Houston will apply for over $80.5 million in grants to help fund public safety efforts while it hosts the 2026 FIFA World Cup in June. On Feb. 18, Houston City Council approved the city’s public safety department to apply for two federal grants to enhance security and preparedness for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

What this means: One grant for $15.8 million will allow the city to purchase advanced drone detection and mitigation technology, according to the agenda item.

“Sometimes at these events there will be drones up in the air, and nobody will know who they belong to or who’s controlling them,” council member Julian Ramirez said. “So this system allows them to protect the public against someone who would do harm using a drone.”

The other grant for $64.6 million will enhance security at official World Cup venues through the purchase of safety equipment, temporary security infrastructure, traffic and crowd management and communication tools, according to the Office of Public Safety.

Guests who prioritize air quality and healthy travel while staying in hotels will have the option to book a health-focused guestroom at the InterContinental Houston on its Pure Room Wellness Floor.

What is it: The InterContinental Houston has introduced a dedicated 23-room “Pure Room Wellness Floor” on the 19th floor, in partnership with Pure Wellness. The rooms go through a multi-step process to give each room 99% anti-viral and anti-microbial protection.

The rooms are especially designed for guests with sensitivities, seeking treatment, recovery or long-term stays, according to Feb. 17 news release. Each room features: Advanced air purification, hypoallergenic luxury bedding, a vitamin-infused shower

• 6750 Main St., Houston

Here are six places in the  Inner Loop offering drink specials in honor of National Margarita Day on Feb. 22. This list is not comprehensive, and details are subject to change.

Bayou Heights Biergarten
The beer garden is featuring its $16 Quiet Life Rita for $14 for the day, offering customers a frozen blend of Blanco tequila, lime, mint, parsley, dry curaçao and agave.

• Feb. 22, 11 a.m.-2 a.m.
• $14 margaritas
• 3905 Washington Ave., Houston

Reset Lounge
The cocktail bar is offering an all-day happy hour and a $6 classic margarita made with Espolon tequila, triple sec and fresh lime.

• Feb. 22, 3-10 p.m. 
• $6 margaritas
• 606 Dennis St., Ste. 200, Houston

Jonny Ritas Cocina Y Cantina
The newly opened restaurant is featuring a lineup of signature margaritas for National Margarita Day, including Rita’s Rocks & Frozen ($10), The Black Card ($19) and the Frozen Strawberry Basil Margarita ($14).

• Feb. 22, 9:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
• $10-$19 margaritas
• 5602 Fulton St., Houston

Houston-area renters opened 2026 with more choices and slightly lower prices, according to the Houston Association of Realtors’ January Rental Market Update released Feb. 18. 

A closer look: The average lease price for a single-family rental fell 3.3% from a year earlier to $2,214, which HAR officials said is the lowest level since December 2023. 

Even with prices easing, demand didn’t disappear. Leased listings rose 11% year over year to 3,447 homes, while new listings climbed 16.4% to 6,499 properties, giving renters more inventory to work with, according to the report.