A lawsuit ordering Harris County Judge Ed Emmett to include an Early to Rise ballot item on the November ballot was thrown out by a three-member panel of the 14th Court of Appeals.

The Northwest Houston-based oilfield technologies company Flotek made a donation of $115,670 to the American Red Cross in August. The donation was a group effort from employees ranging from the office workers up to company's directors.

Harris County District Attorney Mike Anderson died the morning of Aug. 31, succumbing to a cancer he had been battling since spring, county officials said.

A case study looking into the benefits of developing the Cypress Creek Greenway suggests that when it comes to physical, mental, environmental and economic health, there are significant incentives to keep the project moving.

It's Time Texas, a statewide grassroots cause promoting healthy lifestyles, is encouraging communities across the state of Texas to join in a friendly competition to see who is the most dedicated to healthy living.

The proposal—many details of which are still unknown—involves building a 16-foot-tall sound wall along the south side of Seattle Street to the northern-most houses on Congo Lane.

Charming Charlie celebrated its one-year anniversary Aug. 14 inside Cypress Town Center at 25719 Hwy. 290. The store sells a variety of women’s accessories in different colors, ranging from bracelets to necklaces to purses to earrings. 281-758-0786. www.charmingcharlie.com

Aladdin Flooring’s second location at 17337 Spring Cypress Road, Cypress celebrated their one-year anniversary in June. The satellite location sells luxury vinyl, wood, carpet tile and laminate flooring. 281-256-0001. www.aladdinfloors.net.

1252 Tapas Bar, formerly located at 110 Vintage Park Boulevard, closed in mid-July. The restaurant previously served Spanish-style tapas. Two other Houston-area locations remain open. www.1252tapas.com

Cy-Fair Medical Center Hospital celebrated their 30th anniversary May 16. Located at 10655 Steepletop Drive, Houston, a week long celebration to coincide with National Hospital Week to honor faculty, staff and volunteers who have been with the hospital since 1983. 281-890-4285. www.cyfairhospital.com.

Sheri and Marie’s Salon & Co celebrated its one-year anniversary June 6 with champagne, cake and appetizers open to the public. Located at 8190 Barker Cypress Road, the salon has since grown to 14 full-time employees performing haircuts for men, women and children. The salon offers Brazilian blowouts, deep conditioning, styling and has added airbrush makeup and “rock your hair hairlines.” 281-463-7375. www.sherimariesalonco.com

La Quinta Inns and Suites at 9034 N. West Sam Houston Tollway, Houston is projected to open its doors at the end of August. The location will feature free breakfast, an outdoor pool, free wifi and a workout facility. www.lq.com.

TGI Friday’s at 25618 Hwy 290 closed this summer with its lease to be filled by Baker Street Pub. The location offered casual dining with extensive bar selections including margaritas and mojitos. www.tgifridays.com

Juan and Lefty’s at 17381 Hwy. 249 closed early this summer. The Mexican cantina included a full bar alongside traditional Tex-Mex dishes and entrees.

Don Julio’s at 25250 Hwy. 290 closed in late July. The Mexican restaurant offered catering services with an extensive menu including seafood, fajitas, enchiladas and specialized entrees. www.donjulios.com.

Construction is ongoing at Vintage Park, with 10 new businesses poised to open in the center throughout the next few months.

The end of the 2013 regular legislative session left the Texas Department of Transportation well short of the additional $4 billion it said it needs to maintain traffic congestion levels across the state.

Toshiba International Corporation completed the most recent of three expansions in the past five years at its 1-million-square-foot, 55-acre northwest Harris County facility this July.

With extensive compounding options and traditional pharmacy retail, Jersey Village Pharmacy-Compounding will open its doors Sept. 9 at 17400 Hwy. 290. Located at the corner of Jones Road, the medical pharmacy offers immunizations, diabetic therapy, education presentations and skin therapy. Compounding will cover male and female health with pain management. 281-416-5800.

Masones will open a third Cy-Fair location this fall at the intersection of Huffmeister and Fleur De Lis. The restaurant offers a variety of sandwiches, burgers and salads, as well as beer, wine and speciality drinks. Masones also has daily drink specials, happy hour and hosts various events. www.masonesbars.com