GOVERNMENT
The updated vaccine is designed to protect Americans from both the original strain of COVID-19 and the omicron variant. The variant caused over 99% of COVID-19 cases in Texas during the month of August, according to the Department of State Health Services. (Courtesy Unsplash)
Harris County COVID-19 levels return to green; vaccine boosters recommended
A tractor clears trees during a wildfire
Forest Service warns of increased wildfire risk in North, Central, East Texas
West University Place approved the tax rate, budget and capital improvement plan. (George Wiebe/Community Impact Newspaper)
West University adopts FY 2022-23 budget, tax rate and FY 2023-27 capital improvement plan
Houston City Council is set to vote at its Sept. 28 meeting on setting the dates for three public hearings the city will use to gather feedback in seven bond propositions that will be on ballots during the Nov. 8 election. (Courtesy Visit Houston)
Houston looks to schedule public hearings to gather feedback on proposed public improvement bonds
Leaders with the city of Houston, Harris County and the Houston Police Department announced plans for a second gun buyback event to take place Oct. 8, giving residents the chance to anonymously trade in guns they no longer want in exchange for gift cards. (Screenshot courtesy HTV)
Houston announces second gun buyback program for Oct. 8
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and other state officials at a news conference in Midland, TX, on Sept. 21. A sign on the table reads "SECURING THE BORDER."
‘One pill can kill': Gov. Abbott orders state leaders, law enforcement to focus on cartels amid fentanyl crisis
Four black graduation caps being thrown in the air.
White House estimates 3.3M Texans eligible for student loan forgiveness
Bellaire City Council approved the 2022-23 fiscal year budget taking effect Oct. 1. (Hunter Marrow/Community Impact Newspaper)
Bellaire adopts 2023 fiscal year budget with last-minute changes
Prior to her appointment as city manager, Citino worked in local government for 20 years, serving as assistant city attorney of Loveland, Colorado, for 13 years and seven years with the city of Houston, including three years as senior assistant attorney and four years as water planning director for the city’s public works department. (George Wiebe/Community Impact Newspaper)
Bellaire hires new city manager following 2-year vacancy
The city of West University Place is looking at options for its water rates as drought conditions persist. (George Wiebe/Community Impact Newspaper)
West University Place considers progressive rate charges for city water bills as drought conditions persist
The $478 million bond will be put on the Nov. 8 ballot. (Courtesy Pexels)
Houston City Council approves placement of $478M in bonds on November ballot
H-GAC approved its final Method of Distribution for $488 million in federal funding for storm resiliency improvement projects across the region. (Community Impact file photo)
H-GAC includes city of Houston in final $488M distribution of storm mitigation funds
Power lines in front of a sunset.
ERCOT selects Pablo Vegas as new CEO 16 months after previous leader fired
Houston City Council is expected to vote to order an election for a $468 million bond. (Courtesy Fotolia)
Houston City Council to consider November bond election
Houston will begin the switch to intradermal monkeypox vaccinations, allowing for expanded eligibility to an estimated 26,000 people. (Courtesy Cynthia S. Goldsmith and Russell Regnery via Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Houston expands monkeypox vaccine eligibility to additional 26,000 people
School boards provide local governance of their school districts and can only take action by a majority vote at public meetings. (Courtesy Adobe Stock)
How local school boards function in Texas, how to get involved
The city of West University Place is planning a public town hall meeting for Aug. 29 as design work nears an end on a major drainage project encompassing several streets on the east side of the city. (George Wiebe/Community Impact Newspaper)
West University Place schedules public meeting ahead of major drainage project planned for January
A male student looks forward in a classroom.
Record percentage of Texas teachers considering quitting, survey shows
Winter Storm Uri left many residents with burst pipes and no power. Now, the city of Houston is asking for public input on a draft action plan to help with the long-lasting effects and future disaster events. (Sofia Gonzalez/Community Impact Newspaper)
Houston seeking input on Winter Storm Uri draft action plan