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Good morning, Fort Bend County! In today’s edition: A retail expansion with Dick’s Sporting Goods, the nation’s fastest-growing city, the HVA Winter Classic, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Retail destination nears completion: Construction is set to begin on the final expansion of Grand at Aliana in Richmond, adding two anchors including Dick’s Sporting Goods. One is slated to open in late 2026 — get all the details.
What sets this boomtown apart: GOBankingRates named Fulshear, Texas the nation’s fastest-growing city after 736% population growth. Income gains lagged other boomtowns, and home values sit above state and national averages as of December 2025 — see the data behind it.
Quiet decision on tolls: Fort Bend County Toll Road Authority approved a 2026 toll increase by a few cents as part of its annual adjustment. Rates must rise at least 2 percent or Houston CPI — read the full story.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Protect your nest egg: Savvy investors are turning to gold amidst today’s inflation, national debt, and market uncertainty for a reason. It holds its value when everything else feels shaky. Case in point: it’s up ~62% since this month last year. If you’re curious about adding it and other precious metals to your portfolio, American Hartford has a super helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free, and definitely worth a read — check it out here.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Preparing students for global success: Fort Bend ISD has launched two language programs, a Two-Way Dual Language Spanish English Program and a Mandarin Immersion Program, to build bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural skills. Parent information sessions are scheduled in January with overviews of how the programs work and their academic goals. Learn about January sessions.
Crisp weeknight upgrade: When beer fatigue hits, City Orchard pours dry, fruit-forward ciders made in Houston, with flights, seasonal one-offs, and an easygoing taproom that fits midweek plans. Crisp and local, it keeps evenings simple after work without the fuss.
Treasure-hunting therapy: When your shelves need personality, Red Queen’s Attic offers 16,000 square feet of antiques, home decor, furniture, and a tranquil garden nook. Rotating finds and a jewelry corner make “just browsing” feel risky… you’ll likely spot something irresistible to take home.
Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I discovered Keranique’s hair regrowth system. Everything with them is surprisingly easy: no quizzes, no pills, no choosing between dozens of products. Just grab the kit and follow the instructions. The best part? It’s $75 off right now, you’ll get three free gifts, AND you’ll get your money back if you don’t love the results.
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📆 Around town this week
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
This week
🏔 Winter Break Mountain Glow @ Painting with a Twist | Tuesday (1/6) at 3:30 PM – Trade cabin fever for a glow-in-the-dark painting session the whole crew can handle. Ages 10+ are in, no drop offs, and little artists under 6 need an adult sidekick. Arrive a touch early, then enjoy neon forests, shared laughs, and blessedly screen-free peace.
🤠 Texas Stole My Heart @ Painting with a Twist | Tuesday (1/6) at 7:00 PM – Grab a friend for Texas Stole My Heart, a laid-back paint session with 2X Paint Points. No art degree required, just step-by-step guidance, easy laughs, and a canvas your walls and your rewards balance will actually appreciate. Points that lead to more classes, not clutter.
🐱 Chapter Program: “Texas Native Cats: Furry, Fierce and Fabulous” @ Bud O’shieles Community Center | Thursday (1/8) at 7:00 PM – Rosenberg’s Bud O’Shieles is serving up a Netflix break and real Texas cats, not the couch kind. Texas Native Cats volunteer Nicole Cloutier shares mountain lions, bobcats, and the elusive ocelot, plus thoughtful conservation tips, free to the public, in person or on Zoom.
This weekend
🧘 Yoga, Brunch, and Bubbles @ Messina Hof Harvest Green Winery & Kitchen | Saturday (1/10) – If your back has been filing complaints, start the morning with yoga that actually wakes up your body, then reward yourself with brunch and bubbles. A certified pro leads the stretch, you handle the sipping, and everyone leaves calmer, taller, and mildly smug.
❄ HVA Winter Classic @ The Fort Bend County Epicenter | Saturday (1/10) at 8:00 AM – Winter weekend plan: squeaky sneakers, bracket drama, and proud parents. The HVA Winter Classic packs the EpiCenter with 16U and 17U girls on Saturday, boys spilling into Sunday. Snag tickets online or at the door, budget for parking, and bring your best low-key cheer.
🚜 Full Bellied Farm Tours @ Indigo | Saturday (1/10) at 10:00 AM – Curious where your salad starts? Farm educators at Indigo will walk you through the fields, show off what is in season, and share the inner workings of a true community farm. Open to all, bring a friend, ask questions, then humblebrag at dinner.
🧩 Family Games & Jigsaw Puzzles @ Fort Bend County Libraries – George Memorial Library | Saturday (1/10) at 10:00 AM – Swap the screens for some old-fashioned fun at this come-and-go game time, featuring board games, jigsaw puzzles, and more for kids up to 8th grade and their caregivers. Try a new game, reclaim your Scrabble swagger, and enjoy actual face-to-face time. Low stakes, high laughs.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Fort Bend County report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 83°F – Low: 64°F – Precip: 0%
Patchy fog before 9am. Mostly sunny. High near 83, with temperatures falling to around 80 in the afternoon. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Later: Patchy fog after 11pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 64.
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Tomorrow – High: 83°F – Low: 65°F – Precip: 2%
Patchy fog before 9am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65.
This house is wild
All brick estate in Fulshear Run on a one acre premium corner lot with a circular driveway and a 4 car garage. Five bedrooms with ensuite baths include 2 down and 3 up. Dual staircases, two game rooms, and a media room wired for movies. The chef’s kitchen has ceiling height cabinetry with accent lighting, an oversized island, quartz counters, a pot filler, stainless appliances, and a walk in butler’s pantry.
Accordion doors lead to a private backyard with an outdoor kitchen and bar, plus a heated pool and spa. Wood grain tile flows through every room with no carpet. Meticulous condition, it feels brand new.
Take a peek inside →
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