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Top Story
ALS Blinds opens brick-and-mortar location in Porter

ALS Blinds owner Raul Rodriguez said the business—founded in 2007—opened a brick-and-mortar location in Porter on March 1. Starting as a small side project, Rodriguez said he had no idea ALS Blinds would grow into what it is today.

Quote of note: “What really pushed us forward was seeing how many Texas homeowners were struggling to find quality, affordable window treatments,” Rodriguez said. “It motivated us to step in and serve our community the right way, with fair pricing, honest work and products that truly make a home feel complete.”

What they offer: ALS specializes in blinds, shutters, shades, drapes, screens, motorized systems and exterior roller shades, per the website. In addition to its products, ALS Blinds offers in-home design consultations, expert guidance and professional measurements. 

  • Opened March 1

  • 23951 FM 1314 Road, Porter
 
Mark Your Calendar
Spring market, hurricane prep seminar: 5 events to attend in New Caney, Porter April 11-14

Browse these community events being held in New Caney and Porter on April 11-14.

Montgomery County Market Days Spring Market: This spring, the community is invited to shop local at a market featuring Easter gifts, home decor and seasonal favorites.

  • April 11, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • Free (admission)
  • A.V. ‘Bull’ Sallas Park, 21675 McCleskey Road, New Caney

Dawgs & Burgers Fundraiser: Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4816 is hosting a fundraiser with the VFW Motorcycle Group of Texas. Attendees can enjoy burgers, bratwurst and hot dogs, which will be for sale.
  • April 12, noon-4 p.m.
  • Free (admission)
  • VFW Post 4816, 24411 Cunningham Drive, Porter

Hurricane Preparedness Seminar: Learn best practices for preparing for hurricane season at the R.B. Tullis Branch Library. 
  • April 13, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
  • Free (admission)
  • R.B. Tullis Branch  Library, 21569 Hwy. 59, New Caney
 
Latest Education News
Lone Star College System maintains tuition prices for 2026-27 school year

On April 2, the Lone Star College System’s board of trustees approved unchanged tuition rates for the 2026-27 school year and discussed lowering the rates in the future.

What happened: During the LSCS trustees’ regular April 2 meeting, trustees unanimously approved the proposed tuition rates for the 2026-27 school year. The rates will remain at:

  • $111 per credit hour for in-district students
  • $249 per credit hour for out-of-district students
  • $313 per credit hour for out-of-state/international students
  • $43 per credit hour for dual credit students

The discussion: Trustee Daniel Meza expressed a desire to lower LSCS tuition rates in the future, especially out-of-district and out-of-state/international tuition, which he said are high compared to other schools in Texas.

However, board Secretary Iesheia Wilson said if rates are lowered for out-of-district and out-of-state/international tuition, LSCS will need to lower in-district tuition too, which could impact the college system’s budget.

 

Your Weekend To-Do List

Check out these weekend events across the metro area.

The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival

Katy Spring Market

April 10-12, times vary
The Woodlands

April 11-12, times vary
Katy

Learn more.

Learn more.

 

Houston Barbecue Festival

Resonance & Repair

April 12, 1-4 p.m.
Humble

April 12, 4-6 p.m.
Houston

Learn more.

Learn more.

 
To submit your own event, click here.

On The Transportation Beat
H-GAC officials launch new transportation website ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Officials with the Houston-Galveston Area Council, a regional transportation organization in Texas, recently launched a new website designed to help commuters and employers plan ahead as the city prepares for a busy summer chock-full of events.

Why now: Houston is preparing to hold seven matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament in June-July, as well as a 39-day fan festival. The city will also host several Houston Astros games and a large Independence Day celebration during that time frame.

The combination of events is expected to bring more than 500,000 visitors to the area between June 14 and July 1 and could increase traffic by 20%-40%.

What you need to know: The website showcases:

  • A calendar that highlights high-traffic days
  • Maps showing corridors expected to see heavier congestion
  • Park and ride, vanpool and public transportation information
  • Tips for adjusting work schedules or teleworking
  • Planning guides for busy event days

The website is free and open to residents across the Greater Houston region, as well as employers looking for alternative transportation options for workers.

 

Your local team

Hannah Brol
Senior Editor

Kim Sommers
General Manager

Email [email protected] for story ideas, tips or questions.

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