Plus: City of Houston to fight requested increase to CenterPoint Energy gas rates
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TOP STORY

 

City of Houston to fight requested increase to CenterPoint Energy gas rates

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CenterPoint Energy, a distributor of natural gas services in Texas, is requesting to increase monthly gas rates in Houston by approximately 3.1%-5.8%.

What happened: A public hearing was held March 27 by Houston City Council to hear the company's proposal for the gas rate increase.

What you need to know: CenterPoint is looking to raise retail gas rates in the Houston division to increase revenue by approximately $60 million.

CenterPoint serves approximately 437,564 Houston customers, including:

  • 412,350 residential customers
  • 24,357 small-commercial customers
  • 857 large-volume customers

See the full story by Reporter Cassie Jenkins.

CI BUSINESS

 

The Skin People dermatologists provide skin care at Bellaire office

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Both cosmetic and medical dermatologists and estheticians provide skin care at a new dermatologist office in Bellaire.

The details: The Skin People Dermatology opened in December. Its board-certified skin care experts address medical and cosmetic concerns, such as acne, eczema, scarring and hyperpigmentation.

Their services: Available treatments include neuromodulators such as Botox, injectable dermal fillers, high-intensity focused ultrasound procedures for skin tightening and laser skin rejuvenation.

 

πŸ“ 4545 Bissonnet St., Ste. 200, Bellaire

 

See more by Reporter Asia Armour. πŸ’‰

HARRIS COUNTY COVERAGE

 

Harris County commissioners approve property tax exemption for qualified child care centers

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An estimated 327 Harris County child care providers now qualify for 100% property tax exemption after Harris County commissioners authorized the exemptions at a March 26 court meeting.

What's happening: Just six days prior to the county approval, members of the Houston City Council also passed the tax exemption amendment, paving the way for child care facilities in both the city of Houston and Harris County to apply immediately for the exemption.

 

The bottom line: Harris County child care providers are expected to save $2,800 per year with no fiscal impact to the county.

 

What happens next: For the exemptions to apply to the 2024 tax year, eligible child care facilities must mail their application and affidavit, if applicable, by April 30 to the Harris Central Appraisal District.

 

Read the full story by Reporter Melissa Enaje. πŸ‘Ά

WORTH THE TRIP

 

πŸ›Ό Beyonce Renaissance Act II Listening Party at The Rink

Listen to Beyonce’s new album while roller skating at Discovery Green.

    ⏰ March 29, 8-10 p.m.

    πŸ’° $12

    πŸ“ Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St., Houston

     

    🎢 New Art/New Music Spring 2024
    Students from the Shepherd School of Music perform pieces composed in response to the Moody Center for the Arts exhibit "The Foreign in Us" by artist Hayv Kahraman. A series of original compositions will be followed by a reception.

      ⏰ March 30, 3-5 p.m.

      πŸ’° Free

      πŸ“ Moody Center for the Arts, 6100 Main St., Houston

       

      See more upcoming events.

      CAN'T MISS COVERAGE

       

      Former Wesley AME Church near Historic Third Ward to be redeveloped into Gospel Square

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      The city of Houston approved an ordinance March 27 authorizing the purchase and sale of 62,500 square feet of land located at 2209 Emancipation Ave., Houston, near the Historic Third Ward. The land will be sold to The National Housing Partnership Foundation for redevelopment.

      The big picture: The NHP Foundation is a nonprofit real estate organization dedicated to preserving and creating affordable housing.

      What happens next: As the developer, the foundation will renovate and redevelop the property, which is located within the Third Ward Complete Community, into a dynamic mixed-use development that will be renamed Gospel Square.

      Gospel Square is expected to function as a live-work community with:

      • A cafe
      • A recording studio
      • A courtyard
      • New affordable housing units

      Read more from Reporter Cassie Jenkins.

      STATEWIDE NEWS

       

      Texas immigration law remains on hold after late-night appeals court ruling

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      Late March 26, a federal appeals court further blocked a Texas law that would allow police officers to arrest people suspected of being in the country illegally.

      What's happening: In a 2-1 ruling issued minutes before midnight, a panel of judges from the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denied Texas’ request to allow the law, known as Senate Bill 4, to take effect as a legal battle continues. The court is scheduled to hear arguments April 3 on the legality of SB 4.

      One week earlier, the U.S. Supreme Court briefly allowed SB 4 to take effect March 19 before it was halted by the appeals court.

      The background: SB 4 would allow state and local law enforcement to arrest migrants suspected of illegally crossing the Texas-Mexico border. Undocumented immigrants would face up to six months in jail or a $2,000 fine, while repeat offenders could face felony charges.

       

      There's more to the storyβ€”read it here.

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      Today's edition compiled by

      Sierra Rozen
      Senior Multi-Platform Journalist

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