a new pilot training program at Texas State University’s Round Rock campus. The expansion brings a program in place at other Texas State campuses to Round Rock.

The details: In partnership with local flight schools, the university offers students a bachelor’s degree in aviation science, as well as seven certifications and licenses, including their private pilot’s license.

The program prepares students to potentially work for major airlines as well as other career opportunities, said Donald Wimp, program coordinator and assistant director for the university’s aviation program.

What they're saying: “People are looking for something that’s not just challenging but very rewarding,” Wimp said. “If you’re one of those people that likes to just go and won’t let anything stop them, it’s a great career.”

A Round Rock Hotworx infrared fitness studio changed hands this summer, with the business announcing it's under the ownership of Kayla and Michael Johnson Aug. 1.

The location was previously owned by Ana and Rubin Loera, the company confirmed, and remains locally owned.

About the business: As a virtually-instructed fitness studio, Hotworx offers yoga, Pilates, core and cycling fitness class options, among others, that are all carried out within an infrared sauna.

Hotworx is open 24/7, offering unlimited access for its members.

• 2150 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Ste. 400, Round Rock

The Williamson County League of Women Voters will hold a nonpartisan event this weekend to educate the public about voting rights, bringing speakers, workshops and information stations to Round Rock.

In a nutshell: The organization’s Unite & Rise for Voting Rights event will be held Aug. 8 from 10 a.m.-noon at the Rabb House, located at 151 N. A.W. Grimes Blvd., Round Rock.

It is open to all Williamson County residents, but attendees are asked to register ahead of time.

The specifics: The event will have stations where attendees can register to vote, check their registration status and learn more about becoming involved in the local political process.

Within the next year, Texans will likely see changes to when they can vote early in elections, including expanded weekend voting hours.

The overview: Last year, state lawmakers passed Senate Bill 2753, which shifts Texas’ early voting window closer to election day, cutting out a three-day gap between the two voting periods and adding more Saturday and Sunday voting.

While the changes did not take effect immediately and were designed to help boost voter turnout, local election administrators said the law will also significantly raise costs for municipalities and delay the release of election results.

Election officials said the current three-day break allows staff to set up polling places for election day and prepare submitted ballots so results from early and mail-in voting can be released quickly after the polls close on election night.

The impact: Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth estimated that the shift would raise the cost of administering a large election by 30% and increase costs for smaller elections by 9%, due to personnel, equipment and voter education needs.