Mariachi Herenci is the official competitive team for Tomball ISD’s mariachi program. Originally founded in 2024, the program has grown over the last two years—with future expansion plans underway for the junior high level.

The early days: Paulette Torchia is the Director of Fine Arts at Tomball ISD and has been one of the original supporters of the mariachi program. Torchia said how important it was for TISD to invest in authentic mariachi gear, instruments and instructors to set the program up for long-term success.

“We took that commitment incredibly seriously from day one,” Torchia said. “When we founded the program in 2024, we wanted to create a living, breathing celebration of culture that offered students a true sense of belonging.”

The program in its beginning only had 19 students, but its popularity has grown since then. With this in mind, TISD is planning to expand the program at the junior high level to start any interested members' musical journey earlier.

On Sept. 3, Montgomery County commissioners will discuss and potentially take action to address wildfire activity in the area as well as hear the monthly road bond financial report.

What you need to know: According to the agenda documents, as of Aug. 31, county reports $188 million in bond proceeds and $4.23 million in interest income, bringing total revenue for the program to $192.23 million. Of that amount, commissioners have allocated $166.7 million toward road projects, leaving $25.5 million for future allocations. The county also has $67.6 million in cash remaining in its road bond account.

What else: Commissioners will also discuss action on wildfire activity amid discussions this year on disaster response needs after the Pauline Road fire.

Greater Houston-area officials are monitoring conditions as a tropical system could bring heavy rainfall and the potential for flash flooding to the area through Sept. 2, per the National Weather Service.

What’s happening: The latest update from the National Weather Service states Tropical Storm Edouard is moving inland, and is expected to bring heavy rains and flash flooding to portions of the area on Sept. 2.

Gov. Greg Abbott at an Aug. 31 press conference said the forecast could include a storm surge of 2-4 feet in Chambers and Jefferson counties, as well as local rainfall getting as high as 10-15 inches, including in some areas getting 3-4 inches per hour.

While the rainfall is expected to affect the area’s rivers, it’s too early to tell if it will pose any imminent danger, Abbott said.

Candidates Jessica Hart Steinmann and Laura Jones are slated to face off in November’s general election for a seat in the U.S. House.

What you need to know: The district covers parts of Harris and Montgomery counties, where U.S. Rep. Morgan Luttrell, R-Texas, who has served two terms, announced he would not seek re-election last year. That left the ballot open for Steinmann and Jones, who faced opponents in the March primary election. Steinmann received the Republican nomination, and Jones, the Democratic.

One more thing: Early voting begins Oct. 19 and runs through Oct. 30, according to the Texas Secretary of State's website. Election day is Nov. 3 and polls will be open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

The office of Gov. Greg Abbott announced a $138 billion investment in Texas transportation infrastructure, including projects in the Greater Houston region, according to an Aug. 27 news release from the Texas Department of Transportation.

The Unified Transportation Program for 2026 was approved during an August meeting of the Texas Transportation Commission.

The breakdown: The program’s funding is divided into two portions, $95 billion for transportation projects across the state, and $43 billion which is reserved for routine maintenance and development. The total of $138 billion is intended to be spent on projects and maintenance over the next 10 years, according to the news release.

The North Houston Highway Improvement Project continues to be a priority for the Houston District, with several projects planned within the first four years of the UTP.