Houston officials approved a handful of properties in District C as protected landmarks.

What happened: The properties, which are all houses, will now be protected from demolition. They will also be eligible for a historic tax exemption and reduced parking requirements.

“This is really pertinent right now after what happened with the Kirby Mansion,” Panzarella said. “I want to commend the individuals who came forward and registered their houses.”

The approved properties include:

• Irene and George Robinson House — 2322 Dunstan Road

• Myrle and Vernon Williams House — 2107 Tangley St.

• Ince-Crain House — 1914 Dunstan Road

• Helen and Jesse O. Webb House — 2232 Dunstan Road

• Myer-Jones House — 2232 Tangley St.

• Mae and John Wallace Donaldson House — 2306 Tangley St.

Some background: The Kirby Mansion, located at 2000 Smith St., was built in 1894 and was remodeled in 1926, according to Preservation Houston. In late October, the new owners began demolishing the house without a permit, the organization said.

Half of the building was torn down before the city issued a stop-work order.

A new New Orleans-inspired restaurant named Little Bird opened in the Heights on Oct. 29.

What's on the menu: The restaurant offers a menu of Gulf Coast seafood, Creole fare and locally raised steaks, with specific features including:

• Dishes such as fried catfish, shrimp and grits, seafood gumbo, Gulf Coast oysters, triple-layer chocolate cake, apple pie and Hurricane Sno-balls.

• Drinks created by bar consultant Justine Ware, including a Creole Margarita, Marmalade Cobbler and Chess Pie Milk Punch.

• A curated wine and beer list alongside nonalcoholic beverages.

The details: Located on Durham Drive in Houston, the restaurant replaces The Kid, a bar that was open for a little over a year. Run by chef Graham Laborde, Little Bird features a 168-seat venue, a 22-seat bar, a hand-carved wooden oyster bar, custom murals by local artists and an outdoor courtyard patio.

• 1815 N. Durham Drive, Houston

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is growing the Texas Medical Center through two new advanced cancer care facilities, which will contribute nearly 2 million square feet to its campus, according to a Nov. 5 news release.

Long story short: Both facilities are key initiatives in UT MD Anderson’s $2.5 billion philanthropic campaign, “Only Possible Here, The Campaign to End Cancer.”

Together, they will address the heightened demand for cancer care across the state by providing spaces for patient care operations, as well as incorporating emerging technologies into its practices.

The breakdown: With an anticipated opening date of 2032, Inspiration Tower is positioned to become the institution’s largest patient care facility, as well as the largest cancer-focused clinical facility in the nation. It alone will encompass 1.4 million square feet, according to the release.

The neighboring Prism building will serve as a 292,000-square-foot hub for radiation oncology and diagnostic imaging.

Something to note: Upon completion, the two facilities will be located at the corner of Fannin Street and Holcombe Boulevard.

As Thanksgiving approaches, the Greater Houston area is hosting several turkey trot races, including:

• The second annual 1K Turkey Trot at Peckham Park in Katy on Nov. 14

• The District 2.4.9 Turkey Trot in Tomball on Nov. 21, benefiting the nonprofit Kirstyn’s Krew.

• The Better Together Turkey Trot in Spring on Nov. 26, hosted by Kids R Kids.

• The 37th annual Run Thru the Woods in The Woodlands on Nov. 26, supporting local YMCA programs.

• The Jersey Village Turkey Trot on Nov. 26 at Jersey Village High School.

This list is not comprehensive, and details are subject to change.

Texas lawmakers and legislators-elect began filing new bills on Nov. 9, unofficially kicking off the 90th state legislative session. By noon, they had submitted more than 1,000 legislative proposals that they hoped would be considered at the state Capitol next year.

The overview: When the 90th legislative session begins Jan. 12, Texas will be led by all Democratic statewide officials. Democrats also won control of the Texas House during the Nov. 3 election, while Republicans retained Senate control.

Zooming in: Democratic lawmakers were the first to file bills in both legislative chambers, signaling some of the party's priorities as Texans prepare for the first Democratic-led state government and divided legislature in a generation.

State Rep. John Bucy, D-Austin, filed bills to expand who is eligible for Medicaid in the state, while Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, proposed tightening regulations on the booming data center industry.

More details: Lawmakers had filed at least 57 constitutional amendments before press time Nov. 9, including measures on property taxes, sports betting and term limits for elected officials.