The Carroll ISD board of trustees unanimously approved updates to the 2026-27 Academic Planning Guide and Grading Guidelines, including a new educational technology policy that reduces screen time across all grade levels. 

What happened: The changes, approved at the board’s Aug. 17 meeting, are part of the district’s Dragon’s Unplugged initiative to ensure teachers remain the primary source of education for a student. The new limits are some of the lowest of any district in the area, according to district data. 

More details: The district has decreased technology spending in its budget by 8% since 2025-26 and by 28% since 2024-25, according to Carroll ISD. 

The guide also set new standards for the use of generative AI by faculty and students. 

The third location for Gyro Rice and Spice is now open in Grapevine, restaurant staff said.

What's on the menu: The restaurant’s menu includes gyros, salads, bowls, such as the falafel rice bowl, and feta fries. One of Gyro Rice and Spice’s signature dishes is its smashed pita, which includes ground beef, mozzarella, garlic sauce, lettuce, tomato, onions and pickles on a warm pita.

One more thing: Gyro Rice and Spice has two other locations in Trophy Club and Dallas, per its website.

• 919 E. Northwest Highway, Ste. 200, Grapevine

From a new Burger King restaurant to an indoor trampoline park moving into a former Office Depot, read six local business updates from Grapevine and Southlake.

Now open

Exotic Snack Guys

Snack and drink store, Exotic Snack Guys, is now open within Grapevine Mills.
The store sells a variety of drinks, sweets and savory snacks from over 40 countries, with large supplies from Japan, India and Mexico.
Exotic Snack Guys also sells mystery boxes that start at $25 and offer an assortment of snacks, candies, chocolates and drinks.

• Opened Aug. 9
• 3000 Grapevine Mills Parkway, Ste. 340, Grapevine

• Opening in the second quarter of 2027
• 1317 W. SH 114, Grapevine

Bella Prosper, a $240 million planned mixed-use development, heads to a 2027 groundbreaking, while an Allen commission approved plans for an 11-acre retail center. Check out six trending stories from Community Impact’s Dallas-Fort Worth coverage areas.

1. La Rue Doughnuts opens Frisco location
2. Plans move forward for 11-acre, grocer-anchored retail center in Allen
3. $240M Bella Prosper looks to 2027 groundbreaking
4. Frisco approves $4.7M in contract for Frisco on the Green park construction
5. Long John Silver’s reopens, debuts renovated East McKinney restaurant
6. Check out the latest on 5 Dallas Fort Worth International Airport lounges

Democrat Gina Hinojosa, an Austin state representative, and Libertarian Pat Dixon, a professional engineer, are challenging Republican incumbent Greg Abbott in the Nov. 3 election. Abbott is seeking a fourth term in the governor's mansion.

The big picture: As Texas’ top elected official, the governor signs and vetoes legislation, serves as commander-in-chief of the state military and appoints members of state agencies or advisory boards. Community Impact asked the three gubernatorial candidates for their perspectives on data centers, education, the cost of living and other topics.

The background: Abbott beat 10 Republican challengers in the March primary election, while Hinojosa beat eight other Democratic candidates to advance to the November election. Dixon was selected as the Texas Libertarian Party's candidate during an April nominating convention.

Looking ahead: Early voting runs from Oct. 19-30, and Election Day is Nov. 3.