Harris County Emergency Service District No. 9 commissioners will hear updates on the ongoing construction of new fire stations, as well as discuss potential legal issues involving Commissioner Rob Pavia at their upcoming meeting.

The big picture: According to agenda documents, commissioners will receive an update from Martinez Architects on the status of construction for several new fire stations across the district.

Commissioners will also hear an update on the implementation of a new enterprise resource planning software, as well as progress on the strategic implementation plan to address challenges listed in a 2023 audit report, such as deployment service gaps and personnel shortages.

Before you go: The March 26 meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the ESD 9 Administration Building at 10710 Telge Road, Houston.

Texas-based developer Trademark Property Co. will break ground on a new 25-acre retail village in the Dunham Pointe master-planned community by early summer, adding a mix of shopping, dining and lifestyle options to the growing Cypress area.

At a glance: Located near the intersection of Hwy. 290 and Mason Road, the retail area will span 206,000 square feet and house tenants such as Amorino Gelato, Milkshake Factory, Pokeworks, Shake Shake and several others that chose to remain confidential, according to a March 24 news release from Trademark.

Another detail: Trademark also received commitment from a national organic grocer and junior fashion anchor, the release states. Roughly 60%-70% of the property will be leased by summer, and the first tenants will open by the end of 2027, a Trademark spokesperson confirmed.

One more thing: Trademark leadership said they are working closely with Dunham Pointe Development to ensure the area is walkable and amenity-rich, and the developer has seen "significant pent-up demand" from national brands and emerging concepts, per the release.

On March 19, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center announced the opening of its new Colorectal Center located on the second floor of its Duncan Building, per a news release.

More details: The 24,565-square-foot center blends art and technology, aiming to create a calm, healing environment focused on patient experience, per the news release. This center includes 32 exam rooms, along with a lobby featuring three focus rooms. Patients will have access to supportive services such as nutrition counseling, pain management, genetic counseling and risk assessment.

Quote of note: “When we treat young patients, we are addressing more than just the cancer,” Dr. Y. Nancy You, professor of colon and rectal surgery and director of the young-onset colorectal cancer program, said via news release. “We also recognize the significant psychological impact that a diagnosis can have on their lives. This new center provides a dedicated space where we can deliver personalized, whole-person care and walk that journey with every patient, so they know they are not alone."

More than 229,000 students have applied to receive state funds for private education or homeschooling under Texas’ education savings account program, according to the state comptroller’s office.

By the numbers: State data indicates that the most applications have been submitted on behalf of students living in urban areas and the surrounding suburban communities. As of March 8, students living in Houston ISD’s boundaries led the pack with over 8,900 applications, followed by 6,700 applicants in Dallas ISD.

The data reflects how many students living in each district's boundaries have applied, including those not currently enrolled in a public school.

The background: State lawmakers created the Texas Education Freedom Accounts program in 2025.

Students accepted for the 2026-27 school year will receive $10,474 for private education or up to $2,000 for homeschool. Students with disabilities can receive up to $30,000 each.

More details: Of the first 152,000 program applicants, nearly three-quarters were not enrolled in a public school during the 2025-26 school year, data obtained by the Texas Center for Voucher Transparency shows.