Houston ISD saw year-over-year improvement in two-thirds of the exam categories for the spring 2026 State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, but local students were still outperformed by the state in some categories, according to results released by the Texas Education Agency.

What you need to know: "Approaches grade level" is considered a passing score, with the TEA determining that students with this score are likely to succeed in the next grade or course, but could need targeted academic intervention, according to the website.

What’s changed: Of the 18 grade levels and subjects for which scores were released, year-over-year performance in HISD:

• Improved in 12

• Declined in five

• Saw no change in one

In a June 16 news release from the TEA, Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath said this year’s STAAR scores show both student progress and more work to be done.

Tex-Mex restaurant On the Border Mexican Grill and Cantina permanently closed all company-owned restaurants in mid-June, according to an emailed statement from OTB Hospitality.

The overview: The company made the decision through an “evaluation of the business,” according to the statement.

“On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina has made the difficult decision to move forward with a significant transition in its restaurant operations, which [included] the closing of company-owned locations by end of day Friday, June 12, 2026,” the statement read. “This decision follows a thorough evaluation of the business and was not made lightly.”

The statement added that the franchised locations will remain open.

Some background: A news release from Houston-based Pappas Restaurants, the parent company of Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen and Pappasito’s Cantina, stated that the organization purchased On the Border May 1.

The restaurant offered nachos, quesadillas, fajitas and burritos, according to its menu.

• Company-owned locations closed June 12

Houston is partnering with UTHealth Houston to establish a new academic health department.

What this means: The city’s health department will work with UTHealth to support evidence-based programs, applied research and real-world public health practices. The goal is to create a bridge between practical academic knowledge and real-world leadership opportunities in public health, according to a news release from the city.

Houston Health Department Director Dr. Theresa Tran said this means greater chances for research and expertise that can directly support their work.

What they're saying: “Public health challenges are becoming much more complex, and having the next generation of health care and public health professionals working together is not only aspirational, but essential,” Tran said during a June 17 City Council meeting. “I believe that we are positioning Houston as a model.”

Mayor John Whitmire said he was proud to make the announcement, which he introduced before the City Council meeting.

Harris County Commissioners will discuss the official creation of a committee dedicated to streamlining county infrastructure programs, along with considering the approval of $20 million for renovation of county facilities at the Reliant Center.

The breakdown: County Administrator Erica Lee Carter presented the committee's structure and scope during the June 11 meeting, stating it will focus on creating standardized processes and procedures for infrastructure-related projects across all county departments.

What else: Commissioners will also consider roughly $20 million in renovations to county facilities at the Reliant Center in downtown Houston. The repairs include:

• $12 million for Reliant Center roof replacement

• $8 million for central plant repairs

The Reliant Center roof replacement will include a full replacement of the stadium roof as well as repairs to any concealed damage due to storms, weathering and use.

So much news, so little time? Community Impact can catch you up to speed with a roundup of five trending stories in the Greater Houston area from June 15-19.

1. Conroe police chief addresses concerns with Flock safety cameras
2. Conroe ISD approves 2026-27 employee compensation plan at June 16 regular meeting
3. Galaxy All-Abilities Park now open in Sugar Land
4. Advanced air mobility taking flight in Greater Houston
5. HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake, League City UTMB facilities to undergo expansions

About two weeks shy of the anniversary of deadly flooding that devastated parts of Central Texas last summer, state lawmakers approved a 115-page report chronicling what they deemed “failures” at Camp Mystic, a Christian youth camp where 27 young girls died.

The details: The family running Camp Mystic was not prepared to respond to a disaster in flood-prone Kerr County and did not act quickly enough to save campers’ lives, investigators said during a June 18 hearing at the Capitol.

Investigators Casey Garrett and Michael Massengale told lawmakers about recent interviews with teenage counselors who witnessed the July 4 tragedy, reiterating a key point from hearings earlier this year: all deaths at Camp Mystic could have been prevented if camp leaders had planned ahead and acted more quickly.

"Nobody had any idea what they needed to be doing, and it crippled them," Garrett said.

Looking ahead: Lawmakers adopted the investigative team’s report, which will be shared with legislative leaders as they draft additional policy changes in response to the flood during the 2027 state legislative session.