On June 16, the Texas Education Agency released results for the spring 2026 State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, or STAAR. In comparison to 2025's test scores, Magnolia ISD matched and outperformed a majority of the district’s test scores from last spring, as well as at the state level.

The specifics: This spring, MISD students scored higher than the previous year in fourth and eighth grade math, along with fifth, seventh and eighth grade reading. MISD also scored higher on the Algebra I, Biology, and English I end-of-course exams, while tying with 2025 EOC test scores in English II and U.S. History.

More details: The highest test score for MISD was in the Biology EOC exam, which was 97%, a 2 percentage point difference from the previous test score, which was 95%. The lowest score for the district was in eighth grade social studies at 62%, a decrease from last year's score of 63%.

Canopy Cancer Survivorship Center marked its 10-year anniversary this year with a June 22 event at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center.

The center opened in 2016 to provide support for patients and caregivers experiencing cancer, and it now provides more than 45 programs and other services free of charge for anyone impacted by cancer, regardless of where they received treatment, according to a news release.

What they offer: In the past year, the center has:

• Logged 1,200 monthly guest encounters for patients and families both during and after treatment
• Offered more than 45 unique programs and services, including gentle exercise, nutrition, education and social support
• Facilitated more than 250 complimentary wig fittings and customized prosthesis or bra fittings for individuals

Harris County commissioners are seeking to appoint Harris County Toll Road Authority Executive Director Robert Trevino to lead a new countywide infrastructure committee aimed at moving county projects forward July 9, as the county also prepares to bring five new civil district courts online.

The breakdown: According to meeting documents, Harris County commissioners will finally review the creation of a countywide infrastructure committee to keep track and create standardized reports for multiple infrastructure initiatives that have been operating under their own committees. Following two rounds of discussions, Carter will bring the recommendation to court for a third time July 9, with Trevino poised to lead the new committee.

Also on the agenda: Commissioners will also hear an update regarding bringing five new civil district courts online as Management and Budget Executive Director Daniel Ramos presents the cost for hiring necessary personnel, such as deputies and court staff. through the end of 2026.

In a June 24 news release, Houston Methodist announced its acceptance of a $110 million philanthropic gift that will further advance research and care related to neuroscience, women’s health and other diseases among various neurological conditions. The gift is the largest sum donated to the health system in its more than 100-year history.

The impact: Officials said the commitment will establish two new funds in support of research acceleration and the improvement of several care services offered by the system. 

How it happened: The donor behind the gift, The Brockman Medical Research Foundation, is a private, Houston-based foundation established by the Brockman Family, according to the news release.

More details: Houston Methodist will formally recognize the foundation for its gift by establishing the name of its newest hospital facility as the Brockman Centennial Tower, officials said.

Former state Sen. Don Huffines was appointed as the Texas comptroller of public accounts, Gov. Greg Abbott announced July 2.

Huffines, a Dallas-area native with a bachelor's degree in business administration in finance from The University of Texas at Austin, will take over as the state's finance and budgeting officer from acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock. Huffines will officially begin his service Aug. 1.

Huffines defeated Hancock, who became acting comptroller one year ago, in the March Republican primary. He'll now face former state Sen. Sarah Eckhardt in the November general election for a four-year term.