Need to catch up with Community Impact\u2019s coverage this week? Check out these trending stories from across the northern part of the Greater Houston area from Sept. 4-11.<\/p>\n
Montgomery County commissioners approve tax rate increase, budget<\/p>\n
Montgomery County Commissioners Court approved the fiscal year 2026-27 budget in a 3-2 vote during its Sept. 8 special session.<\/p>\n
Some of the provisions adopted in the $546.8 million budget include pay parity for law enforcement, a 5% across-the-board raise for non-law enforcement employees and funding for the new 523rd District Court.<\/p>\n
Catch up with the news by Reporter Ashton Yeaman here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Trader Joe\u2019s to set up shop in Spring<\/p>\n Construction for a new Trader Joe\u2019s grocery store is set to begin Dec. 1, with completion estimated by April 1, 2027, according to a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation filing.<\/p>\n The construction is estimated to cost $900,000, per the filing.<\/p>\n Trader Joe\u2019s sells produce, prepared foods, perishable and nonperishable food, beverages, alcohol, plants and flowers. The chain has become well-known for its branded tote bags.<\/p>\n Get the full story from Reporter Kennedy Thomason here<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Woodlands residents speak out on township agreement with mounted patrol; 2027 budget approved<\/p>\n After The Woodlands Township\u2019s series of budget meetings, the board revisited its agreement with the township\u2019s mounted patrol, Alpha & Omega.<\/p>\n The board also approved the 2026 property tax rates in a 7-0 vote. The 2027 budget was based on the proposed tax rate of $0.1694 per $100 of taxable value. According to the township, the 2026 tax rate is a decrease from the 2025 total tax rate of $0.1714 per $100 of taxable value.<\/p>\n Read the full story by Reporter Kara Willis here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Waygood coffee shop coming soon to Tomball<\/p>\n Waygood is set to open its fifth Houston-area coffee shop in Tomball this September, according to the business website.<\/p>\n Waygood specializes in a variety of espresso and matcha-based drinks. The coffee shop will also have several sweet and savory pastries, including the jalapeno turkey croissant and the blueberry cheese danish.\u00a0<\/p>\n Read the full story by Editor Jessica Shorten here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Memorial Hermann Cypress Hospital places final beam atop North Tower<\/p>\n Memorial Hermann Cypress Hospital leaders and staff, community partners and construction personnel met for a topping out ceremony marking the placement of the final structural beam atop the hospital’s North Tower, according to a Sept. 2 news release.<\/p>\n Catch up with Reporter Ella Barnes here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Harris County ESD 9 to discuss FY 2026-27 budget, insurance policies<\/p>\n The Harris County Emergency Services District No. 9 board of commissioners was slated to discuss the proposed fiscal year 2026-27 budget during a Sept. 10 special meeting.<\/p>\n Harris County ESD 9 serves as a political subdivision and taxing entity that supports fire suppression and emergency medical service operations for the Cy-Fair Fire Department.<\/p>\n Get the full story by Reporter Ella Barnes here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Construction on 7 Brew Coffee in Humble projected to begin in October<\/p>\n Construction on a new 7 Brew Coffee in Humble is projected to begin in October, according to an Aug. 12 TDLR filing.<\/p>\n Established in 2017, 7 Brew serves customizable specialty beverages, including cold brews, Americanos, mochas and lattes, according to the company’s website. The seven original beverages on the menu that are considered “fan favorites” feature flavors such as cookie butter, banana bread and cinnamon roll.<\/p>\n