Learn more about businesses in the Katy and Fulshear area that have recently opened, as reported by Community Impact.

Ember + Lotus: The family-owned eatery offers Thai noodles, fried rice, curries and soups. The dishes incorporate aspects of Texas barbecue, such as its Panang curry made with burnt ends.

• 981 S. Mason Road, Katy

Masala Pizza & Bitezz: The modern fusion restaurant specializes in comfort foods such as pizzas, wings and burgers.

• 23523 Katy Freeway, Ste. 300, Katy

All Levels Driving Academy: The academy offers driving lessons, pre-test preparation, driver education programs and online defensive driving courses.

• 26600 Cook Field Road, Ste. 303, Katy

Fort Bend County will operate with fewer associate judges starting in 2027.

In a nutshell: At an Aug. 27 meeting, Fort Bend County commissioners voted to reduce the number of associate judges to five—down from eight—beginning in 2027 following the addition of two district courts, which were added to the county during the 89th Texas Legislature in 2025.

The details: The decision to cut judges essentially reverses a 2021 move that added two associate judges using federal funding as a temporary solution to increased cases during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, said Bobby Eberle, who serves as the communications director for the county judge. 

The move is expected to save taxpayers nearly half a million dollars per year and instead shift the county’s focus to utilizing the new district judges that are both approved and funded by the state, according to an Aug. 28 news release.

However, some worry this move could potentially put more work on the other staff and slow down progress in residents’ cases.

Shipley Donuts is celebrating its 90th anniversary–nearly a century after its opening in 1936–with a 10-week-long promotion running until Oct. 18, according to a news release.

The special began Aug. 10 and is set to rotate through various value deals, in addition to debuting limited-time birthday-themed donuts.

The history: Shipley’s story began nine decades ago in the oven of its original bakery located at 1417 Crockett St., Houston. The bakery’s founder, Lawrence Shipley Sr., sold his handcrafted, pillowy donuts dipped in a warm glaze wholesale for just five cents a dozen, per the release.

Flash forward to the present: the Houston-based donut parlor still serves that same hexagon-cut treat fresh every morning, now from nearly 400 locations across 13 states.

What to expect: At participating locations, customers can get a taste of the all-new Birthday Bullseye, a festive spin on Shipley’s classic Strawberry Bullseye.

The donut is available individually and as part of the limited-time 1936 Shipley Favorites Box, a nostalgic dozen consisting of other beloved flavors.

The Harris County Commissioners Court is slated to discuss the proposed budget and tax rates for the upcoming fiscal year during a special meeting Sept. 8.

At a glance: Commissioners are expected to make amendments to the proposed $3.096 billion budget, which was presented to the court Aug. 18. The court will also review the proposed tax rates and potentially set them as the county faces a $181 million shortfall.

The county’s Office of Management and Budget has proposed a tax rate of about $0.67 per $100 of property valuation, a 7.6% increase from last year, according to an agenda document. 

Also on the agenda: Commissioners will consider a 30% raise for County Treasurer Carla Wyatt. An all-citizen committee recommended increasing her pay to $181,411 annually during a meeting Aug. 20. The consideration comes as the court is planning to seek legislative approval to eliminate the treasurer's office permanently.

Jon Bonck, Melissa McDonough, and Alex McMenemy are the three candidates running for U.S. House Texas District 38 in the Nov. 3 election.

What you need to know

Early voting begins Oct. 19 and runs through Oct. 30, according to the Texas Secretary of State's website. Election day is Nov. 3 and polls are open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Registered voters can cast their ballot at any polling location during early voting and on Election Day. Voters can visit www.harrisvotes.com for more information.

Need to catch up on Community Impact’s coverage from this week? Check out these trending stories across the southern portion of the Greater Houston area from Aug. 31-Sept. 4.

1. Texas’ first hand roll-centered sushi bar to expand presence to Bellaire Boulevard
2. Houston agrees to $50M deal with The Woodlands to prevent future annexation
3. Sugar Land officials propose increased fees in 2027
4. New coffee spot now open in Pearland
5. City of Fulshear enters stage 1 of drought contingency plan
6. El Tiempo Cantina in Webster closes, possibly reopening