Starting Dec. 1, Harris County Precinct 3 cleanup crews will be dispatched in northwest Harris County neighborhoods impacted by two tornadoes that damaged the area Nov. 24.

“At this time, crews are working diligently to remove roadside storm debris that was left by the recent tornado,” a Precinct 3 Nov. 25 announcement reads. “Please follow the debris separation guidelines below to ensure safe and efficient pick-up.”

What residents should know: Residents can report their debris by calling 713-274-3100. Residents must bring proof of residency while dropping off vegetative, construction and demolition debris, according to the announcement.

Temporary debris drop-off sites have been set up by Precinct 3 officials at the following locations:

Deputy Darren Goforth Park, dog park area
9402 Barker Cypress Road, Cypress

• Dec. 1-5, 2-6 p.m.
• Dec. 6-7, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Kissing Tree Park
5707 Louetta Road, Spring

• Dec. 1-5, 2-6 p.m.
• Dec. 6-7, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

After two decades in the oil and gas industry, Ashley Paris-Alderson said she decided it was time to ignite a new kind of spark. In December, she founded Mixology Candle Bar, a business built on creativity, connection and community with the mission to be the light for others, one candle at a time.

In their words: “We were at a church candlelight service, and the pastor was talking about spreading light, love and kindness, and being the light. And I told my husband at that point, we're doing this,” Alderson said.

How it works: Guests can book a class online with an experience fee starting at $25 and select a candle size ranging from 8 to20 oz. for $7.50- $27.50. In addition to its standard services, Mixology Candle Bar offers mobile team-building services and holds private events where groups of 12 or more can reserve the space free of charge. 

At least 10 Greater Houston area Shoe Carnival locations are poised for a name change by back-to-school season in 2026.

The national retailer offers both name brand and private label merchandise including footwear and accessories, according to its website.

The big picture: Board members with the family footwear retailer Shoe Carnival announced Nov. 13 they unanimously voted to change the company name to Shoe Station, subject to approval from company shareholders ahead of its annual meeting in June 2026.

The following shoe stores are in the Greater Houston area, the list is not comprehensive:

• Northline Commons, 4436 Hwy. 290, Houston
• Gulfgate Shopping Center, 512 Gulfgate Center Mall, Houston
• Northwest Marketplace, 13784 Hwy. 290, Houston
• Southway Shopping Center, 8032 S. Gessner Road, Houston
• Almeda Crossing Shopping Center, 10011 Almeda Genoa Road, Houston
• Deerbrook Marketplace, 20506 Hwy. 59 N., Humble
• Price Plaza, 20280 Katy Freeway, Ste. A, Katy
• Victory Lakes Town Center, 2544 Gulf Freeway S., League City
• Conroe Marketplace Shopping Center, 2812 I-45 N., Conroe

A new $617 million natural gas power plant is slated to be built in east Houston after the project was selected for a loan by the Public Utility Commission of Texas.

About the project: North American power company NRG Energy’s 455 megawatt power plant will provide power from the company’s Greens Bayou Generating Station to Electric Reliability Council of Texas' grid beginning in 2028. The new plant will connect with ERCOT’s Houston Load Zone, which provides power to Houston, Pasadena and The Woodlands, and is one of Texas’ largest electricity centers.

Quote of note: “Our investment at Greens Bayou reflects NRG’s commitment to delivering dependable, dispatchable generation when Texans need it most,” said Robert J. Gaudette, NRG executive vice president and president of NRG business and wholesale operations. “These units will strengthen grid resilience, create local jobs and support economic vitality.”

• Severe storms, tornado cause damage across northern Harris County
• New Caney ISD high schools to add 15 minutes to each school day
• Major projects in Humble and Kingwood result in increased water rates
• Waymo to launch fully autonomous driving in Houston and Dallas in coming weeks
• NRG Energy to build 455-megawatt natural gas power plant in Houston