Magnolia ISD announced via Facebook on March 20 that a trio of town hall meetings regarding the upcoming May bond election will be held from late March through April.

What it means: As previously reported by Community Impact, MISD will have a bond proposition on the May election ballot focused on securing funding for future campus facilities and related district purchases. Leading up to the May election, MISD will be hosting multiple community meetings with Q&As from district leaders to address community concerns. The dates and locations of the community conversations are as follows:

• March 31: Magnolia West High School Library, 510 Melton St., Magnolia
• April 7: Magnolia High School Library, 14350 FM 1488, Magnolia
• April 16: Magnolia Event Center, 11659 FM 1488, Magnolia

Hissy Chick is opening a location in Magnolia.

The gist: The mobile food trailer specializes in chicken sandwiches and offers catering.

• 5802 FM 1488, Magnolia

After months of standby, Harris County moved forward with a multimillion-dollar initiative to develop long lasting solar energy in low-income and underserved communities countywide.

What happened: Commissioners Court on March 19 authorized $88.3 million to fund projects for the Solar for All plan despite the Environmental Protection Agency’s attempted termination of grants associated with the program. Harris County filed a lawsuit against the EPA in October to reclaim the promised funds, and officials said a decision is expected later this year.

Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey voted against in the 3-1 decision.

More details: The initiative aims to ease the financial burden of rising energy costs in vulnerable communities and enhance grid resilience during extreme weather events, according to county documents. County officials said exact sites are being evaluated, with a focus on locations that would "generate the most economic benefit."

Some context: The EPA awarded Harris County $54 million for Solar for All projects in April 2024 but has since tried to cut the program entirely, triggering legal pushback from the county attorney's office.

With a partial federal government shutdown ongoing, officials with the Houston Airport System said on March 23 that passengers could continue to see growing wait times at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), including in some cases exceeding four hours at IAH.

As a result, federal agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement have begun supporting TSA operations at airports nationwide, including in Houston, Houston Airport System officials announced in a March 23 news release.

Some context: Due to the partial federal government shutdown, which began Feb. 14, TSA officers are working without pay, which is creating staffing shortages that have led to longer than typical wait times at airports nationwide.

Diving in deeper: Per the release, with the addition of ICE agents at Houston airports, screening procedures for passengers remain unchanged. Additionally, officials noted the number of available TSA screening lanes can vary by airport and shift, depending on staffing levels.

From road widenings and asphalt repairs to interchange work and transit upgrades, transportation projects are progressing across the Greater Houston region. Some are already under construction, while others are entering design, public input or bidding phases. 

Here are updates on 13 transportation projects that could affect commutes. This list is not comprehensive, and details are subject to change.

Upcoming projects
Shaw Road widening
Project: Shaw Road would be widened from two to four lanes between Northpointe Boulevard and Boudreaux Road, per Harris County Precinct 3’s website.
Update: The study phase has been completed, and future roadway options are being evaluated, according to Harris County Precinct 3 officials.

• Timeline: TBD
• Cost: TBD
• Funding source: Harris County Precinct 3

• Timeline: ongoing
• Cost: $1.33 million
• Funding source: Montgomery County road bond