Convenience Big Store: Book ban debate reignites in Katy ISD

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It's rodeo season. Our newsletter gives you the insider scoop on what you need to know.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is arguably the most important cultural event in our fair city. (Although the Astros' Opening Day is a worthy contender for the title.) The rodeo is synonymous with Texas' identity, and Houston takes that prestige very seriously.

RodeoHouston is Texas traditions packed into one; food, agriculture and philanthropy collide in a whirlwind of cowboy hats, cowboy boots and unreasonably large belt buckles.

All that fanfare also means it can be a bit overwhelming. Fortunately, the Houston Chronicle has you covered. Our Rodeo Roundup newsletter helps you keep up with the concerts, the carnival foods and the stories shaping this year's run.

Claire Goodman, Katy reporter

claire.goodman@houstonchronicle.com

Your Schools

Books that have recently been challenged or banned in school districts sit on a shelf Sunday, Aug. 28, 2022, at First Christian Church in Katy. Earlier in the week, Katy ISD discussed a process to challenge, review and remove books during a school board meeting.

Photo by: Jon Shapley, Staff Photographer

Katy ISD board considers banning more books from libraries. Here's the latest.

Katy ISD trustees were split Monday over two challenged library books, the latest in a district that has removed 57 titles from shelves over the past five years.

A parade goer holds up a pride flag during the 46th Annual Official Houston LGBT+ Pride Celebration, Saturday, June 29, 2024, in Houston. (Ishika Samant/Houston Chronicle)

Photo by: Ishika Samant, Staff Photographer

Judge blocks Houston, Katy schools from enforcing Texas law banning DEI efforts

The school districts are now blocked from enforcing sections of a new state law that put restrictions on LGBTQ+ students and gender and sexuality alliance clubs.

Storm Scroggins, a senior at Morton Ranch HS, sits with her pig named Lighting, before she competes in the swine show at the Katy ISD Livestock Show in Katy Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026.

Photo by: Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle

How Katy and other schools are keeping agricultural roots alive amid urbanization

According to a Rice University article, Houston's urban footprint increased by 63% from 1997 to 2017, adding infrastructure equivalent to Boston, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Washington D.C. combined.

Your Government

Homes and signage associated with the Towne Lake subdivision are seen in Cypress, Friday, Aug. 29, 2025.

Photo by: Kirk Sides, Houston Chronicle

Here's how to win a property tax protest — and 5 mistakes to avoid

Here are some of the most common mistakes the appraisal district sees each year.

Traffic on Interstate 45 are photographed from West Dallas bridge Monday, March 6, 2023, in Houston.

Photo by: Yi-Chin Lee, Staff Photographer

Road construction tracker: 6 major projects that could reshape freeways in Katy, Fort Bend

Track billions in Houston's biggest and most impactful road construction projects on Interstate 45, I-10 the Grand Parkway and the Ship Channel.

We've nominated 10 exceptional high school sports stars to be the Houston Chronicle's Athlete of the Week, including girls swimmers Winnie Liu from Dulles and Kim Kulow
from Austin and Katy softball player Haley Schmitt.

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

🗳 Vote in the Girls Poll

🗳 Vote in the Boys Poll

Town Square

The newest Local Table location is now open in Missouri City. Located at 3434 FM 1092 Road, the new outpost marks the sixth retaurant for Eat Local Concepts, the parent company behind Local Table, Local Bar, and Local
Spot.

Stay in the Know

Tickets are on sale now for the annual Wine and Beer Walk in Historic Downtown Rosenberg. The event is free to attend, but a ticket is required for wine and beer tastings. Pre-sale general admission tickets are $20.

Last Thoughts

I was unaware that a miniature tote bag from Trader Joe's was such a hot-ticket item, but apparently it is, and it's back in stock.

The grocery is bringing back the spring-inspired mini tote bag, an item that has become a customer favorite, Yvette Orozco tells us.

So if you're been itching to get hold of your own pastel bag, pop over to the Katy location.

Events at the Chronicle

Promotional graphic for live virtual event with Texas Take branding

Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and challenger Nathan Sheets will join senior political reporter Jeremy Wallace for a private Zoom on Thursday, Feb. 12, to take viewer questions on agricultural production, consumer protection and economic development ahead of the Texas primary election.