The Houston Parks Board and its partnering organizations have completed approximately 4.4 miles of trails and undercrossings in the Meyerland neighborhood to increase accessibility to nearby communities, shopping centers and career hubs.

However, the organization is also in the process of planning out more than 10 miles of pedestrian sidewalks, trails and bridges that will enable residents to walk all the way to the Texas Medical Center without having to cross busy streets.

The full story: The first set of projects created a 4.4-mile system that runs from Loop 610 to South Gessner Road and provided a 1-mile, 10-foot-wide hike-and-bike trail, seven new underpasses and replaced an existing asphalt trail.

“That’s seven streets that people don’t have to worry about crossing,” he said. “And it actually ties in really well with other projects that we’re doing downstream towards the [Texas] Med Center to create even more trails and underpasses.”

Looking ahead: HPB is aiming to complete $25 million worth of trails and pedestrian bridges by 2030—a goal that includes connecting all of Houston's bayous.

Officials with the authentic Mexican Cuisine restaurant known as Arnaldo Richards' Picos Restaurant, or Picos, announced plans Jan. 8 to relocate after recent support from the public gave the franchise renewed hope in its future success.

Taking a step back: The Houston staple originally announced in August 2025 that the restaurant was preparing for an immediate closure after more than 40 years in service. A month later, officials said that the restaurant would remain open until the end of 2025 after seeing a wave of support following the first closure announcement.

Latest update: Now, at the start of the new year, Richards said that he has big plans to move later this year rather than shut down the restaurant entirely.

“Our community has given us an opportunity we never thought possible,” Richards said. “Thanks to them, we have gone from closing the book to writing a new chapter."

While the site of the new restaurant is still to be determined, the move is expected to happen in the next 6-8 months. 

Need to catch up on Community Impact’s coverage from this week? Check out five trending stories in the Greater Houston area from Jan. 5-9.

Latest update: Airport passengers in the Greater Houston area who are also CLEAR members can utilize new biometric eGates aimed at expediting identity verification at both George Bush Intercontinental and Hobby airports, officials announced in December. 

Also of note: Houston-area residents ages 50 and older can explore everything from history and creative writing to hands-on hobbies through Lone Star College System’s Academy for Lifelong Learning, a low-cost program offering classes, activities and social connections across the system’s campuses, as stated in a Lone Star College Dec. 19 news release.

Annual memberships, Sept. 1-Aug. 31, cost $25 per person and provide access to programming across Lone Star College System campuses, the release states.

One more thing: American steakhouse chain Texas Roadhouse is set to bring its menu once again to the Cypress area as construction has began on a new location on West Road near the Grand Parkway. 

The entertainment lineup for the 2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo was announced Jan. 8 and includes artists such as Lizzo and Tim McGraw.

Read all about it: Since 1932, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has promoted agriculture and Western heritage through family-friendly experiences, competitions and live entertainment.

This year, Rodeo Houston will run from March 2-22, featuring 20 days of competition in bareback riding, bull riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, team roping and women’s barrel racing and breakaway roping.

What to expect: On weekdays, NRG Stadium gates for the rodeo open at 6 p.m., with the rodeo starting at 6:45 p.m, according to Rodeo Houston’s website. The entertainer then takes the stage at 9 p.m., depending on the number of rodeo competitors and other production elements.

Harris County commissioners unanimously approved Jonathan Fombonne as the new county attorney on Jan. 8, a position effective immediately. Fombonne thanked his county attorney staff and his family after commissioners invited him to speak at the Downtown Houston court meeting. 

“Thank you again for your confidence and for this opportunity,” Fombonne said. “I’m honored to serve, and I look forward to working with each one of you.”

The big picture: Fombonne served as deputy county attorney in the county attorney’s office and now replaces a vacant county position after former County Attorney Christian Menefee resigned March 17, after the announcement of his campaign run for U.S. Congress District 18. Menefee leaves the county attorney position after serving five years in office.

Quote of note: Fombonne said it has been an honor serving people with humility and earning their trust with hard work over the past five years with Menefee.

“I learned a lot from working with him, and I’m thankful for his leadership and for the team he built,” Fombonne said.