Convenience Big Store: Katy ISD scales back book banning policy, again allowing cartoon butts

A city in Texas was named on of the best spots so see the rare solar eclipse

Fellow space nerds, it's time to start planning your road trip – to a Home Depot.

The annular solar eclipse that will travel across the Southwestern U.S. states is less than a month away, and Space.com says one of the best places to see it may be at a Home Depot parking lot in New Braunfels, my colleague Hana Ikramuddin writes.

The reason for the incredibly specific location?

"Along the intersection of Interstate 35 and Highway 46 there are a few parking lots – including a Home Depot lot – where hopeful eclipse viewers can catch a sight of the spectacle," Hana reports.

Personally, the idea of tailgating a celestial phenomenon in a Home Depot parking lot sounds like an absolute riot. And since Home Depot sells pretty much everything you need for outdoor comfort, you could also use the opportunity to pick up some lawn chairs and tiki torches.

Hana's story does a great job detailing the eclipse and what to expect, so be sure to check out her coverage.

I can't help but wonder, though, if someone should tip off the Home Depot that hundreds of astrophiles could be descending upon their parking lot.

Claire Goodman, Katy reporter

claire.goodman@houstonchronicle.com

Education

Katy ISD Board of Trustees President Victor Perez, left, and superintendent Ken Gregorski listen to comments during a board of trustees meeting on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023 in Katy. The Katy ISD board of trustees took public comments on how to address gender fluidity among students. Katy ISD school board meeting on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023 in Katy. The Katy ISD board of trustees took public comments on how to address gender fluidity among students.

Photo by: Elizabeth Conley, Staff Photographer

Butts are OK in Katy ISD library books after the board clarified the policy.

The Katy ISD board scaled back its book banning policy, and cartoon butts are permitted in library books again.

Photo by: Craig Moseley/Chronicle

Here's what to know about Katy ISD's $840M proposed school bond.

Katy ISD voters will consider an $840 million bond for new buildings and renovations, tech and safety, and athletic facility improvements this fall.

Need to Know

Rendering of the new Mandito's Tex-Mex restaurant, a second Houston-area location of the Palacios Murphy Hospitality group's Tex-Mex concept, opening early 2024 at 9910 Gaston in Katy.

Photo by: Palacios Murphy Hospitality

A cantina-style version of Houston's iconic Armandos will open in Katy next year.

A second Houston-area outpost of Palacios Murphy Hospitality's Tex-Mex restaurant plans an early 2024 opening.

Openings and Closings

Houston's beloved Vietnamese restaurant Kim Son will close its Stafford location.

Shout out

Cheers to Houston Methodist West Hospital for recieving national recognition as a 2023 top performer for quality leadership by Vizient. Houston Methodist West ranked No. 4 out of 181 hospitals in the Complex Care Medical Centers. The Vizient Quality and Accountability ranking helps hospitals and health systems understand how they compare to their peers.

One last thing ...

Just when we thought J.J. Watt couldn't be more endearing, he goes and takes out a full-page ad thanking Houston for being Houston.

The entire ad is heartwarming, but this line might be my favorite:

"Today, every single time I step off a plane in Houston, I feel one thing … Houston is family. Forever," Watt says in the ad, which appears on page B2 of Wednesday's sports section. "I love you H-Town. And I can't wait to see you on Sunday."

We love you, too, J.J.