West University Place officials will purchase more body-worn cameras for its police department in 2026.

What happened: On June 22, West U city officials unanimously approved the purchase of three additional body-worn cameras, five tasers and two dash cameras for a contract of $52,000.

Chief Gary Ratliff said it is due to their increase in personnel and fleet. He added that there are currently four contracts for equipment, and this would consolidate them into one.

“We could continue to go as we have been doing à la carte with another contract, making it five contracts that we currently have,” he said. “But if we consolidate those contracts, which is a benefit to us, as well as tax on it, it would reduce the cost from $59,205 to $52,244.”

Next steps: The contract will go into effect beginning November 2026 and will run through November 2031.

Saba Grill & Wok and Saba's restaurant are both in the early stages of relocating to new spaces along Braeswood Boulevard.

What's happening: Officials with the kosher establishments said they are looking to enhance the overall dining experience for customers.

"We've served the Jewish community for 30 years," owner Natalie Cohen said. "This move will allow us to remain in the same shopping center, but with more variety and options."

Saba's Grill & Wok will relocate to the space formerly occupied by Old Hickory Inn BBQ at 5427 S. Braeswood Blvd. Cohen said the restaurant plans to remain open during the relocation process, which is slated to take approximately 2-3 months.

The new spot will allow the restaurant to grow its catering efforts, maximize its efficiency, elevate its menu and provide a private dining room, Cohen said. 

More information: Once Saba's Grill & Wok is fully settled into the new space, Saba's restaurant will then move to occupy the former Saba Grill location.

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Houston City Council approved its five-year Capital Improvement Plan during a regular June 24 City Council meeting.

What it means: The city’s annual plan includes projects planned through the next five fiscal years, from FY 2026-27 through FY 2030-31.

Officials said that the budget will be an estimated $17.9 billion, but it can fluctuate as projects get added or removed.

Something to note: City Council also approved amendments for the CIP, one of which included moving spending allocated for 2031 up to 2027 for the city to purchase more garbage trucks. The amendment was submitted by council member Alejandra Salinas.

The amendment, which moves $2.1 million up, received support from Mayor John Whitmire’s office.

“We’ve purchased 50 new [trucks]; with your amendment, they’re going to get even more additional resources,” Whitmire told Salinas.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is planning an expansion along Hwy. 288, with a new agricultural and livestock complex expected to add more than 1 million square feet of event and programming space.

What we know: The organization announced June 24 that the project will be the largest single facilities investment in the rodeo’s more than 90-year history. Construction is expected to take several years, with the goal of opening the complex in time for the 2029 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

The new facility is designed to support livestock shows, horse show competitions, junior and open breeding shows, archery competitions, agricultural mechanics, commercial auctions and educational contests, including 4-H and intercollegiate programming. Some livestock events will continue to be held at Reliant Center, according to the release.

Diving in deeper: Outside of the annual rodeo, the complex is expected to host year-round educational programming, committee meetings, fundraisers, auctions, galas and other agricultural, youth and Western heritage events.

The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas and Naskila Casino held a groundbreaking ceremony June 18 for the upcoming Naskila Casino Resort in Leggett, officials announced in a June 18 news release.

What to expect: The roughly 685,000-square-foot Naskila Casino Resort will be located on 95 acres of Alabama-Coushatta Tribal land and will include a large gaming floor, a 366-room hotel, entertainment amenities, various dining options, a resort-style pool complex, and event and conference space, according to the release.

On the horizon: The first phase of Naskila Casino Resort is expected to be completed by the end of 2028, per the release. However, officials said the development schedule for the hotel and resort-style pool complex is still being determined and more information will be shared for future phases as plans are finalized and construction progresses.

In the meantime, the Naskila Casino Leggett—a temporary, 24-hour gaming experience located on the future site of the resort—is set to open late this summer 2026, per the release.