HTX-HRM: Impact 10/28/2025

Houston’s inaugural Fleet Week event honoring U.S. military has been postponed until 2026 due to what city officials called “significant challenges” due to the federal government shutdown, according to an Oct. 22 news release. 

More details: Fleet Week, a celebration of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Coast Guard, held in various locations across the country, was originally scheduled to be in Houston from Nov. 5-12, which coincided with the Veteran’s Day federal holiday. Fleet Week Houston was to serve as the closing event for the yearlong celebrations of the Navy and Marine Corps' 250th anniversaries.

What to expect: While no new dates have been announced, city officials said they will be working with the Port of Houston and military leadership to announce when the new dates can be confirmed.

“The city of Houston and the Steering Committee want to ensure our inaugural Fleet Week Houston is an outstanding experience that appropriately honors service members and deepens community-military connections,” a statement from city officials reads.

The lounge joins establishments in the Harlow District such as Verde Garden, La Griglia, Katami, Mr. Nice and Pavón Coffee Den. 

The details: Nestled between River Oaks and Montrose, Eberhard Social House features ambient lighting and artisan cocktails. The menu features classic cocktails such as espresso martinis and prickly pear spritzes, along with food items such as sushi. 

On the menu: Specialty drinks include Linen Sheets, which is made with Tito’s Vodka, lychee, probiotic liquid yogurt, lychee liqueur, cherry blossom cordial and lime; and the Playa Padre, which features Lunazul Blanco, Ilegal Joven, Dry Curaçao, pineapple, orange, coconut milk, agave and habanero.

1216 W. Clay St., Houston

A total of 79,647 in-person and mail ballot votes have been cast in Harris County halfway through the 12-day early voting period ahead of the Nov. 4 general and special elections, according to the county clerk’s office.

By the numbers: That’s nearly 607,000 less votes compared to the 2024 general election early voting numbers, where Harris County voters cast more than 686,500 ballot votes. The county’s voter registration department found that more than 2.5 million people are registered voters in the county.

At the polls: Early in-person voting runs from Oct. 20-31, and Election Day is Nov. 4. For more information about what’s on the ballot and what to bring to the polls, visit www.communityimpact.com/election.

Quote of note: Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth said in an October news release the county will have 70 early voting locations and 600 voting locations on Election Day.

“This election provides Harris County voters an opportunity to shape the future of their communities and impact leadership at both the local and state levels,” Hudspeth said.

Texas is home to about 3.5 million small businesses, according to the National Federation of Independent Businesses. Estimates show that the average Texas small-business owner could save about $2,500 per year if voters approve an expanded business tax exemption on the Nov. 4 ballot.

The details: State Proposition 9 would exempt up to $125,000 of a business’s personal property, such as equipment, furniture and vehicles, from taxation. Texas business owners currently receive a tax exemption on property worth $2,500 or less.

“At $2,500, virtually everyone's paying this tax,” NFIB Texas Director Jeff Burdett said in an Oct. 24 interview. “If you have a desk, a computer and a chair, you're probably over $2,500 [in inventory]. … It makes no difference for almost any business.”

At the polls: Early voting in the Nov. 4 election began Oct. 20 and runs through Oct. 31. For more information about the propositions and candidates on your local ballot, visit www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.