Several Texas Department of Transportation projects designed to reduce congestion and improve safety on several thoroughfares west of I-45 in south Montgomery County are set to wrap up this year.

The big picture: Officials in Precinct 3 are planning for a set of road bond projects around the Grand Parkway to ease travel in the area developing east of I-45.

In addition, county projects further west in Precinct 2 also funded by the 2025 May road bond are slated to take shape in 2026 to keep traffic circulating the borders of The Woodlands area near FM 2978 and a portion of Kuykendahl Road.  

The Woodlands Christian Academy offers a Spanish immersion program for students entering kindergarten and are looking forward to grow with their students, school officials said.

In the classroom: The Spanish immersion program, offered from grades K-3, offers core subjects taught in Spanish by native speakers who are teachers trained in immersion education.

What they're saying: "What I've seen is ... cognitively there's a lot of benefits to the program and them being in it, it's brought a lot of cultural awareness for them as well," said Christi Chavez, a parent. "Not only are they reading, writing [and] able to hold a conversation, with individuals who speak predominantly Spanish ... I just am so excited to see where this program is going to go and I'm rooting for them."  

Mike Holley began serving as Montgomery County’s new district attorney in late October, after being appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott on Oct. 29.

The background: Holley succeeds former DA Brett Ligon, who resigned from the position in early October to run for Texas Senate District 4—Brandon Crighton’s seat, which he vacated due to being named chancellor and CEO at Texas Tech University.

More details: In an interview with Community Impact, Holley discussed his career journey, his top priorities as the county’s new DA and the crime challenges he sees in Montgomery County. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

With vendors across Harris County starting consumer fireworks sales Dec. 21 ahead of the holiday and new year, Harris County Fire Marshal officials are reminding residents to follow safety protocols and proper disposal guidelines.

Quote of note: “Fireworks are allowed in unincorporated Harris County, but there are areas that fireworks are not allowed in unincorporated Harris County,” HCFMO Public Information Officer Brandi Dumas said. “Our message is always safety first.”

What residents should know: The fire marshal’s office recommended some of the following tips:

• Follow the law and be sure fireworks are legal in your community and with your homeowners association
• Make sure there is a bucket of water or water source nearby for emergencies
• Soak used fireworks prior to disposing of them in the trash

Here are five of the most-read CI Texas stories from this year and the latest updates on these trending topics.

1. Texas Senate passes bill that would nearly double property tax exemption for seniors, people with disabilities: Elderly and disabled homeowners were set to receive a $200,000 property tax exemption this year.

2. Texas House bill would make it easier to remove students from the classroom: The law gives teachers more discretion to remove students from the classroom if they are repeatedly disruptive or threaten the safety of others.

3. What to know about the 17 state propositions on the Nov. 4 ballot: Nearly 3 million Texans voted in the November election, approving all 17 constitutional amendments.

4. Texas House bill would prohibit cellphone use in K-12 schools: Under House Bill 1481, cellphones and other personal communication devices are prohibited bell-to-bell in Texas public schools.

5. Texas families can now access 2022-23 A-F school accountability ratings after multiyear legal battle: The state later released ratings for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years in August.