Houston has begun installing at least 14 generators at public facilities across the city.

Scott Turner, U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, visited the Acres Home Multi-Service Center on June 29, where officials unveiled a newly installed generator as part of the city's Power Protection Initiative.

What this means: Using disaster recovery funding from the 2024 Derecho and Hurricane Beryl, the city will spend $101 million of the $314 million received to install generators in police stations, fire stations, libraries, wastewater, water and animal control facilities across the city.

The city plans to install generators at 65 facilities, with 14 currently completed or underway.

According to officials: Mayor John Whitmire said he learned that Houston fire stations did not have generators during the derecho.

“[First responders] couldn’t get the door open at the fire station,” Whitmire said. “So that became a huge priority.”

Turner, who visited when the city first announced the initiative, said the funding is to be used in preparation for the next storm.

A tea shop specializing in tea-based beverages will soon open in the Bellaire area. 1will open its first Houston location.

What’s special about it: Cha Redefine combines traditional tea with modern brewing methods. The California-based cafe is known for its unique beverages, like the Chappucino, which uses tea for the base instead of coffee.

They will have a soft opening July 6-8, where all drinks will be 20% off. It will officially open July 10, and they will serve Buy 1, Get 1 Free drinks.

What’s on the menu:  Cha Redefined serves fresh milk teas, Mochi and Einspanner drinks, a unique Vietnamese coffee beverage.

Beverages include Matcha Matcha, Mango Mango, Rice Einspanner, Coco Avocado Strawberry, Da Hong Pao Chappuccino and Sri Lanka Cha Latte. 

One more thing: During its grand opening, which will be from July 10 to July 12, the first 100 customers each day will receive a gift.

• 9889 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. C318, Houston

A new interactive art installation will be open starting July 4 along the Plaza at Avenida Houston that residents and visitors can experience until Sept. 7.

What is it: The installation, called Horizon, is an egg-shaped dome that inspires visitors to "ignite their imagination" as they gently rock the chair inside the interactive structure to activate a unique blend of light and sound, according to a June 25 news release.

The Horizon was created by artist Olivier Landreville in collaboration with Serge Maheu, a sound and light designer.

One more thing: The Horizon will include five domes located along the Plaza from the George R. Brown Convention Center to Discovery Green Park. It is free of charge.

State lawmakers are considering water use impacts tied to the spread of new data center developments across Texas, and recently heard input from industry representatives and residents as they plan for next year's legislative session.

The initial review may preview proposed state laws regarding data centers and their local impacts. Ahead of the hearing, Gov. Greg Abbott also stated his "bottom line" expectations for data centers going forward: providing their own power, reusing water and reducing electricity costs for their neighbors.

Testimony from regulators revealed that Texas lacks accurate information about the water use of most data centers now operating statewide, despite mandates to submit those details. Representatives suggested data centers' self-reporting on utility use could be one topic to address next year. Many impacted residents and elected officials also raised concerns with public notice and local regulatory authority in relation to the high-profile developments.