The city of Sugar Land has launched a planning portal to give fans a resource to explore events across the city during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Zooming in: The city’s new planning portal will help fans search through a plethora of event options hosted by the city throughout the tournament, according to a Dec. 8 news release.

Sugar Land’s supporter city role will center the Sugar Land Town Square and First Colony Mall as focal points in hosting several attractions, including:

• Match-day experiences
• Live entertainment
• Art installations for photo opportunities
• International food and beverage stations
• Local merchant markets
• Cultural showcases celebrating the global spirit of the tournament

Taste Kitchen + Bar has opened its second location in Sugar Land offering a lakefront patio and private dining room.

The location will join the restaurant’s initial location in Downtown Houston at 420 Main Street, officials announced in a Dec. 5 news release.

On the menu: The menu features Southern cuisine curated by Houston Chef Don Bowie, including:

• Cajun seafood and grits
• Lobster BLTs
• Jerk lamb chops

• 1550 Lake Pointe Parkway, Ste. 500, Sugar Land

Because the holiday season can put a strain on struggling families, dozens of organizations across Houston are partnering with local nonprofits and food banks to help provide meals.

For those looking to give, here are 15 local spots to drop off food donations for families in need in the Greater Houston area.

Montgomery County Food Bank: The food bank is partnering with local businesses across the county throughout November and December to collect food donations for the holidays. 

• Through Dec. 31 
• Sample items accepted: cereals, healthy snacks, canned vegetables, canned fruits, grains, canned meat, peanut butter, canned soup, jelly and jam
• 1 Food For Life Way, Conroe

Texas voters will see 18 statewide races on the ballot in 2026.

The overview: Texas will hold Republican and Democratic primary elections on March 3 to determine who will appear on the statewide ballot in November. Texas is one of 17 states with open primaries, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, meaning registered voters can cast their ballots in either primary and do not need to register with a specific party.

What to know: The 18 statewide races on the 2026 primary ballots are:

• U.S. Senate
• Governor
• Lieutenant governor
• Attorney general
• Comptroller of public accounts
• General land commissioner
• Agriculture commissioner
• Railroad commissioner
• Texas Supreme Court, chief justice
• Texas Supreme Court justice, Place 2
• Texas Supreme Court justice, Place 7
• Texas Supreme Court justice, Place 8
• Texas Court of Criminal Appeals judge, Place 3
• Texas Court of Criminal Appeals judge, Place 4
• Texas Court of Criminal Appeals judge, Place 9
• 15th Court of Appeals, chief justice
• 15th Court of Appeals justice, Place 2
• 15th Court of Appeals justice, Place 3