HTX-SLM: Impact 10/8/2025

Missouri City could soon limit the number of smoke shops in city limits.

What’s happening? At an Oct. 6 meeting, Missouri City City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance to prohibit future smoke shops from opening in city limits. Existing shops will still be allowed to operate in city limits but may lose status if they are abandoned, destroyed or severely damaged, according to agenda documents.

How we got here: An initial moratorium was first discussed in July and put in place at an Aug. 11 special meeting, after former District C council member Anthony Maroulis asked staff to review limiting smoke and vape shops in commercially-zoned districts within city limits.

What else: City Council also approved the first reading of an ordinance prohibiting package liquor stores—which sell liquor for consumption of premises—within local retail districts, which are typically located along major thoroughfares to serve the retail needs of residents.

Going forward: City Council will hold second readings for both ordinances, although dates have not been set.

Movita Juice Bar plans to open two new locations in Texas, including a storefront in Sugar Land, according to a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation filing.

The gist: The juice bar offers raw juices, smoothies and acai bowls, along with functional beverages and nutritional supplements, according to Movita’s website. 

“Our commitment to fresh, quality ingredients, eco-conscious practices and staying in tune with health trends ensures that every visit is a step toward wellness,” stated a note on Movita’s website.

• 3344 Hwy.  6, Ste. A, Sugar Land

The Public Utility Commission of Texas on Oct. 2 authorized CenterPoint Energy to issue a customer rate increase—totaling approximately $1.2 billion—to cover repair and recovery costs from Hurricane Beryl and two other Greater Houston storms.

The overview: The restoration costs will add about $2 per month to the average customer’s electricity bill, with the rate change expected to take effect later this year or early next year, according to an Oct. 6 statement from CenterPoint Energy. The decision allows CenterPoint to spread the cost to residential customers across 15 years, saving more than $265 million in interest charges, per the statement. 

Looking back: According to previous Community Impact reporting, more than 2.2 million customers in the Greater Houston area lost power during Hurricane Beryl in July 2024, and over 4,400 Harris County homes were damaged. The Category 1 storm led to an estimated $32 billion in losses nationwide.

It's officially October, which means it's time to sport the color pink. National Breast Cancer Awareness Month runs Oct. 1-31 to honor those affected by breast cancer and raise awareness about the disease, and community members across Greater Houston have planned an abundance of events in support. 

• Oct. 11, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Free (admission)
• 10918 Bentley St., Houston

• Oct. 11, 1-5 p.m.
• $33.85 (workshop admission)
• 7622 Chasewood Drive, Missouri City

Odyssey, a New York-based tech company, has been selected to manage Texas’ $1 billion education savings account program, the state comptroller’s office announced Oct. 6.

The overview: Odyssey will work with the comptroller to launch the program, deemed “Texas Education Freedom Accounts,” ahead of the 2026-27 school year. Families can begin applying for the program early next year, and those accepted will receive thousands of dollars in state funds to send their children to private school or homeschool them.

Zooming in: Odyssey will develop and manage an online platform to administer Texas’ education savings account program. State law also tasks the company with:

• Collecting applications and determining which families are accepted to the program
• Approving vendors for education-related materials and services, such as textbooks, transportation and tutoring
• Reviewing inquiries and complaints about the program
• Advertising the program and communicating with interested families