Harris County commissioners are expected to vote on an agenda item in the coming months on the potential transfer of operation and maintenance responsibility of Moody Park, a public playground, community center and green space located near Little White Oak Bayou.

What's happening: The ordinance to transfer responsibility from Houston to Harris County first appeared before Houston City Council on Jan. 13. The agenda item states the proposed interlocal agreement would authorize the county to operate and maintain Moody Park for a term of 20 years and construct improvements to existing soccer fields.

The county will also be responsible for all existing structures, improvements, mowing every 14 days, litter removal every three days, illegal dumping, security and maintenance of trees within the park. 

Some context: Moody Park was selected by Harris County and the Houston Sports Authority Foundation to benefit from the FreeKicks Soccer Program, a FIFA World Cup 2026 initiative that aims to revitalize communities and promote the game of soccer for underserved youth. Four new soccer fields will also be built.

Officials with Bari Hospitality Group announced Jan. 15 in a news release that a new restaurant concept called Exilio Latin Flair will open soon in the Harlow District.

The details: Exilio Latin Flair is expected to feature a "sophisticated" Latin menu, along with a curated cocktail and wine program, according to the release. The menu will be inspired by the countries, cultures and ingredients of Central America, the Caribbean, South America, Mexico and Spain, with inspiration drawn from the Indigenous ingredients, spices and traditional techniques.

The restaurant will be open seven days a week and serve lunch, dinner, cocktails and weekend brunch, per the release. A wine program will also highlight vintages from countries such as North and South America, as well as Spain.

Something to note: An official with the restaurant said that an exact date for the opening is not currently available, but residents can expect it to open in the near future. The restaurant will replace the former Verde Garden, which closed on Jan. 17.

• 2817 W. Dallas St., Building C, Houston

Early voting begins Jan. 21 for a special runoff election being held Jan. 31 for the vacant Congressional District 18 seat.

Some context: A special election was held Nov. 4 to fill the vacant congressional seat following the death of incumbent Sylvester Turner in March.

The special election, which had 16 candidates, resulted in a runoff election between the top two vote-getters: Democratic candidates Christian Dashaun Menefee and Amanda Edwards. The winner of the special runoff election will serve Congressional District 18 for the remainder of Turner's unexpired term, which ends in January 2027.

What voters should know: For the special runoff election, polls will be open for early voting in accordance with following schedule:

• Jan. 21-24: 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
• Jan. 25: noon-7 p.m.
• Jan. 26-27: 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County announced in a Jan. 14 news release the expansion of an initiative which aims to increase the amount of law enforcement officers across the system's facilities.

The details: Per the release, METRO is partnering with the following law enforcement agencies for additional uniformed officers on trains, buses, platforms and transit centers:

• Houston Police Department
• Harris County Sheriff’s Office
• Harris County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office
• Harris County Precinct 6 Constable’s Office
• Harris County Precinct 7 Constable’s Office

Three Democratic candidates are running to represent Texas in the U.S. Senate during the upcoming March 3 primary election.

The overview: Jasmine Crockett, Ahmad R. Hassan and James Talarico are competing for the Democratic nomination for a six-year term in the U.S. Senate.

The details: Each state has two U.S. senators, with Ted Cruz and John Cornyn currently representing Texas. Cornyn, whose seat is up for election, is running for reelection in an eight-way Republican primary.

The winning Democratic candidate will face the winner of the Republican nomination in November; the winner of that election will be sworn in to the U.S. Senate in January 2027.

Eight Republican candidates are running to represent Texas in the U.S. Senate during the upcoming March 3 primary election.

The big picture: Republican incumbent John Cornyn is seeking a fifth term as Texas' senior senator. Each state has two U.S. senators—Cornyn currently serves alongside Republican Ted Cruz.

Seven Republican candidates are challenging Cornyn for the Republican nomination: John O. Adefope, Anna Bender, Virgil John Bierschwale, Sara Canady, Wesley Hunt, Gulrez “Gus” Khan and Ken Paxton.

If no candidate receives more than 50% of the votes in the Republican primary, a runoff election will be held between the two top vote-getters on May 26.

Looking ahead: The winning Republican candidate will face the winner of the Democratic nomination in November; the winner of that election will be sworn in to the U.S. Senate in January 2027.