HTX-SLM: Impact 10/7/2025

Two candidates are vying in the Nov. 4 election for the Missouri City City Council District B seat.

The details: The opening comes after council member Jeffrey L. Boney filed his run for mayor July 25, vacating his unexpired term on council, Community Impact reported. The winner will serve the remaining time in the unexpired term through November 2027.

Going forward: The election will take place Nov. 4 with early voting running from Oct. 20-31, according to the Texas Secretary of State’s website. The deadline to register to vote is Oct. 6.

Truboy BBQ, a Houston-based halal barbecue company, is opening its first brick-and-mortar location in Missouri City.

The 2,300-square-foot location will offer indoor and outdoor seating for up to 50 people as well as a grab-and-go market, according to an Oct. 2 news release.

On the menu: The storefront will offer customizable meals with a choice of sliced brisket, chopped brisket or pulled chicken in various forms, including:

• Sandwich on an egg twist bun with pickles and Truboy sauce
• Melts with layered with a cheese blend and queso on toast
• Burrito with mac and cheese, pickles, salsa and a crunch wrapped in a tortilla
• Paratha wrap with cabbage, onions and chutney
• Bowl with mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, cabbage, onions, salsa, queso and chutney

• 8035 Hwy. 6, Missouri City

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.

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.