Good Morning, Cy-Fair & Jersey Village!

Top Story
Hydra Swim School now splashing into Cypress

Hydra Swim School opened for swim lessons on Oct. 1 in Cypress, according to a social media announcement.

Located at 20049 House Hahl Road, Bldg. 1, Ste. 1, the swim school is designed for swimmers of all levels. An online questionnaire helps determine the correct class for each student. The school offers lessons to swimmers as young as 18 months across five levels. The program aims to prepare students to swim competitively with the Houston Hydra Swim Club.

 
Across The Region
Harbor Health to acquire 27 Village Medical clinics

Texas-based healthcare company Harbor Health is acquiring 27 Village Medical clinics in Greater Houston.

The overview: The two groups have signed an agreement, and the transaction is expected to close at the end of the year.

Key details of the acquisition include:

  • The clinics span locations in Brazoria, Fort Bend, Harris and Montgomery counties.

  • Village Medical will continue to operate under its name, and clinic patients do not need to take any action.

  • The clinics will continue to accept their current insurance plans.

  • After the acquisition, Harbor Health will operate nearly 70 clinics across Texas.

The details: Harbor Health plans have no deductible, and referrals are covered at no cost. Enrollment for Harbor's individual and family plans will begin Nov. 1, with coverage effective Jan. 1. Large employer plans are also available.

 
Before You Go
American Express to expand, upgrade Centurion Lounge at IAH

American Express announced plans on Oct. 8 to expand and renovate its existing Centurion Lounge at George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

The details: The project will nearly triple the lounge's current space from 8,000 square feet to 23,000 square feet and is expected to be complete by 2028.

Upgrades at the Houston airport lounge will include:

  • A new Blue Roast by American Express Coffee and Wellness Bar

  • A specialty dining area with rotating plated dishes and a signature buffet

  • A second full-service bar with craft cocktails and a curated wine selection

  • Refreshed restrooms, premium shower suites and various seating areas

Some context: This expansion is part of a larger investment by American Express. The company also plans to expand and upgrade its lounge at Philadelphia International Airport, open a new lounge at Newark Liberty Airport and open a second lounge at London Heathrow Airport.

 
Statewide News
As lawmakers consider expanding TEFA funding, some public schools say they're losing money

Ahead of Texas' 2027 legislative session, the state comptroller's office has asked lawmakers to double funding for its $1 billion education savings account program.

The overview: The program gives participating families taxpayer dollars for private education and homeschooling, and officials said at least $2 billion are needed to maintain current participation in the program.

Meanwhile, some Texas families are raising concerns about their local school districts losing money as students leave public schools to participate in the program, known as Texas Education Freedom Accounts.

What they're saying: "149 students have accepted vouchers that were otherwise enrolled in Pflugerville ISD, [resulting in] an estimated loss of $1.2 million in attendance funding," said Stacy Harrell, a PfISD parent. "That lost funding will add to budget cuts that are already affecting Pflugerville ISD families. Four elementary schools [are closing], with the possibility of more."

 

FOODIE FRIDAY
Check out these new restaurants and bars opening across the Houston area.

After owning two previous Cy-Fair area restaurants, Kim Kim and Pho Kim Kim, Saigon District Vietnamese Restaurant owner Huy Nguyen said he's finally found a place where he belongs. He said the restaurant offers dishes influenced by the year he and his wife spent back home in Vietnam while construction on the restaurant was being completed, adding that the main focus of Saigon District is the food.

Read more

 

🍔 Woody's Hideaway opens in Webster
(Read more)

🍷 Bar Bludorn now open at The Woodlands Waterway
(Read more)

🍓 Rush Bowls opening second Houston location on University of Houston-Clear Lake campus
(Read more)

🥩 New Bridge Fusion Steakhouse now open in Montgomery
(Read more)

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Ash Valenzuela
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