Pearland ISD received a score of 98 out of 100 points in its annual Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas, or FIRST, report.

What you need to know: The rating is based on financial data from fiscal year 2024-25 and was presented to the board of trustees at its Oct. 12 meeting.

Out of all indicators, the district did not receive a 10/10 on Indicator 8, which assesses whether the district's financial health is stable enough to manage short-term debts. The district scored an 8/10 on this indicator.

Diving in deeper: FIRST began after Senate Bill 218 passed during the 77th Texas Legislature, which required the Texas Education Agency to form a financial accountability rating system for school districts and mandated that districts prepare an annual financial management report.

The FIRST rating uses 21 indicators, according to district documents. 

Early voting begins Oct. 19. Here's what voters need to know before heading to the polls in Brazoria County.

What you need to know: Early voting in Brazoria County runs from Oct. 19-30 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot is Oct. 23. Contested county races include:

• County judge: Rob Giesecke, Eugene Howard and Lucinda Henry

• District clerk: Cassandra Tigner and Grandison Porter

• County clerk: Joyce Hudman and Adrienne Bell

• County treasurer: Angela Dees and Steve Sanders

• County Commissioner, Pct. 2: Alfred Froberg and Carlos Townsend, Sr.

• County Commissioner, Pct. 4: David Linder and Becky Singleton

Brazoria County residents can also vote in other races, including U.S. House Districts 22, 9 and 14, as well as Texas House District 29.

Stay tuned: The general election will take place on Nov. 3, with voting open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Community Impact will monitor and provide updates for early voting and Election Day. To track results and view races in your neighborhood, visit Community Impact’s election coverage site. 

Statewide, help wanted postings for retail salespeople rose 7.5% during the first half of each year from 2022 to 2026, according to data from the Texas Workforce Commission.

Meanwhile, in Galveston County, that rate has almost doubled—14%—from 2022 to 2026, data shows.

A closer look: As job postings have risen, local employers are looking for ways to fill the positions that keep the Bay Area's retail, tourism, dining and entertainment industries running.

"Like many tourism and hospitality destinations, Kemah Boardwalk's staffing needs shift with the seasons," said Terry Turney, Kemah Boardwalk's chief operating officer. "We adjust staffing levels based on business demand, including during our peak spring and summer periods. We're proud that our locations are consistently fully staffed or close to fully staffed."

On the other hand: Since opening in Seabrook in November 2024, Space City Cow Owner Dylan Lirette said he struggled to find and retain reliable employees.

“It’s super hard to find employees these days, and that’s everywhere,” Lirette said. “That is across the board. Everywhere is hiring.”

American Express announced plans on Oct. 8 to expand and renovate its existing Centurion Lounge at George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

The details: The project will nearly triple the lounge's current space from 8,000 square feet to 23,000 square feet and is expected to be complete by 2028.

Upgrades at the Houston airport lounge will include:

• A new Blue Roast by American Express Coffee and Wellness Bar

• A specialty dining area with rotating plated dishes and a signature buffet

• A second full-service bar with craft cocktails and a curated wine selection

• Refreshed restrooms, premium shower suites and various seating areas

Some context: This expansion is part of a larger investment by American Express. The company also plans to expand and upgrade its lounge at Philadelphia International Airport, open a new lounge at Newark Liberty Airport and open a second lounge at London Heathrow Airport.

Need to catch up on Community Impact’s coverage from this week? Check out six trending stories in the Greater Houston area from Oct. 9-16.

• Sugar Land launches Feral Hog Mitigation Pilot Program

• Good Bull Capital asks Friendswood to create PID for 135-lot Falling Leaf Ranch on previously foreclosed property

• Houston Methodist holds groundbreaking ceremony for new emergency care center

• West U awards nearly $630K construction contract for recreation center renovations

• Commission of politicians, community members releases report on state takeover of HISD

• Harbor Health to acquire 27 Village Medical clinics