Q&A: Meet the candidates running for Carroll ISD board of trustees, Place 3
Voters will decide between two candidates running for Carroll ISD's board of trustees, Place 3 seat. Eligible residents have until Oct. 6 to register to vote. The early voting period starts Oct. 20 and ends Oct. 31. Election Day is Nov. 4
The background: Carroll ISD's board of trustees approved Nov. 4 as the date for the Place 3 election in June after Place 3 trustee Dudley Jordan resigned in March because he moved out of the district, according to previous Community Impact reporting.
Toys 'R' Us Express held its grand opening in Grapevine Mills Sept. 20.
The gist: The toy store moved into a space that was formerly occupied by Skechers, which moved to a new location. Toys 'R' Us sells plush animals, Legos, board games, Hot Wheels, Funko pops, Barbies and more. Geoffrey the Giraffe is also back and is one of the first things customers see when walking into the toy store.
The background: This is a return to the mall for the brand that shuttered its doors in March 2018, according to previous Community Impact reporting, when the company closed all 735 United States stores.
What to know about the 17 state propositions on the Nov. 4 ballot
Texas voters will decide on 17 proposed amendments to the state constitution during the Nov. 4 election.
The overview: The propositions, which were adopted by state lawmakers earlier this year, include measures aimed at reducing property taxes, funding water supply projects and creating a state dementia research institute.
“This is an opportunity to make your voice heard about the governing document of our state,” Secretary of State Jane Nelson said in a June 25 statement.
More details: Texans have until Oct. 6 to register to vote in the upcoming election. Early in-person voting runs from Oct. 20-31, and Election Day is Nov. 4.
The secretary of state’s office randomly selected the ballot order for the 17 state propositions. Keep reading to learn about the proposed constitutional amendments and how they would change Texas law.
20 years strong: Community Impact celebrates anniversary through state-wide company gathering
Since 2005, Community Impact has delivered trusted news and local information to communities across Texas. Privately owned by John and Jennifer Garrett of Round Rock, it now reaches 2.5 million mailboxes and 270,000 inboxes in 40 markets.
As it celebrates its 20th anniversary, Community Impact is looking back on two decades built on passion, integrity and innovation—while also focusing forward on deeper reader connections and future growth.
The framework: To recognize 20 years of success, Community Impact held a conference and celebration called The Gathering. The event united employees from across the company for two days of training, collaboration and connection.
“Our belief is that leadership from internal top performers and external experts helps us be the modern local news company we want to be,” Founder and CEO John Garrett said.
Eligible K-12 students receive free school meals after legislature approves funding
This school year, students who are eligible for reduced-price meals can receive free breakfast and lunch at public schools across Texas.
The overview: During the recent legislative session, state lawmakers approved $19.8 million to cover the cost of reduced-price meals for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years.
What parents should know: Eligibility for free school meals is determined based on a family’s income through the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program.
Families can contact their school district to fill out an application for free or reduced-price meals at any time during the school year. Students who are deemed eligible for reduced-price meals will receive them at no cost through the 2026-27 school year.
What they're saying: “Kids who would have paid a small fee for meals will now receive them at no cost,” said Stacie Sanchez Hare, director of No Kid Hungry Texas. “[School] is where we know so many kids get their meals—it is a guaranteed place for kids to have access to free and nutritional meals.”
