Voters approved a proposition to increase the tax rate cap for the Klein Fire Department after voters initially opposed the measure in 2025.

The breakdown: With 706 for and 534 against, the Klein community has raised the cap on the amount of taxes Harris County Emergency Services District No. 16, also known as Klein Fire Department, can collect. Previously, the district was only allowed to have a maximum of $0.05 per $100 of home valuation. However, the state allows ESDs to have a maximum property rate of $0.10 per $100 of home valuation with voter approval.

Quote of note: "This measure is not about immediate change. It is about long-term planning and making sure we can responsibly meet the needs of a growing community over time. Fire service delivery continues to evolve; costs continue to rise, and expectations for service remain high," HCESD 16 President Lance Wilson said.

Haus of Innergy, a fitness studio specializing in group classes, opened April 25 near East Louetta and Lexington roads, local owner Shelita White-Russ said.

Meet the owner: White-Russ said her inspiration for Haus of Innergy dates back to 2010 when she started her own fitness journey, initially feeling out of place and "searching for something that felt motivating and authentic."

In the years to follow, she said she went on to become a certified spin instructor and teach classes that combine fitness, culture and community. She then continued to coach throughout the COVID-19 pandemic by shifting classes outdoors at local parks.

What they offer: Haus of Innergy offers a variety of group fitness classes, including Rhythmic Indoor Cycling, Fit Camp Bootcamp, Xtreme Hip-Hop Step and Beats & Burn. Clients can also book open gym hours for an independent workout, per the center's website.

Quote of note: "It was built to serve the community in a deeper way, combining high-energy fitness with purpose, connection and personal growth," White-Russ said. 

• 727 E. Louetta Road, Ste. 130, Spring

The Houston-Pasadena region rose one spot, and is now ranked No. 6 out of 226 metropolitan areas for its number of high ozone days, according to the 2026 State of the Air report released by the American Lung Association on April 21.

Looking back: The region was ranked No. 7 in 2025, Community Impact previously reported. Between 2022-24, the Houston region’s annual weighted average of high ozone days was 43.3, according to the report.

Some context: Ozone air pollution, aka smog, is a lung irritant and can cause health problems, such as chest tightness, coughing and shortness of breath, according to the ALA.

What else: With regard to annual particle pollution, the Houston-Pasadena area ranked No. 8 out of 211 metropolitan areas. The region also ranked No. 89 out of 224 metropolitan areas for 24-hour particle pollution, according to the report.

Texas retailers can keep various smokable hemp products on their shelves through late July, a Travis County judge ruled May 1.

The overiew: Judge Daniella DeSeta Lyttle’s ruling prohibits the Texas Department of State Health Services, which regulates and licenses consumable hemp businesses, from enforcing new THC testing requirements and sharply increasing licensing fees.

The hemp industry previously argued that the DSHS was overstepping its regulatory authority by changing how Texas classifies THC content. State officials have defended the reclassification and other rules as in line with a September executive order by Gov. Greg Abbott.

What it means: DeSeta Lyttle’s temporary injunction extends an earlier pause on the DSHS rules, which was issued April 10.

The pause applies to all consumable hemp businesses in Texas, allowing them to continue producing, manufacturing and selling smokable products until at least July 27, when a final court trial is scheduled. That could change if the state appeals the ruling to a higher court.