Friendswood City Council discussed how the city should respond to a rise in electric-bike-related accidents, especially involving young riders, at its April 6 meeting. 

What happened: The Friendswood Police Department currently has a program to educate the public on rules and regulations pertaining to e-bikes, especially regarding the classification of different bikes and whether licensing is necessary for specific bikes, City Manager Morad Kabiri said.

Why it matters: Council member Joseph Matranga said he was worried about young riders who might not be aware of traffic laws and how to operate the bikes.

“They're not doing really anything different than I did as a kid, except they're going three times as fast on a much, much heavier vehicle,” Matranga said at the meeting.

Degree Wellness is set to open in Pearland this spring and is anticipating a late May opening, Owner Jordan Aré confirmed.

What they offer: Joining four other locations in the Greater Houston area, the facility will offer self-care services, including cryotherapy, oxygen therapy, infrared sauna sessions, cold plunges, red light therapy and compression massages. 

• 2802 Business Center Dr., Ste 102, Pearland

St. Luke’s Health has awarded $1.01 million in philanthropic grants to 19 nonprofits in the Greater Houston area, according to an April 6 news release. The grants are intended to address health disparities and enhance the well-being of underserved populations, according to the news release.

What we know: The grants are a part of the CommonSpirit Health Community Health Improvement Grants program.
According to a news release, the program will:

• Improve community health

• Advance health equity

• Enhance local services through charitable contributions

The impact: Participating nonprofits applied to receive grant funding to cover issues found within St. Luke’s community health needs assessments.
Needs include:

• Improving access to care

• Behavioral health

• Chronic disease

• Food security

• Preventative practices

• Social determinants of health

What they're saying: The local initiative by St. Luke’s is a part of a larger effort by CommonSpirit Health, which has awarded $15 million to 329 organizations nationwide, according to the release.