GOVERNMENT
The updated vaccine is designed to protect Americans from both the original strain of COVID-19 and the omicron variant. The variant caused over 99% of COVID-19 cases in Texas during the month of August, according to the Department of State Health Services. (Courtesy Unsplash)
Harris County COVID-19 levels return to green; vaccine boosters recommended
A tractor clears trees during a wildfire
Forest Service warns of increased wildfire risk in North, Central, East Texas
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and other state officials at a news conference in Midland, TX, on Sept. 21. A sign on the table reads "SECURING THE BORDER."
‘One pill can kill': Gov. Abbott orders state leaders, law enforcement to focus on cartels amid fentanyl crisis
Four black graduation caps being thrown in the air.
White House estimates 3.3M Texans eligible for student loan forgiveness
Pearland’s fiscal year 2022-23 budget, which begins Oct. 1, will include a 13% increase to water rates, though it is possible the budget may change before final approval. (Andy Yanez/Community Impact Newspaper)
Pearland’s new budget includes 13% water rate increase
Friendswood City Council approved the tax rate 6-0, absent Council Member John Scott, at its Sept. 12 meeting. (Andy Yanez/Community Impact Newspaper)
No change in Friendswood city rate for 2022 tax year
Thousands gathered Sept. 12 at Rice Stadium to celebrate the 60th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy's famous speech announcing America's resolve to land a person on the moon. (Jake Magee/Community Impact Newspaper)
Thousands celebrate 60th anniversary of moon speech at Rice Stadium
From left, Pearland City Council members Joseph Koza and Alex Kamkar; Mayor Kevin Cole; and council members Adrian Hernandez and Layni Cade gather on the dais. (Andy Yanez/Community Impact Newspaper)
Pearland to create webpage showing council members' business deals, finance reports
H-GAC approved its final Method of Distribution for $488 million in federal funding for storm resiliency improvement projects across the region. (Community Impact file photo)
H-GAC includes city of Houston in final $488M distribution of storm mitigation funds
Power lines in front of a sunset.
ERCOT selects Pablo Vegas as new CEO 16 months after previous leader fired
School boards provide local governance of their school districts and can only take action by a majority vote at public meetings. (Courtesy Adobe Stock)
How local school boards function in Texas, how to get involved
A male student looks forward in a classroom.
Record percentage of Texas teachers considering quitting, survey shows
With the next fiscal year approaching for the city of Pearland—the first day of FY 2022-23 is Oct. 1—Pearland City Council set the proposed tax rate. (Andy Yanez/Community Impact Newspaper)
Pearland sets proposed tax rate, ceiling at $0.628765 per $100 valuation
Friendswood ISD’s board of trustees unanimously approved a proposed tax rate of $1.2094 per $100 valuation. (Courtesy Friendswood ISD)
Friendswood ISD approves $0.03 reduction for FY 2022-23 proposed tax rate
Building behind trees reads 'Texas Department of State Health Services'
Texas health department accepting grant applications to expand access to health care
Fruits and vegetables on shelves in a grocery store.
Texas extends emergency SNAP benefits through August
Friendswood City Council unanimously ratified the city manager's completion of the H-GAC's Regional Mitigation Program Method of Distribution Funding Form during its meeting Aug. 1. (Andy Yanez/Community Impact)
Friendswood accepts $4.6M for storm mitigation from Houston-Galveston Area Council
A public hearing on the proposed budget will be held Aug. 29, with the public hearing on the tax rate held Sept. 12 (Community Impact Newspaper staff)
Friendswood City Council proposes no change in tax rate for FY 2022-23
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers aims to install a series of walls and levees along the Gulf coast of Texas to protect the state, including Galveston, the Bay Area and Houston, from storm surge flooding during hurricanes. (Courtesy Coastal Texas Study)
Local representative, state senators introduce bill for coastal spine