HTX-SKL: Impact 10/23/2025

With early voting underway, candidates in the Klein ISD trustee election spoke on community trust, board governance, budgeting and more during an Oct. 20 public forum at Klein High School.

The forum was hosted by the Texas Association of School Boards and Community Impact.

In case you missed it: Board President Rob Ellis and challenger Justin "Bumpy" Wooldridge both filed to run for KISD trustee Position 7 in November. Wooldridge agreed to participate in the Oct. 20 candidate forum, but was unable to attend the event. Dustin Creager and Jack Velasquez will face off for the remaining term of the KISD trustee Position 3 seat.

Before you go: Early voting began Oct. 20 and runs through Oct. 31. Election Day is Nov. 4.

Carolyn Donovan began serving as the first associate vice chancellor of Alumni Relations and Engagement for Lone Star College System on Oct. 20.

Explaining the role: Per the release, in her new role, Donovan will be charged with the development of the Lone Star College Alumni Association. The initiative aims to:

• Celebrate the achievements of LSCS graduates
• Foster professional and personal connections
• Create opportunities for alumni to give back through mentorship, advocacy and community engagement

NRG Energy Inc. will invest $360 million to expand power generation in Harris County through a new 456-megawatt natural gas facility at the existing TH Wharton Generating Station, Gov. Greg Abbott announced Oct. 21.

Explained: The project, which has been designated as a qualified initiative under the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology and Innovation (JETI) program, is expected to begin operations by summer 2026. Once complete, the facility will serve the Electric Reliability Council of Texas’ Houston Load Zone—including Houston, Pasadena and The Woodlands—helping meet growing energy demands across the fifth-largest metro area in the U.S., according to the release.

Offering input: NRG leaders said the project will bring both temporary construction jobs and permanent positions once operational.

“Texas energy powers our state’s booming economy,” Abbott said in the news release. “This $360 million investment by NRG in Harris County is a significant advancement in Texas' energy infrastructure. The new natural gas facility will expand power generation and provide reliable, affordable energy for homes and businesses.”