HTX-LHK: Impact 10/6/2025

Kelsey-Seybold Clinic's Lake Houston Campus is now accepting patients, officials with the health care provider announced in a Sept. 30 news release.

The big picture: Located next to Kelsey-Sebyold Clinic's existing Summer Creek Clinic, the new five-story Lake Houston Campus opened in September and spans 135,000 square feet with space for up to 51 providers, per the release.

Quote of note: "Kelsey-Seybold Clinic is focused on meeting our patients where they are and making it easier for northeast Houston-area families to get the high-quality care they need, when they need it," said Dr. Azam Kundi, chairman and CEO of Kelsey-Seybold Clinic, in a statement. "With our campus now open, we are proud to serve this growing community and are already caring for more patients, helping them achieve their health goals close to home."

Zooming in: The Lake Houston Campus offers comprehensive adult care with specialties ranging from neurology and pulmonary medicine to sports medicine and speech-language pathology. Laboratory and X-ray services are available on-site.

• 8503 N. Sam Houston Parkway E., Humble

Builders for two infrastructure projects—expected to cost a combined $10.8 million, which city officials said is under budget—were approved by Humble City Council on Sept. 25.

At a glance: City Council approved north Houston-based firm V&S Construction to build the city’s Northshire Lift Station Upgrade and Wastewater System Improvements Project. The company bid about $10.5 million for the project, which includes wastewater system upgrades so that the city's sewer service can handle the growth occurring in northwest Humble.

Latest update: On Sept. 25, City Council also authorized city leaders to select Larry Young Paving Inc. for $314,960 to upgrade traffic lights at three Humble-area intersections. The project will target “outdated and deteriorating equipment” at the Humble intersections of:

• South Houston Avenue and Isaacks Road
• North Houston Avenue and Townsen Boulevard
• West Townsen Boulevard and Walmart Entrance Drive

The University of Houston has been awarded a $1 million grant from the non-profit Houston Endowment to analyze how school districts are implementing various teacher certification pathways—including teacher residency programs and grow-your-own models—with the goal of improving student achievement and bolstering teacher recruitment and retention.

The two-year project is intended to generate data, research, and policy recommendations that could help reduce the number of uncertified teachers in classrooms across Texas.

Why does it matters: Amid a growing percentage of uncertified teachers, a UTeach Institute study showed uncertified teachers are more likely to leave early, and their students can lose up to six months of learning.

Zooming out: To curb the teacher shortage during the 2024-25 school year, Community Impact reported that Fort Bend, Georgetown and Leander ISDs had waived teacher certification requirements for certain subjects and opted to require their staff to enroll in alternative certification programs, or nontraditional programs that can often be completed online.

It's officially October, which means it's time to sport the color pink. National Breast Cancer Awareness Month runs Oct. 1-31 to honor those affected by breast cancer and raise awareness about the disease, and community members across Greater Houston have planned an abundance of events in support. 

Pink Pumpkin Painting
Kid Scholars Academy, a child care center and preschool in Sugar Land, will host a pumpkin painting event for children and parents in support of breast cancer awareness.

• Oct. 3, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
• Free (admission)
• 2229 Cypress Lane, Sugar Land

• Oct. 4, 6:15 a.m. check in and on-site registration; 8 a.m start
• $55 (timed registration) or $45 (untimed registration)
• 1000 Bagby St., Houston

All Texas retailers are barred from selling consumable THC products to customers under 21 years old after the Texas Department of State Health Services adopted two emergency rules Oct. 3.

The details: The new rules, which took effect immediately, state that businesses may lose their hemp licenses for selling THC products to minors.

Ten days earlier, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission approved emergency rules prohibiting bars, liquor stores and other alcohol retailers from selling THC products to anyone under 21. A TABC spokesperson told Community Impact the two state agencies are working together to enforce a Sept. 10 executive order by Gov. Greg Abbott, who called for age restrictions on THC sales and tighter guardrails on the multibillion-dollar industry.

More context: Approximately 8,000 businesses are licensed by the DSHS to sell consumable hemp products in Texas, including some retailers that also sell alcohol.

The emergency rules from both agencies will be in effect for 120 days and could be extended for an additional 60 days while permanent regulations are drafted.

From Oct. 13-19, Texas residents will not have to pay to apply to in-state public colleges and universities.

The details: During Free College Application Week, application fees will be waived for all Texas residents applying to undergraduate programs at public colleges and universities located in Texas. First-time college students, transfer students and students returning to school are eligible, according to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

To qualify for the fee waiver, all applications must be submitted through ApplyTexas, the state’s college application portal.

What they're saying: “Texas prioritizes opportunities for students to pursue the best education they need to succeed in high demand, good-paying jobs after graduation,” Gov. Greg Abbott said in an Aug. 29 news release. “By supporting our students today, we are investing in a stronger Texas tomorrow.” 

Put in perspective: Most high school seniors apply to 5-10 colleges or universities and each application costs about $60-$75, state lawmakers estimated in June.