Convenience Big Store: Examining George Mitchell's influence and vision as The Woodlands turns 50

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TXDOT launches campaign to help reduce pedestrian traffic deaths

As pedestrian deaths across Houston and Texas continue to climb, state transportation officials are launching a new campaign to encourage drivers to take extra precautions, especially as the country prepares to lose out on several hours of daylight.

Pedestrian traffic fatalities in Texas increased 22% over the last five years with nearly 1,700 Houston-area traffic crashes involving pedestrians in 2023, 202 of which were killed. Despite being National Pedestrian Safety Month, October was the deadliest month of 2023 with 80 pedestrian deaths, prompting the Texas Department of Transportation to launch its "Be Safe. Drive Smart" pedestrian campaign this week.

The campaign encourages drivers to slow down and look out for pedestrians, especially as the fall and winter months bring fewer daylight hours.

Read more from my colleague Caroline Wilburn.

Michael Garcia, Suburban reporter producer

michael.d.garcia@houstonchronicle.com

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, WOODLANDS: Fifty years after the first families moved into The Woodlands is a good time to examine founder George Mitchell and growth of the popular suburb you know and love.

SCHOOL RENOVATIONS: Conroe ISD trustees have approved more than $100 million in improvements for five campuses as the district chips away at its $1.9 billion bond referendum.

CONROE BAKERY: A Conroe cafe and bakery owner is expected to get a kidney transplant from his daughter. Here's what to know.

REN FEST: The Texas Renaissance Festival is gearing up to have its busiest season of camping since its founding in 1974. Here's what to know.

REMEMBERING LIAM PAYNE: The former One Direction member died at 31 on Wednesday. His band once filmed a music video at the NASA Johnson Space Center here in Houston in 2015.

Openings and Closings

Dave & Buster's in Shenandoah is preparing to reopen this Friday, bringing innovative gaming activities and groundbreaking ways for crews to play.The first 100 people in line at the grand opening on Oct. 18 will receive free games for a year, according to a release by the business.