Stories for February 2026

Thursday, February 26

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Toro District™ Development Plans Unveiled for Northwest Harris County

The Houston Texans, Harris County, and Howard Hughes have unveiled plans for Toro District™, an 83-acre mixed-use sports and entertainment development in northwest Harris County projected to generate $34 billion in economic impact and create more than 17,000 jobs.

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Texas Southern University Foundation to Host 2026 Tiger Ball in Downtown Houston

The Texas Southern University Foundation will host its 2026 Tiger Ball on April 18 in Houston to raise funds for scholarships and highlight student success through the Tiger Promise program

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Houston’s Most Influential Women to Be Honored at Power of Vision 2026 During International Women’s Month

Held in recognition of International Women’s Month, Power of Vision honors Houston women whose leadership is driving measurable impact across homeownership, healthcare equity, education, philanthropy, and economic empowerment. At a time when women continue to face funding disparities, workforce instability, and healthcare inequities, this event intentionally spotlights leaders who are building solutions and expanding access within their communities.

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Early Voting Surge Across Houston Region as New and Diverse Voters Drive Strong Turnout in Texas Primaries

Hundreds of thousands of voters across Harris, Fort Bend, and Brazoria counties are turning out in strong numbers for Early Voting, signaling energized civic engagement and a growing wave of new, diverse participants shaping this election season

Tuesday, February 24

Sand Branch Water Crisis: Ongoing Efforts Highlight Need for Permanent Infrastructure

Sand Branch, an unincorporated community in Dallas County, Texas, has long lacked municipal water and sewer services; local leaders and advocates are coordinating funding and planning efforts to bring running water to the area.

Thursday, February 19

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Texas Democratic Primary Early Voting Underway as Crockett and Talarico Campaign for Nomination

Early voting is underway in Texas for the March 3 Democratic primary, where U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett and state Rep. James Talarico are competing for the Senate nomination, highlighting differing campaign strategies, voter engagement efforts, and national attention.

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A Legacy of Leadership: Erica Lee Carter Appointed Harris County Administrator

History meets forward-thinking leadership as Harris County Commissioners Court appoints Erica Lee Carter as County Administrator, marking a groundbreaking first and signaling a bold new era of strategic governance for the nation’s third-largest county.

Tuesday, February 17

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What to know about county offices on Texas’ March 3 primary ballot

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Rev. Jackson Lifted All of Us Higher

Ben Jealous reflects on the lifelong mentorship and movement-building legacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson, highlighting how Jackson’s commitment to empowering young leaders shaped generations of civil rights activism.

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Celebrating a Decade of Partnership: Legacy SBHC and YES Prep Transform Student Health Across Houston

Legacy Community Health and YES Prep Public Schools celebrate 10 years of school-based health care in Houston, demonstrating how on-campus clinics boost student health, academic success, and family stability across the region.

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Early Voting Begins in Texas Senate Primary; Disability Group Endorses Jasmine Crockett

Disability Community for Democracy endorses Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett in the Texas U.S. Senate race as early voting begins in the Democratic primary against James Talarico.

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Sugar Land Welcomes the Year of the Fire Horse with Free Lunar New Year Festival at Kroger

As early voting begins across Houston and Harris County, competitive congressional races and newly drawn districts are energizing voters in what could be one of the region’s most consequential primary elections in years.

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RODEOHOUSTON 2026: Twenty Days of Tournament-Style Glory in the Rodeo Capital of the World

RODEOHOUSTON’s Super Series transforms NRG Stadium into a 20-day, $2.5 million playoff-style rodeo where elite athletes battle through bracket rounds for a $65,000 championship and PRCA world standings glory.

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GO VOTE, HOUSTON! Early Voting Ignites High-Stakes Congressional Races Across Harris County

As early voting begins across Houston and Harris County, competitive congressional races and newly drawn districts are energizing voters in what could be one of the region’s most consequential primary elections in years.

Monday, February 16

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Houston City College’s AI Future Is Now — And Elexis Robinson Is Leading the Way

Houston scholar Elexis Robinson balances motherhood and academics while excelling in Houston City College’s AI program, proving resilience, purpose, and innovation shape the future of artificial intelligence.

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Houston City College’s AI Future Is Now — And Elexis Robinson Is Leading the Way

Houston scholar Elexis Robinson balances motherhood and academics while excelling in Houston City College’s AI program, proving resilience, purpose, and innovation shape the future of artificial intelligence.

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Understanding Texas Primaries: Your Chance to Pick Candidates You Actually Like

Texas primary elections let voters in Harris and Fort Bend Counties help choose candidates for the November ballot, with open primaries, early voting, and resources to guide every voter.

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Museums Come Alive: Celebrate National Engineers’ Day at Children’s Museum Houston and Fort Bend Discovery Center

From racing wind-powered cars to creating pedal-powered art bikes, kids can explore, build, and blast off into hands-on engineering fun on Feb. 28.

Kids and families can celebrate National Engineers’ Day on Feb. 28 at Children’s Museum Houston and Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center with hands-on activities like wind-powered cars, straw rockets, and pedal-powered art bikes.

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Houston Symphony Brings Distant Worlds: Music from FINAL FANTASY to Jones Hall in June 2026

Experience an epic multimedia concert with full orchestra, chorus, HD visuals, and special guest Amanda Achen in downtown Houston

The Houston Symphony will present Distant Worlds: music from FINAL FANTASY at Jones Hall on June 6–7, 2026, featuring a full orchestra, chorus, HD game visuals, and special guest vocalist Amanda Achen.

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Houston, Get Ready for Liftoff: Project Hail Mary Lands in IMAX® 70mm This March

Project Hail Mary, based on the bestselling novel by Andy Weir and starring Ryan Gosling, arrives in IMAX® 70mm on March 20, 2026, bringing a high-stakes mission to save the sun to Houston’s biggest screens.

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The Obama Presidential Center Expands Its Public Art Legacy — A Monument to Memory, Movement, and the Power of “We”

The Obama Presidential Center will debut in June 2026 with five major new artist commissions—including works by Mark Bradford and Carrie Mae Weems—transforming Chicago’s South Side into a global destination for civic engagement, public art, and cultural storytelling.

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Branford Marsalis Reimagines Belonging at The Wortham: A Historic Jazz Moment for Houston

Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Branford Marsalis brings a bold reimagining of Belonging, the 1974 jazz masterpiece by Keith Jarrett, to Houston’s Wortham Theater Center on February 22, 2026, presented by Da Camera of Houston.

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Love in Action: Harris County Leaders Deliver Hope Through Meals on Wheels

Harris County leaders marked Valentine’s Day by delivering Meals on Wheels to homebound seniors, highlighting the growing need for food assistance amid rising food insecurity across the region.

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Service, Transparency, and Technology: Shah Haleem Seeks to Modernize the Fort Bend County Clerk’s Office

Entrepreneur Shah Haleem is running for Fort Bend County Clerk, emphasizing technology modernization, transparency, and community-focused service in an office that impacts nearly every resident.

Sunday, February 15

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Congressman Al Green Awards $500,000 to Harris County Constable Precinct 7 to Combat Human Trafficking

Federal funding supports officer training, survivor services, and community outreach as Houston prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Congressman Al Green awarded $500,000 in federal funding to Harris County Constable Precinct 7 to bolster anti-human trafficking efforts in Houston communities.

Thursday, February 12

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Jasmine Crockett Announces U.S. Senate Run in Texas with Focus on Affordability and Accountability

Endorsed by Elect Democratic Women, Crockett pledges to fight for working families, expand opportunity, and hold government accountable

Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, endorsed by Elect Democratic Women, is running for U.S. Senate in Texas on a platform focused on affordability, accountability, and expanding opportunity for working families.

Wednesday, February 11

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FDA Refuses to Review Moderna’s mRNA Flu Vaccine Application, Company Says

The FDA has refused to accept Moderna’s application for its first mRNA-based seasonal flu vaccine, citing concerns over the clinical trial’s comparator, marking a rare setback amid broader political and regulatory scrutiny of mRNA technology.

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All Jokes Aside Comedy Lounge in Houston: Top Stand-Up Shows and Live Entertainment

West Houston’s premier comedy venue offers weekly performances, a full nightlife experience, and a stage where laughter, music, food, and community come together.

Houston’s All Jokes Aside Comedy Lounge brings top stand‑up talent and an immersive cultural experience to West Houston, blending laughter, music, food, and community.

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Harris County Seeks Court Order to Block FEMA Workforce Cuts

County leaders say proposed federal layoffs threaten disaster response as hurricane season approaches

Harris County officials have filed for a temporary restraining order to block proposed FEMA workforce cuts, arguing the reductions would jeopardize disaster response and public safety across the Gulf Coast.

Tuesday, February 10

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CLUE, the Hilarious Murder-Mystery Comedy, Heads to Houston This June

CLUE, the hit murder-mystery comedy inspired by the classic board game and 1985 film, comes to Houston’s Hobby Center June 9–14, 2026.

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Robert Nnake Launches Bid for Fort Bend County Commissioner Precinct 4 With Plan to Tackle Property Taxes and Rapid Growth

Candidate calls for smarter infrastructure planning, economic diversification, and stronger community engagement across Precinct 4.

Robert Nnake, a candidate for Fort Bend County Commissioner Precinct 4, outlines a vision centered on sustainable growth, property tax relief, infrastructure planning, and community cohesion in one of Texas’ fastest-growing and most diverse counties.

Bayou Collective Giving Circle Launches to Support Black-Led Organizations in Houston

The Bayou Collective Giving Circle has launched in Houston to pool resources and provide unrestricted funding and capacity-building support to Black-led organizations across the region.

Thursday, February 5

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Jasmine Crockett Pushes Back on Talarico Super PAC Attack Ad

Congresswoman Crockett’s campaign criticizes the ad as hypocritical and reaffirms her record of leadership and advocacy ahead of the March 3 Texas Democratic Senate primary.

Texas Democratic Senate candidates clash as a Super PAC backing James Talarico runs an attack ad against Jasmine Crockett, prompting a campaign response.

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Rep. Menefee Joins House Democrats’ Litigation Task Force to Defend Civil Rights and Government Accountability

Newly sworn-in Rep. Menefee will leverage his legal experience to address executive overreach, safeguard healthcare and voting rights, and support equitable federal policies.

Rep. Menefee has been appointed to the House Democrats’ Litigation Task Force, where he will use his legal experience to defend civil rights, healthcare access, and government accountability.

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Talarico Campaign to Air Super Bowl Ad Ahead of U.S. Senate Primary

State Rep. James Talarico will debut a Super Bowl ad highlighting campaign finance reform ahead of the March 3, 2026, Democratic U.S. Senate primary in Texas.

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SEIU Texas Endorses Jasmine Crockett in U.S. Senate Race

Labor union representing more than two million workers backs Crockett in Democratic primary

SEIU Texas has endorsed U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett in the 2026 U.S. Senate race, citing her pro-labor voting record as the contest shapes up to be one of the most closely watched elections in the country.

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Lakewood Oaks on Lake Conroe: Where Faith, Luxury, and Legacy Meet the Water

Lakewood Oaks on Lake Conroe is emerging as a faith-centered, resort-style waterfront community that pairs refined luxury living with purpose, stewardship, and long-term vision.

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Sipping PositiviTEA Hosts a free community event, “Go Red for Women.”

Sipping PositiviTEA will host the Go Red for Heart Disease, a free, community-centered wellness event designed to encourage movement, connection, and preventative health awareness for women and men. All fitness levels are invited to the Go Red for Women event a dance fusion for all to come as they are and move at their own pace in support of heart health and overall wellness.

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Op-Ed: Experience. Integrity. Service. Why Maria T. Jackson Is the Right Choice for Fort Bend County Clerk

With decades of judicial experience and a lifelong commitment to public service, Judge Maria T. Jackson is positioning herself as a steady, experienced leader ready to modernize and elevate the Fort Bend County Clerk’s office.

Wednesday, February 4

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Portillo’s Unveils New Sauces and Valentine’s Day Meal Deal

Portillo’s is celebrating Valentine’s Day with five new dipping sauces, a limited-edition Sauce Flight for loyalty members, and a Red Hot Meal Deal for two, available February 12-15.

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Winsome Prime Turns Valentine’s Day into a Weekend-Long Love Affair with Galentine’s Night, Valentine’s Dinner & a Sweet Brunch Finale

Winsome Prime in Houston is celebrating Valentine’s Weekend with Galentine’s Night, a romantic prix fixe dinner, festive brunches, live music, and special touches to make love—and friendship—last all weekend.

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Fort Bend County Commissioner Dexter McCoy Criticizes Judge KP George Over Forum Cancellation

Precinct 4 commissioner announces online town hall following Houston Chronicle candidate forum withdrawal as county judge race continues

Fort Bend County Precinct 4 Commissioner Dexter McCoy criticized County Judge KP George’s withdrawal from a Houston Chronicle forum and announced an online town hall as voters prepare for the upcoming county judge election.

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Edward Pollard to Present First-Ever Public Funding to Houston Museum of African American Culture

Historic Black History Month investment highlights partnership with Houston Public Library and expanded community access to arts and education

Houston City Council Member Edward Pollard will present historic first-time public funding to the Houston Museum of African American Culture during a Black History Month event in partnership with the Houston Public Library.

Tuesday, February 3

Mardi Gras! Galveston 2026 Launches with Music, Parades, and Island Celebrations

Galveston kicks off Mardi Gras! 2026 with music, parades, and nonstop island energy February 6–8.

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Hobby Center Announces 2026–2027 Broadway Season Featuring Houston Premieres and Fan Favorites

The Hobby Center has announced its 2026–2027 Broadway season, bringing Houston a mix of iconic classics, award-winning new musicals, and returning fan favorites.

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THE REAL LIFE RESUME

Careers, Parenting, and the Chaos in Between

A powerful reflection on career growth, rejection, resilience, and why a resume should tell your real story—not just your job title.