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Moms get free admission to Typhoon Texas this weekend

There are two types of Mother’s Day moms: the brunch moms and the “please leave me alone on a float in a lazy river for 45 minutes” moms.

Typhoon Texas Water Park is officially catering to the second group this year.

The water park announced moms will get free admission on Mother’s Day with the purchase of a regular-priced ticket. The promotion is only valid May 10 and must be redeemed in person at the gate.

The weekend also officially kicks off the summer season at Typhoon Texas, so if you're planning a trip (or trips) to the water park, check out my insider scoop for saving big bucks.

Claire Goodman, Katy reporter

claire.goodman@houstonchronicle.com

Latest Developments

An artist's rendering shows the plans for a new 18-acre development coming to north Katy.

Photo by: NewQuest Properties, Courtesy

New 18-acre mixed-use development coming to north Katy. Here's what to know.

NewQuest has purchased more than 18 acres along a growing corridor in north Katy with plans to build a mix of retail space and apartments near a major youth sports complex.

Shown in this photo is Chad 'Pimp C' Butler and Bernard 'Bun B' Freeman of UGK.

Photo by: Courtesy Of Museum Of The Gulf Coast

Bun B to celebrate 30 years of UGK's 'Ridin' Dirty' at Sugar Land show

Bun B's "Been Ridin' Dirty" performance in Sugar Land will feature several guest artists on Pimp C's verses from the album "Ridin' Dirty."

Your Schools

The Katy ISD Educational Support Complex is photographed in Katy, Monday, May 12, 2025.

Photo by: Yi-Chin Lee, Houston Chronicle

Katy ISD voters elect three new trustees in races with no incumbents

Voters in Katy ISD elected three new trustees Saturday, with all seats on the ballot open and no incumbents seeking reelection.

What Else is Happening

Father dies after teen son puts him in chokehold in Katy, sheriff says

The father was pronounced dead after he was transported to the hospital, authorities said.

We’ve nominated 10 exceptional high school sports stars to be the Houston Chronicle’s Athlete of the Week, including Katy ISD baseball standouts Ashten Ballew and Blake Hamilton.

Tell us which athlete you think deserves the title this week.

🗳 Vote in the Girls Poll

🗳 Vote in the Boys Poll

🏆 ICYMI: Last week's winners are Michael Hayes from Dekaney and Klein Oak’s Audrina Kidd.

Town Square

The public is invited to the grand opening of The Haven amenity park and gathering space. The event takes place 12- 2 p.m. on May 23 at 3002 Flatland Drive in Brookshire and features a DJ, food truck, games and more.

Stay in the Know

HTeaO is planning a new location in Rosenberg. The tea-centric beverage purveyor will be opening at 6415 Reading Road.

Last Thoughts

A new rideshare service just launched in Houston that claims to offer cheaper rates than Uber or Lyft, Maliya Ellis tells us.

Empower rides cost 20% less on average than Uber and Lyft rides, according to the company. That’s in part because Empower has a different business model than Uber and Lyft: drivers pay a subscription fee — $14.99 a week or $29.99 a month in Houston.

Publix open-carry policy | Donalds criticizes Demings in Orlando visit | Experts: Sloth World deaths at 55 | Maxwell on bro-flakes | Names in Magic coaching search | Restaurant inspections

Good morning. It's Thursday, May 7, 2026. The weather forecast calls for sunny skies with a high of 94 and a low of 72. Click here for more weather.

Publix appears to change open-carry policy in Florida stores

Signs at Publix stores in Florida seem to indicate an open-carry policy change. They read: “Publix kindly asks that only law enforcement openly carry firearms in our stores.”

In Orlando, GOP governor candidate Donalds criticizes Demings, supports redistricting

At the event, about a dozen protestors across the street held a banner saying “No Trumper 4 Governor.”

Sloth experts visit Orlando, say Sloth World death toll hits 55

The experts and some lawmakers want accountability for the animals’ demise and changes to Florida laws.

Maxwell: Florida bro-flakes. They’re angry, loud, entitled and convinced they’re victims

“Bro-flakes” are on the rise in Florida. They’re guys who are angry, loud, entitled and convinced the world is out to get White men. The governor and a candidate who wants to replace him have gone all-in.

Who could the Magic hire as the next coach? Names to know in the Orlando search

Magic president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman said Monday the Orlando organization has already heard from a “great number of candidates.”

Health inspections shut down 2 Central Florida restaurants last week

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation shut down two Central Florida restaurants for health code violations during the week from April 26 to May 2.

Orange County’s March tourist-tax collections ‘rewrote the record books’

Comptroller Phil Diamond said nearly $43 million was collected in March — the most ever for one month — despite climbing gas prices and other headwinds.

CNN founder Ted Turner, a brash and outspoken television pioneer, dies at 87

Turner also owned professional sports teams in Atlanta.

Disney leaders optimistic about theme parks despite attendance dip

Attendance at U.S. parks is down 1%, but revenue is up 5%.

Blue Origin preps for moonshot lander mission while New Glenn remains grounded

While the timeline remains uncertain for when Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket will be allowed to fly again, Jeff Bezos’ company is pushing forward getting all the parts in place for its first mission to the moon.