Have a minute to catch up with Community Impact’s coverage from this week? Check out eight trending stories in the North Houston area from June 29-July 2.
1. Tomball ISD surpasses state and previous district scores for spring 2026 STAAR
Tomball ISD surpassed test scores established in spring 2025 in fourth-, fifth- and eighth-grade math, in addition to fifth-, sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade reading, according to results released by The Texas Education Agency for the spring 2026 State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, aka STAAR.
Compared to the state’s overall results, TISD surpassed Texas in all categories. These results were revealed on June 16, which parents of TISD students can view here.
Get the full story by General Assignment Reporter Cole Gee.
2. Golden Chick opens first Conroe location
Golden Chick has found a new coop in Conroe at 1127 League Line Road. This is the fast food chain’s first location to be built in the area.
The Texas-based chain features chicken tenders, wings, fried and roast chicken, sandwiches, salads and southern fried catfish. Bread rolls and other specialty sides like battered french fries and macaroni and cheese are also available.
See more details with Government Reporter Nichaela Shaheen.
3. Elite Dermatology & Plastic Surgery coming soon to Bridgeland
Clients can begin making appointments at the newest Elite Dermatology & Plastic Surgery location in Bridgeland this September, according to store management.
The physician-owned practice specializes in a range of medical and cosmetic services for skin and hair, including skin cancer treatments, hair transplants, plastic surgery and other dermatologic procedures.
Learn everything you need to know with Reporter Ella Barnes.
4. Primark coming soon to Willowbrook Mall
Houston’s second Primark location is slated to open this July inside the Willowbrook Mall, per the mall’s official website.
According to details from Primark’s website, the clothing store is an international retailer with a total of 480 locations across 19 countries, including the U.S. The brand was founded in Ireland in 1969 and has since promoted itself with its offerings of affordable, everyday essentials to customers.
From women’s and men’s wear to children’s clothes, Primark sells dresses, t-shirts, swimwear, denim, leggings, jackets, loungewear and more. Beauty items and home goods can also be found in-store.
Take a closer look with Reporter Ella Barnes.
5. Live music, Pokemon games: 8 events to attend in Spring-Klein
Summer is in full swing in the Greater Houston area, including communities in Spring-Klein.
Several businesses and organizations are hosting single day and summer-long events to welcome in the new season. For example, interested persons can enjoy the “Chromatica: A World in Color” exhibit viewing hosted by the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts until Sept. 5 or Stageworks’s production of “Seussical” at the Stageworks Theatre until Aug. 16.
See details for these events and more with Local Business Reporter Jovanna Aguilar.
6. The Woodlands Transit Department announces updates to The Woodlands Express schedule
Effective July 1, The Woodlands Express bus service is following an updated schedule in an effort to better accommodate riders and improve service at peak periods of the day, according to a news release from The Woodlands Township Transit Department.
The bus service runs Monday through Friday on routes starting from Research Forest Drive, Sawdust Road and Sterling Ridge. These routes, as well as the departure times from various locations, have been adjusted as a result of the newly implemented plan.
Read more about which routes have been altered or discontinued with Senior Government Reporter Kara Willis.
7. H-E-B to build $45M grocery store in Valley Ranch
Construction of a 125,000-square-foot H-E-B location in Valley Ranch is expected to begin in January, according to a June 29 Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation filing.
A fuel station and a car wash are included in the massive overhaul, though no opening date has been announced by H-E-B officials at this time.
Get the complete picture with Senior Editor Hannah Brol.
8. Construction on Will Clayton Shopping Center in Humble expected to begin this summer
The Will Clayton Shopping Center in Humble is outlined to undergo construction this summer, per a June 17 Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations filing.
In the filing, work was scheduled to begin on or after June 30 with an estimated completion date of June 2027. Project details indicate that a 2,600 square-foot washateria space along with five separate retail spaces will be built.
Discover more details with General Assignment Reporter Wesley Gardner.
