Stories for January 2026

Thursday, January 8

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Harris County Names Jonathan Fombonne as Next County Attorney Following Menefee’s Transformative Tenure

Jonathan Fombonne has been appointed Harris County Attorney, succeeding Christian Menefee and continuing the office’s focus on progressive, effective public law.

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Bruno Mars Brings ‘The Romantic Tour’ to Houston’s NRG Stadium

Bruno Mars will bring his first global headline stadium tour in nearly a decade, The Romantic Tour, to Houston’s NRG Stadium on April 22, 2026, following the release of his new album.

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Harris County Voters 65+ or with Disabilities Can Apply for Annual Ballot by Mail for 2026 Elections

Harris County voters 65+ or with disabilities can now apply for the Annual Ballot by Mail to receive all 2026 election ballots.

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George Lopez Brings the Laughs (and the Truth) to Houston’s Biggest Stage

Comedy legend George Lopez brings his live stand-up show to Houston on Friday, February 6, 2026, at NRG, delivering laughs, truth, and unforgettable storytelling.

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NCA All-Star Nationals Bring the Spirit—and a $150 Million Boost—to Houston

Houston will host the NCA All-Star National Championship for the first time ever, bringing 65,000 athletes and fans downtown February 27–March 1, 2026.

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From Abandoned to Inspired: Edison Cultural Arts Center Opens a New Chapter for Houston’s Creative Future

The Edison Cultural Arts Center officially opened January 5, 2026, transforming a long-vacant space into a vibrant new hub for arts access, education, and community empowerment in Houston.

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Everything You Need to Know About Houston’s Chevron Marathon Weekend — When a ‘Chilly’ Morning Meets a Warm City Spirit

Houston’s iconic Chevron Houston Marathon returns January 9–11, 2026, bringing sold-out races, brisk winter weather, and a citywide celebration of endurance, culture, and community.

Wednesday, January 7

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Commissioner Lesley Briones Announces $33.5 Million in Community Infrastructure Investments for Precinct 4

Commissioner Lesley Briones unveiled $33.5 million in new infrastructure investments in Alief as part of the Places 4 People initiative, spotlighting major upgrades to streets, drainage, and flood mitigation designed to create safer, more resilient neighborhoods across Harris County Precinct 4.

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What to Know About Houston’s 2026 Elections

Houston voters head into 2026 facing an unprecedented election cycle—packed with runoffs, primaries, and special elections—that will shape local, state, and national leadership throughout the year

Tuesday, January 6

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From Houston to History: Discovering Americus, Georgia’s Timeless Southern Soul

From Houston to History: Why Americus, Georgia Is the South’s Best-Kept Secret

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Mary J. Blige Teams with Gabourey Sidibe for Lifetime’s New Film Be Happy

Starring Tisha Campbell, Be Happy Explores Midlife Reinvention and Second Chances

Lifetime premieres Mary J. Blige Presents Be Happy, directed by Gabourey Sidibe, exploring reinvention, love, and midlife transformation.

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The Ensemble Theatre Brings Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye to the Stage

The Ensemble Theatre presents a compelling stage adaptation of Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye, bringing the landmark novel’s exploration of race, identity, and self-worth to Houston audiences during its 49th season.

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Alley Theatre Presents English: A Heartwarming Comedy About Language and Connection

Alley Theatre in Houston presents English, a witty and moving play by Sanaz Toossi about five Iranians learning English. Performances run February 13–March 8 in the Neuhaus Theatre.

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Don't Take the Bait: Venezuela Is a Distraction from Trump’s Affordability Crisis

Amid rising costs for families, Democrats are urged to stay focused on affordability at home rather than being distracted by Trump’s unilateral actions in Venezuela.

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Huntington Bancshares Expands Capital Markets with Janney Acquisition

Huntington Bancshares strengthens its capital markets and advisory businesses by acquiring three Janney Montgomery Scott business units, adding nearly 140 employees and expanding middle-market investment banking and M&A capabilities

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Texas Nonprofits Unite to Launch Statewide Health and Community Data Network

Healthconnect Texas and the Patient Care Intervention Center are uniting to create a statewide health and community data infrastructure, linking clinical and community insights to improve care, equity, and wellness across Texas.

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One Million Miles of Quiet Excellence: Art Belton and the Power of Showing Up

METRO rail operator Art Belton has safely logged more than one million incident-free miles over a four-decade career, exemplifying the quiet dedication and professionalism that keep Houston moving.

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Don’t Stop: One Houston Woman’s Return to College Proves It’s Never Too Late

HCC Houston Reconnect Scholar shows that persistence, faith, and support can change everything

At age 45, Houston grandmother Roshell Brisby returned to college through HCC’s Houston Reconnect Scholarship, proving it’s never too late to finish your degree and pursue bigger dreams.

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2026 MLK Unity Parade: One City. One Dream. One Powerful March Forward.

The historic MLK Unity Parade returns to Downtown Houston on January 19, 2026, uniting generations, cultures, and communities in a powerful celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and Houston’s enduring commitment to unity.

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Harris Health Shows Houston How Public Engagement Is Done

Community Voices Shape the Future of Ben Taub Hospital

Harris Health hosted a transparent community town hall in Precinct 2 to discuss the proposed Ben Taub Hospital expansion, inviting public input on a plan aimed at strengthening Houston’s public healthcare system while balancing growth and preservation.

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DACAMERA at the Eldorado: Rising Jazz Stars — Brandon Woody’s Upendo

DACAMERA’s Rising Jazz Stars series brings trumpeter Brandon Woody and his band Upendo to Houston’s historic Eldorado Ballroom for an intimate, choose-what-you-pay jazz performance on January 11, blending world-class talent with deep cultural roots.

Monday, January 5

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Houston’s Furriest Heroes Take the Runway at Wags and Whiskers 2026

Wags and Whiskers 2026 brings Houston’s furriest superheroes to the runway to support IM Houston’s Animeals program for homebound seniors and their pets.

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Honest Mary’s Celebrates Grand Opening of First Houston Location in River Oaks

Honest Mary’s opens its first Houston location in River Oaks with a grand opening celebration featuring complimentary grain bowls, live music, and giveaways.

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Meow Wolf Houston Joins Museums for All to Expand Access for Families

Meow Wolf Houston joins Museums for All, offering $5 admission to EBT cardholders to make immersive art accessible to local families.

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Community Invited to “We Are One” MLK Day of Service Donation Drive in Spring

The “We Are One” MLK Day of Service invites the Houston-area community to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through a donation drive supporting young mothers and individuals experiencing homelessness.

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Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix in Concert Casts a Spell on Houston at Jones Hall

Audiences will enjoy the next chapter of the Harry Potter Film Concert Series as the Houston Symphony performs Nicholas Hooper’s full score live to picture

The Houston Symphony brings the wizarding world to life June 26–27, 2026, with a live orchestral performance of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix while the film plays on a giant screen at Jones Hall.