Juliana Russell

Memorial City IceRink in Houston will remain open past its original closing date due to strong community support, allowing continued skating and hockey programming through December 14, 2026. The extension accommodates in-house hockey registrations for the fall, with a full game and playoff schedule planned through February 2027, and any unused prepaid sessions after closure will be refunded.

Cyclospora, a parasite causing gastrointestinal illness, has reemerged in Texas and several other states, with Texas and Illinois reporting up to 30 cases each and New York leading with around 80 cases since May 1, 2026.

Following a devastating earthquake in Venezuela, several Houston locations are collecting donations to aid victims. Donation sites include Daikin Park with the Houston Astros, Sharky’s Waterfront Grill and Chimichurri’s South American Grill, and 10th Planet Houston, each accepting various supplies. Monetary donations are also encouraged as the death toll rises. The community is urged to contribute and inform organizers of additional donation opportunities.

Houston offers various options for weekend activities for those with extra spending money.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo announced a major new facility, marking one of its largest investments in 95 years to expand its support for Texas youth and agriculture.

Eight North Texas Antifa cell members were sentenced to a combined 450 years in prison for their involvement in a terrorist attack on the Prairieland Detention Center, including the attempted murder of a police officer. Benjamin Hanil Song, identified as the group's leader, received a 100-year sentence for his role in organizing and arming the group. The convictions follow a 12-day trial with extensive evidence linking the defendants to the attack, including weapons, body armor, and efforts to avoid phone tracking. Seven additional defendants who pleaded guilty to providing material support to terrorists face up to 15 years each and will be sentenced on July 1, 2026.

Emylee Thai, a laboratory owner, has been added to Houston’s FBI Most Wanted list for allegedly orchestrating a $100 million Medicare fraud scheme involving unnecessary genetic testing and kickback payments. After being released on bail and fitted with an ankle monitor, Thai removed her GPS device and fled the U.S. to Vietnam using a false identity. Federal arrest warrants have been issued, and the FBI is offering a $150,000 reward for information leading to her arrest.

If you’ve got a problem with mosquitoes in your area, there are ways to request help from your county.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has taken Houston by storm, with hundreds of international fans traveling to the city for the first time.

With historic Juneteenth celebrations approaching, Houston is giving residents several opportunities to come together and commemorate the day marking the end of slavery in the United States.

Houston is hosting a series of family-friendly and soccer-themed events to celebrate the FIFA World Cup, including free watch parties at Sugar Land Town Square, a Summer Soccer Celebration at Levy Park, and special activities at the Children's Museum Houston.

Parking at Houston Stadium during the FIFA World Cup is expensive and traffic is expected to be heavy, making METRO public transit the most cost-effective option for attendees, with $3 all-day passes and free Community Connection service in several neighborhoods.