On Oct. 6, the Conroe ISD board of trustees reviewed the status of the previously passed 2023 bond. Voters approved the $1.97 billion bond in November 2023 for eight new campuses and infrastructure improvements.

The breakdown: Chief Financial Officer Karen Garza and district financial advisor John Robuck presented the data. The district has issued $1.64 billion of the original bond funding, leaving $332.88 million to fund the remaining projects. Conroe ISD has $463 million in cash on hand, giving the district a combined $795.88 million available for the remaining projects.

The total remaining cost to complete the projects is estimated to be $407.16 million. Except for Washington High School, the projects have already begun construction and are on pace to be completed by December 2027.

Montgomery County commissioners unanimously sent a resolution to local legislators on Oct. 8 seeking additional regulatory ability to manage local growth and development.

The big picture: Montgomery County is 78% unincorporated, meaning the majority of residents do not live within a city or township and rely on the county for public safety and infrastructure.

The resolution, which is being sent to all Montgomery County state representatives and senators, encourages them to draft legislation which would grant the county limited authority to create ordinances for land use and development.

In their words: “The current pace and scale of growth are outstripping the county’s ability to provide and expand infrastructure and public services,” the resolution reads. “Current county authority does not provide Montgomery County with the full range of tools necessary to address the unique and increasing challenges created by growth across its unincorporated areas.”

The Texas Renaissance Festival will return to Todd Mission for its 52nd season in 2026, running from Oct. 10 through Nov. 29.

Read all about it: Spanning 70 acres, the nation's largest Renaissance-themed event features 21 stages, more than 400 artisanal shops and over 200 acres of camping facilities.

The festival will showcase eight themed weekends from Oktoberfest on Oct. 10-11 to Celtic Christmas on Nov. 27-29. Additional themes include Pirate Adventure, Barbarian Invasion and All Hallows Eve.

What's new: This year the festival will bring back fan-favorite attractions alongside new acts, including Paladin, the Errant Fool; Sons of Olympus; and Lester Jesterson.

Tickets range from $16 to $40. Admission is free for kids 5 and under on Saturdays, and kids 13 and under get in free on Sundays.

Thirty-two Houston-area restaurants have been named to the 2026 Michelin Guide, according to an Oct. 8 press release.

The history: The guide, which originated in 1889, uses anonymous inspectors to evaluate dining establishments based on food quality, consistency, flavor harmony, technical mastery and the chef's personality.

Latest update: Six Houston-area restaurants retained their one-star ratings for 2026:

• BCN Taste & Tradition

• CorkScrew BBQ

• Le Jardinier Houston

• March

• Musaafer

• Tatemó

Additionally, 26 area restaurants earned the Bib Gourmand recognition for good quality and value. This includes five new locations: Bar Buena, Khói Barbecue, Kitchen Rumors, Murray's Pizza & Wine and Xolo. Xolo owner Angel Bautista also received the Michelin Exceptional Cocktails Award.