City employees in New Braunfels could be getting raises in Fiscal Year 2026-27.

Some details: New Braunfels City Council members will be considering a proposed FY 2026-27 budget of $118.5 million and $0.4089 tax rate per $100 valuation on Sept. 14. The general fund is structurally balanced, which means that recurring revenues meet expenditures.

The proposed tax rate of $0.4089 per $100 valuation is below the no-new-revenue rate of $0.4156 for the second consecutive year, according to a special Aug. 17 City Council meeting presentation.

A no-new-revenue tax rate is the rate needed to generate the same amount of revenue from the year prior on existing properties. The interest and sinking rate is typically used for debt services and is separate from the maintenance and operations. The maintenance and operations rate is used for the general fund.

New Braunfels ISD started Maria's Closet, a support service providing clothes, backpacks and toiletries to unhoused students in 2004. Now, the closet has grown into a larger resource, reaching more families and students in need.

What’s new: Maria's Closet is now operating inside the district's original Lamar building at 240 N. Central Ave. In addition to improved in-person services, Maria’s Closet also offers a mobile closet—a van that has all the resources of the permanent closet, but can now travel to those in need. The van will begin operating in September or October, Maria Alcala, NBISD's McKinney-Vento and foster care liaison, told Community Impact.

“The district is removing transportation and access barriers by bringing resources directly to campuses and neighborhoods,” Alcala said. “This expansion is expected to increase the number of students and families served throughout New Braunfels ISD in the coming school year.”

The van will travel to specific locations throughout New Braunfels, including the Crisis Center of Comal County, local food banks and other community events, Alcala said.

An old Austin favorite has officially been resurrected, with a new take on an old concept officially opening in Kyle.

The restaurant A Little Shady has opened near Kyle Crossing, inspired by Austin's original Shady Grove, which was founded in 1992 at 1624 Barton Springs Road in Austin. Shady Grove closed in May 2020, according to previous Community Impact reporting.

The restaurant honors the original spirit of the Shady Grove restaurant, while introducing a new space and fast-casual service, according to a news release.

Quote of note: "We're excited to finally open the first A Little Shady in Kyle," owner and operator Rusty Zagst said. "Our team is passionate about great food, genuine hospitality and creating memorable experiences. We can't wait to welcome longtime Shady Grove fans and introduce a new generation to what made it so special."

On the menu: Customers can enjoy Shady Grove’s "greatest hits," offering a taste of nostalgia, alongside new menu items and indoor and outdoor full-service bars.

• 5172 S. FM 1626, Kyle

Many Texas students began returning to the classroom for the 2026-27 school year in mid-August.

Here are five things Texans should know as the 2026-27 school year kicks off.

The details:

• 2026 school accountability ratings issued
• New rule impacts accountability-related school closures
• 100K students using new Texas Education Freedom Accounts
• Public school closures deepen across Texas
• Check out recent public education laws