Bellaire officials will begin construction the week of July 13, pending weather, on a project to replace aging and undersized water distribution mains along South Rice Avenue. The work is part of the city's ongoing efforts to improve system reliability, enhance water quality and increase fire flow capacity for residents, according to a July 10 news release.

What to expect: Construction is anticipated to begin on South Rice Avenue between Jessamine Street and Pine Street, per a memo from the city. Work will then progress onto the surrounding side streets as the project continues. Residents can expect to see traffic impacts in the designated construction areas as well as lane reduction, detours and/or reduced speeds near the project zone.

Community Relations Administrator Cheryl Bright said construction is expected to last through August 2027.

About the project: The $5 million waterline replacement project was selected as one of the Capital Projects for fiscal year 2026-27. The work includes design, replacement of waterlines, valves, fittings, service connections and pavement restoration.

The Dog Bar is officially open for business at 2404 Montrose Blvd. and will be hosting its grand opening event Aug. 2, co-owner Shantell Biddlecome confirmed.

What to expect: With an emphasis on creating a laid-back, dog-centered environment, The Dog Bar invites Houston residents to have a drink and connect with other patrons, all while bringing along their dogs to play at its outdoor, turfed yard.

The family-owned patio and bar offers a selection of craft beer, wine, coffee and mocktails. In addition to these products, patrons can also enjoy light snacks and order treats for their furry friends.

The bottom line: Although the bar’s grand opening is still underway, customers can visit the location in the meantime during its hours of operation. The Dog Bar is currently open Friday through Sunday.

• 2404 Montrose Blvd., Houston

Houston will provide funding to invest in neighborhood parks with the greatest need.

What this means: Houston City Council approved $11 million to invest in 25 neighborhood parks throughout the city. The funding will allow the Houston Parks and Recreation Department and the Houston Parks Board, under the Let’s Play Houston initiative, to design and provide construction for the improvements.

The Let’s Play Houston initiative identified over 180 neighborhood parks and found that the 25 in the program had the greatest need. At least one park is in each council district.

The first round will improve 11 of the identified parks, including:

• Andover Park
• Bricker Park
• E.L. Crain Park
• Greenwood Park
• Haden Park
• Haviland Park
• Lawrence Park
• Montie Beach Park
• Pumpkin Park
• Trinity Gardens Park
• 6640 Wilcrest Greenspace

Produced by The Cleverley Stone Foundation, Houston Restaurant Weeks is a multiweek event from August through September that helps raise funds for the Houston Food Bank through specially priced, prix fixe menus at participating restaurants.

HRW is now entering its 23rd year, and menus for the 2026 event officially went live July 15.

How it works: Houston Restaurant Weeks will return Aug. 1 through Sept. 7, offering 38 days of prix fixe brunch, lunch and dinner menus. According to a July 15 news release, more than 350 restaurants are expected to participate across the Greater Houston area from the Inner Loop, downtown and the Galleria to Sugar Land, The Woodlands and Galveston.

Customers can expect to find special menus throughout the month that range from $25 to $55, depending on the menu. Brunch and lunch are $25, with dinner options priced at $39 or $55.

Why it matters: For every dollar donated, approximately three meals are generated by the Houston Food Bank. In 2025, the event garnered over $1.6 million, per prior reporting.

As heavy rain and flash flooding threatens large swaths of South and Central Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott spoke to reporters about the state's preparation for and response to the severe weather July 15.

The big picture: The heaviest rainfall is occurring in southwest Texas, according to the National Weather Service, with 10-15 inches of rain expected through July 16 along the U.S. 90 corridor west of San Antonio. As of 2:40 p.m. July 15, all or parts of 14 counties were under a flash flood warning, including Comal, Hays and Bexar counties.

The city of New Braunfels announced several road closures July 15, and the city closed recreational access to the Comal River due to continued rainfall and rising water levels, Community Impact reported.

The severe weather came just over a year after historic flooding killed more than 130 people in Central Texas on July 4-5, 2025.

More details: Dozens of other counties were under flood watches, advisories and warnings. Fifty-nine counties were also under a state disaster declaration as of July 14.