HTX-WDL: Impact 5/14/2026

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Conroe ISD approves bond construction contracts and renovation plans

The Conroe ISD board of trustees at its May 12 regular board meeting authorized multiple construction project contracts to move bond projects forward.

The project: Over the last few years, the district has begun construction on multiple projects due to the passed bonds in 2019 and 2023. According to Assistant Superintendent of Operations Chris McCord, the district originally had 39 campuses that were over capacity, and that number has now been reduced to only six after multiple completed projects.

At the regular board meeting, the board reviewed and approved multiple bids from developers to complete construction of various projects. The focal point of these projects is to help with renovations, security and safety, according to information from the district.

The board approved Marshall Constructors for The Woodlands Ninth-Grade Campus and College Park High School renovations project. The project's focus is on upgrading the campus chillers, boilers, roof sections and handlers, as well as installing security upgrades such as exterior card readers and driveway cameras, McCord said.

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On The Business Beat

Cole Health moves to new location in The Woodlands area

Cole Health relocated from its Shenandoah location to the Spring area on April 6. The Cole Health team will host an open house event on July 25.

The gist: The business started construction in the winter of 2025. It offers services from two company divisions—Cole Pediatric Therapy: Speech, Occupational, and Physical Therapy, and Cole Academy: Applied Behavior Analysis.

“As the community's needs continue to evolve, we stand prepared to assist everyone in need of our pediatric therapy services," Cole Health Vice President Jenny Eastridge said.

Opened April 6
8701 New Trails Drive, Ste. 115, Spring

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Now Open

Potbelly now serving toasted sandwiches in Conroe

Per a May 12 news release, Potbelly held a soft opening for a new location in Conroe on April 18 and plans to hold a grand opening event on May 16.

The details: The new location is locally owned and operated by Ralph Baig and Omair Farooqui. Baig is an existing Potbelly franchise partner with more than 25 years in the restaurant industry, while Farooqui has extensive experience in commercial development and franchise food service operation, according to the release.

What you need to know: To celebrate the expansion, during the grand opening event on May 16 the first 25 guests will receive free Potbelly for a year, according to the release. Festivities will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony as well as games for a chance to win prizes and merchandise.

Soft opened April 28, Grand opening May 16
295 Enclave Drive, Ste. 300, Conroe

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Metro News

Houston highlights security, transit preparations for 2026 FIFA World Cup

As Houston prepares to see the first of seven matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Chris Canetti, president of the Houston Host Committee, said the city is ready for the influx of visitors expected during the tournament beginning June 14.

Quote of note: “Our greatest asset in Houston is our people,” Michael Heckman, president and CEO of Houston First Corporation, said. “And when visitors come here ... you're not just a visitor, you're one of us. And what a great message from people from all over the world that come here, that see all the languages that are spoken here, our diversity that we welcome people, not just from the United States, but from all over the world.”

The overview: On May 11, the FIFA World Cup 2026 Houston Host Committee gave updates from entities such as the Houston Host Committee, the airports, the Metropolitan Authority of Harris County, Downtown Houston, NRG representatives and FIFA Fan Festival representatives.

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