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UH receives $5M anonymous gift to research homelessness in Houston

The University of Houston will use a $5 million anonymous donation to study the region’s response to homelessness, according to the university.

The details: UH announced the launch of the Institute for Housing, Homelessness and Health, or IH3. The initiative will study how housing, health and other systems interact. The goal is to better understand where people experiencing homelessness encounter gaps in healthcare and other services and identify opportunities to intervene, according to UH.

Funding the project: The $5 million anonymous donation was a one-time donation that helped launch the initiative, but university officials said many of the people who will work on the initiative are already faculty and staff members of UH.

Ben King, who leads IH3, said he would like to see the initiative expand and they are currently working on getting additional grants and contracts as part of the initiative.

One more thing: The initiative will officially launch Sept. 1.

 
Coming Soon
Rejuvé Wellness & Aesthetics to open in Rice Village with third med spa location

Rejuvé Wellness & Aesthetics is slated to host the soft opening of its third location along Tangley Street on Sept. 1, officials confirmed.

About the owners: The all-inclusive clinic was founded by husband-and-wife Heather and Sean Smith, with the mission to provide personalized and holistic wellness care for clients at every stage of life.

Rejuvé’s staff is made up of licensed aestheticians, registered nurses and other certified personnel who apply medical precision to every one of its offerings, according to website information.

The features: The clinic specializes in five different areas: wellness, aesthetics, skin care, body contouring and spa treatments. Within these areas, clients can consider options based on their medicinal, cosmetic, fitness and energy needs, per its website.

Rejuvé also offers hair services from expert stylists through its on-site salons.

Clients may book sessions for blowouts, dry styles, haircuts, formal updos, glossing and color treatments, according to its website.

  • 2514 Tangley St., Houston2514 Tangley St., Houston

 
Metro News
The Woodlands approves $50M Houston deal as city delays vote

The Woodlands Township on Aug. 26 voted 7-0 at a special meeting to approve the third amendment to the Regional Participation Agreement between the township and the city of Houston following a Houston City Council meeting held earlier that day.

Houston officials had delayed their vote on an agreement that would permanently eliminate the possibility of Houston annexing The Woodlands Township and provide for $50 million in payments from The Woodlands to Houston by 2030.

The agreement will take effect if it is approved by Houston.

What happened: Houston City Council delayed voting by one week, but The Woodlands went forward with its 4 p.m. meeting to discuss the plan.

 
On The Ballot
Q&A: Meet the candidates for Texas House District 134

Candidates Mike Michna and Ann Johnson will face off during the Nov. 3 general election to represent Texas House District 134.

Texas House of Representatives District 134 covers portions of Houston's inner loop, representing major cities and neighborhoods such as West University Place, Bellaire, River Oaks, the Heights and Rice Military.

Preparing for the polls: In Harris County, early vote centers will open Oct. 19 at 7 a.m. and remain open through Oct. 30. The deadline to apply for a mail ballot is October 23.

On Election Day, vote centers across the county will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Residents can view more voting center information on the Harris County Clerk's Office.

Something to note: Candidates were asked to limit their responses to 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid criticizing their opponent. Responses may have been edited for length, to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.

 

FOODIE FRIDAY
Check out these new restaurants and bars opening across the Houston area.

Amy’s Cookie Co. and Bakery sets Sugar Land opening date

Amy’s Cookie Co. and Bakery will host a three-day grand opening for its new Sugar Land location, officials announced in an Aug. 17 Facebook post. The bakery offers a variety of cookies, cakes and brownies as well as customizable orders for events such as birthdays, weddings, school functions and graduations, according to its website.

  • Grand opening Aug. 27-29

  • 15283 Southwest Freeway, Ste. A, Sugar Land


Discover more.

 

🍤 New icehouse opens on Kemah boardwalk
(Read more)

🍽️ New Latin American cuisine opens in Pearland
(Read more)

🥐 La Madeleine bakery now open in The Woodlands
(Read more)

☕️ Buren Bakery celebrates Puerto Rican heritage with baked goods, coffee
(Read more)

 

Smash City Burgers to host grand opening for Katy location

Smash City Burgers will host a grand opening event Aug. 29-30 for its new Katy location, officials announced in an Aug. 19 Facebook post. The halal eatery offers a variety of smash burgers, hotdogs, wings and loaded fries, according to its website. Guests can also enjoy several specialty milkshakes with flavors such as berry bomb and Biscoff.

  • Grand opening Aug. 29-30

  • 1950 N. Fry Road, Katy


Find out more.

Statewide News
Texas senators weigh impact of driverless vehicles amid recent state regulations

Since late May, all autonomous vehicle companies have been required to receive authorization from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles to operate on Texas roads. During an Aug. 25 hearing, state senators heard the first testimony on autonomous vehicle safety since the new regulations took effect.

The overview: To date, the DMV has received 42 complaints about driverless vehicles, officials said.

No complaints have led the agency to suspend or revoke an autonomous vehicle operator's authorization. That occurs "when the operation has resulted in or is likely to result in serious bodily injury," according to Corrie Thompson, who leads the DMV’s enforcement division.

Zooming in: Lawmakers said they wanted to ensure driverless vehicles were not rolling out too quickly, adding that they hoped the vehicles would help address Texas' high rate of fatal crashes.

Lt. William White, who leads the Austin Police Department’s highway enforcement division, said first responders have seen consistent issues with AVs, including when a Waymo blocked an ambulance for about 28 seconds following the deadly March 1 Sixth Street shooting.

 

Your local team

Cassie Jenkins
Editor

Hannah Rodriguez
General Manager

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