Houston road projects across the Inner Loop are focusing on pedestrian safety through sidewalk enhancements, bridge repairs and traffic control devices. Three ongoing transportation projects include:

Ella Boulevard: A pedestrian hybrid beacon, or HAWK signal, will be installed at the intersection of West 22nd Street or West 23rd Street. The project is funded by the city of Houston and the Memorial-Heights Redevelopment Authority, with a cost of $157,500 and a start date in early 2027.

West 15th Street Bridge: Houston city officials will replace or rehabilitate the bridge between Beall Street and Dian Street. Funded by the Texas Department of Transportation, the project will cost $726,000, with the timeline to be determined.

Montrose Safe Routes to School: This project will reconstruct and widen 4.5 miles of sidewalks to improve safety for students and parents. Funded by the Houston-Galveston Area Council and the Montrose Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone, the $8.9 million project is expected to start by the end of the year and run from late 2026 to August 2027.

Irish twin sisters Lindsay Owen and Leslie Brodin are expanding their escape room concept, Escapology, to Houston's Inner Loop. The new venue is slated to open in May 2027.

What we know: Escapology is a physical entertainment venue that offers private, fully themed escape room games.

Teams work together to find clues, crack codes and solve puzzles before a 60-minute timer runs out, with storylines ranging from murder mysteries, heists and haunted houses to branded themes like Batman and Scooby-Doo.

Some background: The Fannin Street venue will be the fourth location for Owen and Brodin, who opened their first Escapology in Cypress in 2022, followed by venues in The Woodlands and Waco.

• 1201 Fannin St., Houston

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month across the Greater Houston area Sept. 19-Oct. 5 with this event guide by Community Impact.

River Oaks District’s Hispanic Heritage Fiesta: On Sept. 19 from 1-4 p.m., Houston residents are invited to enjoy an afternoon filled with cultural performances, artistry and family-friendly activities at The Park in the River Oaks District, located between Bari Ristorante and Dolce & Gabbana.

Tejano Queen Forever and El Turko Sonidero at the Plaza at Avenida Houston: Avenida Houston’s evening music festival Sept. 19 from 6:30-9 p.m. will bring Tejano, cumbia and diverse Latin sounds to the downtown area.

Movie Night on the Lawn: Selena: Film lovers are invited to watch a screening of “Selena” atop POST Houston’s rooftop park, Skylawn on Oct. 2 from 8-10 p.m.

All events are subject to change, and this list is not comprehensive.

The Coastal Water Authority, which provides untreated water to municipalities in Harris, Chambers, and Liberty Counties, has selected Jonathan Mathers as its new government relations manager. According to an Aug. 21 news release, Mathers will focus on engaging policymakers and stakeholders in his new role.

Career history: Mathers has a background in Texas water and legislative affairs, which includes:

• Most recently working for the Texas Water Development Board

• Serving as chief of staff for former Texas Rep. Bill Callegari

• Serving as a staff member for Texas Sen. Drew Springer

Some context: The Coastal Water Authority is a conservation and reclamation district that provides raw surface water to municipalities, including Houston, Baytown and Deer Park.

Candidates Abbie Kamin and Jacqueline Lucci Smith are set to face off in November’s election for a chance to lead Harris County’s chief civil law office.

What you need to know: The Harris County Attorney’s Office works on the county’s behalf in civil litigation, also providing legal counsel to county elected officials, employees and departments, according to its website.

Early voting begins Oct. 19 and runs through Oct. 30, according to the Texas Secretary of State's website. Election day is Nov. 3 and polls will be open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Registered voters can cast their ballot at any polling location during early voting and Election Day.