Books-A-Million is now open in Valley Ranch Town Center, officials with the East Montgomery County Improvement District confirmed via social media.

What they offer: As previously reported by Community Impact, Books-A-Million offers a diverse selection of books for all ages including fiction, nonfiction and Bibles, as well as toys, gifts and collectibles. The New Caney store also features designated reading areas, a children's section and will host community-focused events and programming.

Some context: Construction on the 12,000-square-foot New Caney book store began in September. Books-A-Million opened another Greater Houston-area store in Cypress earlier this month.

• Opened Nov. 20
• 21680 Market Place Drive, New Caney

Starting in the 2026-27 school year, 15 minutes will be added to each school day at New Caney ISD’s three main high schools to help with student learning, district officials said. 

What’s new: Beginning in August, the school day will begin five minutes sooner—at 7:40 a.m.—while class will be dismissed 10 minutes later—at 3:20 p.m.—daily for NCISD high schoolers. District officials said the schedule change is designed to give students time to receive academic support or advanced learning opportunities without taking time from their core classes.

Notable quote: “We’re always looking for ways to get better, to do what’s best for kids, to listen to our staff—just [to] strike that balance every day around here. ... We think this is what’s best for our kids and our teachers,” Superintendent Matt Calvert said.  

• Nov. 25, 6:30-8 p.m.
• Free
• Lindale Church, 503 Reid St., Houston

• Nov. 26, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Free
• Salem Community Center, 22601 Lutheran Church Road, Tomball

• Nov. 27, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
• Free (admission)
• 12100 Champion Forest Drive, Houston

Missed any Community Impact articles from this week? Check out the top trending stories from Community Impact's coverage areas in Houston from Nov. 17-21.

League City residents raise concerns about Marina del Sol
Several residents raised public safety concerns about the waterfront Marina del Sol development at the Nov. 18 League City City Council meeting, prompting city officials to commit to seeking solutions at a future December meeting.
Uncover the full story by Reporter Rachel Leland.

Conroe City Council approves contract for traffic signal reconstruction at I-45, South Loop 336
Conroe City Council voted Nov. 13 to award a contract for the reconstruction of a damaged traffic signal at the intersection of I-45’s southbound frontage road and South Loop 336, according to city documents.
Expand your knowledge with Reporter Nichaela Shaheen.

Sugar Land’s Walmart Neighborhood Market to remain open during renovations
The Walmart Neighborhood Market stor is set to undergo after-hours renovations to streamline the shopping experience while remaining fully open to customers, store officials said.
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The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission is moving forward with a set of permanent rules designed to prohibit the sale of consumable THC products to anyone under 21 years old.

The overview: The proposal is similar to emergency rules adopted Sept. 23, which are currently in effect and prohibit Texas alcohol retailers from selling intoxicating THC products to minors. The state health department adopted similar emergency rules in October.

The context: The existing and proposed THC rules are the result of a September executive order by Gov. Greg Abbott, who called for age restrictions on THC sales and tighter guardrails on the multibillion-dollar industry.

Earlier this month, federal lawmakers approved a ban on most consumable THC products, which is set to take effect in November 2026. The ban is part of a federal funding package that became law Nov. 12, ending a 43-day federal government shutdown.

Next steps: Texans can weigh in on the TABC's proposed permanent rules during a Dec. 11 virtual public hearing or submit written public comments through Jan. 4.