Richardson ISD students improved on most high school and math State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, or STAAR, end-of-course exams, although most grades lagged behind statewide performance.

By the numbers: Scores released by the Texas Education Agency showed RISD students improving from 2025 on 10 exams across grade levels and performing at or above the state level on five exams.

At the high school level, Richardson ISD students saw improved passing rates in biology and both English assessments compared to 2025, but the scores still lag behind the state passing rate. All RISD grades except for third grade improved in their math scores from 2025. Fifth and eighth grade saw their reading scores improve from 2025, while third, fourth and seventh grade saw slightly decreased scores in 2026.

Why it matters: The STAAR is administered to students in grades 3-12 each spring to measure student progress and teacher performance. The TEA’s annual accountability ratings for districts are largely based on STAAR scores.

Isla del Fuego Bar and Grill is set to open on Coit Road near the Richardson border.

The details: The restaurant will be located near El Rancho Supermercado and Sunnyland Outdoor Living.

• 14215 Coit Road, Ste. 126, Dallas

Austin-based restaurant Hopdoddy Burger Bar has been acquired by by Founders Table Restaurant Group.

What's happening: Hopdoddy CEO Jeff Chandler will transition to an advisory role. Hopdoddy Vice President of Operations Kenny Jett will assume the role of president.

"I've had the privilege of seeing firsthand what makes this brand so special—from our incredible team members to the loyal guests who support us every day," Jett said in a news release. "I'm honored to step into this role and excited to build on the strong foundation we've created as we continue growing the brand."

The background: Hopdoddy was founded in Austin in 2010 and has 47 locations today, including in Houston, Dallas and San Antonio.

Founders Table was founded in 2020. The brand's portfolio includes Chopt Creative Salad Company, Dos Toros Taqueria and Protein Bar & Kitchen.

Avelo Airlines will launch commercial air service at McKinney National Airport later this year with plans for nonstop flights to five destinations.

The overview: The airline will offer flights to Las Vegas and four cities in Florida: Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Orlando and Tampa, according to a June 30 news release. Air service will begin Nov. 11 upon completion of a new commercial service terminal that's been under construction since 2025. Avelo Airlines signed on as the first commercial service provider in late 2025.

Avelo will operate flights with two 184-seat Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft based at the airport, according to the news release. The service will create more than 100 new local jobs with Avelo Airlines. Those jobs will include pilots, flight attendants, aircraft technicians and airport personnel.

In a statement, Avelo Airlines founder and CEO Andrew Levy said airline officials were “thrilled to be the launch and anchor airline at McKinney."

A senior community in McKinney will get a new pool and fitness center, and a new car wash is coming to Denton. Check out these five permits filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation around the metroplex. This list is not comprehensive.

1. Texas Health Resources expansion
Hospital chain Texas Health will expand its Frisco campus with a four-story medical office building, according to a TDLR filing. The building will cover 116,412 square feet and go up adjacent to the existing hospital. Texas Health operates 24 hospitals in North Texas, according to the company’s website.

• Location: 12500 Dallas Parkway, Frisco
• Estimated timeline: Sept. 1, 2027-Feb 1, 2029
• Estimated cost: $50 million