A re-envisioned science magnet program at Seabrook and Brookside Intermediate schools, as well as new learning specialties for Clear Creek, Victory Lakes and Clear Lake Intermediate schools, are underway at Clear Creek ISD.

The new specializations are slated to roll out through the 2026-27 school year, officials said at CCISD’s board of trustees’ Dec. 8 workshop.

The details: Changes in the science magnet program will include:

• An option to take up to nine science magnet electives quarterly Quest Courses before leaving intermediate schools; students are currently able to take up to three electives.
• More student-driven choice and personalized science pathways
• Expanded science showcases pathways in the scientific research course, including through the science and engineering fair, as well as the Games in Space Challenge, Region IV STEM Design Challenge, Houston Rodeo Agricultural Science Fair and Space Center Houston EcoChallenge

C and J's Bargains, a bin and liquidation store, opened in Dickinson on Nov. 26, staff said.

Why it matters: A bin and liquidation store is a type of discount retailer that purchases large volumes of customer returns, overstock, and closeout merchandise from major retailers, like Target or Amazon, and sells those items at a fraction of their original price, staff said.

• 8715 Hwy. 6, Hitchcock

Need to catch up on Community Impact’s coverage from last week? Check out five trending stories in the Greater Houston area from Dec. 8-12.

A sneak peek: Vegas Texas Casino officials said the practice-style casino has plans to open between Dec. 15-Jan. 1 in Cypress pending receipt of its Certificate of Occupancy and TABC license. The casino is fully compliant with all Texas gambling and sweepstakes laws, and no gambling of any kind is offered, officials said. 

In case you missed it: On Jan. 1, drivers will see an increase in toll rates, according to a Nov. 18 news release from the Harris County Toll Road Authority. The toll rate increases are along the Montgomery County Toll Road Authority’s portion of Hwy. 249. 

Craving something new? From a new sushi spot to a rebranded Mexican birria locale, Community Impact compiled six dining updates across the Greater Houston area, including restaurants that recently opened or are coming soon.

Pending single-family sales in the Greater Houston area rose 7.2% year over year in November, according to the Houston Association of Realtors’ November 2025 Housing Market Update released Dec. 10. Meanwhile, single-family home sales decreased year over year in November from 6,499 to 6,347, according to the report.

What else: In terms of home prices, the median home price decreased 1.5% to $325,000, according to the report.

Quote of note: “Houston’s housing market is setting into a balanced pace,” HAR Chair Shae Cottar with LPT Realty said via news release. “Buyers now have more time, more options and a little more breathing room to negotiate. Sellers are still attracting offers, but realistic pricing and expectations make all the difference.”