HTX-BMW: Impact 11/7/2025

Houston ISD is expanding opportunities for students to access breakfast and after-school supper services in response to recent disruptions in federal programs and services, officials announced in a Nov. 3 news release.

A closer look: According to the news release, every HISD campus will ensure students can eat a free breakfast when they arrive at school, even allowing kids to take meals to class. Betti Wiggins, HISD deputy chief of nutrition services, said the change is part of the district’s efforts to make food more accessible to families who experience financial hardship.

Also of note: According to the news release, the district is also expanding its After-School Supper Program, which provides free evening meals for students who stay on campus for enrichment activities. The program, which is currently offered at 132 schools, will grow to include 99 additional campuses.

According to a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation filing, a new Planet Fitness is slated for Houston's Maplewood neighborhood off of Beechnut Street.

Two-minute impact: The filing shows that the $2 million renovation is anticipated to start construction in December, with an estimated completion timeframe in mid-2026. Details are subject to change.

According to Google Maps, a permanently shuttered supermarket known as Foodarama is currently occupying the site of the future Planet Fitness.

What we know: Planet Fitness operates around 2,600 clubs in the United States. The gym is typically open 24 hours, seven days a week and features strength and cardio equipment and locker rooms.

• 5665 Beechnut St., Houston

Here are a few events to attend in the Bellaire, Meyerland, West U areas. This list is not comprehensive, and events are subject to change.

Bellaire Arts and Crafts Festival: Featuring local artwork and handmade jewelry, the arts and crafts festival at Paseo Park showcases one-of-a-kind pieces to Bellaire residents. 

• Nov. 8, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 
• Free (admission)
• 5000 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire

Tents in Town: Families can pitch tents on Bellaire’s Great Lawn and participate in campground activities while enjoying bouncy houses, face painting, balloon art and a climbing wall. 

• Nov. 8-9, 1 p.m.-10 a.m.
• $200 per ticket for a family of four
• 7008 S. Rice Ave., Bellaire

Several events commemorating Veterans Day are taking place in the Greater Houston area. These events are listed chronologically and not comprehensive.

Lone Star College Veterans Services 5K Rally Up Run in Kingwood
The event will feature interactive activities including games, refreshments, a coloring flag station and an opportunity to write thank-you notes to veterans.

• Nov. 8, 9 a.m.-noon
• Free

Houston Salutes American Heroes Commemoration and Parade
The traditional Veterans Day ceremony will take place in Downtown Houston with acknowledgements and a keynote speaker. 

• Nov. 11, 10 a.m. ceremony; 11:30 a.m. parade start
• Free (admission) and parking in the Theatre District parking garage

Woodlands Township Veterans Day Tribute
Hosted in partnership with The Woodlands Fire Department, a patriotic ceremony will take place recognizing and thanking those who have served. The event will feature a presentation of colors, musical performances, remarks by local dignitaries and a donation drop-off site where goods will be shipped to troops.

• Nov. 11, 4-5 p.m.
• Free (admission)

Harris County commissioners unanimously approved an increase in the county’s fiscal year 2025-26 no-new-revenue property tax rate during the Nov. 4 court meeting. 

The gist: While commissioners adopted the $2.76 billion FY 2025-26 general fund budget and tax rates for the Harris County Flood Control District, Harris County Hospital District and the Port of Houston Authority on Sept. 24, the no-new-revenue rate was expected to be adopted near the end of October, according to Laura Lucas with the county administration office.

By the numbers: The four rates together make a combined property tax rate in the county of $0.6241 per $100 of valuation, an increase from the FY 2024-25 tax rate of $0.6038 per $100 of valuation.

The takeaway: The county’s tax rate document states the no-new-revenue tax rate will raise more taxes for maintenance and operations than last year’s tax rate. The 0.55% increase will raise taxes on a $100,000 home by approximately $2.42, the document states.

Airports in Dallas and Houston are required to begin reducing flights and other operations by 4% on Nov. 7 in response to air traffic controller shortages caused by the federal government shutdown, transportation officials announced Nov. 6.

The details: The cuts will affect 40 "high impact airports" across the country, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration. The affected Texas airports include:

• Dallas Love Field (DAL)
• Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
• William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
• George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)