Ananta by Priva owner Priva Tabassum said the travel agency launched in New Caney in October and is now offering services locally and across the nation.

What they offer: Tabassum said Ananta by Priva is a boutique luxury travel advisory that focuses on crafting tailor-made journeys. The agency plans trips ranging from European river cruises and African safaris to family reunions and corporate travel.

Quote of note: “Ananta by Priva is more than a travel business, it’s a reflection of my own journey. As an immigrant who came to Texas from Bangladesh to build a new life, I’ve always believed in the power of hard work and dreams,” Tabassum said. “To me, this business is an embodiment of my American dream: the idea that with dedication, creativity and heart, you can build something meaningful no matter where you come from.”

Check out what's happening in New Caney and Porter this weekend, Nov. 14-16.

Pet Food Pantry: Senior residents of Montgomery County can retrieve free pet food and supplies—while supplies last—during this drive-up event hosted by the Lone Star Animal Welfare League. Supplies include cat and dog food, collars, carriers and more.

• Nov. 15, 7:30-9 a.m.
• Free
• Bull Sallas Park, 21675 McCleskey Road, New Caney

• Nov. 15, 8 a.m.
• $65-$75 (admission)
• 26452 Sorters McClellan Road, Porter

• Nov. 15-16, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
• $24.99 (admission)
• 23101 Hwy. 242, New Caney

The filing period to run for the 2026 primary elections is open through Dec. 8, according to the Texas Secretary of State.

The details: The period for candidates to file an intention to run for office opened Nov. 8, according to the Texas Secretary of State.

Montgomery County voters will see several local candidates on their ballot, as well as candidates running for state office.

One more thing: The last day to register to vote for the March 2026 primary is Feb. 2.

More households in the Greater Houston area could afford to buy a home in the third quarter of 2025 compared to the same time last year as home prices dipped and mortgage rates held steady, according to a Nov. 6 affordability report from the Houston Association of Realtors.

By the numbers: According to HAR’s housing affordability index, 39% of households in the Greater Houston area could afford to buy a median-priced home in the third quarter compared to 37% at the same time last year. Households needed a minimum annual income of $100,400 to purchase a median-priced home in Greater Houston, according to the report. The median home price in the area declined 1.9% to $341,600 compared to this time last year. Mortgage rates held steady at approximately 6.5%, the report found.

What else? As for renters in the Greater Houston area, 45% could afford to lease a single-family rental home in the third quarter compared to 43% last year, according to the affordability index.

Every day for the past 25 years, at least one person has died in crashes on Texas roads. Texas officials and the families of some fatal crash victims commemorated the grim anniversary with a candlelight ceremony at the Texas Capitol on Nov. 7.

The impact: Jamie White said her 2-year-old daughter, Allie, was hit and killed by a distracted driver at Round Rock’s Old Settlers Park in September 2019.

“It only takes [a few] seconds… to kill somebody,” White said Nov. 7. “Can you imagine doing this, taking somebody's child from them, and living the rest of your life knowing that you caused that?”

Following Allie’s death, her parents launched Allie’s Way, a nonprofit aimed at ending distracted driving.

More details: TxDOT data shows that speed and impaired driving are involved in the majority of deadly crashes on Texas roads.

“These are not random events,” Texas Highway Patrol Chief Bryan Rippee said Nov. 7. “These are the results of making the wrong choices on our Texas highways."