Frost Bank held a groundbreaking ceremony for the company's upcoming location in Valley Ranch Town Center on Nov. 4, officials with developer Signorelli announced in a Nov. 9 news release.

What they offer: Frost Bank offers in-person and online banking services, including personal, small business and commercial banking; checking and savings accounts; loans; and investment services.

The San Antonio-based company has more than 200 locations across Texas, and the 5,336-square-foot Valley Ranch financial center will be the company's first in New Caney, per the release.

Stay tuned: Officials noted a projected opening date would be announced as construction progresses.

• Opening date TBD

• 21276 Hwy. 59, New Caney

Several events are happening in New Caney and Porter during the weekend of Nov. 13-15:

• Turkey Classic: The PickleBall Zone is hosting a pickleball tournament for women's, men's and mixed doubles from Nov. 13-15. Registration is $50 for the first event and $25 for additional events.

• Charity Cookoff: Hosted by the Peggy Beyer Memorial Foundation on Nov. 14, this event at Bull Sallas Park features corn hole, margaritas and chili to fund scholarships for New Caney ISD students. Admission is free, and competition entry ranges from $30-$140.

• Holiday market: Held on Nov. 14 at Back Pew Brewing, this free-admission market features local vendors and beer for purchase.

• Aniversario del Ballet Folklórico de Houston: The dance studio is celebrating its fourth anniversary on Nov. 14 at The Food Zone Grand Texas.

• Thanksgiving Fiesta: Key Life Fellowship is hosting this free event for all ages on Nov. 15 at the Bull Sallas Park - Show Barn.

• Friends' Day: The Little Country Church is hosting a free celebration on Nov. 15 featuring a church service, lunch and games.

Lone Star College System did not cut any classes from its core curriculum after conducting a review mandated by Senate Bill 37, which went into effect in September 2025.

What’s happened: Under SB 37, governing boards of higher education institutions must review their core curriculum lists every five years, with the first review due by Jan. 1, 2027, according to the bill posted on the Texas Legislature’s website.

On Nov. 5, LSCS’s board of trustees unanimously approved a list of 135 courses for the college system’s core curriculum for the 2026-27 school year.

How we got here: A team of faculty members evaluated LSCS’s core curriculum list, in accordance with SB 37, from February to September.

From local churches to statewide traditions, see which organizations are collecting donations to feed Houstonians this holiday season. This list is subject to change and not comprehensive.

Participating organizations:

• Cy-Fair Helping Hands

• St. John Vianney Catholic Church

• Prince of Peace’s Thanksgiving Loaves & Fishes

• 14th Annual Fifth Ward Fall Festival & Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway

• Keep US Fed Montgomery County

• City Wide Club and CW 39 Super Feast

• Operation Turkey

• Montgomery County Food Bank

• East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry

State Rep. Senfronia Thompson, the longest-serving woman and Black legislator in Texas history, said she has the votes to become Texas House speaker when the legislature convenes in January.

What to know: Thompson released a list Nov. 6 of 90 House members whom she said pledged to support her speaker candidacy.

The 87-year-old was first elected to the legislature in 1972 and took office the following year. She would become the first woman and the first Black lawmaker to serve as Texas House speaker.

The context: Thompson's candidacy comes after Democrats swept Texas' statewide seats in the Nov. 3 election, ending 24 years of Republican dominance. Rep. Eddie Morales, D-Eagle Pass, threw his hat in the ring for speaker on Nov. 5 before endorsing Thompson less than a day later.

Quote of note: "I know that with the colleagues that are being sent to the legislature, both Democrats and Republicans working together, we can make a difference in the state of Texas and the lives of the people that we represent," Thompson said.