Katy residents may soon see drones flying above them or even in their backyards.

What’s happening: At a Nov. 9 meeting, Katy City Council voted to modify the zoning of the West Ten Business Park planned development district to allow Zipline, an international drone delivery company, to construct a station for the takeoff, landing, docking and charging of delivery drones.

Located behind the shopping center at 27240 Katy Freeway, the slightly under 3-acre proposed site will have six towers that can carry up to six drones each, Zipline Development Manager Jason Drews said. 

How it works: To take advantage of its delivery service, McCormack said residents will download the company’s app and place an order with a Zipline business partner. A drone will pick it up, fly it to the customer, lower a pod to them with the order inside and the drone will fly back to the tower to recharge. 

Next steps: After its rezoning request was approved, McCormack said Zipline will be filing a building permit with the city. 

Luzia Coffee Shop has opened its doors in Fulshear, representatives confirmed.

What it offers: The coffee shop and café has several drink varieties including espresso, smoothies, frappés and matcha as well as food options such as baguette sandwiches and pan de jamón, according to its social media page.

• 413 N. Turnberry Lane, Fulshear

Houston City College is collaborating with Texas businesses to supply their employees with customized workforce training opportunities.

What’s happening: The Texas Workforce Commission presented HCC with more than $1.5 million in Skills Development fund grants to go toward specialized training for four Texas businesses, officials announced in a Nov. 2 news release.

Companies include:

• Tesla 

• Texas Tissue Converting 

• Karsten Management 

• Watchfire Signs 

The grants aim to reinforce workforce skills, fortify employees for changing industry demands and bolster business growth, per the release. In total, the grants will offer training for 689 employees working in manufacturing, technology, logistics and other fields.

The setup: Tesla will receive the largest grant totaling just under $783,000 for technical training for 261 new employees assisting its megafactory battery operations in Brookshire.

Meanwhile, Texas Tissue Converting and Karsten Management will receive a grant totaling just over $690,000 to train 300 new and current employees. Additionally, Watchfire Signs will obtain nearly $84,000 for training for advanced innovation efforts.

From local churches to statewide traditions, see which organizations are collecting donations to feed Houstonians this holiday season. This list is subject to change and not comprehensive.

Participating organizations:

• Cy-Fair Helping Hands

• St. John Vianney Catholic Church

• Prince of Peace’s Thanksgiving Loaves & Fishes

• 14th Annual Fifth Ward Fall Festival & Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway

• Keep US Fed Montgomery County

• City Wide Club and CW 39 Super Feast

• Operation Turkey

• Montgomery County Food Bank

• East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry

Texas lawmakers and legislators-elect began filing new bills on Nov. 9, unofficially kicking off the 90th state legislative session. By noon, they had submitted more than 1,000 legislative proposals that they hoped would be considered at the state Capitol next year.

The overview: When the 90th legislative session begins Jan. 12, Texas will be led by all Democratic statewide officials. Democrats also won control of the Texas House during the Nov. 3 election, while Republicans retained Senate control.

Zooming in: Democratic lawmakers were the first to file bills in both legislative chambers, signaling some of the party's priorities as Texans prepare for the first Democratic-led state government and divided legislature in a generation.

State Rep. John Bucy, D-Austin, filed bills to expand who is eligible for Medicaid in the state, while Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, proposed tightening regulations on the booming data center industry.

More details: Lawmakers had filed at least 57 constitutional amendments before press time Nov. 9, including measures on property taxes, sports betting and term limits for elected officials.