West University Place will offer basketball at its recreation center during the summer.

The gist: West U Parks & Recreation announced May 27 that it will run a pilot program on a trial basis. Beginning June 1, residents will be able to use the racquetball court to play basketball.

Rec center officials said this would not impact racquetball and squash players, as they will still have one court dedicated to each sport.

The following rules apply:

• Participants must be West U residents.
• Rec center members do not pay a fee.
• The non-member fee is $8 a day, per person.
• Guests can play when accompanied by a West U resident.
• Non-resident guests must pay a daily fee of $14.

Charlie’s Coffee Run is now open in Houston.

The coffee shop opened May 1 at 2314 Bissonnet St., co-owner AnnMarie Walther said. 

The details: Walther co-owns the business with her husband. The shop serves a variety of espresso-based drinks, along with other iced coffee options.

Walther said the business hopes to become known for its in-house roasting and coffee beans sourced from local farmers and Central America.

• 2314 Bissonnet St., Houston

Harris County commissioners on May 28 renewed a contract for the Harris County Sheriff's Office's use of license plate readers to assist with criminal investigations. However, more than a dozen residents spoke against the renewal before the court's vote, sharing concerns about surveillance, data privacy and improper use.

What you need to know: Commissioners renewed a $868,975 contract with public safety technology company Flock Safety to continue the use of license plate readers, or LPRs, as well as a sound detection system that identifies sounds such as gunshots, screeching tires and breaking glass, according to agenda documents.

More details: With a June 6 contract expiration approaching, Harris County's four precinct commissioners voted in favor of the renewal with the possibility to revisit the agreement during a future Commissioners Court meeting. County Judge Lina Hidalgo abstained after pushing to move the item to a different meeting to allow for more public discussion. 

Some context: According to the sheriff's office, Harris County has approximately 480 LPR cameras, which only capture vehicle information, not biometric data.

There are several events taking place throughout the month of June to celebrate Pride Month in Greater Houston. 

Chase the Rainbow: Stride with Pride
The 5K race will celebrate, bring awareness to and raise funds for Katy Pride. Strollers and leashed pets are allowed, according to the event's Race Roster site.

• June 13, 7:30 a.m.
• $39.74 (12 and under); $50.48 (5K); $45.11 (virtual 5K)
• John Paul Landing Park, 9950 Katy Hockley Road, Cypress

• June 14, 1-6 p.m.
• Free
• Bad Astronaut Brewery, 1519 Fulton St., Houston

• June 21, 6 p.m.
• $20-$30 (admission)
• The Hobby Center For The Performing Arts, 810 Bagby St., Houston

Universal Kids Resort will open in Frisco on July 1.

What you need to know: The theme park is a first-of-its-kind that is designed for kids. Guests can start planning their vacations with tickets sales and hotel bookings now available, according to a May 28 news release.

Tickets, packages and the first annual pass option for Universal Kids Resort are officially on sale.

Looking back: The theme park was announced in January 2023 and it was always geared toward young children and families. The project later broke ground that year and the hotel joined the Frisco tourism group in early 2026.

Quote of note: "When Universal opens, it's going to be something that's really unique about growing up in Frisco," Mayor Jeff Cheney said. "It's going to be kind of a big part of the Frisco DNA going forward."

Catch up on Community Impact’s coverage this week with five trending stories in the Greater Houston area from May 25-29.

1. Lamar CISD’s property value growth expected to increase to 4.5% for 2026-27 school year

2. See election results for Harris County judge, district clerk

3. Target, MD Anderson plans included in proposed Manvel mixed-use development

4. All the Crave Cheesecakes announces permanent closure

5. Bed Bath & Beyond to reopen inside four The Container Store locations in the Greater Houston area