An estimated opening date has been announced for the Qargo Coffee location that will be opening in Valley Ranch Town Center. The Italian-style cafe is expected to open by the first quarter of 2027, a spokesperson for Valley Ranch's developer, The Signorelli Co., confirmed via email June 25.

Craving caffeine? Qargo Coffee sells drinks, pastries, breakfast and lunch, according to the company’s website. Beverages offered include:

• Italian blended frappes
• Espresso drinks, such as macchiatos
• Boba teas
• Energy drinks

• Opening in the first quarter of 2027
• 21580 Market Place Drive, Ste. 100, New Caney

David Weekley Homes has opened two new model homes in The Highlands Encore, officials with the homebuilder announced via a June 23 news release.

The big picture: David Weekley Homes broke ground in 2021 on The Highlands Encore, an active adult community designed for homebuyers age 55 and older.

Zooming in: Now open for tours daily are two new model homes: The Cassandra and The Cornwall.

The Cassandra is part of the Harbor Collection, spans 2,746 square feet and is located at 21822 Golden Putt Drive. Meanwhile, The Cornwall is part of the Tranquil Collection, spans 2,497 square feet and is located at 21818 Golden Putt Drive.

Both model homes feature:

• Three bedrooms
• Two full bathrooms
• One half bathroom
• A three-car garage

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.

Have a minute to catch up with Community Impact’s coverage from this week? Check out eight trending stories in the North Houston area from June 29-July 2.

1. Tomball ISD surpasses state and previous district scores for spring 2026 STAAR

2. Golden Chick opens first Conroe location

3. Elite Dermatology & Plastic Surgery coming soon to Bridgeland

4. Primark coming soon to Willowbrook Mall

5. Live music, Pokemon games: 8 events to attend in Spring-Klein

6. The Woodlands Transit Department announces updates to The Woodlands Express schedule

7. H-E-B to build $45M grocery store in Valley Ranch

8. Construction on Will Clayton Shopping Center in Humble expected to begin this summer

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.