Houston is set to see the first of seven matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, along with 500,000 visitors from around the world, in approximately 20 days.

“This is a huge opportunity for Houston to build its brand globally,” said Chris Canetti, president of the FIFA World Cup 26 Houston Host Committee. “But more than that, it’s a chance for us to tell our story. It’s an opportunity to show visitors what kind of city we are and what makes us great.”

The big picture: The FIFA World Cup is considered the world’s most-watched sporting event, outpacing the Super Bowl and the Olympic Games by viewership. 

The influx of visitors is expected to bring in the largest economic impact in history at an estimated $1.5 billion, which will help boost local businesses, retail and hospitality, increase tax revenue for city projects and support job creation.

One more thing: In addition to the economic value, Houston will also see many long-term benefits through what is known as the Impact Houston 26 program.

A new high-rise in Houston's Museum District has opened its doors.

What is it? Forme is a 33-story residential and hotel high-rise that offers amenities with a “lifestyle-focused” approach, according to officials.

The tower includes 475 residential units and 55 boutique hotel suites, which will be operated by management company Sentral.

What’s special about it? Forme also offers extended stays for 30 days or more, with 55 fully furnished hotel suites.

In a May 20 news release, project officials said the hotel makes the building well-suited for project-based professionals, relocations, medical stays, temporary assignments and residents who may need flexibility.

What they offer: Forme officials said the property is designed for Houston’s “evolving renter demographics," including young professionals, physicians, executives and athletes.
Amenities include:

• 60,000-square-foot fitness space with locker rooms
• Coworking and social spaces
• Concierge-style resident services through an app
• Cocktail bar and lounge
• Pool deck

District C council member Abbie Kamin’s last day at City Hall is May 26, before she assumes her role as interim Harris County Attorney.

Kamin represented neighborhoods including Meyerland, the Heights, Montrose and River Oaks.

Looking back
Ahead of her last day, she released the District C final report, which highlights the work done in the district since she took office. Highlights include:

• Public safety

• Extreme weather

• Flooding and infrastructure

• Streets and sidewalks

• Environmental and sustainability

• Working families and labor

Kamin chaired the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee from 2020-2024 and highlighted her work for updating the city’s Records Management System and cybersecurity improvements.

With hurricane season beginning June 1 and running through Nov. 30, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration officials are predicting the first below-average Atlantic hurricane season since 2015.

What you need to know: The latest NOAA forecasts are expecting residents along the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding areas to see a less active hurricane season than normal, with a 55% chance of a below-normal season, NOAA Administrator Neil Jacobs said at a May 21 news conference.

According to predictions, the NOAA is forecasting a range of eight to 14 named storms in the Atlantic Ocean with winds of 39 mph or higher, including:

• Three to six hurricanes with winds of 74 mph or higher
• One to three major hurricanes with winds of 111 mph or higher

Dozens of federal, state and local primary campaigns will come to a close May 26 as Texas voters cast ballots in the Republican and Democratic runoff elections.

How it works: Texas held its primary elections in March, with some races advancing to an overtime round, known as a runoff, after no single candidate picked up more than half of the vote.

On May 26, voters may see statewide offices, state legislative seats, redrawn congressional districts, the State Board of Education and county-level positions on their ballots. The winner of each runoff race will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot.

At the polls: Polling places across Texas will be open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. May 26. Voters in the following counties in Community Impact’s coverage areas can vote at any polling location within their county of residence: Bastrop, Bexar, Brazoria, Brazos, Collin, Comal, Fort Bend, Galveston, Guadalupe, Harris, Hays, Tarrant, Travis and Williamson.

Registered voters in other counties are required to visit a polling place specific to their voting precinct.