More than $30 million in funding toward several infrastructure projects aimed at flood protection across western Harris County Precinct 4 were awarded and will move forward, Commissioner Lesley Briones announced during a Jan. 7 news conference.

Quote of note: “Infrastructure is critical to our safety, to our quality of life,” Briones said.

The projects prioritize public safety, flood mitigation, enhanced connectivity and improved park access as part of the next phase stemming from the Places 4 People initiative, which launched in 2023.

The timeline: The completion of partnership agreements between local agencies is set for June, with project start dates estimated for the fall.

Latest update: Projects announced span throughout Alief, Sharpstown, Westchase and surrounding neighborhoods and include:

• Reconstructing nearly 4 miles of local streets and adding two new detention ponds in Alief
• Constructing sidewalks and roadways as well as upgrading stormwater sewer drainage in the Westchase District
• Improving mobility with a shared-use path linking Beechnut Street to Brays Bayou in the Sharpstown area
• Linking schools and parks to Brays Bayou Greenway

From discos to boat shows, here are a few events coming up in the Bellaire, Meyerland and West U area.  All events are subject to change, and this list is not comprehensive.

Lunar New Year Celebration: Celebrate the Year of the Horse with Asia Society Texas and enjoy vibrant performances, arts and craft activities and traditional food inspired by traditions across Asia. Registration is required. 

• Feb. 14, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Free (admission), $12 (ticketed performance)
• 1370 Southmore Blvd., Houston

World Oddities Expo: The traveling oddities festival claims to be where weirdness thrives and features artisans and small businesses as well as performers, educators and guest speakers.

• Feb. 7, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
• $20-$35 (per ticket)
• NRG Park, 1 Fannin St., Houston

Making Track: Accompanied by an adult, children ages 3 to 7 can participate in the Nature Discovery Center’s new program, which highlights nature’s mess makers by playing with materials such as foam and slime.

• Feb. 8, 10-11:15 a.m.
• $22 (members), $27 (nonmembers)
• 7112 Newcastle St., Bellaire

Houston City Council on Jan. 7 approved $180 million in spending for several city departments to purchase new vehicles over the next three years.

In a nutshell: The $180 million will cover “needed and critical” vehicles across the Houston Police Department, Houston Fire Department and Solid Waste Management, according to agenda documents. 

Council member Abbie Kamin said the large allocation represents a new approach to city spending, as council has historically authorized vehicle procurement contracts on an individual basis.

“This really does help with efficiency,” Kamin said during the Jan. 7 meeting. “It’s part of the recommendations that have been done through [past] studies, and it’s an important step forward.”

Some context: The spending proposal appeared before council for a vote Dec. 17, but Kamin tagged the item to review how the vehicle procurement would align with the city’s Climate Action Plan and Resilient Houston Plan. 

After further review, she said Jan. 7 that city officials ensured they will abide by both environmental plans when selecting future fleet vehicles. 

Houston will host a variety of entertainment, music, cultural and theater events throughout 2026.

The details: Events include comedy shows, musical theater, plays and concerts. 

One more thing: Read ahead to learn the details. This list is not comprehensive, and events are subject to change.

Ballet Hispánico New York
Ballet Hispánico New York explores "Carmen" through the vibrancy of dance.

• Jan. 16-17, 7:30 p.m.
• Starting at $39
• 559-575 Prairie St., Houston

• April 24-26 and May 1-3, 7:30 p.m.
• Tickets TBA
• Bayou Theater, 2700 Bay Area Blvd., Ste. 2602, Houston

• July 17, 7:30 p.m.; July 18, 7 p.m.
• Starting at $28
• The Nathaniel Center, 804 Russell Palmer Road, Kingwood