Bellaire City Council member Cindy Cohen-Taylor vacated her seat early in December. The decision has prompted a special election in May to fill the vacancy.

What we know: Interested candidates can apply for a place on the ballot from Jan. 26 to March 3 at 5 p.m., according to the notice of deadline. The election will be held May 2, 2026.

An item to call the election will be placed on the City Council regular session agenda for Jan. 26. Per a note on the city's website, because the filing period begins on the date the election is ordered, any change to the call date will result in a corresponding adjustment to the filing period.

Keep in mind: The candidate who fills the vacant seat after the election will serve the remainder of the term through January 2028.

Bodyrok, a national Pilates franchise, recently opened a new location in West University Place.

The gist: The studio offers seven different types of classes, targeting clients’ abs, glutes and obliques as well as other muscles, according to the website. Additionally, the Bodyrok studio in West U features Wi-Fi, lockers, grooming products, a water station and a retail shop.

One more thing: The website states that founding memberships for the studio are being priced at $103 for four classes a month, $151 for eight classes a month and $191 for 12 classes a month. 

• 3331 Westpark Drive, Houston

The annual We Are Houston 5K, Chevron Houston Marathon and Aramco Houston Half Marathon runners will hit the streets this weekend, Jan. 10 and Jan. 11. Here is what residents need to know about street closures, alternative routes and where to expect significant delays.

What residents need to know: These streets will be closed on race day starting at 6 a.m.:

• Congress from Crawford to Smith
• Smith from Congress to Franklin
• Franklin from Smith to Washington (all lanes except one westbound curb lane)

• IH-69 Eastex southbound from Polk Street to SH 288 South Freeway
• IH-69 Southwest northbound from SH-288 to Alabama Street

Officials with the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County announced Jan. 5 its transition to a new fare system, RideMETRO, which replaces and discontinues the METRO Q Fare Card.

The gist: METRO riders can purchase the RideMETRO $2 fare card, according to METRO’s website, and load money at any of the following locations:

• METRO RideStore locations
• METRO Online RideStore
• RideMETRO app
• Participating retail locations
• Ticket vending machines

Riders can check their balance on the RideMETRO app. After 10 paid trips, riders get one free trip, according to METRO’s announcement.

The cost: No fare increases are taking place as part of the new fare system, according to the METRO website.