The city of Houston has officially closed on its purchase of 419 Emancipation, a facility that the city plans to turn into a hub for homeless individuals. City officials said the hub will be a “front door” to connect the homeless to wraparound resources and, eventually, housing.

The new center is part of Mayor John Whitmire’s plan to end street homelessness by 2026.

The details: Housing and Community Development Director Mike Nichols said the city is currently doing minor repairs on the facility, and they will soon choose an operator for it.

“We are very pleased with the applicants,” Nichols said. “To me, that’s the biggest deal—who is operating it, and then the last is making sure that funding is all in place.”

Nichols said the anticipated exact opening date will depend on the operator and the money that flows in for the program. However, the hub is expected to open by June. The city will also announce an operator for the hub in early March.

Heights artist Mitch Cohen founded the First Saturday Arts Market back in 2004. Now, Houston's longest-running monthly outdoor fine art event will celebrate its 22nd year in the Heights on March 7.

Some context: The First Saturday Arts Market features dozens of visual artists showcasing their work, ranging from paintings and sculptures to photography and jewelry. The free outdoor event also often includes local entertainment.

The celebration: To celebrate 22 years in the neighborhood, Cohen will host an anniversary edition of the market on March 7 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event will spotlight several artists with 20+ years at the market, including:

• Potter John Delafield
• Painter Carolyn Coates

• 540 W. 19th St., Houston

Celebrate Ramadan at one of the multiple community events—from pop-up markets to a Quran recital competition—being held across the Greater Houston area.

This list is not comprehensive. Events are subject to change.

GenerAction Jam Iftar
A film showcase, live poetry and spoken word will be the highlights of this event, which is hosted by Houston Muslim Filmmakers and IslamInSpanish. The showcase’s theme is “Reflection Before Reaction.” An Iftar dinner will follow the performances. This event is recommended for attendees 18 years and older. Advanced registration is required.

• Feb. 26, 6:30-8 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.)
• Free (attendance)
• IslamInSpanish Centro Islamico, 12703 Brant Rock Drive, Houston

• Feb. 28, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; March 8, 2-10 p.m.
• Call 832-907-9981 for pricing information
• Hilton Garden Inn, 722 Bon Aventure Way, Sugar Land

With a few days left to vote early in the March primaries, more Texans have turned out to the polls this year than in recent primary elections.

The gist: The increase is particularly pronounced among Democratic primary voters, state data shows, with more than twice as many Democratic votes cast by Feb. 24 than in Texas’ last gubernatorial primary.

Zooming in: Statewide, nearly 1.3 million Texans, or about 7% of the state’s 18.7 million registered voters, cast early ballots through Feb. 24, the eighth day of the 11-day early voting period. This is up from about 6% turnout at the same point in 2024 and about 4% turnout in 2022.

In interviews with Community Impact, election analysts attributed Texas’ rising primary voter turnout in part to a slate of competitive, high-profile races on each party’s primary ballot.

At the polls: Early voting in Texas’ Republican and Democratic primaries runs through Feb. 27, and primary election day is March 3. During early voting, registered voters can visit any polling location within their county of residence.