On July 23, the Planet Fitness location in New Caney marked five years since opening, a spokesperson for the company confirmed via email Nov. 10. A celebration was held with employees and gym members.

What they offer: Open 24 hours per day, seven days per week for members, the gym offers:

• Equipment for cardio and strength training

• Workout classes such as circuit and strength training

• Black Card perks such as red-light saunas and massage chairs

Some context: Planet Fitness originally opened in New Caney in September 2021, as previously reported by Community Impact.

• 20185 Hwy. 59, New Caney

Montgomery County Precinct 4 Commissioner Matt Gray's office has launched its annual toy and coat drive for the Christmas season, per a Nov. 4 post on the office's website.

The need: The drive launched on Nov. 9 and items will be collected through Dec. 4, according to the post. Donations will be given to local families in need via the nonprofit Mission Northeast.

Items that can be donated are:

• New, unwrapped toys

• New, unwrapped coats

Giving back: Donations can be dropped off Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m.-4 p.m. and Friday from 7 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Drop-off locations are:

• Precinct 4 Service Center, 23628 Roberts Road, New Caney

• Kroger, 22030 Market Place Drive, New Caney

The Nutcracker Market, one of Houston’s most anticipated holiday events, begins Nov. 12 with new merchants. 

What is it? The annual holiday market, which has been around since 1981, marks the beginning of the holiday season in Houston and offers attendees an opportunity to shop for clothing, home decor, treats and unique gifts, according to the market's website. 

The market also raises money for the Houston Ballet, with 11% of sales going directly to the academy. Since 1981, it has raised more than $100 million. 

What’s new? Nutcracker Market chairman Michelle Iversen Jeffery said the Nutcracker Market is one of the most important ways the community supports Houston Ballet.

“Shoppers return year after year to find their favorite merchants, while new merchants bring something fresh to discover, and every purchase helps the ballet thrive,” Jeffery said. 

This year brings new merchants, ranging from chocolatiers to a mahjong club. 

One more thing: In 2025, the Nutcracker Market raised $6 million for the Houston Ballet and saw over 104,000 shoppers.

• 8600 Kirby Drive, Houston

Texas' first female lieutenant governor, Austin state Rep. Vikki Goodwin, held her first news conference since the election on Nov. 10 in Austin.

What happened: Goodwin, a Democrat, also announced her political transition team, which is led by lobbyist Angela Hale and outgoing state Rep. Chris Turner, D-Grand Prairie.

The team, which includes four former state senators—two Democrats and two Republicans—will help prepare Goodwin to take over as lieutenant governor in January and work with state senators.

"My focus right now is sitting down with each senator, many of whom I worked with while in the House, to talk about their individual priorities and how we can work together so they can represent their districts," Goodwin told reporters Nov. 10.

More context: Goodwin will preside over the Republican-majority Texas Senate. How much power she will have over the chamber is largely up to senators, who will approve new Senate rules when the legislature convenes Jan. 12.