Houston Methodist has broken ground on its new $15 million emergency care center located in Texas Heritage Marketplace.

What happened: Houston Methodist representatives and employees gathered with community members, stakeholders and elected officials Oct. 7 at the future site of its emergency care center, which will increase the system's regional healthcare footprint.

The framework: According to an Oct. 5 news release, the 11,150-square-foot facility to be constructed by O’Donnell/Snider Construction will include: 

• 10 exam rooms

• X-ray services

• CT imaging, lab services 

• On-site clinicians trained in several specialties

On the horizon: Houston Methodist officials said the goal is for the center to be completed by the summer of 2027.

Hudson House is set to add two Greater Houston area locations in Katy and Memorial City, officials announced in a Sept. 30 news release.

What it offers: The business is centered on a seafood-driven menu with a raw bar, sushi and signature cocktails, per the release. Fresh oysters are flown in from the East Coast daily, and the business also offers its signature "world's coldest martini," which is chilled to ten degrees.

The 5,600-square-foot Katy location will feature leather booths, a wraparound bar, a sit-down raw bar and an outdoor patio.

• 2643 Commercial Center Blvd., Katy

Fort Bend County residents will choose between Ken Mathews and April L. Jones for Precinct 4 commissioner in the Nov. 3 election.

The details: Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been minimally edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.

Here's what we asked:

• Why did you choose to run for this position? 

• What are your qualifications for why you’d be a strong candidate in this role? 

• What is your top priority if elected to represent the citizens of Fort Bend County?

• What do you think is the most pressing issue for Fort Bend County, and what will you do to address it?

• How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process?

• How should the county prepare to address its fast-growing population? 

Thirty-two Houston-area restaurants have been named to the 2026 Michelin Guide, according to an Oct. 8 press release.

The history: The guide, which originated in 1889, uses anonymous inspectors to evaluate dining establishments based on food quality, consistency, flavor harmony, technical mastery and the chef's personality.

Latest update: Six Houston-area restaurants retained their one-star ratings for 2026:

• BCN Taste & Tradition

• CorkScrew BBQ

• Le Jardinier Houston

• March

• Musaafer

• Tatemó

Additionally, 26 area restaurants earned the Bib Gourmand recognition for good quality and value. This includes five new locations: Bar Buena, Khói Barbecue, Kitchen Rumors, Murray's Pizza & Wine and Xolo. Xolo owner Angel Bautista also received the Michelin Exceptional Cocktails Award.

Need to catch up on Community Impact’s coverage from this week? Check out these trending stories across the southern portion of the Greater Houston area from Oct. 5-9.

• Fort Bend ISD approves secondary boundary changes

• 5 Houston hotels earn coveted 2026 Michelin Key

• Target holds ribbon-cutting ceremony for new Texas Heritage Marketplace store

• Clear Creek ISD superintendent announces April retirement

• Manvel rejects 760-acre mixed-use development

• 32 Houston-area restaurants make 2026 Michelin Guide

Ahead of Texas' 2027 legislative session, the state comptroller's office has asked lawmakers to double funding for its $1 billion education savings account program.

The overview: The program gives participating families taxpayer dollars for private education and homeschooling, and officials said at least $2 billion are needed to maintain current participation in the program.

Meanwhile, some Texas families are raising concerns about their local school districts losing money as students leave public schools to participate in the program, known as Texas Education Freedom Accounts.

What they're saying: "149 students have accepted vouchers that were otherwise enrolled in Pflugerville ISD, [resulting in] an estimated loss of $1.2 million in attendance funding," said Stacy Harrell, a PfISD parent. "That lost funding will add to budget cuts that are already affecting Pflugerville ISD families. Four elementary schools [are closing], with the possibility of more."