West University Place’s flood maps could look different in a few years.

What happened: On March 9, West U city officials heard from experts on what the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s proposed flood maps look like after several large flooding events were taken into account since 2015.

This is one of the first steps of a long process, said Emily Woodell, chief external affairs officer with the Harris County Flood Control District, during the City Council presentation. 

Some background: After Hurricane Harvey, there was consensus from different jurisdictions across Harris County that the experiences people saw during the 2016 Tax Day flood, 2015 Memorial Day flood and Hurricane Harvey in 2017 did not match what was presented on the current maps. Woodell said the county agreed that upgraded maps were needed.

The HCFD partnered with FEMA to do an advanced modeling of flood maps that account for increased rainfall rates.

What’s next: It will be approximately three years before the maps are official, according to HCFCD.

iWok’s opening near the Texas Medical Center is a part of the brand’s recent expansion into Asiatown, Katy and the Bay Area. 

How it works: Using a robotic chef system, iWok serves fresh entrees, rice dishes and wok-seared bowls in minutes.

Although the brand incorporates robotic technology, human employees prep the fresh ingredients and plate dishes before serving customers.

On the menu: Each restaurant offers regional variations in the menu, with the Houston locations set to serve Double Down Bacon, a twice-cooked pork belly dish, and Dragon Pepper Chicken, a fusion of Chongqing and northern-style heat.

• 2328 W. Holcombe Blvd., Houston

Several road projects are under discussion in 2026 in Houston's Inner Loop, including in the Bellaire, Meyerland and West University Place neighborhoods. Check out these three projects city officials are looking to kickstart or are in the midst of this year.

This list is not comprehensive, and details are subject to change.

METRO North Braeswood Boulevard
METRO mobility improvements focus on enhancing the customer experience, which includes a new fare system, bus and rail fleet upgrades, route restructuring, road repair and infrastructure improvements such as new shelters and bus stops.

Intersection Safety Improvements
This project aims to reduce the number of crashes at the Fondren Road and South Braeswood intersection by upgrading signals, restriping and adding American with Disabilities Act-compliant ramps and push buttons.

Comprehensive Safety Action Plan
West University Place officials will launch a comprehensive safety action plan in the summer to study pedestrian safety across the city, including a holistic look at roads and sidewalks.

Cancer Clinician and Translational Scientist Dr. Daniela Matei will become the next director of the Houston Methodist Dr. Mary and Ron Neal Cancer Center following a national search, Houston Methodist officials announced in a Feb. 27 news release.

The details: Currently chief of the Division of Reproductive Science in Medicine in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Matei is an expert in ovarian cancer treatment and research, per the release.

What they’re saying: Chang said Matei’s vision will “enhance the momentum of our research enterprise and support our shared goal of turning scientific innovation into real-world impact for patients.”

What’s next: Matei will begin her role as director in April, per the release.