Houston City Council on Jan. 7 approved $180 million in spending for several city departments to purchase new vehicles over the next three years.

In a nutshell: The $180 million will cover “needed and critical” vehicles across the Houston Police Department, Houston Fire Department and Solid Waste Management, according to agenda documents. 

Council member Abbie Kamin said the large allocation represents a new approach to city spending, as council has historically authorized vehicle procurement contracts on an individual basis.

“This really does help with efficiency,” Kamin said during the Jan. 7 meeting. “It’s part of the recommendations that have been done through [past] studies, and it’s an important step forward.”

Some context: The spending proposal appeared before council for a vote Dec. 17, but Kamin tagged the item to review how the vehicle procurement would align with the city’s Climate Action Plan and Resilient Houston Plan. 

After further review, she said Jan. 7 that city officials ensured they will abide by both environmental plans when selecting future fleet vehicles. 

Owner Leslie Kuhn founded The Hat Chick three years ago, driven by a desire to introduce a carefully curated collection of hats to the Houston market.

How it happened: According to her biography on the store's website, she developed a love of hats from time spent in Colorado and Mexico and noticed that as a local Houston resident, the market lacked a store with a wide variety of offerings, custom designing and hat accessories under the same roof—so she decided to create one herself and The Hat Chick was born.

A few years later, Kuhn said she and her husband decided to open a storefront not far from their home in the Heights off of White Oak Drive.

What they offer: The Hat Chick offers a wide variety of hats and accessories, including beaded hat bands, hat jewelery and tie pins. The hats offered include men's straw hats, women's felt hats and unisex Cowboy hats for men and women. Accessories, custom design and branding are also available at the store. 

• 3607 White Oak Drive, Houston

Houston will host a variety of entertainment, music, cultural and theater events throughout 2026.

The details: Events include comedy shows, musical theater, plays and concerts. 

One more thing: Read ahead to learn the details. This list is not comprehensive, and events are subject to change.

Ballet Hispánico New York
Ballet Hispánico New York explores "Carmen" through the vibrancy of dance.

• Jan. 16-17, 7:30 p.m.
• Starting at $39
• 559-575 Prairie St., Houston

• April 24-26 and May 1-3, 7:30 p.m.
• Tickets TBA
• Bayou Theater, 2700 Bay Area Blvd., Ste. 2602, Houston

• July 17, 7:30 p.m.; July 18, 7 p.m.
• Starting at $28
• The Nathaniel Center, 804 Russell Palmer Road, Kingwood

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.