Lamar CISD students outscored state averages in every subject in the 2026 State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness exams administered this spring to grades third through eighth and STAAR end-of-course assessments administered to high schoolers.

Some context: The Texas Education Agency released statewide and district-specific test scores for the STAAR math, reading and social studies exams June 16, and the STAAR EOC Algebra I, English I, English II, biology and U.S. History exams June 10. STAAR science scores will be released July 31.

Diving in deeper: Data shows Lamar CISD students performed above or at the state average in 18 subjects this spring. Meanwhile, district students saw equal or improved performance year-over-year in all exams except:

• Third grade math
• Third grade reading
• Fourth grade reading
• Sixth grade reading
• U.S. History

Residents are invited to take part in public meetings hosted by the Texas Department of Transportation to learn more about potential routes for the northern portion of the Hwy. 36A project.

The proposed highway aims to provide a road for large trucks to travel from Port Freeport to reach major highways and distribute freight in North Texas, Fort Bend County Commissioner Andy Meyers previously said.

What residents need to know: The public meetings will present a range of alternatives for the project segment from I-10 west of Katy to Hwy. 290 west of Waller, officials said in a June 26 news release.

Public meeting dates include:

• July 14, 5-7 p.m. at Royal Early Childhood Center gymnasium
• July 16, 5-7 p.m. at Waller County Fairgrounds in Edmonds Hall

Bonterra at Cross Creek Ranch, a 55-plus community in Fulshear, will hold a dedication ceremony July 4 for its new Veteran Honor Area, Bonterra Veterans Club Commander Ken Oettle said.

About the project: The area—which was designed by the Bonterra Veterans Club and constructed by resident volunteers—includes trees, greenery, engraved bricks with tributes to veterans and a memorial plaque, Oettle said.

The project cost about $7,500, which was mostly covered by donations and sales of the tribute bricks, according to a report from the Veterans Club.

What’s next: The dedication ceremony will be at 11 a.m. July 4 at the Bonterra at Cross Creek Ranch Clubhouse, Oettle said. The ceremony will be open to the public, followed by a residents-only celebration.

• 5439 Golden Manor Drive, Fulshear

In a June 24 news release, Houston Methodist announced its acceptance of a $110 million philanthropic gift that will further advance research and care related to neuroscience, women’s health and other diseases among various neurological conditions. The gift is the largest sum donated to the health system in its more than 100-year history.

The impact: Officials said the commitment will establish two new funds in support of research acceleration and the improvement of several care services offered by the system. 

How it happened: The donor behind the gift, The Brockman Medical Research Foundation, is a private, Houston-based foundation established by the Brockman Family, according to the news release.

More details: Houston Methodist will formally recognize the foundation for its gift by establishing the name of its newest hospital facility as the Brockman Centennial Tower, officials said.

A new pre-security Starbucks opened in mid-June at George Bush Intercontinental Airport's Terminal E, officials with the Houston Airport System announced in a June 19 news release. 

What to expect: Per the release, the coffee shop is located beneath the Oculus—the centerpiece of the Terminal E arrivals hall—and has nearby seating options with charging stations. 

Founded in Seattle in 1971, the international coffee chain offers a menu of brewed coffee, espresso drinks, blended frozen Frappuccinos, teas, pastries and more. 

Some context: The new Starbucks is just the latest in a slate of new dining options to open in Terminal E over the past year, as part of a $1.5 billion effort to expand terminal offerings.

What's next: Officials also noted a Chili's To-Go Bar is set to open near the Starbucks later this year. 

• Opened June 18
• George Bush Intercontinental Airport Terminal E, 2800 N. Terminal Road, Houston