Convenience Big Store: Why homeowners in Katy ISD could see a 'substantial' tax cut

It may still be beach weather in Texas, but thanks to red tides, we can't enjoy it.

The red tides have hit Texas beaches, which sounds cool until you learn that red tides are an overgrowth of algae that wreak havoc on the ecosystem and cause all kinds of problems for humans as well.

Areas of the Texas Gulf Coast are experiencing a red tide algae bloom that is causing dead fish to wash ashore and posing health risks to humans, my co-reporter Ryan Nickerson writes.

"Red tide algae produce a toxin that affects the central nervous system in fish, causing them to suffocate and wash ashore," Ryan reports. "The algae can also cause eye and throat irritation in humans, but the severity of the algae's health risks can fluctuate throughout the day."

I find it kind of depressing that we live in a place that still has beach-worthy weather in September, but we can't enjoy it because the water is toxic right now.

Read up on Ryan's coverage for everything you need to know about this crimson phenomenon, including how to track red tide danger zones. And if you do decide to take advantage of our warm fall weather with a seaside visit, make sure you've got the information you need to stay safe.

Claire Goodman, Katy reporter

claire.goodman@houstonchronicle.com

Education

The Katy ISD board of trustees considers a school bond on Monday, July 31, 2023.

Photo by: Claire Goodman/Staff Photo

The Katy ISD school board is considering a 'substantial' tax decrease.

Residents in Katy ISD's boundaries could have a significantly lower tax rate this year.

Need to Know

Hangr Skate Shop in Katy specializes in skateboards and offers an interactive shopping experience.

Photo by: Courtesy/Hangr Skate Shop

Katy residents have opened Hangr Skate Shop with an onsite skate ramp.

A new skateboard shop in Katy is melding the love of the sport with interactive retail.

Growing Katy

Ikea furniture has plans to open a small-scale location in Katy's LaCenterra,

Photo by: Courtesy/Ikea

Ikea is planning to open a small-scale location in LaCenterra.

International furniture retailer Ikea has plans to open a new location at LaCenterra in Katy next year.

Openings and Closings

A warm welcome goes out to Catalyst Behavior Solutions.

Catalyst provides group and individual mental health therapy to children with autism.

Thank you to the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce for the tip on this opening.

Shout out

Last week I asked, "Would you be willing to go into debt in order to buy the new iPhone?"

I had a lot of great replies, but my favorite comes from Katy Insider Susan, who gave me this good-natured reminder:

"Please don't make it seem like the iPhone 15 is the only cellphone with a $1K+ price tag—that's also true of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and some others. I know that's not what you wrote. I just want to make sure your readers are clear that most top-of-the-line cellphones are expensive."

Good point, Susan, and thanks for being a reader!