Despite slowing inflation, local entities’ projects affected by high prices
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows price increases peaked last summer, but officials say prices remain high, with local entities in Tomball and Magnolia working to manage costs as budget planning looms and capital projects begin construction.
Nationwide, BLS data shows the price of all items was up 6% year over year as of February, which was down from a 9.1% year-over-year increase as of June. Locally, consumer price index data shows prices in the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land area were up 5.2% year over year as of February—the latest available local data, a drop from a year-over-year increase of 5.3% in December.
Read the full story by Reporter Lizzy Spangler.
Fort Bend ISD cuts $11.1M from 2023-24 budget with staffing changes
Fort Bend ISD announced $11.07 million in cuts from its 2023-24 budget during its March 27 board of trustees meeting, including reductions to staffing.
Following voters’ rejection of a tax rate increase in the November 2022 election, the district is taking steps to overcome a budget shortfall by fiscal year 2024-25.
Read the full story by Reporter Renee Farmer.
New art installation 'Efflorescence' debuts at the Ion
What is the vine-like structure made with metallic green plastic that illuminates subtly at night and glistens during the day for passers-by at the Ion? It is “Efflorescence,” the latest interactive art installation in Houston’s Midtown.
Officially opened to the public March 30, visitors to the Ion’s plaza can now see the art installation that will remain a fixture for the next three months, according to a news release.
Read more by Reporter Melissa Enaje.
Creekside Park Junior High student to again represent Tomball ISD at Scripps National Spelling Bee
Tomball ISD student Ishika Varipilli is headed to the 2023 Scripps National Spelling Bee in May, representing the district for the second time in the nationally televised competition.
According to a March 27 news release from TISD, Varipilli represented the district at the 2023 Scripps Regional Spelling Bee hosted by Houston Community College—previously the Houston public Media Spelling Bee—and earned her trip to the National Spelling Bee as one of three first place winners in the regional competition.
Read more by Editor Anna Lotz.
Beachfront island kitchen The Spot to open second location at Hobby Airport
The Spot, Galveston’s beachfront island kitchen, will be opening a second location at the William P. Hobby Airport at 7800 Airport Blvd., Houston, in late 2024.
Guests at the new Hobby Airport location will be able to enjoy a smaller menu of guest favorites made entirely from scratch daily.
Read the full story by Reporter Rachel Leland.
