HTX-COM: Impact 9/17/2025

Julie Long said her mission through Space City Gourmet Popcorn is to introduce gourmet popcorn as more than a holiday snack. The Houston Space City-themed popcorn shop opened in November 2024 in time for Thanksgiving, Long said. While popular during the holidays, the popcorn shop, based in Montgomery, offers over 30 flavors of popcorn at a time, with seasonally themed options throughout the year.

What's special about it: The veteran-operated business is owned by Julie Long and her husband, Jason Long, who are also owners of ​Longview Greens Miniature Golfing in Montgomery. With eight years of experience in the business industry, as well as long-term Montgomery residents, Julie Long said the idea for Space City Gourmet Popcorn came to them while discussing the endless possibilities for popcorn.

What they offer: Space City Gourmet Popcorn offers a variety of popcorn flavors made daily. Flavors offered range from classic butter popcorn and cheddar popcorn to bacon jalapeno and fireball popcorn. Other unique flavors include birthday cake, dreamsicle and fruit flavors.

Need something to do this weekend? See this list of events going on throughout the Conroe and Montgomery area this weekend. This list is not comprehensive. Events are subject to change.

Ink Stained Book Fair: Hang out with other book lovers and indulge in local author signings and book swaps. Attendees can also choose to get a tattoo with the event's on-site flash tattoo artist.

• Sept. 19, 5-8 p.m.
• Free (admission)
• 115 W. Davis St., Conroe

• Sept. 20, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
• Free (admission)
• Lone Star Convention Expo Center, 9055 Airport Road, Conroe

The big picture: The School of Theatre & Dance at the University of Houston announced its 2025-26 season featuring classical adaptations, musical theatre and student-written premieres, according to a Sept. 9 news release. The season will kick off with "The Circadian Project” on Sept. 25 and end with the 10-Minute Play Festival in May.

What they're saying: “Our 2025-26 season celebrates the power of live performance across a wide spectrum,” Sharon Ott, director of the School of Theatre & Dance, said in the release. “From the haunting beauty of ‘Frankenstein’ to the vibrant energy of student choreography and award-winning new plays, this season offers something for every audience.”
 

The gist: Single-family home sales rose 11.9% compared to the same time last year in August, according to the Houston Association of Realtors’ August 2025 Housing Market Update released Sept. 10. The number of homes available was also reported to be 30.4% above last year’s number. While sales and available homes numbers were higher, home prices didn’t show as much change this August compared to last year. The median sales price remained almost unchanged at $335,000, according to the report.

What they’re saying: “August brought the strongest sales gains we’ve seen so far this year, and that’s encouraging for both sides of the market,” HAR Chair Shae Cottar said. “Buyers have more choices and negotiating power than they’ve had in more than a decade while sellers continue to benefit from solid demand. As mortgage rates continue to ease, I anticipate buyer activity will remain solid in the coming months.”