A new Memorial Hermann Convenient Care Center in Alvin is getting ready to open its doors in mid-December, according to the center's website.

What they offer: The center will offer 24/7 emergency services, as well as primary care and physical therapy, according to the center's website.

Also of note: The grand opening will be held in mid-December, and will feature a kids craft station, healthy holiday recipe demonstrations, free children's helmet giveaway and fitting while supplies last, as well as a DJ, photo booth, games and snacks, according to the center's website.

• 210 N. Bypass 35, Alvin

Grocery Services, which provides groceries for participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, or WIC, program, opened a location in Pearland on Nov. 6, according to a social media post.

The details: Families can now shop for fresh, WIC-approved produce, baby formula and other essentials, according to the post. 

What else: Hours are 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Mon. to Fri. and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat. and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun.

• 2837 Miller Ranch Road, Ste. 129, Pearland

A dozen new Texas laws took effect Dec. 4. The new laws come 90 days after the end of a special legislative session that took place this summer.

The overview: Some of the bills that went into effect Dec. 4 include:

• House Bill 8, which will replace the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, or STAAR, with three shorter exams beginning in fall 2027
• House Bill 18, which is designed to deter future legislators from leaving the Texas Capitol to prevent a legislative chamber from considering legislation, known as breaking quorum
• Senate Bill 54, which will roll back a short-lived rule that allowed registered Texas voters who moved within a county to update their address at the polls and immediately vote in their new precinct