Houston and Harris County's 911 system budget will decrease by $2.7 million in 2027.

The details: Houston City Council approved the budget for the Greater Harris County 9-1-1 Emergency Network, the office that manages Harris County’s 911 system. For fiscal year 2027, which runs from January to December for the network, the annual budget will be $69.2 million.

The funding will support the department’s 182 call takers for the city of Houston. However, the whole network serves Harris County and parts of Fort Bend County. Harris County has 101 call takers and Fort Bend County has 15.

Council member Sallie Alcorn said that since January, the center has taken in over 1.7 million calls and that number is expected to reach about 2.3 million by the end of 2026.

One more thing: The budget had to be approved by the Greater Harris County 911 Emergency Network Board of Managers, Harris County Commissioners’ Court and Houston City Council. The budget will take effect Jan. 1.

A popular neighborhood coffee shop, eatery and all-day hangout spot launched its ninth location Nov. 3 in the Lazybrook and Timbergrove area of Houston.

The gist: Slowpokes is built around the theme of slowing down and the cafe features a relaxed, laid-back vibe where customers can grab a coffee, tea, cold beer or a glass of wine, according to its website.

On the menu: The coffee shop's menu consists of specialty lattes, classic coffee and tea, as well as wine, draft beer and refreshers.

The cafe also features an all-day breakfast menu with items such as kolaches, bagels and breakfast tacos. Slowpokes' lunch menu provides sandwiches, flatbreads, salads and snacks such as hummus, churro donuts and cheese sticks.

One more thing: Slowpokes is open Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, the cafe opens at noon. Happy hour is available Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to closing.

• 3001 W. 11th St., Houston

The Nutcracker Market, one of Houston’s most anticipated holiday events, begins Nov. 12 with new merchants. 

What is it?: The annual holiday market, which has been around since 1981, marks the beginning of the holiday season in Houston and offers attendees an opportunity to shop for clothing, home decor, treats and unique gifts, according to the market's website. 

The market also raises money for the Houston Ballet, with 11% of sales going directly to the academy. Since 1981, it has raised more than $100 million. 

What’s new?: Nutcracker Market chairman Michelle Iversen Jeffery said the Nutcracker Market is one of the most important ways the community supports Houston Ballet.

“Shoppers return year after year to find their favorite merchants, while new merchants bring something fresh to discover, and every purchase helps the ballet thrive,” Jeffery said. 

This year brings new merchants, ranging from chocolatiers to a mahjong club. 

One more thing: In 2025, the Nutcracker Market raised $6 million for the Houston Ballet and saw over 104,000 shoppers.

• 8600 Kirby Drive, Houston

From local churches to statewide traditions, see which organizations are collecting donations to feed Houstonians this holiday season.

Check it out: Participating organizations include:

• Cy-Fair Helping Hands

• 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

This list is subject to change and is not comprehensive.

Texas' first female lieutenant governor, Austin state Rep. Vikki Goodwin, held her first news conference since the election on Nov. 10 in Austin.

What happened: Goodwin, a Democrat, also announced her political transition team, which is led by lobbyist Angela Hale and outgoing state Rep. Chris Turner, D-Grand Prairie.

The team, which includes four former state senators—two Democrats and two Republicans—will help prepare Goodwin to take over as lieutenant governor in January and work with state senators.

"My focus right now is sitting down with each senator, many of whom I worked with while in the House, to talk about their individual priorities and how we can work together so they can represent their districts," Goodwin told reporters Nov. 10.

More context: Goodwin will preside over the Republican-majority Texas Senate. How much power she will have over the chamber is largely up to senators, who will approve new Senate rules when the legislature convenes Jan. 12.