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.

Austin-based restaurant Hopdoddy Burger Bar has been acquired by by Founders Table Restaurant Group.

What's happening: Hopdoddy CEO Jeff Chandler will transition to an advisory role. Hopdoddy Vice President of Operations Kenny Jett will assume the role of president.

"I've had the privilege of seeing firsthand what makes this brand so special—from our incredible team members to the loyal guests who support us every day," Jett said in a news release. "I'm honored to step into this role and excited to build on the strong foundation we've created as we continue growing the brand."

The background: Hopdoddy was founded in Austin in 2010 and has 47 locations today, including in Houston, Dallas and San Antonio.

Founders Table was founded in 2020. The brand's portfolio includes Chopt Creative Salad Company, Dos Toros Taqueria and Protein Bar & Kitchen.

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.