Need to catch up on Community Impact’s coverage from this week? Check out five trending stories in the Greater Houston area from April 27-May 1.
1. Conroe ISD decentralizing its special education program
At its April 21 regular board meeting, the Conroe ISD board of trustees adopted a new plan, dubbed the “homecoming plan,” to decentralize its special education program for the 2026-27 school year.
CISD Deputy Superintendent Ted Landry presented the decentralization plan, the motivation for which is so that special education students no longer have to leave their zoned campuses for education.
Landry said the program currently operates as a centralized system in which students are bused to campuses where they are not locally zoned.
Read all about it with Reporter Cole Gee.
2. Azalea District under construction in New Caney
Construction has begun on the first portion of the 328-acre Azalea District, which will feature residential, dining, healthcare and shopping options, within the master-planned community Valley Ranch in New Caney. The Azalea District will feature nearly 360 homes, spanning over 200 acres, and marks the last single-family residential community to debut in Valley Ranch.
The first residential phase of construction for the Azalea District will include over 155 homesites, which are expected to be delivered this summer.
Read the full story by Senior Reporter Emily Lincke.
3. The Woodlands Township considering new fees
The Woodlands Township voted unanimously to schedule a public hearing May 21 in regards to establishing and expanding Covenant Administration Department (CAD) fees during an April 23 board meeting.
CAD fees will include expenses for permits in both residential and commercial building improvements.
The original administrative expenses and fees philosophy was first implemented in 2025, and were estimated to generate an estimated $1 million in additional revenue for the township last year.
Explore the full article by Senior Reporter Kara Willis.
4. Turquoise Wine Bar to open in Cypress
Owners Tara and Neil Cruz said they have plans to open Turquoise Wine Bar in Cypress by August. The wine bar will boast a boutique wine bar with wine and beer sales, bottles to go and serve light food with live entertainment, tastings, wine education and wine travel all over the world.
“We’re building this wine bar to be the kind of place we always looked for but rarely found in Cypress, somewhere that takes wine seriously without taking itself too seriously,” Tara Cruz said.
Follow along with Reporter Jovanna Aguilar.
5. Mediterranean eatery Brassica opening in Sugar Land
Fast-casual Mediterranean eatery Brassica is set to open its second Greater Houston location in Sugar Land.
The Ohio-based restaurant serves Mediterranean flavors and customizable salads, sandwiches and hummus plates. When ordering, customers can decide among the three options and then choose toppings such as brisket, chicken or falafel.