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2026 in review: See the top 7 stories in Bellaire, Meyerland and West University so far this year

Community Impact has covered hundreds of stories from the Bellaire, Meyerland and West University neighborhoods so far in 2026. See which stories have been the most read this year as 2026 meets its halfway point.

The following list is in order of most page views.

New Japanese bookstore to open in Rice Village
Kinokuniya Books, a bookstore that specializes in Japanese literature and stationery, will open its second Houston-area location in Rice Village in the fall and offer a wide variety of books, magazines and stationery from Japan.

Houston ISD faces $29.1M cost to meet new Texas school bus seat belt law
On May 14, Houston ISD’s board of managers opted to request an exemption to a new state law requiring three-point seat belts on school buses that would cost the district about $29.1 million to comply with.

Check out 6 new historic landmarks in Houston
Six historic buildings were added to Houston's list of landmarks and protected landmarks Jan. 21.

 
Local Eats
Korean barbecue restaurant opens in Meyerland

Kol Korean BBQ, a new Korean barbecue restaurant, has opened in Meyer Park.

What is it: KOL Korean BBQ grills meat over real charcoal (the inspiration for the name, according to the website) at guests’ tables. They also offer a full bar with soju, wines, cocktails, beers and spirits to pair with barbecue. Its menu offers a variety of meats to be grilled, including short rib, brisket, beef belly and ribeye.

It also offers sides such as Kimchi, fish cakes, potato salad and scallion salad.

How it works: According to its website, Kol uses a process that ensures the best-tasting barbecue. The meat is cooked in batches, not at once, with the thicker meat going first. Then, quicker-cooking items, such as vegetables, are thrown on. They also recommend wrapping it in lettuce, with different sauces or toppings, such as ssamjang or a slice of garlic, folding it and eating it whole for the best flavors.

  • 10275 S. Post Oak Road Ste. B, Houston

 
In Your Backyard
Harris County presents plans for new Remembrance Park honoring Houston’s Black history

In honor of Juneteenth weekend, Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis led a procession through Downtown Houston on June 20. The event included the unveiling of new historical markers dedicated to formerly enslaved people and victims of lynching in Harris County, and the presentation of the design for Harris County Remembrance Park.

A closer look: The historical markers are located in the El Franco Lee Service Plaza. There is also a Freedom Marker for the formerly enslaved people of Harris County and their descendants. According to a news release, the park will include a variety of features besides the markers, including Witness Grove, Cypress Grove, a Memory Pavilion and Remembrance Courtyard. 

Also included in the park will be the Hush Harbor Gardens, referencing community spaces once used by enslaved people for group worship and organizing. The park is set to be completed in 2029.

 

Your Weekend To-Do List

Check out these weekend events across the metro area.

Final Kickoff Soccer Party

Beats on the Bayou

July 3, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Houston

July 3, 6-9 p.m.
Houston

Learn more.

Learn more.

 

'The Hunchback of Notre Dame'

Houston Symphony: Star Spangled Salute

July 3, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Houston

July 4, 8 p.m.
Houston

Learn more.

Learn more.

 
To submit your own event, click here.

Metro News
Houston Methodist receives record $110M donation to fund neuroscience research, women’s healthcare services

In a June 24 news release, Houston Methodist announced its acceptance of a $110 million philanthropic gift that will further advance research and care related to neuroscience, women’s health and other diseases among various neurological conditions. The gift is the largest sum donated to the health system in its more than 100-year history.

The impact: Officials said the commitment will establish two new funds in support of research acceleration and the improvement of several care services offered by the system. 

How it happened: The donor behind the gift, The Brockman Medical Research Foundation, is a private, Houston-based foundation established by the Brockman Family, according to the news release.

More details: Houston Methodist will formally recognize the foundation for its gift by establishing the name of its newest hospital facility as the Brockman Centennial Tower, officials said.

 

Your local team

Cassie Jenkins
Editor

Email [email protected] for story ideas, tips or questions.

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