BNI Global—a business networking organization—is expected to launch a new chapter serving the New Caney and Porter areas this summer, Chapter Launch Director Lagala Davis said May 20. Leaders of the chapter will be selected after the group launches.

How it works: BNI Global offers networking opportunities for a variety of industries, with only one person per profession in each chapter, according to the company’s website. The organization utilizes “referral marketing,” and opportunities are available for networking in-person, online or via a hybrid model.

The big picture: Globally, BNI has about 355,000 members across 11,600 chapters, according to the organization’s website.

• Launching in July

The Highlands community plans to add a fitness center by the third quarter of 2027, Marketing Coordinator Cady Mulkey told Community Impact. The project completion date is subject to change.

In case you missed it: Located in Porter, The Highlands is a master-planned community that features over 200 acres of preserved nature and miles of scenic trails along the San Jacinto River. Founded in 2021, The Highlands has plans to build 4,000 homes and has so far completed a quarter of its community, Mulkey said.

The details: Upon completion, residents can look forward to using The Highlands Fitness Center, which will feature:

• Functional fitness
• Cross fit
• Rock climbing
• A game room
• A kids area
• A lobby

• Completion by third quarter of 2027 
• 21895 Zion Drive, Porter

As Houston prepares to see seven matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, several venues plan to hold watch parties across the Greater Houston area.

Rooftop Cinema Club
Rooftop Cinema Club invites soccer fans for the FIFA USA vs Paraguay match.

• June 12, 8 p.m.

• $15 (admission)

• 1700 Post Oak Blvd., 5th Level, Houston

Green Street
Taking place throughout GreenStreet Alley, programming will include experiences such as lasso competitions, axe throwing, Texas line dancing lessons, a Texas Makers Market curated by Feel Good Group, cowboy caricature artists, dueling mechanical bulls and cow milking contests.

• June 12-17, full schedule can be viewed on the website

• Free (admission)

• 1201 Fannin St., Houston

District 2.4.9 Bar & Grill
FIFA watch parties at District 2.4.9 Bar & Grill will feature large screens, cold drinks and specials, full kitchen all day.

• Through July 19

• Free (admission)

• 23238 Hwy. 249, Tomball

Officials with The Cleverley Stone Foundation, who produce the popular yearly event called Houston Restaurant Weeks, announced June 5 that last year's fundraising event generated over $1.6 million for the Houston Food Bank.

The local impact: Houston Restaurant Weeks is an annual foodie fundraising event across the Greater Houston area that hundreds of restaurants participate in every year. Restaurants that sign up serve specially priced, multi-course prix fixe menus for brunch, lunch or dinner, with a portion of proceeds going toward the Houston Food Bank.

The 2025 event, which was held from August to September, raised $1,651,698. According to the HRW website, every $1 donated equals three meals generated by the Houston Food Bank.

The next chapter: Houston Restaurant Weeks will return this year from Aug. 1 through Sept. 7. Per the release, 350 restaurants are expected to participate in 2026 across Houston, Sugar Land, Galveston and The Woodlands.