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Friendswood ISD trustees to review community feedback after failed bond

Friendswood ISD’s board of trustees will review feedback from a community survey and post-election focus groups during a workshop Jan. 12, following the failed Nov. 4 bond election.

What you need to know: According to the Jan. 12 workshop agenda, trustees are scheduled to review feedback from the community survey and focus groups conducted after the Nov. 4 election, along with updated financial information and facilities data.

The survey was sent to Friendswood ISD residents Nov. 19, according to district documents, and is intended to help guide future planning.

 
Latest City News
Manvel establishes AI use guidelines

Manvel City Council approved a policy that establishes artificial intelligence use guidelines for work-related tasks at its Jan. 5 meeting. 

The policy allows for the responsible and ethical use of AI tools to improve efficiency while reinforcing that all final decisions and official actions remain under human judgment, according to city documents. 

The details: The approved policy doesn’t prohibit the use of AI or require specific approvals and reporting requirements. 

All AI-generated content must be approved by a human prior to official use and employees will remain fully responsible for any work generated or assisted by AI, according to city documents. 

 
Trending Now
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo announces 2026 season lineup

The entertainment lineup for the 2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo was announced Jan. 8 and includes artists such as Lizzo and Tim McGraw.

Read all about it: Since 1932, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has promoted agriculture and Western heritage through family-friendly experiences, competitions and live entertainment.

This year, Rodeo Houston will run from March 2-22, featuring 20 days of competition in bareback riding, bull riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, team roping and women’s barrel racing and breakaway roping.

What to expect: On weekdays, NRG Stadium gates for the rodeo open at 6 p.m., with the rodeo starting at 6:45 p.m, according to Rodeo Houston’s website. The entertainer then takes the stage at 9 p.m., depending on the number of rodeo competitors and other production elements.

 
Stay In The Know
Harris County names Jonathan Fombonne as new county attorney

Harris County commissioners unanimously approved Jonathan Fombonne as the new county attorney on Jan. 8, a position effective immediately. Fombonne thanked his county attorney staff and his family after commissioners invited him to speak at the Downtown Houston court meeting. 

“Thank you again for your confidence and for this opportunity,” Fombonne said. “I’m honored to serve, and I look forward to working with each one of you.”

The big picture: Fombonne served as deputy county attorney in the county attorney’s office and now replaces a vacant county position after former County Attorney Christian Menefee resigned March 17, after the announcement of his campaign run for U.S. Congress District 18. Menefee leaves the county attorney position after serving five years in office.

Quote of note: Fombonne said it has been an honor serving people with humility and earning their trust with hard work over the past five years with Menefee.

“I learned a lot from working with him, and I’m thankful for his leadership and for the team he built,” Fombonne said. 

 
What You May Have Missed
'eGate' airport security, lifelong learning for seniors: 5 trending stories in the Greater Houston area

Need to catch up on Community Impact’s coverage from this week? Check out five trending stories in the Greater Houston area from Jan. 5-9.

Latest update: Airport passengers in the Greater Houston area who are also CLEAR members can utilize new biometric eGates aimed at expediting identity verification at both George Bush Intercontinental and Hobby airports, officials announced in December. 

Also of note: Houston-area residents ages 50 and older can explore everything from history and creative writing to hands-on hobbies through Lone Star College System’s Academy for Lifelong Learning, a low-cost program offering classes, activities and social connections across the system’s campuses, as stated in a Lone Star College Dec. 19 news release.

Annual memberships, Sept. 1-Aug. 31, cost $25 per person and provide access to programming across Lone Star College System campuses, the release states.

One more thing: American steakhouse chain Texas Roadhouse is set to bring its menu once again to the Cypress area as construction has began on a new location on West Road near the Grand Parkway. 

 
What's happening at ci

The overview: As Community Impact enters its third decade, it’s returning to its roots of growth and deeper reader connections. The “Patron” program, which began in 2020 by reader demand, has relaunched as InCIder.

“This relaunch represents our renewed commitment to readers who support our local news,” CEO John Garrett said. “Beyond funding great journalism, we also want to reward our InCIders and build deeper connections with them, creating a true sense of community around the work we do.”

Event details: As part of the new program, Community Impact is hosting InCIder Hours across the state, events designed to celebrate and engage the company’s top supporters.

Houston’s first InCIder Hour will take place from 5:30-7 p.m. Jan. 21 at Community Impact’s Houston headquarters, 16300 Northwest Freeway, Jersey Village.

Guests will have the opportunity to network with fellow InCIders, meet Community Impact staff and attend a moderated real estate-focused panel.

Become an InCIder today to get your invite! We’ll see you there.

 

Your local team

Haley Velasco
Editor

Papar Faircloth
General Manager

Email [email protected] for story ideas, tips or questions.

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