Work begins on $1.1M MKT Trail Hogan Pedestrian Bridge rehabilitation project
Construction on the MKT Trail Hogan Pedestrian bridge began Sept. 22 as the city of Houston addresses damage the bridge sustained in February, according to the Houston Public Works’ website.
What’s changing: The bridge and trail underneath that runs over White Oak Bayou will be temporarily closed until construction is complete, according to the HPW website. Construction for the $1.1 million project is expected to last 90 days, with an estimated reopening date at the end of December.
The background: Portions of the bridge were damaged from equipment and debris after a nearby Texas Department of Transportation construction project collided with the bridge, according to previous Community Impact reporting.
Other portions of the bridge were determined to need rehabilitation by city engineers, Erin Jones, the HPW public information officer, told Community Impact back in February.
New neighborhood work club opening this month in Montrose
Switchyards is opening its first Houston work club in September, adding to its 34 existing locations across the country, including ones in Dallas and Austin.
In a nutshell: The neighborhood work club was created for individuals looking to work outside of their house, but still close to home, around friends and neighbors.
Switchyards is designed to be a combination of a coffee shop, a college library and a boutique hotel lobby, according to the club’s website.
What they offer: The space will be open to members 24/7, with memberships costing $100 per month.
Harris County District Clerk Marilyn Burgess won’t seek third term ahead of 2026 election
Harris County District Clerk Marilyn Burgess formally announced she will not seek reelection for a third term as the district clerk of Texas’ largest county. Burgess said in a Sept. 22 news release that she also won’t pursue another political office.
The details: Burgess and her staff support the legal proceedings within more than 90 courts in Harris County. She first took office in 2019, then went on to win reelection in 2022. Her current term ends Dec. 31, 2026.
Quote of note: “I have truly loved this job and everything we have accomplished,” Burgess said. “When I leave this office on Dec. 31, 2026, it will be with my head held high, proud of our work, and grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Harris County.”
The context: The announcement comes less than a week after Burgess appeared before Harris County commissioners Sept. 18, addressing her request for a raise with the county’s salary grievance committee.
Texas to overhaul STAAR, launch 3 new exams in 2027
The Texas Education Agency will begin transitioning to a new standardized testing system after Gov. Greg Abbott signed a law Sept. 17 to replace the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness with three shorter exams.
The overview: Through the 2026-27 school year, Texas public school students in third through 12th grade will continue taking the STAAR each spring. Beginning in fall 2027, students will take three tests at the beginning, middle and end of the year under House Bill 8, the new law.
Students’ results will be released within 48 hours after each new test is administered. STAAR scores are currently released about six weeks after a test ends, according to the TEA.
The debate: Bill author Rep. Brad Buckley, R-Salado, said the new system will reduce test-related anxiety; give students and teachers feedback throughout the school year; and increase legislative oversight of Texas’ assessment and accountability systems. Critics of the plan said it would increase the amount of time students spend taking exams and essentially create “another STAAR test” developed by the TEA.
