Developers are seeking approval from the city of McKinney on a specific use permit request to build a drive-thru restaurant along US 380 just west of Custer Road.

The overview: McKinney’s Planning and Zoning Commission approved the request during a Feb. 10 meeting. A specific use permit is required because the building and speakerbox are located near a single-family neighborhood located just south of the proposed location.

Navaz Ebrahim, project manager with the Benchmark Group, said developers intend to deliver the building as a “cold, dark shell.” Two tenants are anticipated at the new building: a quick-service restaurant and general business, according to a letter of intent.

“We are expecting Qdoba Mexican Grill, but on the adjacent tenant, we don’t have a potential tenant yet,” Ebrahim said.

Looking ahead: McKinney City Council members are expected to take final action on the permit request at a March 3 meeting, according to a city document.

Pure Green is slated to open this summer in McKinney, franchisee Amol Kashikar said in an email.

What they will serve: The menu includes organic superfoods such as smoothies, oatmeal and toasts as well as acai bowls and cold pressed juice.  

• 4058 W. University Drive, Ste. 160, McKinney

Mark Newgent is challenging incumbent Keith Self in the Republican primary to compete in November for the U.S. House District 3 seat.

What voters should know: The winner in March will face Democratic candidate Evan Hunt in November. Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. The questions include:

• What would your top priorities be if you are elected? 
• Why are you running for this position?
• What are the biggest challenges facing the cities in your district?

Thousands of students who apply for Texas’ education savings accounts will likely not be accepted into the first year of the program, application data from the state comptroller’s office shows.

What's happening: Over 101,000 students had applied for Texas Education Freedom Accounts as of Feb. 15. Applications close at 11:59 p.m. March 17.

Program funding is capped at $1 billion for the 2026-27 school year, meaning between 90,000 and 100,000 students will likely be accepted. With demand expected to outpace available funding, applications will be prioritized through a need- and income-based lottery system.

Zooming in: Over 70% of program applicants were from low- or middle-income households, according to data from the comptroller’s office. Under Senate Bill 2, the 2025 law that created the program:

• “Low-income” is defined as families with annual household incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty line, or about $66,000 for a family of four.
• “Middle-income” is defined as families with incomes at or below 500% of the federal poverty line, or about $165,000 for a family of four.