Several luxury apartment complexes are under construction around Cy-Fair, an area in which existing multifamily communities have some of the highest occupancy rates and lowest monthly rents compared to other Houston-area communities.

During the 83rd Legislative Session, lawmakers worked to pass more than 1,400 new laws. Below is a roundup of some of what Houston-area lawmakers pushed for, passed or had rejected by their peers during the 140-day session.

Texas lawmakers came a step closer to passing new safety standards for abortion clinics July 10 when the House gave final approval to the measure, sending it to the Senate on a vote of 96-49.

Students who attend LSC–CyFair have an opportunity to take classes in a new facility when the college’s second satellite center opens Aug. 26 at the corner of Fry and Clay roads.

As part of Lone Star College–University Park’s “Invitation 2 Innovate” program, dozens of enrolled students have submitted ideas to address issues facing higher education.

Many Houston-area residents might first think of Uptown Park or the Galleria as the place to find fashion-forward clothing and accessories, but Rhonda Sandel is dedicated to offering such items through her boutique, To the Nines.

A new Firehouse Subs is expected to open a new location off Spring Cypress and Hwy. 290 this year.

Cypress Lakes Animal Hospital is scheduled to open in the fall near Bridgeland in the upcoming Shops at Cypress Lakes Creek shopping center at 10920 Fry Road.

Coffeeicon Superstore is expecting to open its third location at 26084 Hwy. 290, Ste. 140 in late August.

The Cy-Fair ISD board of trustees approved the district’s $776.6 million 2013-14 budget June 27, restoring nearly 300 classroom teachers and campus personnel and providing for a district-wide salary increase.

Officials with the city of Jersey Village have been looking at ways to regain a significant loss in business revenues as a result of the Hwy. 290 expansion project.

A plan to rehabilitate the aging Astrodome was formally presented to Harris County commissioners June 25, who unanimously decided to send the proposal to three county departments for further review.

Areas undergoing increased development often see an increase in flooding issues.

In preparation for the Hwy. 290 expansion project, the Texas Department of Transportation plans to refurbish the Hempstead Road corridor with a new asphalt overlay and improved signal timing between Brittmoore and Mangum roads.

Eckdaddy’s opened a new Cypress location at 11808 Barker Cypress Road in early June.

Vivid Dental is under construction in a new strip center at 11560 FM 1960 W., Ste. 200.

Keeping to traditional burgers, fries, and shakes, Jax’s Burgers opened their sixth location expanding to Cypress at 12714 Grand Road.

Sweet and Sassy opened July 21 at 25905 Hwy. 290 next to Target

Sharkey’s Hair it Is opened their new location at 28550 Hwy. 290

Gina Knowles and Vanessa Jones opened One Photography at 8233 Windfern Road April 1. The business provides a full-scale studio and offer in-studio and on-location photography classes along with complete packages including diverse background options and fully edited complete images. The studio specializes in family photography, but services range from portraits to athletics to maternity and newborn photography. 281-859-1252, www.onephotgraphystudios.com