Education is a major focus of the Texas Legislature this year, from teacher pay and training to tuition support for private education and homeschooling.

Why it matters: Republican lawmakers' approach to education could harm public schools even as they look to direct more money toward classrooms.

The big picture: Over 5.5 million students were enrolled in Texas public schools in 2023-24.

State of politics: State lawmakers have filed hundreds of bills related to primary and secondary education this session.

• Gov. Greg Abbott has said passing a voucher program — public money for private school tuition — increasing teacher pay and expanding merit-based pay programs are among his priorities this session. He also wants to ban diversity, equity and inclusion programs in grades K-12.
• The Texas House's 2026-27 budget proposes $4.85 billion for "across-the-board" raises for teachers and $1 billion for a voucher program. Both chambers have proposed $400 million for school safety upgrades, per the Texas Tribune.

The latest: 75 House Republicans — and no Democrats — signed on as coauthors of House Bill 3, which would direct public money toward private schooling. That level of support would give the measure enough votes to pass.

• Meanwhile, the Senate passed a voucher bill last month.

Zoom in: Senate Bill 2 would give families $10,000 to use toward private school tuition. Students with a disability would get $11,500 annually. Families homeschooling their children would get $2,000 per child per year.

• The program is estimated to cost Texas $1 billion in fiscal year 2027. By fiscal year 2030, the cost is estimated to surpass $4.5 billion.
• Critics say the program would deplete enrollment in public schools and divert money from them.
• Supporters argue parents shouldn't have to send their kids to their local public school if it's underperforming academically.

What's next

Weddings are getting more expensive, and some couples are using AI to write their vows, according to Zola's First Look report for 2025.

The big picture: The wedding planning site surveyed 6,000 couples getting married this year on a variety of subjects, including cost, fashion, gifts and sustainability.

• Here's what it found.

Wedding costs are climbing

By the numbers: Zola projects the average cost for a 2025 wedding will be $36,000, based on budgets provided by couples that use the site.

• 2024 weddings averaged $33,000, up from $29,000 in 2023.

Couples are saving time with AI

Zoom in: 90% of couples surveyed say they would be open to using AI to streamline tasks like managing their budget or writing thank-you cards.

• 23% are already using it, up 5% from last year.

Yes, but: Couples are split on whether it's acceptable to write their vows with AI.

• 51% of respondents were OK with the idea.

🎓 The University of St. Thomas faces a steep hill during its reaccreditation process after several administrative shakeups and years of financial losses. (Houston Chronicle)

🚶 Mayor John Whitmire's replacement of board members overseeing redevelopment in Montrose — sparked by his displeasure with a proposed pedestrian-accessible redesign of Montrose Boulevard — is finally complete. (Houston Public Media)

🚧 Texas Avenue in front of Daikin Park in downtown will be closed for weeks as Houston Public Works crews rehabilitate the roadway. The department says work will be complete ahead of the Astros' home opener March 27. (X)

👋 Shafaq here! I found a brunch place I enjoyed so much that I'm willing to go out of my way to Pearland for it again.

Dig in: Stella's Fresh Brunch serves brunch everyday into the afternoon. It offers classics with its own creative twists.

My experience: From the first sip of the honey lavender latte ($5.75), I knew I was in for a treat.

• The ambiance was inviting, and the menu struck the perfect balance between comfort and inspiration — delicious enough to make me want to recreate the dishes at home, yet challenging enough that I'd rather just come back for more.

What to order: If this seasonal treat is still available, try the wild berry French toast ($13). It was described as having a cheesecake topping and it was pure yum.

• The lemon blueberry ricotta pancakes ($5 per cake) are light, fluffy and packed with flavor.
• For a savory balance, the hashbrowns ($3.50) are an absolute must. Ask for them extra crispy.

If you go: 3115 Dixie Farm Road, Pearland.