The Texas State Board of Education is poised to approve new state-developed textbooks this week after an initial vote Nov. 19. Proponents of the curriculum say it would provide students with rigorous, age-appropriate content and help close achievement gaps, while critics argue frequent biblical references in the materials verge on proselytizing and could isolate students…

Conroe ISD trustees shared an update regarding the proposed rezoning process for two of the district’s new elementary schools at the board’s Nov. 19 meeting. Meeting highlights Assistant Superintendent of Operations Chris McCord discussed the process of rezoning and how overcrowding from the nearby elementary schools is affecting operational needs. Mittie J. Campbell Elementary School,…

During a Nov. 18 special meeting, Montgomery City Council terminated the city’s contracts with City Administrator Gary Palmer and Dave McCorquodale, assistant city administrator and director of planning and development. What happened In two separate 3-1 votes, Montgomery City Council voted to terminate both contracts with Palmer and McCorquodale effective immediately. All four council members…

Editor’s Note: This article was updated to clarify information about Dave McCorquodale’s termination. During a Nov. 18 special meeting, Montgomery City Council terminated the city’s contract with City Administrator Gary Palmer and terminated Dave McCorquodale, assistant city administrator and director of planning and development. What happened In two separate 3-1 votes, Montgomery City Council voted…

Single-family home sales rose 12.8% year over year while the average home price rose 5.2% to $423,166 in the Greater Houston area, according to the Houston Association of Realtors’ October Housing Update released Nov. 13. The details The report also found: Townhome/condominium sales increased for the first time in two years with sales up 6.5%…

Montgomery County commissioners finalized the creation of the county’s first medical examiner’s office Nov. 19, allowing for the transition of staff and resources. The details Dr. Kathryn Pinneri, director of forensic services for the county, presented the need to transition to a medical examiner’s office during budget workshops in August. Commissioners voted to move forward…

Chad and Taryn Fiebiger, who own The Highland Pine Company, are opening a coffee shop connected to their home goods store. The coffee shop will offer coffee and espresso drinks, pastries and some bites, Chad Fiebiger said. The shop plans to open in the spring of 2025.If the full content does not display, visit the…

After canvassing the results of the Nov. 5 election, the Conroe ISD board of trustees saw four new members sworn in at a special meeting Nov. 18. The new members replace outgoing members Skeeter Hubert, Datren Williams, Stacey Chase and Theresa Wagaman. Meet the players Filling board positions 4, 5, 6 and 7, respectively, are…

There are several places to enjoy holiday light displays this season. This list is not comprehensive. Dasher’s Lightshow Dasher’s Lightshow will feature a drive-thru experience with twinkling lights choreographed to holiday music favorites. Through Dec. 31, times vary $15-$29 Sam Houston Race Park, 7575 N. Sam Houston Parkway W., Gate 3, Houston Big Rivers Waterpark,…