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

Here's the latest on three transportation projects either underway or planned in the Lake Houston area. 

West Lake Houston Parkway traffic lights
Project: Traffic lights will be rebuilt at five intersections along West Lake Houston Parkway, including at Firesign Drive, Kings River Drive/Kings Lake Estates Boulevard, Lonesome Woods Trail, Pine Cup Drive and Upper Lake Drive.
Update: The design phase has been completed for this project, and construction is pending funding, Precinct 3 Communications Manager Jeannie Peng said June 10.

Timber Forest Drive, Greens Road traffic light
Project: A new traffic signal will be installed at the intersection of Timber Forest Drive and Greens Road. 
Update: This project is out of the design phase, Peng said. Construction is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2026.

Sand Creek Village drainage improvements
Project: Drainage improvements are being made along portions of several roadways in Sand Creek Village.
Update: The project is expected to be substantially complete by July 13, weather permitting

Houston City Council approved a contract for the Houston Arts Alliance that authorizes up to $130 million in arts funding over the next five to seven years.

What happened: The HAA is the city's nonprofit arts partner, administering grants, overseeing public art projects and supporting artists and cultural organizations across Houston.

Council member Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, chair of the Arts and Culture Committee, said the contract will benefit the arts community, especially in the years after the pandemic, when there were funding challenges for the arts. She also said it is the highest agreement made with the HAA.

“Houston’s arts are not extra; they are part of who we are,” Evans-Shabazz said. “They drive tourism, support jobs, strengthen our neighborhoods, tell our stories and help make Houston a world-class city.”

One more thing: The contract will begin January 1, 2027.

Harris County Commissioners unanimously approved appointing Marcus Stuckett, a former engineer with the Harris County Flood Control District, to the role of executive director for the agency.

The breakdown: In a June 25 business court meeting, Stuckett was nominated by Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey to fill the role following the resignation of Tina Petersen on June 11. Stuckett worked for the flood control district from 2015-2022, becoming a certified floodplain administrator and director of engineering for the district. Stuckett left the HCFCD to work as an associate vice president at Pape-Dawson Engineers.

Quote of note: “I am honored by the confidence placed in me by Commissioners Court and Administrator [Erica Lee] Carter," Stuckett said. "The Harris County Flood Control District has a long history of protecting residents from flooding through innovative engineering, strong partnerships, and responsible stewardship of public resources. I look forward to working alongside our dedicated employees, community partners and elected officials to continue delivering projects that reduce flood risk and improve quality of life for Harris County residents."