Need to catch up on Community Impact’s coverage from last week? Check out six trending stories from the South Houston area from July 6-10.
1. Kayak launch opens in League City
League City announced the opening of a new kayak launch next to the city's boat ramp on FM 270 earlier this spring.
Located next to the League City Boat Ramp off FM 270, the city’s new kayak launch features an elevated walkway leading to a floating dock that is accessible to persons with disabilities, providing safe and convenient access to Clear Creek, according to an April social media post from the city.
Read more by Government Reporter Rachel Leland.
2. Houston council member requests pause on accepting applications for new gas stations
Houston City Council member Edward Pollard has requested a temporary suspension of the acceptance and approval of applications to construct gas stations near residential property.
On July 2, Pollard wrote a letter to the mayor’s office requesting a 90-day moratorium on applications that would construct gas stations within 200 feet of residential property lines. The letter was posted on his social media pages.
Get the full story by Senior Government Reporter Ariel Worthy.
3. New coffee spot opens in Friendswood
NAWA Coffee House officially opened its Friendswood location in June, according to a social media post from the business.
The coffee shop, which takes its meaning from the Arabic word for "the seed," offers a variety of lattes, matcha, refresher and hot tea options, as well as treats including mini pancakes and kunafa.
Get the details by General Assignment Reporter Catherine White.
4. Katy ISD outperforms state in all 2026 STAAR subjects
Katy ISD students outscored state averages in every subject in the 2026 State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness exams administered this spring to grades third through eighth and STAAR end-of-course assessments administered to high schoolers.
In a statement, Katy ISD officials said they are proud of the progress students and educators continue to make across the district, though they see this as a stepping stone to more success in the future.
Read all about it by General Assignment Reporter Bradley Dountz.
5. Clover Playground & Cafe offering indoor play in Sugar Land
Clover Playground & Cafe has opened its doors in Sugar Land, bringing a new option for indoor play, officials confirmed.
The indoor playground and cafe offers three-hour open play sessions for infants to preteens as well as private parties, according to its website. Guests can also enjoy a variety of coffees, lattes, tea and lemonade alongside menu items including bento boxes, pizzas, smoothies and chicken tenders.
Continue reading with Editor Aubrey Howell.
6. New restaurant at The Menil Collection brings all-day dining to the Museum District
Featuring globally inspired comfort fare, a new restaurant by chef Claire Smith has officially opened inside The Menil Collection. The all-day cafe is called Chrôma.
The menu will feature items that bring a sense of comfort, officials said, such as coffee and fresh pastries, as well as lunch and dinner options like chicken flautas, ratatouille, red snapper and the Campechana, which is made with shrimp, crab and summer gazpacho. Salads, shareables and desserts will also be available.
