Her Well Center, a Brookshire-based nonprofit that provides free, trauma-informed counseling and advocacy services, has launched a new initiative. 

The details: The organization held a ribbon-cutting ceremony March 25 for Samaria House, a crisis housing program for survivors of sexual assault and intimate partner violence, nonprofit officials announced in a March 6 news release.

At the house, women and their children will have access to several resources, including:

• Counseling
• Advocacy
• Case management
• Community resources

About the organization: Since opening three years ago, Her Well Center has supported more than 150 survivors. Reyes said the opening of Samaria House will bridge “the gap between crisis and long-term healing by offering not just services, but sanctuary.”

In addition to Samaria House, the nonprofit also offers free women’s checkups, free sexually transmitted disease testing and pregnancy testing, as well as self-defense courses and monthly group sessions. 

Neighborhood drive-thru coffee shop Ziggi’s Coffee has closed its doors in Katy, officials announced in a March 3 social media post.

What we know: The shop served handcrafted espresso drinks, lattes, cold brew, energy infusions, dirty sodas, teas and smoothies.

Notable quote: “We want to share that our Ziggi's Coffee location in Katy has permanently closed,” stated the post. “We understand this news may come as a surprise, and we know how much this location meant to many of you. This was a difficult decision made by the local ownership team after careful consideration.”

• 1417 FM 1463, Katy

Four candidates are running for the open Ward B position on Katy City Council in the upcoming May 2 election.

The details: The position is currently held by Rory Robertson, who is not seeking reelection due to term limits.

Here's what we asked them: 

• Why did you choose to run for Katy City Council?
• What is your top priority if elected to represent the citizens of Katy?
• What do you think is the most pressing issue for local residents, and what will you do to address it?
• What would you do to continue prioritizing mobility in Katy?
• How do you plan to help grow the city’s economic development?

Eligible Texans have until April 2 to register to vote if they would like to cast a ballot in the May 2 elections. Races that will be up for election include city council member seats and school district board of trustee spots across the Greater Houston area.

What you need to know: Texas requires voters to be registered 30 days before election day. Missing the deadline could prevent eligible residents from casting a ballot, unless they qualify for a limited ballot during early voting.

Key dates include:

• April 2: voter registration deadline
• April 20-28: early voting
• May 2: election day (7 a.m.-7 p.m.)

From Easter egg hunts and Easter brunches to photo opportunities with the Easter bunny, there are several events to celebrate Easter this year.

Old Town Spring Easter Event
During the Old Town Spring annual Easter Event, participating shops will be passing out candy to the kids. Children are encouraged to dress up in their best Easter outfits and bring their baskets.

• April 4, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Free
• 419 Gentry St., Ste. 203, Spring

• April 4, 11:30 a.m.
• $32.48 (admission)
• Play Street Museum Cypress, 25712 Hwy. 290, Ste. E, Cypress

• April 5, 1:30 p.m.
• Free
• 1700 Post Oak Blvd., Fifth Level, Houston

In the nine months until Texas’ 90th legislative session begins in January, state lawmakers are expected to hold information-gathering hearings on hundreds of topics that will lay the groundwork for next year’s policymaking.

During a March 27 legislative summit in New Braunfels, four longtime lawmakers shared some of their top priorities for next year.

What they're saying: The legislators said they were focused on furthering some projects from previous legislative cycles, including water preservation initiatives and a new education savings account program.

More details: They said they also intend to study data center operations and how the large facilities impact local water supplies, noting that the legislature will work with local officials to determine how much data center regulation should happen locally and when the state should step in. 

“Does the state need to be involved? Yes,” Rep. Todd Hunter, R-Corpus Christi, said. “Does local government need to have a say? Yes. But we’ve also got to remember, so does the private taxpayer. So we need to get a combination of all three.”