HTX-NCP: Impact 8/22/2025

New Caney ISD’s community gathered Aug. 18 for a ribbon-cutting celebrating the opening of the district’s newest campus, Highlands Elementary School.

The gist: After about 16 months of construction, Highlands Elementary—a 110,000-square-foot campus—officially opened Aug. 6 for the start of the 2025-26 school year. Rodree Carlile—the former principal at Kings Manor Elementary—is leading the school after being named principal Jan. 6.

Quote of note: “We're not just opening buildings, we're opening possibilities,” Carlile said Aug. 18. “At Highlands—a STEM-infused international baccalaureate primary year program candidate school—our students will tackle real problems, lead with empathy and connect across cultures. Thank you to our board ... our district leaders, staff, our families, our parents and the community for believing in what's possible.”

Now open: Officials with Jeremiah’s Italian Ice celebrated the soft opening of their new location in New Caney, store officials confirmed Aug. 21.

The details: The location features a drive-thru, indoor and outdoor seating and options for patrons to order via third-party apps such as DoorDash and Uber Eats. Jeremiah’s Italian Ice serves smooth-shaved ice treats at almost 20 locations across the Greater Houston area, according to the company’s website.

What's next: Jeremiah’s Italian Ice will be holding a grand opening in late September, and the event will include deals on treats, a caricature artist, a bounce house for kids and more.

• 20470 FM 1485, New Caney

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.
 

Home affordability in the Houston region decreased slightly according to the second-quarter housing affordability report from the Houston Association of Realtors. 

At a glance: Out of the five major counties in the Houston region, Montgomery County had the highest rate of home affordability, with 46% of residents able to afford a median-priced home. The least affordable area was Harris County, where only 34% of residents are able to afford a median-priced home. 

What else? For those who rent homes, the average monthly payment across the region dropped from $2,190 to $2,100 a month. Galveston County saw the highest increase in monthly home rental prices, going from $2,100 to $2,175 per month. 

What's happening: House lawmakers approved six bills Aug. 21, all of which were drafted in response to the July 4-5 floods that killed at least 137 people in Central and West Texas.

Lawmakers said the bills were designed to mitigate the damage of future floods by requiring youth summer camps to implement approved disaster plans, establishing licensing requirements for local emergency managers and facilitating the development of a statewide emergency communications plan.

What they're saying: “We have a chance now to right these wrongs, to say ‘Never again,’” Rep. Drew Darby, R-San Angelo, said on the House floor.

Also of note: The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country announced the organization will invest $40 million into a housing fund for victims of the July 4 flooding.

At an Aug. 21 press conference in Kerrville, Gov. Greg Abbott said the nonprofit’s housing fund will help affected Texans receive new housing within months.