Houston City Council unanimously approved spending $31.8 million for a design-build contract on a new customer-facing animal adoption center that will be located at 105 Sabine St.

What happened: The new building will be approximately 25,000 square feet and will be able to hold up to 120 animals. The approval also puts funding toward improving BARC’s current campus, including:

• Renovating the dome

• Roof repairs

• Exterior improvements

• Warehouse replacement

Council member Mario Castillo called the adoption center a "positive step in the right direction" and praised city staff for identifying a site and expanding adoption capacity. 

One more thing: A specific date has not yet been announced for when animal shelter officials anticipate starting on improvements or moving into the new facility.

The Galleria is gearing up to welcome six new stores in the coming months, ranging from clothing stores to tech brands.

What's new: According to the mall's website, the six new stores include Abercrombie & Fitch, Abercrombie Kids, Google Store, Princess Polly and Timberland.

Abercrombie & Fitch is a global retailer that sells men's, women's and children's apparel, as well as accessories, while the Princess Polly store is a destination known for its viral and trendy influencer styles, per the brand's website.

Additionally, a Timberland store will provide customers at The Galleria with a storefront to buy waterproof leather boots, pier boat shoes, sneakers, platform boots and sandals. 

One more thing: A new store dedicated to Google products will allow shoppers to browse popular items such as the Pixel, Google Fitbit, Nest devices, earbuds and watches. 

• 5085 Westheimer Road, Houston

Some members of Houston City Council submitted their amendments to the mayor’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2026-27.

What’s new: Several amendments addressed the newly proposed $5 solid waste fee.

Council members Mario Castillo and Alejandra Salinas submitted amendments that would use the city’s Water Aid to Elderly Residents Fund (WATER) to assist helping residents pay for the newly proposed fee. Salinas also proposed to move $3 million from a $37.5 million allocation for Houston Public Works management consulting services to illegal dumping enforcement and cleanup instead.

Council member Joaquin Martinez made amendments that would require an analysis before making future solid waste fee increases, to determine whether it could be eliminated for seniors, veterans and disabled residents. He also included an amendment that would make the $5 fee permanent unless council voted to change it, as well as cap it at $25.

Also of note: Other amendments included addressing oversight and transparency needs and city parks.

Restrooms have begun to reopen at George Bush Intercontinental Airport and William P. Hobby Airport as part of a $30 million project, according to a news release from Houston Airports.

The openings are a part of the multiyear initiative—which sparked from a challenge by Houston Mayor John Whitmire in 2024—to modernize the approximately 20-year-old restroom facilities of both of Houston’s airports, per the release.

What's changed: In the first five months of this year, restrooms near IAH gates A12, A25 and D7 as well as Hobby gates 28-32, per the release. Renovated restrooms in Terminal A baggage claim at IAH are expected to open before the summer.

Restroom renovations include:

• Expanded stalls to accommodate carry-on luggage

• Improved Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility

• New flooring, wall finishes and modern lighting

• Upgraded fixtures for durability and cleanliness

• Smart technology to alert staff of bathroom needs

What’s next: The renovations are set to continue in phases through 2027 so bathrooms can still be used by travelers, per the release.

The YMCA of Greater Houston has unveiled its scheduled summer programs to promote active lifestyles among children and teens and provide access to water safety education, according to a news release.

What you need to know: Throughout the summer, the organization’s programming will include:

• Camp Cullen: The outdoor camp experience aims toward confidence building and soft skill development for youth through water sports, adventure courses, horseback riding and other activities.
• Day camps: Engagement-driven experiences utilize science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) learning; creative arts; sports; water safety education; and outdoor recreation to encourage youth productivity.