HTX-BMW: Impact 9/23/2025

Located in Hermann Park, Miller Outdoor Theatre is set to undergo facility improvements starting in October, focusing on items such as the center’s heating, ventilation and cooling system, according to officials from Houston First Corporation, which oversees venue maintenance and facilities across the city.  

What we know: While Houston First manages the theater’s facilities, the Miller Theatre Advisory Board oversees the public funds given to the theater’s programs and strategic directions.

Claudia de Vasco, managing director of the Miller Outdoor Theatre Advisory Board, said that because of the scale of the renovations, the theater’s current season and the following season will be impacted by the new facility improvements.

“We will be ending the 2025 season early and starting the 2026 season about three months late due to this construction project,” de Vasco said. 

About the project: This past June, Houston First's board approved the renovation plans and allocated a total of $2.2 million to the project. The last time the theater had significant improvements was in 2014, which included a $4.7 million makeover.

Iconic Texas Mexican restaurant, Arnaldo Richards' Picos Restaurant, is closing in 2026 after more than 40 years in Houston, according to the restaurant's social media.

The details: Picos is a Texas Mexican restaurant started by Executive Chef Arnaldo Richards.

On Aug. 5, the restaurant announced their plans to close the restaurant after 44 years serving the Houston restaurant.

"We are proud of what we’ve accomplished and so thankful for the relationships we’ve built," according to the restaurant. "We will truly miss our daily interactions, the laughter, and all the memories we’ve shared."

However, the restaurant would make another announcement on Sept. 16 that Picos will remain open until the remainder of 2025.

"The wave of support following our closing announcement showed us just how deeply our restaurant has touched the lives of so many," the restaurant said. "Your heartfelt messages, visits, and encouragement have inspired us to keep our doors open a little longer."

📍3601 Kirby Drive, Houston

Entergy Texas will build two new power plants to support the growing southeast Texas region following approval by the Public Utility Commission of Texas, officials announced in a Sept. 11 news release.

Two-minute impact: Per the release, the two natural gas power plants will be able to provide "enough reliable electricity capable of powering more than 300,000 homes." Combined, the two power plants will add more than 1,200 megawatts of energy to the southeast Texas power grid, while generating $2.8 billion in economic activity and creating over 9,000 construction jobs.

Officials noted the power plants are expected to allow Entergy Texas to meet new customer demand, increase reliability and lower costs for all customers.

Quote of note: "We've heard directly from our customers and communities about the need for more power to support our rapidly growing region, and these facilities will deliver just that," Entergy Texas CEO Eliecer Viamontes said in a statement. 

The timeline: Both facilities are planned to be in service by mid-2028, per the release.

Adam Bogard will serve as the new Harris Central Appraisal District Chief Appraiser starting in January, as Roland Altinger retires after over 30 years in the role.

The details: Altinger, who officially announced his retirement in July, will remain in his position until the end of the year, then become an advisor to the new chief appraiser until the end of February, according to a Sept. 17 news release. 

Board Chairman Jim Robinson said Bogard’s experience as the county’s current deputy chief appraiser was beneficial to the board’s evaluation committee. 

Quote of note: “Adam Bogard has a vast amount of experience at the appraisal district, and his knowledge and background will enable him to continue to provide the leadership necessary to provide Harris County property owners with first-class customer service,” Robinson said.