The proceeds for Eat Drink HTX, a two-week-long charity dining event in February, will go to the Houston Food Bank this year—a change from previous years when funds were split among two or more different nonprofits.

Current situation: Katie Stone, president of The Cleverley Stone Foundation, which produces both Eat Drink HTX and HRW, said they chose the Houston Food Bank due to the recent financial strain and challenges it experienced last year.

The food bank saw major cuts in federal funding and basic agricultural products in 2025, as well as a 43-day government shutdown that resulted in the loss of more than $11 million in federal funding last year.

What's being done: Stone said allowing the Houston Food Bank to be the sole beneficiary of this year’s funds from Eat Drink HTX will hopefully help them to continue to “reach more areas and more people.”

Houston Restaurant Weeks and Eat Drink HTX have raised more than $22 million for the food bank since 2003.

Looking ahead: Eat Drink HTX is Feb. 15-28 in 2026.

Formerly known as Bistro 555, Bistro Mistral is expanding from the Memorial area into Bellaire. 

What they offer: Bistro Mistral offers a French dining experience led by Chef David Denis, serving authentic cuisines with subtle modern interpretation, according to the restaurant’s website.

On the menu: Featured dishes on the website include escargots bathed in herbed butter and beef bourguignon, a French stew featuring beef and vegetables cooked in red wine. 

• 5313 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. A, Bellaire

Council members Tiffany Thomas and Martha Castex-Tatum are looking to hold two town halls in the upcoming weeks to discuss a topic Houston City Council has been debating since mid-2025—a high-risk apartment inspection program.

In case you missed it: During a Proposition A committee meeting in May, former City Council member Letitia Plummer proposed an ordinance that would strengthen enforcement and inspection of apartments with unsafe environments.

However, since mid-2025, the item has been delayed several times, with the last decision in December leading to the ordinance moving to a joint committee that will review the program. As of early 2026, a joint committee meeting has not yet been set.

Get involved: Council members Tiffany Thomas and Martha Castex-Tatum, who voted in favor of the ordinance, said in a Feb. 9 news release that passing the ordinance is "critical" to improve housing standards, protect tenant health and preserve Houston's housing stock.

The two council members have set up two different town halls a few weeks apart to receive feedback from tenants and landlords.

Candidate applications officially closed on Feb. 2 for a chance to enter the race for Houston City Council's open District C seat.

Geographically, District C includes portions of the Heights, Washington Avenue, Montrose, Rice Village and Meyerland.

What's happening: Seven candidates will vie for the position during a special election in April. In ballot order, the candidates include:

• Angelica Luna Kaufman
• Sophia Campos
• Audrey Nath
• Laura C. Gallier
• Patrick Outhout
• Joe Panzarella
• Nick Hellyar

Texas gained more new residents last year than any other U.S. state, recently released U.S. Census Bureau data shows. Yet the Lone Star State’s overall population growth slowed significantly amid a nationwide reduction in immigration from other countries.

The big picture: Texas grew by 391,243 residents in 2025, bringing the state’s total population to 31.7 million. This includes:

• Domestic migration: Over 67,000 people moved to Texas from other states.
• International migration: Over 167,000 people moved to Texas from other countries.
• Natural change: There were roughly 157,000 more births than deaths in Texas.

Community Impact is now covering BCS, from growth and schools to business and city happenings. 

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