Next fall, Tomball ISD will launch a new program for students who are aspiring to be educators, called Tomball Academy of Future Educators, or TAFE. The program—in partnership with Lone Star College-Tomball—will serve as the district’s second P-TECH, or Pathways in Technology Early College High School. 

What you need to know: P-TECH is an open-enrollment high school that allows students to achieve a high school diploma in addition to industry-based certifications, level one or two certificates and an associate’s degree, according to the Texas Education Agency.

How we got here: TAFE is the second program of its kind since TISD launched its first P-TECH program, also in partnership with Lone Star College-Tomball, focused on health care in fall 2023, per prior reporting.

Looking forward: Applications for the TAFE program opened Oct. 20 and close Dec. 5.

After just one year in operation, the Tomball Flea Market has expanded into a larger home at 19827 FM 2920.

The details: The market first debuted Nov. 16, 2024, and quickly drew strong community support, prompting the move to a bigger site to accommodate more vendors and visitors, co-owner Josh Miranda said.

The market is owned and coordinated by Miranda and Colby Shivok. What started as a small space connected to Shivok’s landscaping company, soon evolved into a vision for a community-centered market where local entrepreneurs could thrive, Miranda said.

Miranda said the market hosts a rotating mix of vendors offering art, antiques, jewelry, clothing, handmade goods and more, creating a lively shopping experience for families and residents of all ages.

• 19827 FM 2920, Tomball

Starting Dec. 1, Harris County Precinct 3 cleanup crews will be dispatched in northwest Harris County neighborhoods impacted by two tornadoes that damaged the area Nov. 24.

“At this time, crews are working diligently to remove roadside storm debris that was left by the recent tornado,” a Precinct 3 Nov. 25 announcement reads. “Please follow the debris separation guidelines below to ensure safe and efficient pick-up.”

What residents should know: Residents can report their debris by calling 713-274-3100. Residents must bring proof of residency while dropping off vegetative, construction and demolition debris, according to the announcement.

Temporary debris drop-off sites have been set up by Precinct 3 officials at the following locations:

Deputy Darren Goforth Park, dog park area
9402 Barker Cypress Road, Cypress

• Dec. 1-5, 2-6 p.m.
• Dec. 6-7, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Kissing Tree Park
5707 Louetta Road, Spring

• Dec. 1-5, 2-6 p.m.
• Dec. 6-7, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Home affordability in the Houston region has remained steady, according to the October housing affordability report from the Houston Association of Realtors.

The big picture: HAR reports single-family home sales rose 3.2% year-over-year compared to October 2024.

The average home price has remained flat at $423,955, while the median price of $330,000 has declined for the seventh month in a row.

HAR states the trend indicates that the market is gradually shifting toward a more balanced level after years of rapid price growth.

With Christmas quickly approaching, here are eight organizations hosting toy drives for children that anyone can participate in. This list is not comprehensive, and details are subject to change.

Pearland Neighborhood Center Toy Drive: The Pearland Neighborhood Center is partnering with the Pearland Police Department for a holiday toy drive. Local businesses can contact officer Ryden Cohen to sign up to host a donation box where residents can drop off new toys for families in need.  

• Donations needed by the week of Dec. 12
• 2335 N. Texas Ave., Pearland
• Suggested donations: new, unused and unwrapped toys

Holiday Toy Store: Ronald McDonald House is collecting toy donations for babies and teens. Gifts must be new, in original packaging and unwrapped, and will be delivered to residents’ doors on Christmas morning. 

• Donations needed by Dec. 5
• 1907 Holcombe Blvd., Houston
• Suggested donations: video game systems, video game controllers, headphones, jewelry, diaper bags, teething toys, play mats

On the heels of what proponents have called “historic” property tax relief, some Texas lawmakers are questioning whether the state can afford to continue increasing the tax exemptions passed in 2023 and 2025.

The big picture: Texas homeowners pay property taxes to various local entities, although lawmakers can limit how much entities increase taxes each year and provide state funding to expand tax exemptions.

Texas is spending $51 billion on property tax relief in fiscal years 2026 and 2027 alone and may be required to spend more to maintain existing tax exemptions in future bienniums, lawmakers said.

What they're saying: "We're kind of maxed out at what we can do for property tax reform, from a budget perspective," said Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, during a Nov. 20 event.

"$51 billion ongoing, it's a huge amount to continue to support. To think about doing anything more seems very fiscally irresponsible," Rep. Donna Howard, D-Austin, said.

The other side: Rep. Ellen Troxclair, R-Lakeway, said creating limits on local government spending would be critical to keeping Texas affordable.