Council members Tiffany Thomas and Martha Castex-Tatum are looking to hold two town halls in the upcoming weeks to discuss a topic Houston City Council has been debating since mid-2025—a high-risk apartment inspection program.

In case you missed it: During a Proposition A committee meeting in May, former City Council member Letitia Plummer proposed an ordinance that would strengthen enforcement and inspection of apartments with unsafe environments.

However, since mid-2025, the item has been delayed several times, with the last decision in December leading to the ordinance moving to a joint committee that will review the program. As of early 2026, a joint committee meeting has not yet been set.

Get involved: Council members Tiffany Thomas and Martha Castex-Tatum, who voted in favor of the ordinance, said in a Feb. 9 news release that passing the ordinance is "critical" to improve housing standards, protect tenant health and preserve Houston's housing stock.

The two council members have set up two different town halls a few weeks apart to receive feedback from tenants and landlords.

Federal American Grill is planning to open a sixth location in Houston, according to the restaurant’s website.

What you need to know: From The Woodlands to Downtown Houston to Katy, the restaurant has locations spread across area, with the newest addition planned for River Oaks. 

An employee with the restaurant said an exact date has yet to be determined, but that the restaurant is planning to open in late March.

On the menu: Federal American Grill serves a range of dishes, including seafood, steaks, burgers and sandwiches. The menu also features starters such as Fried Cheeseburger Eggrolls, Sticky Ribs, Signature Jumbo Lump Crab Cake and Truffle Beef Carpaccio.

• 2400 Mid Lane, Houston

Several road projects are set to start construction in 2026 in Houston's Inner Loop, including in the Heights, River Oaks and Montrose areas. Check out the story to see updates on these three upcoming projects slated for the market.

This list is not comprehensive, and details are subject to change.

1. Waugh Drive and Heights Boulevard Improvements Project: The project consists of installing intersection safety improvements at Waugh Drive and Feagan Street, including new traffic signals, crosswalks, Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant ramps and improvements to the pavement marking and signage for the existing lane merge south of the intersections.

2. Cherryhurst Sidewalk Improvements: The Montrose Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone project aims to improve walkability to the bus stops on Westheimer Road and includes the construction of new 5-foot sidewalks, wheelchair ramps and driveways in the Cherryhurst neighborhood.

3. Uptown Memorial Park Trail & Bridge Project: The project will create a pedestrian and bicycle trail system that will connect Uptown to Memorial Park’s western edge.  

From shakes on the go to a romantic evening of fine dining or something out of the ordinary, these 10 places are offering a little bit of everything this Valentine's Day. This list is not comprehensive, and details are subject to change.

Buttermilk Baby
In honor of Valentine’s Day, the fast-casual restaurant is serving the Sweetheart Shake, a vanilla shake topped with whipped cream, heart sprinkles and classic conversation hearts, and the XOXO Burger, which includes Wagyu beef, candied bacon, onion jam and cream cheese.

• Feb. 1-28
• $8.99-$14.99
• 600 N. Shepherd Drive, Ste. 250, Houston

Dario's Steakhouse and Seafood
Guests can celebrate a romantic evening with an exclusive Valentine’s Day three-course meal at the fine-dining restaurant. The menu includes lobster bisque, house-made beef ravioli and certain wine specials. 

• Feb. 14th, 3:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m.
• $119 (per person)
• 14315 Cypress Rose Hill Road, Ste. 162, Cypress

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