Friendswood ISD is projecting a surplus of nearly $3.3 million for its fiscal year 2026-27 budget, following a budget update reviewed by the board of trustees at its March 23 workshop.

The overview: Compared to FY 2025-26, budget projections show that revenues would increase by over $3.3 million and spending by nearly $19,000, according to district documents. While salary expenditures for FY 2026-27 are not expected to increase or decrease from the previous year, the board discussed the possibility of allocating funds toward staff stipends.

Cost to the taxpayers: The district is also anticipating a tax rate decrease of $0.03 per $100 of home valuation, with the new rate projected to be $1.00, according to district documents. While the tax rate is projected to decrease for FY 2026-27, it could potentially increase by $0.0349 per $100 valuation if voters approve a $81.5 million bond in May.

Manvel residents can now enjoy dine-in, take-out and delivery services from Five Guys.

The backstory: Five Guys was first established in 1986 by the four Murrell brothers in Arlington, Virginia. Known for its burgers, fries and milkshakes, the brand has expanded across the country and now into Manvel. 

One more thing: Mayor Dan Davis posted about Five Guys on his social media on March 2, telling residents the establishment is now open. 

• 21716 State Hwy. 288, Ste. 107, Manvel

After months of standby, Harris County moved forward with a multimillion-dollar initiative to develop long lasting solar energy in low-income and underserved communities countywide.

What happened: Commissioners Court on March 19 authorized $88.3 million to fund projects for the Solar for All plan despite the Environmental Protection Agency’s attempted termination of grants associated with the program. Harris County filed a lawsuit against the EPA in October to reclaim the promised funds, and officials said a decision is expected later this year.

Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey voted against in the 3-1 decision.

More details: The initiative aims to ease the financial burden of rising energy costs in vulnerable communities and enhance grid resilience during extreme weather events, according to county documents. County officials said exact sites are being evaluated, with a focus on locations that would "generate the most economic benefit."

Some context: The EPA awarded Harris County $54 million for Solar for All projects in April 2024 but has since tried to cut the program entirely, triggering legal pushback from the county attorney's office.

More than 229,000 students have applied to receive state funds for private education or homeschooling under Texas’ education savings account program, according to the state comptroller’s office.

By the numbers: State data indicates that the most applications have been submitted on behalf of students living in urban areas and the surrounding suburban communities. As of March 8, students living in Houston ISD’s boundaries led the pack with over 8,900 applications, followed by 6,700 applicants in Dallas ISD.

The data reflects how many students living in each district's boundaries have applied, including those not currently enrolled in a public school.

The background: State lawmakers created the Texas Education Freedom Accounts program in 2025.

Students accepted for the 2026-27 school year will receive $10,474 for private education or up to $2,000 for homeschool. Students with disabilities can receive up to $30,000 each.

More details: Of the first 152,000 program applicants, nearly three-quarters were not enrolled in a public school during the 2025-26 school year, data obtained by the Texas Center for Voucher Transparency shows.