Vera Bradley expanded to Cypress July 25 at the Premium Outlet Mall at 29300 Hempstead Hwy. Ste. 207. The accessories store sells personalized backpacks, purses and different office decoratives. 281-758-1902. www.verabradley.com

Jersey Village firefighters stood at the corners of Senate and West Roads July 20 and raised more than $5,000 from morning traffic to fund research headed by the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Sarah Bown opened Bown Flooring Company at 12340 Jones Road, Ste. 125 in April. The business specializes in residential flooring services ranging from hardwood to carpet to laminate and tile. Stairway installation and floor finishings are also available. 713-869-9914.

Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt is continuing its expansion in Houston with a new location that opened in July at 9105 West Sam Houston Parkway N. The new location offers a variety of fruit and dessert flavors with customers paying by the ounce. 316-200-5325. www.orangeleafyogurt.com

Panattoni Development Company’s July acquisition of 125 acres at North Gessner Road and Beltway 8 is projected to potentially attract Fortune 500 companies.

Papa Murphy’s at 8606 Hwy. 6 N. was purchased by UC Pizza, LLC in early May.

Owner Bonnie Beaty celebrated The Prickly Pair Collectics one year anniversary June 20.

Located at 11310 Huffmeister Road, Ultimate Faith Church of God in Christ is celebrating its one-year anniversary during the month of July.

Starbucks relocated in late May to 11560 FM 1960 W. from 10959 FM 1960 W.

Journey’s Hair Salon and Spa is expanding to a new location at 14020 Telge Road from their 15210 Spring Cypress. Ste. 1 shop.

To celebrate their 5 year anniversary, Mario’s Taco and Burger House, 11049 1960 W., will serve free cheeseburgers to the community Aug. 8.

After Aaron Pennywell's death, childhood friend Caten Hyde produced the award-winning documentary “1:36,” which swept Texas film festivals and won the Houston International Film Festival’s Platinum Remi Award.

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.