HTX-LHK: Impact 8/25/2025

Officials with Top 10 Cigars in Humble celebrated the business’ 10-year anniversary with an Aug. 14 ribbon-cutting ceremony held by the area chamber of commerce, Partnership Lake Houston.

The details: Top 10 Cigars offers a premium selection of cigars and cigar accessories, according to its website. Additionally, the business features a lounge area where cigar enthusiasts can gather to test and learn about new offerings. After opening the original location in 2015, Top 10 Cigars officials opened a second location in Atascocita in November 2016.

• 9502 N. Sam Houston Parkway E., Ste. 111, Humble

Golden Chick is opening a new location in Humble, a representative at Golden Franchising Corporation confirmed Aug. 15.

The details: The restaurant is expected to open at the beginning of 2026, likely in January, the representative said. It will be located inside a Walmart.

On the menu: With over 225 locations, Golden Chick offers chicken tenders and fried chicken, chicken sandwiches, salads, sides and more, according to the company’s website.

• Opening in early 2026
• 6626 FM 1960 Road E., Humble

The Greater Houston area housing market is entering a “more balanced and sustainable” period as of July according to a report from the Houston Association of Realtors.

The details: Despite a slight decrease in regional housing affordability in the second quarter of 2025, the Greater Houston area housing area market saw a significant increase in year over year home sales according to the July housing inventory report from HAR. The number of active single-family home listings jumped from 46,629 in July 2024 to 61,144 in July 2025, a 31.1% increase in homes on the market.

In their words: “The rising inventory levels have led to modest price adjustments by sellers,” HAR Chair Shae Cottar said. “While some homeowners are adjusting their expectations, many homes are still attracting solid offers. This is a good indicator that the Houston market continues to be in a relatively healthy and balanced spot.”

Lone Star College System has appointed retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. David J. Yebra as its inaugural chief veterans officer, effective Sept. 1, according to a news release.

The gist: Yebra will lead system-wide efforts to support veteran and military-affiliated students at Lone Star College System, according to a news release. He will work with internal, community, military and industry partners to expand educational access, enhance veteran success and strengthen engagement across campuses, according to the news release.

Quote of note: “I’m honored to join Lone Star College System and continue my life’s work supporting those who have served our country,” Yebra said.  

In response to the growing demand for behavioral health professionals across Texas and the nation, the University of Houston is expanding its academic offerings in Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA, an evidence-based therapy most commonly used to support individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.

“Our goal is to train highly skilled individuals so they come out of our programs and can provide really effective treatment for our diverse community and our learners with autism and developmental disabilities,” Charlotte Carp, program director and a board-certified behavior analyst, said in an Aug. 14 news release. 

Programs are available online and in person at the UH Katy campus. 

Zooming out: The timing of this expansion aligns with a significant surge in demand for certified behavior analysts, per the release. In April, Community Impact reported on the rise of ABA centers in Katy, Sugar Land, Missouri City, Cypress, Tomball and Magnolia, where many clinical providers cited staffing demands as many public school districts see a rise in autism diagnoses. 

An Aug. 14 Ulta Beauty news release announced Ulta Beauty and Target mutually agreed to not renew its partnership once its agreement concludes in August 2026. The Ulta Beauty at Target experience will continue in Target stores and on Target.com until then.

The details: Per the release, both Target and Ulta Beauty said they remain committed to delivering a seamless shopping experience through the end of the partnership and will continue to support their teams and partners during the transition.

Quote of note: “We’re proud of our shared success with Ulta Beauty and the experience we’ve delivered together,” said Rick Gomez, executive vice president and chief commercial officer at Target. “The magic of shopping for beauty at Target is the combination of on-trend products that delight consumers with an inspiring and convenient shopping experience. We look forward to what’s ahead and remain committed to offering the beauty experience consumers have come to expect from Target.”