After a decade of service to land preservation and environmental activism, Bayou Land Conservancy announced the retirement of Executive Director Jill Boullion in August, according to a Jan. 26 news release.

The details: Boullion is set to officially retire as BLC executive director Aug. 14, according to the news release. Boullion originally joined the organization in 2016 and is considered a “driving force" behind the organization's regional impact. She has overseen multiple successful projects during her tenure, including but not limited to:

• Helped preserve more than 4,000 acres and strategic corridors
• Helped acquire BLC’s 117-acre Arrowwood Preserve
• Oversaw completion of the 15-mile Spring Creek Nature Trail 

A new locally owned and operated pool supply and service business is opening in the Champion Forest area. 

The details: The Pinch A Penny Pool Patio website states that pool services are available now while the store located in the Champions Village shopping center prepares for opening.

Meet the owner: The business will be operated by Chad Moran, who said officials from the company's corporate office will be stocking the store soon.

"We're getting close," Moran said.

What they offer: The nationally-franchised retail pool supply store that began in Florida now has more than 300 stores, according to the business website.

The store offers pool maintenance and repair services, as well as pool renovations, pressure washing, landscape lighting and similar services. Guests can also browse for pool supplies, including liquid chlorine, tablets, pumps and filters, among other items.

Democratic candidates Christian Dashaun Menefee and Amanda Edwards are vying for Congressional District 18 in a special runoff election Jan. 31.

Some context: As previously reported by Community Impact, a special election was held in November to fill the vacant congressional seat following the death of incumbent Sylvester Turner in March.

The special election, which had 16 candidates, resulted in a runoff election between the top two vote-getters: Menefee and Edwards. The winner of the special runoff election will serve Congressional District 18 for the remainder of Turner's unexpired term, which ends in January 2027.

Members of the U.S. House of Representatives are elected for a two-year term with no term limits.

Stay tuned: Community Impact will update this article as more Election Day vote totals are released. All results are unofficial until canvassed.

Houston Airport System officials have nearly completed George Bush Intercontinental Airport’s $1.46 billion Terminal Redevelopment Program as the airport continues to strengthen its international travel options.

The overview: HAS Director of Aviation Jim Szczesniak said the Terminal Redevelopment Program represents the single largest investment the city of Houston has contributed to IAH.

Szczesniak noted most of the major phases associated with the project—including the Terminal D-West Pier, Terminal D updates and the airport’s new International Central Processor ticketing hall and security checkpoints—are either finished or nearly completed.

Looking ahead: While the baggage system isn’t expected to be certified and tested by the Transportation Security Administration until early February, Szczesniak said the overall project will provide an economic boon to the Houston area and should help airport officials prepare for the influx of passengers expected as the city hosts several FIFA World Cup matches in 2026.

Missed any Community Impact articles from this week? Check out the top trending stories from Community Impact's coverage areas in Houston from Jan. 26-30. 

• Kresston expansion brings larger homesites, adds Toll Brothers and Huntington Homes in Magnolia
• IAH to wrap up $1.46B Terminal Redevelopment Program in early 2026
• 7 Harris County judge candidates raised just over $1M for March primary election campaigns
• Harris Health nears $100M capital fundraising goal less than 3 years after bond vote
• University of Houston launches new online film leadership certificate