Sugar Land’s at-risk youth will soon receive more resources to help them stay on track.

What you need to know: At an Oct. 6 meeting, Sugar Land City Council accepted a $70,090 state grant to fund its Youth Diversion Plan, which aims to provide opportunities and redirect children accused of Class “C” misdemeanors who are at risk of becoming involved in the juvenile justice system, Municipal Court Administrator Kendra Beverly said.

The grant will help provide additional services including:

• Anger management

• Alcohol education

• Life skill classes

• More contractual and professional services, which may include therapy and counseling

About the program: The Sugar Land Youth Diversion Plan was created in 2025 with a goal of preventing formal criminal prosecution, deterring future criminal conduct and empowering kids to accept responsibility for their actions, per the city’s website.

Hala Market, a halal grocery store, restaurant and cafe, opened its doors in Sugar Land, staff confirmed. 

What it offers:The grocery store—which is built around  community and providing fresh halal food—carries Middle Eastern groceries, fresh produce, meats and snacks, according to its website. 

Additionally, the store’s restaurant serves kabobs, family platters, gyros and burgers, per its menu. The cafe also offers lattes, matchas, blended drinks, Turkish coffee and boba. 

• 4127 Hwy. 6, Sugar Land

Fort Bend ISD residents will choose between incumbent Angie Hanan and Pedro Valencia for the board of trustees, Position 1 seat in the Nov. 3 election.

Zooming in: Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been minimally edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.

Here's what we asked them:

• Why did you choose to run for Fort Bend ISD board of trustees?

• What is your top priority if elected to represent the citizens of Fort Bend ISD?

• What do you think is the most pressing issue for Fort Bend ISD, and what will you do to address it?

• How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process?

• How should the district prepare to address the stagnating student population?

• With the expansion of alternatives to public schools, what offerings should Fort Bend prioritize for its students?

Ahead of Texas' 2027 legislative session, the state comptroller's office has asked lawmakers to double funding for its $1 billion education savings account program.

The overview: The program gives participating families taxpayer dollars for private education and homeschooling, and officials said at least $2 billion are needed to maintain current participation in the program.

Meanwhile, some Texas families are raising concerns about their local school districts losing money as students leave public schools to participate in the program, known as Texas Education Freedom Accounts.

What they're saying: "149 students have accepted vouchers that were otherwise enrolled in Pflugerville ISD, [resulting in] an estimated loss of $1.2 million in attendance funding," said Stacy Harrell, a PfISD parent. "That lost funding will add to budget cuts that are already affecting Pflugerville ISD families. Four elementary schools [are closing], with the possibility of more."