Officials with Krafty Shack in Porter announced the business would be permanently closing July 25, according to a July 15 post on the business’s Facebook page.

The details: “Due to many reasons, we are closing Krafty Shack permanently,” officials stated in the post. “Parents: thank you so much for supporting our small business and our dreams. Kids: thank you for being so awesome. We loved working with you.”

Krafty Shack initially opened in Porter in 2016. In addition to arts and craft classes, Krafty Shack offered sewing classes, summer camps, seasonal craft camps, canvas painting parties and daycare field trips.

• Closed July 25
• 22043 E. Hammond Drive, Porter

Check out what's happening in the New Caney and Porter area throughout August.

Jeep Day: Jeep enthusiasts can head to Big Rivers Waterpark & Adventures to enjoy specialty Jeep-themed cocktails and compete for awards, including biggest Jeep group and best classic Jeep. 

• Aug. 8, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
• Free (Jeep drivers), $44.99 (general admission)
• 23101 Hwy. 242, New Caney

• Aug. 8, noon-5 p.m.
• Free (admission)
• Back Pew Brewery, 26452 Sorters Road, Porter

• Aug. 15, 5-10 p.m. (concert), 3:30 p.m. (doors open)
• $25 (early bird tickets), $30 (at the door)
• Bull Sallas Park, 21675 McCleskey Road, New Caney

Greater Houston suburban areas such as Magnolia, Brookshire and La Marque are trending in home sale growth, according to the Houston Association of Realtors' latest Hottest Communities report for the second quarter of 2026.

Breaking it down: Construction of new homes was a significant factor for the growth of many of the top 10 communities, per the report. Additionally, six of the top 10 communities had an average home price below the Houston-area average of $455,159.

The list is led by the Magnolia/1488 West area, which saw a 61.6% increase in sales compared to 2025. Meanwhile, the Huffman area, east of Atascocita, had a 58.2% increase, while Conroe Southwest saw a 38% gain.

What they’re saying: “The communities seeing the most growth right now are the ones where buyers have choices,” HAR Chair Theresa Hill said. “New construction is expanding options and helping more buyers find homes that align with their needs and budget.”

Across Texas, public school districts have approved at least 150 campus closures in the last three years as they grapple with declining enrollment, state accountability issues and hefty budget shortfalls.

What's happening: Among the closures are 56 schools in Community Impact’s coverage areas. Some districts have said that additional closures are not off the table.

Roughly 76,000 fewer students were enrolled in Texas public schools during the 2025-26 school year than the year prior. This marks the first non-pandemic enrollment drop in recorded history, according to Texas Education Agency data collected annually since 1987.

Analysts warn that this year’s enrollment decline is not a one-off, with demographics expert Bob Templeton predicting that enrollment could “drop over 100,000 kids” next year.

What they're saying: “This was a decision that I made, even knowing some of the challenges our students are going to face, because I think the alternative is untenable,” Fort Bend ISD board President Kristin Tassin said as the district voted to close seven elementary schools ahead of the 2026-27 school year.