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Texas State Technical College to launch 2 construction programs in Rosenberg

Texas State Technical College is set to launch two construction programs in Rosenberg, following the opening of its new $35 million Transportation Technology Center.

What’s happening: 
The building construction program, which already has a strong presence on TSTC’s Harlingen, Marshall, Sweetwater and Waco campuses, will launch with a craftsman certification focusing on foundational construction skills, officials announced in a January news release.

Meanwhile, the electrical construction program will introduce students to residential, commercial and industrial wiring—initially launched as a certification—with plans to expand to a full associate degree.

Going forward: Both programs are slated to launch at the Rosenberg campus in the fall of 2026, per the release.

 
on the education beat
Katy ISD to shift to 4-day week for portion of summer holiday

Katy ISD will shift to a four-day work week during a portion of the summer holiday.

Need to know: At a Feb. 23 meeting, Katy ISD board of trustees voted to approve a four-day summer work week schedule for school employees during a portion of the summer for all campuses and administrative offices, with the exception of those affected by summer school.

The schedule for the four-day work week is 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, with standard work hours shifting from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. from June 15-19 and June 29-July 3, according to agenda documents. Additionally, June 19 and July 3 are staff holidays.

Going forward: The new schedule will take effect June 1 and last until the week of July 23, with the five-day week returning on July 27, per agenda documents.

 
CI Business
Vibra Studio AE coming soon to Katy’s Sunterra area

Fitness studio Vibra Studio AE is set open in Katy’s Sunterra area this spring.

What they offer: Founded by U.S. Army veteran Alexandra Leal alongside her husband, Vibra Studio AE will offer indoor cycling, dance fitness, yoga, mat Pilates and Zumba-style classes, Leal said.

In their own words: “All our classes are designed not only to challenge the body, but to refresh the mind and create a positive space where people can reset and reconnect with themselves,” Leal said in a statement.

  • 28030 Stockdick School Road, Ste. 4, Katy

 
Latest News
PREVIEW: Harris County commissioners to receive pay parity report, Harris Health bond update

Harris County commissioners are set to hear discussion on nearly 350 items, ranging from an update on the 2023 Harris Health voter-approved bond projects and the countywide pay parity project.

The big picture: According to a list of agenda discussion items for the court's Feb. 26 meeting, commissioners will receive an update on the countywide compensation and pay equity project—an effort that kicked off in 2025 and included studying role descriptions and salaries of law enforcement and county employees.

Also on the agenda: Commissioners will also receive an update on the progress of the $2.5 billion bond approved by voters for Harris Health projects. In January, officials with Harris Health announced the fundraising effort led to help support the bond infrastructure projects had reached $99 million, just $1 million short of the district's goal.

Stay tuned: Harris County Commissioners Court meetings are held at 9 a.m. in Downtown Houston. The administration building is located at 1001 Preston St., Houston. Meetings are also available to livestream 

 
in case you missed it
$617M NRG Energy power plant moves forward at Greens Bayou site, state says

A major new natural gas power project in east Houston just cleared another state milestone, pushing a planned 455-megawatt plant closer to reality as Texas races to add generation amid rising demand.

What this means: Gov. Greg Abbott announced the new unit planned at the existing Greens Bayou facility has been designated a qualified project under the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology and Innovation program, according to a Feb. 17 news release. The plant represents $617 million in capital investment and is expected to start producing electricity for the Electric Reliability Council of Texas region in 2028, according to the governor’s office.

The project is intended to strengthen grid reliability and create jobs, crediting state leaders and local partners for helping move the plan ahead, per the release.

What’s next: According to the release, with the JETI designation now in place, the focus shifts to the buildout and timeline leading up to the planned 2028 start date—when the additional capacity is expected to begin feeding electricity into the ERCOT grid.

 
Mark Your Calendar
8 Ramadan events to attend in the Greater Houston area

Celebrate Ramadan at one of the multiple community events—from pop-up markets to a Quran recital competition—being held across the Greater Houston area.

This list is not comprehensive. Events are subject to change.

GenerAction Jam Iftar
A film showcase, live poetry and spoken word will be the highlights of this event, which is hosted by Houston Muslim Filmmakers and IslamInSpanish. The showcase’s theme is “Reflection Before Reaction.” An Iftar dinner will follow the performances. This event is recommended for attendees 18 years and older. Advanced registration is required.

  • Feb. 26, 6:30-8 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.)
  • Free (attendance)
  • IslamInSpanish Centro Islamico, 12703 Brant Rock Drive, Houston

Sugar Land Ramadan Exhibition
Shop for Ramadan & Eid outfits at this exhibition hosted by event company Fusion By Meher Shuja. The celebration will also feature jewelry and holiday essentials.
  • Feb. 28, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; March 8, 2-10 p.m.
  • Call 832-907-9981 for pricing information
  • Hilton Garden Inn, 722 Bon Aventure Way, Sugar Land

 

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Aubrey Howell
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Amy Martinez
General Manager

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