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Japanese arcade to close in Pearland

Japanese arcade Okashi is slated to close at the end of May, owner Chris Many said.

The overview: The arcade offered Japanese rhythm, racing and action games, according to the arcade's website.

"To every customer, supporter, employee, friend, and person who believed in this vision: thank you," Many said in a social media post. "You helped turn a dream into something real, and that is something I will always be proud of. This decision wasn’t easy, but sometimes growth means knowing when it’s time to close one chapter and move forward into the next."

  • 6065 Broadway St., Pearland

 
CI Business
Dentistry 4 Children to celebrate 30 year anniversary in June

Dentistry 4 Children will celebrate 30 years of service on June 25, according to the business’ website.

What you need to know: The dental practice will mark the milestone with a free public celebration featuring food, prizes and activities for the family, according to its website.

  • 505 S. Friendswood Dr., Ste. 209, Friendswood

 
County Coverage
Early Harris County budget projections show $257M shortfall possibility for FY 2026-27

Harris County officials are gearing up for another summer of tough budget decisions as the projected shortfall for fiscal year 2026-27 could reach up to $257 million, according to a May 14 presentation to Commissioners Court.

The overview: Based on current spending forecasts, Harris County’s general fund shortfall for FY 2026-27 is projected to range from $129 million to $257 million pending the adopted property tax rate, OMB Director Daniel Ramos told Commissioners Court.

More details: While Harris County’s spending has increased year over year—jumping 12% in FY 2025-26 compared to the prior year—revenue sources aren’t keeping pace, the presentation shows. The county is on track to conclude the current fiscal year Sept. 30 with a $27 million shortfall, Ramos said. 

Quote of note: “You’re going to be hearing about Harris County fees, cuts [and] others soon enough if we don’t figure out a way to be more efficient,” County Judge Lina Hidalgo said. “We put the county and the people of Harris County at a $200 million hole irresponsibly last year.”

 
Statewide News
Texas Supreme Court declines to expel Houston Rep. Gene Wu over summer quorum break

The Texas Supreme Court on May 15 denied Gov. Greg Abbott’s request to remove state Rep. Gene Wu from office after the Houston Democrat led his colleagues in a walkout to protest congressional redistricting last summer.

The details: In the court’s majority opinion, Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock ruled that because Wu and other House Democrats “voluntarily returned” to the Capitol two weeks after their August departure, it was not necessary for the court to get involved.

The court also rejected a petition by Attorney General Ken Paxton to expel Wu and 12 other Democrats over the walkout, consolidating the two requests in one ruling.

What they're saying: Wu celebrated the ruling in a May 15 statement, saying that "the Constitution does not let a governor erase voters’ choices when their choices are inconvenient to him."

Abbott's office argued the governor's August lawsuit helped end the walkout and said the state was prepared to fight future quorum breaks: "If Democrats abandon their offices again, the governor will bring them right back to the Texas Supreme Court."

 

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