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WeeKare Pediatrics expands access to care for Medicaid patients, families

When Angel Muñoz initially founded WeeKare Pediatrics more than 20 years ago, he said he was filling a specific need in the Houston area.

“There were no physicians that wanted to see Medicaid patients, so there was a need for us to take care of all those patients in this area,” Muñoz said.

A closer look: In January, WeeKare Pediatrics opened its newest location in New Caney with the same mission of serving patients who might otherwise be overlooked.

Muñoz, who previously served as director of neonatology at Memorial Hermann Northeast, said WeeKare Pediatrics offers a variety of services, including pediatric care, sports physicals, urinalysis, developmental screenings, vision and hearing screenings, immunizations and more.

Also of note: Additionally, WeeKare Pediatrics Chief Operating Officer Melisa Hernandez said the business works with New Caney, Humble and Huffman ISDs to offer a medical assistant program to area students. Hernandez noted the program has led to students being offered a job upon completion.

Why it matters: For Muñoz, the business has always been about providing patients with excellent care.

 
CI Business
Maui’s Meals marks 1 year of homemade dog food, treats in New Caney

Maui’s Meals—a home-based dog food business—recently marked one year since launching in New Caney, owner Rebecca Balaskovits confirmed via email June 23. The business originally began operating in April 2025.

Check it out: Balaskovits said she operates at local vendor markets—such as Montgomery County Market Days, which is held at Bull Sallas Park—and also sells products online and via the Cowboy Feed Store in New Caney.

What they offer: According to the Maui’s Meals website, the business sells human-grade dog food and treats with ingredients such as:

  • Chicken, beef, turkey or salmon
  • Rice
  • Eggs
  • Kidney, black, garbanzo or pinto beans
  • Pumpkin puree, zucchini or spinach
  • Strawberries, blueberries or banana

The inspiration: Maui’s Meals is named after Balaskovits’s dog, Maui, who she adopted in 2019, according to the business’s website.
  • Bull Sallas Park, 21675 McCleskey Road, New Caney; Cowboy Feed Store, 32089 FM 1485, New Caney 

 
Now Open
IAH Starbucks now open

A new pre-security Starbucks opened in mid-June at George Bush Intercontinental Airport's Terminal E, officials with the Houston Airport System announced in a June 19 news release. 

What to expect: Per the release, the coffee shop is located beneath the Oculus—the centerpiece of the Terminal E arrivals hall—and has nearby seating options with charging stations. 

Founded in Seattle in 1971, the international coffee chain offers a menu of brewed coffee, espresso drinks, blended frozen Frappuccinos, teas, pastries and more. 

Some context: The new Starbucks is just the latest in a slate of new dining options to open in Terminal E over the past year, as part of a $1.5 billion effort to expand terminal offerings.

What's next: Officials also noted a Chili's To-Go Bar is set to open near the Starbucks later this year. 

  • Opened June 18
  • George Bush Intercontinental Airport Terminal E, 2800 N. Terminal Road, Houston

 
Statewide News
Biblical readings, Texas-centered history lessons to be required in K-12 schools in 2030

Texas' Republican-led State Board of Education approved a sweeping rewrite of the state's social studies curriculum standards and a list of dozens of books that students will be required to read each school year, both of which are infused with biblical references. The new requirements will begin rolling out to public school classrooms in the 2030-31 school year.

The details: As many as 25 texts will be read each year in early elementary school grades, with about 10 books required in later grades. The reading list was created under a 2023 state law requiring “at least one literary work” per grade.

The new social studies curriculum standards will expand lessons about Texas and American history, deemphasizing some teachings about world cultures and people of color. The standards also expand the amount of content students will be expected to learn each year.

The debate: Proponents of the new standards and reading list said they will teach students to love their state and country, while critics said the policies do not include diverse perspectives.

 
Mark Your Calendar
9 Greater Houston-area Fourth of July events to get into this weekend

Several events are happening around Greater Houston for the Fourth of July weekend, including Freedom Over Texas and the South County 4th of July parade. This list is not comprehensive, and these events are subject to change.

Freedom Over Texas
The 39th annual Freedom Over Texas festival will feature headliner country music artist Keith Urban with supporting acts Collective Soul and Los Lonely Boys.

  • July 4, 4:45 p.m.-9:53 p.m.
  • $15 (admission)
  • 18-3600 Allen Parkway, Houston

Star Spangled Salute: One of the Cynthia Wood Mitchell Pavilion’s longest-standing traditions is back in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. 
  • July 3, gates open at 6:30 p.m.; show starts at 8 p.m.
  • Free (admission)
  • 2005 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands

Red, White & Bloom
Families will be able to enjoy beautiful blooms and a fireworks show at McGovern Centennial Gardens with free treats, family-friendly activities, music, lawn games and more.
  • July 4, 8-11 p.m.
  • Free (admission)
  • 1500 Hermann Drive, Houston

 

Your local team

Hannah Brol
Senior Editor

Kim Sommers
General Manager

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