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Westwood Elementary students to return to class Aug. 24

Westwood Elementary students are expected to return to campus Aug. 24, according to an Aug. 7 news release from the district. The first day of school was originally scheduled for Aug. 18 but was postponed due to the presence of mold at the campus, as previously reported by Community Impact.

In case you missed it: The district reported increased moisture and visible surface mold in parts of the building. In July, air and surface testing conducted by an environmental consultant found elevated mold levels, but did not identify black mold.

Looking ahead: The Aug. 24 start date could change if additional testing or repairs are needed. The campus will reopen only after environmental professionals determine the building is safe for students and staff, according to the release.

 
City Coverage
Data centers, event halls face new approval process in Manvel

Data centers and event halls will now require a specific use permit, or SUP, to operate within Manvel city limits, following council’s approval of an amendment to the city’s zoning ordinance at its Aug. 3 meeting.

What you need to know: Following approval, information-related businesses, including data centers and other information processing operations, will require a SUP in areas zoned for heavy commercial use, according to city documents. The amendment also requires SUP approval for places of assembly, including event halls, banquet facilities and catering services, which were previously allowed by right in nonresidential and multifamily zoning districts, city documents show.

Why now? The change allows the city to review projects that may create impacts related to traffic, parking, noise and compatibility with nearby properties, city documents note.

 
Metro News
Texas A&M partners with Buc-ee's to launch joint merchandise

Texas A&M has partnered with gas station and convenience store Buc-ee’s to launch co-branded merchandise to be available on campus and at select Buc-ee’s locations.

The gist: The university was the first institution in the country to partner with Buc-ee’s in March, with some of the store’s products sold on campus. Buc-ee’s founder Arch “Beaver” Aplin III, who is also a graduate of the university, said the partnership is a way to celebrate both brands.

According to a news release from the university, the launch of the merchandise partnership will include a shirt featuring Buc-ee the beaver and Texas A&M iconography. According to the news release, the shirt will also be sold at the Barnes & Noble on the university’s campus.

What’s next: The co-branded material will be available at Buc-ee's locations in Central Texas and the greater Dallas and Houston areas. The university said future product releases are planned throughout the upcoming school year, which coincides with Texas A&M's 150th anniversary celebration.

  • Available Aug. 4
  • 1241 Joe Routt Blvd. #275, College Station

 
In Your Area
School preparation, new park: 6 trending stories in the South Houston area

Need to catch up on Community Impact’s coverage from last week? Check out six trending stories from the South Houston area from Aug. 3-7.

1. League City seeks to acquire Walter Hall Park from Galveston County

2. Pearland taco spot to close in August

3. What you need to know for back to school in Fort Bend ISD

4. Bakeries, breads, brand new tastes: Arôme’s traditional French galettes coming to Houston

5. Houston ISD students to begin 2026-27 school year Aug. 10

6. Tacodeli opens 3rd Greater Houston location in Katy

 

Your local team

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Editor

Papar Faircloth
General Manager

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