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Articles by Claire Goodman
Katy waterpark invites pups to splash before the season ends
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Sugar Land is changing how the city recruits businesses as it runs out of space to grow
Sugar Land's decades of growth have come with a tradeoff: The developable land that once helped fuel its expansion is growing scarcer, forcing the city to rethink how it attracts new businesses. Less than 4% of Sugar Land remains available for development, leaving the largely built-out city unable to compete for many of the business recruitment opportunities that fuel its economy.
Fulshear planned for a boom. Now its budget is adjusting to slower growth.
Fulshear homeowners will pay about $5.74 more per month in city property taxes under a new tax rate approved by City Council, as parks debt comes due and the city's once-rapid growth begins to slow. Council voted 5-2 Sept. 1 to adopt a tax rate of $0.19 per $100 of taxable value as part of the city's fiscal year 2027 budget. The increase amounts to about 13.5% over last year for a home with the city's median taxable value of $527,823, according to Mariah Liendro, Fulshear's communications manager.
Fort Bend restructures county attorney's office and cuts three associate judges
Fort Bend County Commissioners Court voted Thursday to shift part of elected County Attorney Bridgette Smith-Lawson's office under the court's control, a move critics called political retaliation amid her ongoing legal battle challenging Interim County Judge Daniel Wong's authority. In the same meeting, Commissioners Court voted to eliminate funding for three of the county's eight associate judges after Dec.
Lowe's plans September opening at $400M Texas Heritage Marketplace in west Katy
Follow Lowe's plans September opening at $400M Texas Heritage Marketplace in west Katy Mon, August 17, 2026 at 6:19 PM EDT Lowe's plans to open a new west Katy store in September at Texas Heritage Marketplace, the $400 million retail development rising near Interstate 10 and Texas Heritage Parkway.
Fulshear ‘loophole' allows controversial development despite zoning rejection, resident opposition
A loophole in Fulshear's development rules allowed a controversial section of Belmont Estates to move forward with development despite unanimous opposition from the Planning and Zoning Commission and nearby residents. The dispute centered on whether developers can count drainage easements and detention ponds toward meeting the city's 2-acre minimum lot requirement for estate residential lots.
‘Wear blue for Eddie': Katy community plans remembrance walk for 5-year-old found dead in lake
Follow ‘Wear blue for Eddie': Katy community plans remembrance walk for 5-year-old found dead in lake Wed, July 22, 2026 at 5:11 PM UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Katy residents will gather Saturday for a remembrance walk honoring 5-year-old Eddie Hall and supporting his family following his death. He was found dead early Monday after going missing in a lake near his home.
Hundreds of Katy ISD students could be rezoned under 2027 proposal
Rapid growth in north Katy is forcing Katy ISD to redraw attendance boundaries. District officials are proposing changes that would shift hundreds of students to a new elementary school and rebalance enrollment across several campuses beginning in the 2027-28 school year. District officials have released their proposed attendance boundary modifications tied to the opening of the as-yet unnamed Elementary No. 49 in the Sunterra development. The school will be located at 6435 Pitts Road.
Sugar Land pauses residential development of ‘sacred land' near Sugar Land 95 burial site
Eight years after the discovery of the Sugar Land 95 forced Fort Bend County to confront one of the darkest chapters of its history, a new development proposal is raising fears that more unmarked graves could still lie beneath the ground.
What's coming to the former Xscape Theatre near Fulshear?
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What's coming to the former Xscape Theatre near Fulshear?
Claire Goodman Thu, June 11, 2026 at 4:50 PM UTC 2 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. An artist rendering shows the planned design for EVO Entertainment in Fulshear. EVO Entertainment plans to turn the former Xscape Theatre near Fulshear into a 70,000-square-foot venue with movies, bowling and dining.
Dexter McCoy wins Fort Bend Democratic runoff for county judge
Dexter McCoy greets supporters at his election watch party on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 in Sugar Land. (Claire Goodman/Staff writer) Fort Bend County Commissioner Dexter McCoy won Tuesday night's Democratic primary runoff for county judge, defeating former congressional staffer Rachelle Carter, according to unofficial election results.
Fort Bend County leaders warn growth boom may be slowing as $80M budget gap mounts
Fort Bend County leaders warned Monday they may need to cut roughly $80 million from next year's budget as slowing property tax growth collides with rising costs and growing service demands. The Fort Bend County Justice Center is shown in Richmond in March. (Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle) Fort Bend County leaders warned that the county may need to slash roughly $80 million in spending next year amid slowing property tax growth, lower commercial values and rising operating costs.
Half of Missouri City citations end in warrants as residents struggle to pay fines, city data shows
A Missouri City police officer issue a citation in February. City officials say nearly half of traffic citations escalate into warrants as the city rolls out court reforms and payment options. (Missouri City Police Department/Courtesy) Nearly half of Missouri City's traffic tickets and municipal citations are escalating into warrants, a trend court officials say may be driven in part by residents struggling to afford fines or navigate a confusing court process.
Why Harris County homeowners are getting a bit more time to file their property tax protest this year
Homes and signage associated with the Towne Lake subdivision are seen in Cypress, Friday, Aug. 29, 2025. (Kirk Sides/Houston Chronicle) Harris County homeowners will get three extra days to protest their property taxes this year beyond the standard May 15 deadline. The quirk is thanks to how appraisal notices are mailed and how state law handles deadlines that land on weekends.
Judge rejects defense's mid-trial bid to halt case against Fort Bend County Judge KP George
Claire Goodman Judge Maggie Jaramillo on Tuesday rejected a defense bid to halt the case against Fort Bend County Judge KP George , ruling that prosecutors presented enough evidence for the case to move forward. KP GEORGE TRIAL: Fraud examiner says George moved campaign money into personal accounts George is charged with money laundering. Prosecutors allege he used political contributions for personal benefit and then attempted to conceal the source and nature of those funds.
Judge rejects defense's mid-trial bid to halt case against Fort Bend County Judge KP George
District Court Judge Maggie Jaramillo, presides over the 458th District Court, before jury selection in the trial against Fort Bend County Judge KP George on felony money laundering charges at the Fort Bend County Justice Center in Richmond, Tuesday, March 10, 2026. (Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle) Judge Maggie Jaramillo on Tuesday rejected a defense bid to halt the case against Fort Bend County Judge KP George, ruling that prosecutors presented enough evidence for the case to move forward.
Katy's $400M Texas Heritage Marketplace brings major brands to shopping center. Here's what's coming
Three more major tenants have signed on to one of the most closely watched retail developments on Katy's fast-growing west side. Houston developer NewQuest announced it has finalized ground leases with Olive Garden, Whataburger and Chase Bank at Texas Heritage Marketplace, a planned $400 million retail center rising near Interstate 10 and Texas Heritage Parkway in Waller County.
Katy's $400M Texas Heritage Marketplace brings major brands to shopping center. Here's what's coming
Three more major tenants have signed on to one of the most closely watched retail developments on Katy's fast-growing west side. Houston developer NewQuest announced it has finalized ground leases with Olive Garden, Whataburger and Chase Bank at Texas Heritage Marketplace, a planned $400 million retail center rising near Interstate 10 and Texas Heritage Parkway in Waller County.
Appeals court rejects Fort Bend County Judge KP George's last-ditch bid to remove DA before trial
Fort Bend County Judge KP George is photographed after appearing for his money laundering charges at 458th District Court at Fort Bend County Justice Center in Richmond, Monday, May 19, 2025. (Yi-Chin Lee/Houston Chronicle) A Houston appeals court on Monday rejected Fort Bend County Judge KP George's last-ditch attempt to remove the county's top prosecutor from his money laundering case, clearing the way for his trial to begin Tuesday.
Fort Bend County Judge KP George launches '11th-hour Hail Mary' appeal days before money laundering trial
Fort Bend County Judge KP George is photographed after appearing for his money laundering charges at 458th District Court at Fort Bend County Justice Center in Richmond, Monday, May 19, 2025. (Yi-Chin Lee/Houston Chronicle) Fort Bend County prosecutors have urged an appellate court to reject an emergency petition filed by County Judge KP George, calling the filing an "11th-hour Hail Mary" that will not stop his upcoming money laundering trial from moving forward.
It's Texas primary election day. Here are the key Houston and statewide races to watch.
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Benjamin Wermund, James Osborne, Taylor Goldenstein, Claire Goodman, Ryan Nickerson, Sam González Kelly, Isaac Yu, John C. Moritz, John Lomax V A rare mix of competitive races up and down the ballot has voters turning up to the polls in droves ahead of Tuesday's primary election, which will set match-ups in the high-stakes midterms in November. Voters will decide if U.S. Sen.
By Taylor Goldenstein Verified, Isaac Yu Verified, Sam Kelly, Ryan Nickerson Verified, Benjamin Wermund Verified, James Osborne, Claire Goodman, John Moritz
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Fort Bend's county judge primary will decide control of commissioner's court
Fort Bend County Judge KP George at the Fort Bend County Justice Center in Richmond, Monday, May 19, 2025. (Yi-Chin Lee/Houston Chronicle) The seat for the top elected county official is on the ballot Tuesday as residents cast their votes for the next Fort Bend County judge.
It's Texas primary election day. Here are the key Houston and statewide races to watch.
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Gabriella Boschma of Houston votes on Election Day at West Gray Multi-Service Center on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 in Houston, TX. (Sharon Steinmann) A rare mix of competitive races up and down the ballot has voters turning up to the polls in droves ahead of Tuesday's primary election, which will set match-ups in the high-stakes midterms in November. Voters will decide if U.S. Sen.
By Benjamin Wermund Verified, James Osborne, Taylor Goldenstein Verified, Claire Goodman, Ryan Nickerson Verified, Sam Kelly, Isaac Yu Verified, John Moritz, John Lomax V Verified
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Who will replace Troy Nehls in Congress? His twin brother Trever is running in the Republican primary.
Rep. Troy Nehls (R-TX) is interviewed by Chief National Investigative Correspondent Mark Albert on Capitol Hill on Thursday. (Hearst Television) Voters across Fort Bend County and surrounding Houston suburbs head to the polls Tuesday to decide who will advance in the primary race for the 22nd Congressional District, an open seat that has drawn heightened attention following U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls' decision not to seek reelection.
4 key tips Houston-area homeowners should know for protesting their property taxes
Most Fort Bend County property tax protests are decided less by emotion and more by preparation, experts warn. From arriving late to expecting an automatic reduction, homeowners tend to repeat the same handful of mistakes each year, according to Fort Bend County Appraisal District Deputy Chief Appraiser Rex Wogan. He said the strongest protests come from owners who understand the process and present evidence clearly and efficiently. PROPERTY TAX: Exemptions can mean big savings.
Exclusive: Katy ISD removed 142 LGBTQ+ books in January, records request shows
Claire Goodman Katy ISD has removed 142 LGBTQ+-themed books from school libraries in January, citing links to "prohibited content" under recently enacted state laws, a public information request obtained by the Houston Chronicle shows. The removals were disclosed in records released in response to a public information request filed by the Texas Freedom to Read Project , a nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting for student and parental rights and against censorship and book bans in Texas.
Exclusive: Katy ISD removed 142 LGBTQ+ books in January, records request shows
Students hold flags as they protest against Katy ISD's new transgender policy outside the school districts educational support complex on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023 in Katy. The students are protesting a new policy by the district where parents of students in the Katy ISD school system must be notified if their child asks to be identified as transgender under a new policy that took effect Tuesday.
The top 5 mistakes Harris County homeowners make in protesting property taxes - and how to avoid them
Claire Goodman Harris County homeowners preparing to protest their property appraisals often walk into hearings unprepared, focused on the wrong arguments or relying on misleading comparisons, according to the county's chief appraiser. Adam Bogard, chief appraiser for the Harris Central Appraisal District, says many protest hearings could go smoother, and potentially more successfully, if property owners understood how the appraisal system works and what evidence matters most.
Katy ISD book ban debate reignites as trustees consider removing 'Cat Kid,' 'Fake News'
Books that have recently been challenged or banned in school districts sit on a shelf Sunday, Aug. 28, 2022. (Jon Shapley/Staff photographer) Katy ISD trustees were split this week over two challenged library books, the latest for a district that has removed 57 titles from shelves over the past five years. The board will vote next week on whether to retain, modify or remove "Cat Kid Comic Club" and "Fake News Phenomenon." In January, trustees voted to remove three books.
Katy ISD book ban debate reignites as trustees consider removing 'Cat Kid,' 'Fake News'
Claire Goodman Katy ISD trustees were split this week over two challenged library books, the latest for a district that has removed 57 titles from shelves over the past five years. The board will vote next week on whether to retain, modify or remove "Cat Kid Comic Club" and "Fake News Phenomenon." In January, trustees voted to remove three books. "Read Me Like a Book," "Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close" and "Rumble" were all pulled from district libraries.
Katy ISD pushes back on state-mandated daily school prayer policy as voting deadline looms. Here's why.
Claire Goodman Katy ISD trustees indicated Monday that they plan to reject a state-authorized daily school prayer policy, saying the district already protects religious expression and does not want to impose restrictions that could limit when or how students pray.
Katy ISD pushes back on state-mandated daily school prayer policy as voting deadline looms. Here's why.
Katy ISD's Superintendent Superintendent Ken Gregorski is photographed during a board meeting at Katy ISD Educational Support Complex in Katy, Monday, May 12, 2025. (Yi-Chin Lee/Houston Chronicle) Katy ISD trustees indicated Monday that they plan to reject a state-authorized daily school prayer policy, saying the district already protects religious expression and does not want to impose restrictions that could limit when or how students pray.
President Donald Trump endorses Alex Mealer in Texas' 9th Congressional District race
Rep. Briscoe Cain, D- Deer Park, left, and Alexandra del Moral Mealer. (Jay Janner / Elizabeth Conley/Austin American-Statesman / Houston Chronicle) President Donald Trump on Monday endorsed Republican candidate Alex Mealer in Texas' newly redrawn 9th Congressional District, weighing in on a crowded GOP primary for an open Houston-area seat where a new poll shows Mealer with a lead.
Meet the candidates for Texas' 9th Congressional District - a high-stakes battleground in 2026
An exterior view of the U.S. Capitol on Sept. 9, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (Bonnie Cash/TNS) Texas' newly redrawn 9th Congressional District is one of the most dramatically reshaped seats in the state's mid-decade redistricting plan, shifting what has long been a Democratic-leaning Houston district into territory Republicans see as competitive in 2026.
Paula Taylor sworn in after decisive win in low-turnout Katy Ward A special election
Katy City Council members Rory Robertson, Janet Corte, Paula Taylor, Gina Hicks and Chris Harris welcome Taylor to the council on Monday, Feb. 9, 2026, in Katy. (Rory Roberston/Courtesy) A Katy High School teacher was sworn in this week as Katy's newest City Council member after a decisive win in a low-turnout special election to fill the Ward A term.
Fort Bend ISD projected deficit doubles to $56.4M as enrollment declines and voucher strain looms
Third grade teacher Janet Thomas works with her students at Sugar Mill Elementary in Fort Bend ISD in Sugar Land, Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025. (Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle) Fort Bend ISD officials warned this week that enrollment declines, tied in part to Texas' new school voucher program, may cause the district's deficit to balloon to $56.4 million next year. FORT BEND ISD: Thousands of Fort Bend ISD students will be rezoned next year. The district is still deciding how.
Meet the 11 candidates vying for Fort Bend County judge seat as the March primaries approach
Daryl Aaron is a Republican for Fort Bend Judge. (Daryl Aaron/Courtesy) Voters will choose from five Republicans and six Democrats in the race for Fort Bend County judge in the primary election this March. The county judge seat is the highest elected county position in Texas, and the next county judge will oversee decisions on transportation funding, flood mitigation, emergency response and long-term development.
Judge shuts down KP George bid to remove Fort Bend DA Brian Middleton from money laundering case
Fort Bend County Judge KP George is photographed after appearing for his money laundering charges at 458th District Court at Fort Bend County Justice Center in Richmond, Monday, May 19, 2025.
Fort Bend ISD students stage mass walkout protesting ICE arrests at Elkins High School
Fort Bend ISD gather to protest ICE arrests on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026 in Missouri City. (Claire Goodman/Staff reporter) Thousands of students at Elkins High School in Missouri City walked out of class Tuesday morning to protest recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests that organizers say have sparked fear among immigrant families in the Fort Bend ISD community.
A guide to the candidates running for Texas' 22nd Congressional District in 2026
An envelope with zip ties for the ballot box at a voting site for the primary runoff election at La Quinta Inn near the Galleria in Houston on Tuesday, May 24, 2022. (Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer) A crowded field of candidates has emerged in the March 3 primaries to replace Rep. Troy Nehls, who opted not to run for reelection for Texas' 22nd Congressional District.
Missed a property tax deadline? Here's what Houston homeowners can still do next
Homes in the Sunfield development just east of Interstate 35 in Buda are seen Feb. 28, 2022. The planned community with about 12,000 homes is the type of massive development some say is threatening smaller hill country communities. (William Luther/Staff) Property taxes are governed by strict deadlines, and missing one can affect everything from exemptions to payment penalties. What happens next depends on how late the payment is.
Parents push back on Fort Bend ISD rezoning, plea to spare neighborhood schools at work study meeting
Third-grade teacher Janet Thomas works with her students at Sugar Mill Elementary in Fort Bend ISD in Sugar Land, Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025. (Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle) Parents urged Fort Bend ISD trustees Monday night to spare neighborhood schools, delivering emotional pleas as the district considers rezoning proposals that could close or consolidate up to seven elementary schools. FORT BEND ISD: Thousands of Fort Bend ISD students will be rezoned next year. The district is still deciding how.
Four robbery suspects in Sugar Land jailbreak captured, face additional charges
Four suspects arrested Sunday on aggravated robbery charges briefly escaped from the Sugar Land city jail after assaulting a jailer, the Sugar Land Police Department said in a statement. TOLL INCREASE: Toll fees increased Jan. 1 The escape occurred about 4:50 p.m. when a jailer with the Sugar Land Police Department went to check on one of four prisoners being held from a robbery arrest earlier that day.
Dick's Sporting Goods, Havertys to anchor final expansion of Grand at Aliana in Fort Bend
Dick's Sporting Goods and Havertys Furniture will be joining The Grand at Aliana. (NewQuest Properties/Courtesy) Construction is set to begin on the final major expansion of the Grand at Aliana, a fully leased retail development in Fort Bend County that will add two major anchors: Dick's Sporting Goods and Havertys Furniture.
'No one lives in a P.O. box': Texas flags Harris County voter registrations at non-residential addresses
People vote at the West Gray Multi Service Center on Election Day on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, in Houston. (Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer) Texas election officials have confirmed that Harris County voter registrations included private P.O. box addresses, prompting the state to order corrective action to bring the rolls into compliance with election law. TOLL INCREASE: Drivers will see toll road fee increases in 2026 In a Dec.
Katy shoots down pickleball court plan after residents rally to protect City Park's tennis courts
Claire Goodman Sat, December 13, 2025 at 12:00 PM UTC 2 min read A pickleball paddle and ball are visible June 6, 2024, at the Pickle Point pickleball venue in Katy. (Kirk Sides/Staff photographer) The Katy City Council denied a proposal this week to convert public tennis courts into pickleball courts at City Park, after residents packed the chamber to urge the city not to sacrifice any courts to one of the fastest-growing sports in the country.
210 build-to-rent homes planned for west Katy as demand for single-family rentals climbs
As build-to-rent communities surge across the Houston region, a Chicago developer has purchased 17 acres in west Katy for a 210-unit project - its latest bet on families seeking single-family space without committing to a mortgage. TOLL HIKES COMING: Fort Bend drivers to pay more on Westpark, Grand Parkway as county approves 2026 toll increase RSK Real Estate Partners will begin construction in the coming weeks on the Landing at Katy Pointe, located at Clay Road and Katy Pointe Boulevard.
Rosenberg greenlights $236M hotel and conference center in Fort Bend's Epicenter expansion
Search query Rosenberg greenlights $236M hotel and conference center in Fort Bend's Epicenter expansion Sun, December 7, 2025 at 12:00 PM UTC An artist's rendering shows the planned look for Rosenberg's hotel and conference center.
Sugar Land to cover half the cost of repairs for its lowest-valued single-family homes
Families living in some of Sugar Land's older, lower-valued homes could soon see long-delayed repairs become affordable, thanks to a major expansion of the city's Great Homes program that will cover half the cost of exterior upgrades starting Jan. 1. Sugar Land City Council approved the update Tuesday, describing it in city documents as a targeted effort to reach homeowners in the bottom 3% of single-family property values.
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