Several pedestrian safety projects in the Heights area are underway after Houston City Council approved a pair of projects March 18.

What this means: Planned improvements will take place along West 11th Street in District C. In partnership with the Memorial-Heights Redevelopment Authority, intersections will be improved by restriping crosswalks and installing pedestrian amenities.

Intersections that are set to be improved along West 11th Street are:

• Ella Boulevard
• Shirkmere Road
• Shelterwood Drive
• Bryce Street
• T.C. Jester Boulevard
• Worthshire Street
• Bay Oaks Road
• Prince Street

As part of its efforts to expand, PNC has opened a new branch in Montrose.

The specifics: Formerly a Shake Shack that closed in 2024, the newest branch is at 1002 Westheimer Road in Montrose.

What they offer: PNC Bank offers personal, corporate, institutional and small business banking services, such as opening a checking account, applying for credit cards and home and auto loans, as well as wealth management and retirement services.

According to a filing by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, PNC Bank spent approximately $1.1 million to renovate the former restaurant, a process that included installing new signage, a drive-thru ATM and an after-hours deposit box.

• 1002 Westheimer Road, Houston

From water parks built for thrill-seekers to tranquil lagoons perfect for relaxing, there are several ways for Houston-area residents to cool off this summer.

Big Rivers Waterpark & Adventures: Located in New Caney, this water park also features amusement park rides, an inflatable course, zip lines, ax-throwing, a maze, a gator exhibit and a petting zoo.

• Open for Spring Adventure days in March; all water attractions open select days April 3-Sept. 30
• $19.99 (single-use day ticket March 7-29), $44.99 (single-use day ticket April 3-Sept. 30), $99.99 (season pass), free (age 2 and under)

• Open year-round
• $34-$55 (half-day pass), $49-$79 (full-day pass), $65-$269 (season pass)

• Open select days May 2-Sept. 7
• $42-$90 (daily admission), $89-$150 (season pass)

After months of standby, Harris County moved forward with a multimillion-dollar initiative to develop long lasting solar energy in low-income and underserved communities countywide.

What happened: Commissioners Court on March 19 authorized $88.3 million to fund projects for the Solar for All plan despite the Environmental Protection Agency’s attempted termination of grants associated with the program. Harris County filed a lawsuit against the EPA in October to reclaim the promised funds, and officials said a decision is expected later this year.

Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey voted against in the 3-1 decision.

More details: The initiative aims to ease the financial burden of rising energy costs in vulnerable communities and enhance grid resilience during extreme weather events, according to county documents. County officials said exact sites are being evaluated, with a focus on locations that would "generate the most economic benefit."

Some context: The EPA awarded Harris County $54 million for Solar for All projects in April 2024 but has since tried to cut the program entirely, triggering legal pushback from the county attorney's office.

On March 31, Texas’ roughly 9,000 licensed consumable hemp retailers will face sweeping regulations, including a more than 3,000% increase in annual licensing fees and a ban on most smokable cannabis products.

The overview: The new rules, which also include age verification requirements, stricter packaging guidelines and more rounds of product testing, were originally proposed in December. The Texas Department of State Health Services, which regulates the state’s hemp industry, adopted the rules March 2.

The debate: Supporters of the increased regulations previously said they hoped the changes would result in more comprehensive oversight of Texas’ hemp industry and improve consumer safety. 

Some experts said they were concerned the new rules were taking effect too quickly and could lead some hemp businesses to close their doors.

"It is really tragic that these entrepreneurs are being faced with this, especially in a state like Texas that touts being pro-business ... and here we are shutting down businesses and relegating consumers to an illicit market," said Heather Fazio, director of the Texas Cannabis Policy Center.