Harris County commissioners will meet Jan. 8 with more than 300 agenda items spanning from county operations and security regarding the upcoming election cycle to possible postponements with the Ben Taub Hospital expansion in the Texas Medical Center.

What you need to know: Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth has several items related to overseeing the upcoming March, May and November elections. One item by the county clerk includes establishing an interlocal agreement with the city of Houston Police Department as part of an Election Security Task Force. 

At the polls: Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey seeks a discussion on the county's compliance with Senate Bill 1933, which allows the secretary of state’s office to oversee Harris County elections if an election complaint is filed.

Growing challenges: One of Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis's agenda items calls for the postponement of the Harris Health community engagement report regarding the Ben Taub Hospital expansion, adding another delay with the Texas Medical Center project. Commissioners voted unanimously last October to postpone the Dec. 11 public hearing.

A Maryland-based children’s gymnastics academy will soon open its first Texas facility in Jersey Village. 

About the program: Dominique Dawes Academy, founded by former Olympic gymnast Dominique Dawes, specializes in competitive and recreational gymnastics for children up to 13 years old, according to its website. Construction is set to begin at the new facility at 19750 I-45, Spring in early February, per the TDLR filing.

What they offer: The academy offers several classes for a range of ages and abilities, including junior gymnastics, competitive gymnastics and obstacle-based ninja classes inspired by the television show "American Ninja Warrior," according to the website. 

The Jersey Village gym will open its doors in early 2026, according to the website, but an exact opening date has not been announced as of press time.

One more thing: The gymnastics school also has plans to expand its Houston-area presence to Spring by early 2027, according to Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation records. 

• 19714 Hwy. 290, Jersey Village

Lone Star College has named Rigoberto J. Rincones Gomez as the next vice chancellor of academic affairs, the college announced in a Jan. 6 news release.

The gist: Rincones will begin Feb. 9 to provide strategic leadership for all academic functions and ensure regulatory compliance and fiscal responsibility across the college system. The new vice chancellor joins Lone Star College System from New Mexico State University’s Doña Ana Community College, where he also served as vice president of academic affairs and chief academic officer, according to the release.

Notable quote: “Rincones is a seasoned academic leader with nearly 30 years of experience advancing academic innovation, strengthening student learning and supporting institutional effectiveness across community colleges and universities nationwide,” Seelpa Keshvala, LSCS executive vice chancellor of academics, said. "We look forward to working with Dr. Rincones as we continue offering high-quality academic and workforce programs.”

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