After former Houston City Council member Abbie Kamin vacated her seat in early 2026 to run for Harris County attorney, seven candidates stepped up to replace her as District C representative.

Geographically, District C includes portions of the Heights, Washington Avenue, Montrose, Rice Village and Meyerland.

Preparing for the polls: Candidates had from Dec. 1 to Feb. 2 to file an application with the city of Houston. A drawing for the ballot order was conducted at City Hall on Feb. 3.

Something to note: Candidates were asked to keep responses within 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.

Candidates are listed in the order they will appear on the ballot:

• Angelica Luna Kaufman
• Sophia Campos
• Audrey Nath
• Laura C. Gallier
• Patrick Outhout
• Joe Panzarella
• Nick Hellyar

The long-awaited restaurant by husband-and-wife duo Paige and Andrew Alvis, dubbed the Long Weekend, officially opened its doors to Houston residents March 4.

The setup: Long Weekend is a ranch-inspired neighborhood restaurant designed as a gathering place for food, family and community. According to a March 2 news release, the concept pairs wood-fired Western cuisine with a breakfast cafe and expansive indoor-outdoor space.

On the menu: The menu will deliver cowboy-inspired comfort food and specialty dishes such as spathcock style rainbow trout, an elk burger, bacon jalapeño poppers, deviled eggs, caviar potatoes and a slew of pizzas.

The restaurant's cafe will also serve morning breakfast favorites such as Migas, omelets, breakfast burritos, tacos, pancakes and French toast, as well as a full coffee program. 

Looking for a libation: Long Weekend's cocktail menu, dubbed "From the Saloon," will showcase a lineup of handcrafted drinks with Western flair, such as house margaritas, mezcal and tequila-based cocktails.

• 2044 E. TC Jester Blvd., Houston

Houston-area residents and landlords provided feedback to city officials throughout February and March on the city's proposed apartment inspection ordinance, which seeks to regulate high-risk properties.

Council members Tiffany Thomas and Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum held their second apartment inspection community meeting March 5. Officials from various city departments, including City Council, the fire department, and Housing and Community Development, also spoke to attendees and helped with questions and concerns.

The setup: The current proposed ordinance would require properties that have been deemed high risk to be added to a High-Risk Apartment Inspection Program. Properties in that program will remain on a list of high-risk properties for six months or until they have resolved violations or residents are no longer living in the property of concern. 

A property would be considered high-risk if it is among the top five properties with the most 311 complaints about health or safety, or has more than 10 verified safety or health concerns within six months.

Since 1932, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has brought cowboys and cowgirls, country music performers, farmers and Texas youth together. Each year, the Rodeo hosts several diverse events, including auctions, cookoffs and concerts, all with the goal of promoting Western heritage. 

By the numbers: Here’s a glimpse of what the report stated:

• $326 million of direct economic impact was generated in the Greater Houston area
• $597 million of total economic activity was produced
• $630 million of total educational support has been given since 1932

Measuring the impact: Additionally, the Rodeo continues to be one of the largest scholarship and educational contributors in the country, per the report, with more than $14 million given in scholarships. 

Going forward: As for 2026 and the upcoming years, Pat Mann Phillips, chairman of the board of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, said she is focused on keeping the Rodeo grounded in its roots and in remembrance of the trailblazers who shaped it into what it is today.