Nurture Nest Academy opened its doors to students for the 2026-27 school year in August, owner Keneisha Brundidge Rainford confirmed Nov. 12.

What they offer: The private microschool serves students in grades pre-K-8 and emphasizes individualized academic support and flexible learning pathways, while focusing on leadership, creativity and critical thinking, as previously reported by Community Impact.

Nurture Nest Academy is also a Texas Education Freedom Accounts-approved educational option, Rainford said.

What's next: As of Nov. 12, Rainford noted that the school is still accepting students for the 2026-27 school year and that she plans to add grades 9-12 in the 2027-28 school year.

• Opened Aug. 10

• 7938 FM 1960 E., Humble

Housing market data for the Lake Houston-Humble-Kingwood coverage area shows several shifts in home sales and pricing:

• Approximately 40 fewer homes sold across the six area ZIP codes when comparing October 2026 with October 2025.

• The median price of homes sold decreased in all ZIP codes except for 77345 and 77346.

• Homes sold faster on average in ZIP codes 77338, 77345 and 77396.

• More than 67% of homes sold in October were in the $200,000-$399,999 price range.

Houston City Council unanimously approved $13.4 million, making funds available to the Parks and Recreation Department for capital improvement projects in parks throughout the city.

What this means: Officials approved funding from the Parks Special, Parks Dedication and Parks Consolidation Construction funds to go toward projects at 17 neighborhood parks, recreation facilities and broader park infrastructure.

Parks included are:

• Jensen Park

• Keith-Wiess Park

• Cullinan Park

• Hermann Park

• Blueridge Park

• Hager Park

• Waldemar Park

Funding will also go toward splash pad renovations, swimming pool upgrades, playground replacements, ballfield and park lighting upgrades and repairs to the Milby Park Community Center roof.

Additional funding covers lift stations at Cullen and Herman Brown parks, bridge condition assessments, design services for various parks and capital renewal for park facilities. Civic art funding will also be included when applicable.

Moving forward: The appropriation provides funding for the projects but does not approve individual construction contracts. The General Services Department will use existing contracts when possible. Any additional contracts will follow city procurement procedures and return to City Council for approval.

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.