Houston Methodist Cypress Hospital to undergo $50M expansion
Houston Methodist Cypress Hospital is set to expand its patient care areas and surgical facilities with a $50 million renovation, according to a Sept. 5 filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
The details: Located off Hwy. 290, the $685 million hospital opened just six months ago in mid-March. A Houston Methodist spokesperson told Community Impact that the Cypress hospital has seen a desire for additional services since it opened. The 82,300-square-foot interior buildout will begin in November and wrap up late February 2026, according to the TDLR filing.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo won't seek third term ahead of 2026 election
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo formally announced she will not seek reelection for a third term as judge of Texas’ largest county. Hidalgo said in a Sept. 15 news release that she is keeping her promise not to serve more than two terms.
Quote of note: “I ran for office as a change maker to challenge the establishment and bring a fresh perspective to a Harris County government," Hidalgo said. “I’m so proud of our community and all of the progress that we’ve achieved together, from expanding early childhood education to making our community safer.”
Also of note: The announcement comes just weeks after addressing a crowd of Houston business leaders and constituents Sept. 5 about her reelection status during the 2025 State of the County keynote address. Hidalgo hinted she would announce “soon” whether or not she would run in 2026.
Hidalgo has served as county judge since 2019 and was reelected after winning the county seat during the November 2022 general election. Her current four-year term ends Dec. 31, 2026.
Houston-area veteran organizations awarded more than $7.9M in grants
More than $7.9 million of Funds for Veterans’ Assistance, or FVA, grants have been awarded to 38 organizations in the Greater Houston area, Gov. Greg Abbott announced Sept. 12.
The gist: Abbott said the grants are part of the Texas Veterans Commission Grants Across Texas Tour. The grants support a wide range of services, from emergency financial assistance to transportation and home modification, according to a news release.
Quote of note: “This over $7.9 million in grants will provide crucial services and financial support for our veterans and their families in the Gulf Coast and Houston so they can lead successful lives in our great state,” Abbott said.
