Sugar Land officials are exploring options to expand the T.E. Harman Center as the existing space reaches capacity with the city’s growing senior population.

The big picture: At a June 23 workshop meeting, Sugar Land City Council heard three options to renovate or replace the T.E. Harman Center, which is home to a variety of programs and weekday activities for senior adults age 50 and older.

The current center, located at 226 Matlage Way, has a current maximum capacity of 300 to 350 program occupancy, said Kimberly Terrell, who serves as Sugar Land's parks and recreation director.

The details: The proposed scenarios—which are a result of a three-year study with BRW Architects—come as the center has seen a 300% increase in memberships since 2011, Terrell said.

Why it matters: The proposed changes come as the city continues to see its population age, with a 119.31% growth in its 65-plus population from 9,658 in 2014 to 21,181 in 2024, according to five-year estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey.

Fort Bend Community Church is opening a new day care and education building as part of its Fort Bend Care Center nonprofit organization.

What to expect: The project, which will break ground in August, will include classrooms, community spaces and a wing for free child care for low-income families, Fort Bend Care Center President Mei Wong said.

More details: The church already offers a variety of educational and community resources such as GED preparation and citizenship classes, but the new construction will provide a dedicated building for these services, Wong said.

Austin-based restaurant Hopdoddy Burger Bar has been acquired by by Founders Table Restaurant Group.

What's happening: Hopdoddy CEO Jeff Chandler will transition to an advisory role. Hopdoddy Vice President of Operations Kenny Jett will assume the role of president.

"I've had the privilege of seeing firsthand what makes this brand so special—from our incredible team members to the loyal guests who support us every day," Jett said in a news release. "I'm honored to step into this role and excited to build on the strong foundation we've created as we continue growing the brand."

The background: Hopdoddy was founded in Austin in 2010 and has 47 locations today, including in Houston, Dallas and San Antonio.

Founders Table was founded in 2020. The brand's portfolio includes Chopt Creative Salad Company, Dos Toros Taqueria and Protein Bar & Kitchen.

Texas' Republican-led State Board of Education approved a sweeping rewrite of the state's social studies curriculum standards and a list of dozens of books that students will be required to read each school year, both of which are infused with biblical references. The new requirements will begin rolling out to public school classrooms in the 2030-31 school year.

The details: As many as 25 texts will be read each year in early elementary school grades, with about 10 books required in later grades. The reading list was created under a 2023 state law requiring “at least one literary work” per grade.

The new social studies curriculum standards will expand lessons about Texas and American history, deemphasizing some teachings about world cultures and people of color. The standards also expand the amount of content students will be expected to learn each year.

The debate: Proponents of the new standards and reading list said they will teach students to love their state and country, while critics said the policies do not include diverse perspectives.