Sisters Jennifer and Daysy Sanchez will host a grand opening celebration for their new business in New Caney, Sweetsporjenni, on Dec. 14. 

What they offer: According to a Dec. 9 message from the sisters, the new business will specialize in mini pancakes, strawberry cups—also known as Dubai chocolate cups—drinks and more. 

The details: During the grand opening celebration, which will be held from noon-5 p.m., the first 15 customers will receive a free tote bag with goodies, and the first 20 customers will get a free six-count order of mini pancakes with purchase. 

Additionally, every purchase made during the grand opening will enter customers in a giveaway. 

• Opening Dec. 14 
• 23199 FM 1485, New Caney 

From a mini pancake store to a tamale food truck, several businesses have updates to share in the New Caney and Porter area.

Now open
Following a soft opening in late November, Italiano's Restaurant officially opened in New Caney. The Italian restaurant offers a menu of chicken, veal and seafood dishes as well as pizza, pasta, calzones, soups and salads.

• Opened Dec. 1
• 18934 E. Industrial Parkway, New Caney

• Opening Dec. 15
• 23598 Loop 494, Porter

• 23830 FM 1314, Ste. E, Porter

Officials from Montgomery and Harris counties are working with state officials in hopes of preserving a large tract of land poised for development near Benders Landing, per a Dec. 11 news release.

What's happening? Per the release, Montgomery County Precinct 3 Commissioner Ritch Wheeler, Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey and state Rep. Steve Toth, R-The Woodlands, are working with representatives from Gov. Greg Abbott's Office and General Land Office Commissioner Dawn Buckingham to explore options for preserving the land, which is located between Spring Creek and the West Fork of the San Jacinto River.

Some context: Previously owned by RYKO Development and slated for the construction of 7,000 new homes, the land was sold to Scarborough Group earlier this year. During a town hall in April, Wheeler said area residents expressed concerns about the development's potential impact on traffic, flooding and drainage.

Why it matters: Wheeler noted the green space preservation, if successful, could be beneficial to residents in both Montgomery and Harris counties. 

Candidate filing data from the Texas Secretary of State’s office shows 19 people have filed to run for county-level offices in Montgomery County contested races for county judge, county commissioner and multiple justice of the peace seats.

The full story
Dec. 8 was the last day for candidates to file to run in the March 3 primary election, per the Texas Secretary of State's website.

The county judge race has candidates in both the Republican and Democratic parties, while several Republican incumbents in countywide offices have drawn challengers only in select precinct-level races. Some positions have just one candidate filed.

Before you go: Feb. 2 is the deadline to register to vote in the 2026 primary elections, with early voting starting Feb. 17. Election day is March 3, according to the Texas Secretary of State’s website.