Klein ISD is opening an online “tuition-free” program for middle and high school students across Texas in the fall of 2026.

In a nutshell: Texas Promise Academy was created to provide an option to students wanting “rigorous online instruction" and will offer “advanced coursework and specialized programs." The school is open to a limited number of students in sixth through 12th grades, and applications will open this spring.

Quote of note: “We’re committed to expanding opportunities for every student in Texas to experience our Klein tradition of excellence,” TPA Coordinator Brandon Baker said.

Learn more: Families seeking more information about Texas Promise Academy can fill out an interest form now. Completing an interest form will provide opportunities such as:

• Being notified first when applications open
• Guiding the design of Texas Promise Academy’s inaugural curriculum and specialized programs

Bamburger officials confirmed the burger restaurant's second location in the north Houston area has officially opened.

What we know: The Spring-based eatery offers a variety of smash burgers in beef or chicken alongside items such as chicken tenders with fries and fires covered in cheese, jalapenos and bam sauce. The restaurant's first location sits along FM 2920 in Spring, with the second location along Kuykendahl Road in Tomball. 

• Opened Dec. 17
• 24211 Kuykendahl Road, Ste. 160, Tomball

Central Texas counties could begin receiving up to $1.25 million each in state funding for flood warning sirens in the coming weeks and months, officials announced Dec. 16.

The overview: The funding comes less than six months after historic flooding hit parts of Central and West Texas over the July 4 weekend, killing at least 137 residents and visitors. During special legislative sessions this summer, state lawmakers approved requirements that 30 counties included in a July disaster declaration install flood warning systems with the help of $50 million in state grants.

Zooming in: Each county is expected to receive up to $1.25 million from the Texas Water Development Board. Counties seeking more money will need their requests approved by the three-member board.

Counties are required to submit detailed project plans to the TWDB and can use the grants to install physical infrastructure such as sirens, rain gauges, flood gauges and solar panels to power the warning systems. The money can also be used for local flood education, outreach and training programs, TWDB staff said.