Good Morning, Pearland, Friendswood & Manvel!

Top Story
Crisis response team to be dispatched to emergency mental health calls in Pearland

Mirroring the efforts of nearby communities to address a rising trend in mental health calls, Pearland Police Department will soon dispatch an officer paired with a certified mental health professional to respond to emergency calls. 

The details: Pearland City Council voted unanimously at its March 23 meeting to create a crisis co-response team through an interlocal agreement with the Gulf Coast Center. 

Why it matters: Mental health calls for service in the city increased by 17% in 2025 compared to the five-year average, placing increased demands on patrol operations and emergency response systems, according to city documents.

The impact: League City Police Department launched a similar program in partnership with the Gulf Coast Center in February 2024, according to previous reporting by Community Impact.

 
Meet The Candidates
Q&A: Get to know the candidates running for Manvel City Council Position 5

Candidates for the Manvel City Council Position 5 seat answered questions ahead of the upcoming May 2 election.

City Council members serve three-year terms with no limits.

What you need to know: Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.

 
Trending Now
6 places to visit in the Greater Houston area to celebrate MLB’s Opening Day

There are several places to visit in the Greater Houston area to celebrate MLB’s Opening Day. Check them out below. This is not a comprehensive list and events are subject to change.

Stats Sportsbar
For the Astros Opening Day, Stats will be hosting a watch party with 23-ounce beers, $1 wings all night, $2 off Stats’ signature drinks and old fashioneds and $5.50 purple Gatorade shots.

  • March 26, 5 p.m.
  • Free (admission)
  • 10850 Louetta Road, Houston

Rob Ray’s Taproom
Rob Ray’s Taproom is partnering with Mighty Big Dogs N More to bring hot dogs, along with beer, for purchase for those watching the game.
  • March 26, 3 p.m.
  • Free (admission)
  • 2503 Covey Lane, Pearland

Opening Day Street Fest by Budweiser
Those attending the Astros' opening game are welcome to attend the Opening Day Street Fest presented by Budweiser before the game with live music, photo booths, yard games, food trucks, inflatables and giveaways.
  • March 26, noon-3 p.m.
  • $62-$498 (March 26 game ticket)
  • 501 Crawford St., Houston
 

Your Weekend To-Do List

Check out these weekend events across the metro area.

Wild West Brewfest

Tomball German Festival

March 26-28, times vary
Katy

March 27-29, times vary
Tomball

Learn more.

Learn more.

 

Lake Houston Bridgefest 2026

Open Mic Night

March 28, 8 a.m.
Kingwood

March 28, 5-8 p.m.
Friendswood

Learn more.

Learn more.

 
To submit your own event, click here.

CI Texas
Beginning March 31, most smokable cannabis products will be illegal in Texas

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.

 

Your local team

Haley Velasco
Editor

Papar Faircloth
General Manager

Email [email protected] for story ideas, tips or questions.

Keep Reading

(512) 989-6808

TERMS OF SERVICE | PRIVACY POLICY

© 2005-2025 Community Impact Newspaper Co. All rights reserved.