The University of Houston has launched a new program—dubbed UH Health—combining a variety of fields for medical research and education, officials announced in a July 15 news release.

Breaking it down: UH Health will offer research opportunities and clinical training combining several areas of study, including:

• Nursing
• Optometry
• Pharmacy
• Psychology
• Social work
• Population health
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Biomedical engineering

Austin-based burrito chain Cabo Bob’s Burritos will open a Houston location in the Kirby area.

What this means: Renovations and alterations will begin at 2905 Kirby Dr., formerly a Taco Cabana, according to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. It currently has multiple locations in the Austin, San Antonio and Houston areas.

Each store has a mural that is inspired by a location in San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico, according to the website.

What’s on the menu: Known for its burritos, Cabo Bob’s offers burritos, fish tacos, bowls, salads and nachos. Some menu items include Baja fish tacos, pork burrito and a steak bowl. Sides include chips, tortillas, guacamole, queso and red and green salsa.

What else: The 4,000-square-foot building is expected to go through $500,000 in renovations at the beginning of September. The project is slated to be completed by the end of December 2026.

• 2905 Kirby Dr., Houston

According to officials with the National Weather Service, a tropical depression is working on gaining strength and organization in the Gulf, and Houston area officials are monitoring the storm for potential local impacts. 

What we know: Officials with the Houston-Galveston office of the NWS released advisories for Tropical Depression Two, a weather disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico that has the potential to turn into a tropical storm by July 21. Based on current models from the NWS, the storm could bring tropical storm-level winds and rain to the Greater Houston area over the weekend.

Stay tuned: Officials are urging residents to check all hurricane preparations regardless of additional storm development in the coming days. If the storm continues to gain strength, it will become Tropical Storm Bertha, per the NWS.

Beginning Dec. 17, Frontier Airlines will offer daily nonstop service from Houston to Puerto Rico, airline officials announced via a July 14 news release. 

The big picture: The new route will run between George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston and Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan. With the latest addition, Frontier Airlines will serve 21 destinations from IAH.

In December 2025, the airline added new routes from IAH to three Latin American countries, as previously reported by Community Impact. 

Quote of note: "We are pleased to grow our service at IAHn ensuring low-cost travel options remain available for Texas consumers as they travel to Puerto Rico," said Josh Flyr, vice president of network and operations design for Frontier Airlines, in a statement. "With premium upgrades paired with our signature affordability, we are thrilled to show travelers why we are America's Low Fare Airline." 

Gov. Greg Abbott named Robert S. Howden, one of his senior advisers and his office's legislative director, as Texas' 116th secretary of state effective July 18. Howden will succeed Secretary of State Jane Nelson, who resigned effective July 17 more than three years after she took office.

As the state's chief elections officer, Howden will be responsible for overseeing the application of Texas election laws and assisting local election officials. The secretary of state's office also manages business records, government rules and regulations, and other official duties.

Following Abbott's appointment, Howden must be confirmed for the position by at least two-thirds of the Texas Senate. The state Legislature's next regular session will begin in January.