HTX-HRM: Impact 9/23/2025

Fifteen candidates are running for at-large Position 4 on the Houston City Council in the upcoming November election.

Something to note: Letitia Plummer previously held the seat but resigned her position in July to run for the Harris County judge position. She served in the position for five years.

Council members are limited to serving two terms of four years each, according to the city of Houston website, with terms typically beginning Jan. 2.

Early voting begins Oct. 20 and Election Day is Nov. 4.

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

Per a Sept. 12 press release, the American Cancer Society and Occidental have partnered to expand access to life-saving cancer treatment to patients across Texas. Occidental’s half-million-dollar donation will help the American Cancer Society continue to deliver the resources patients need to access cancer care that could save their lives.

The details: With the new contribution, Occidental is helping fund essential access to care programs that remove barriers often standing between diagnosis and survival for cancer patients, according to the release.

Programs the partnership is helping with include free lodging, rides to treatment and 24/7 support for cancer patients and caregivers.

Quote of note: “We are honored to contribute to the American Cancer Society and help remove barriers to accessing vital care so people can focus on their healing journey,” said Rob Stevens, vice president of supply chain with Occidental.

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.

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.