Month: January 2026

By Burt Levine

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    January 8, 2026 (Houston Style Magazine) — If you thought the confetti was barely swept up from New Year’s celebrations before Houston hit pause, think again. While many residents welcomed January with black-eyed peas, vision boards, and promises to hit the gym, Houston-area voters stepped into 2026 facing something equally demanding—and far more consequential: an unprecedented stretch of elections that will shape local, state, and national leadership for years to come.

Let us break it down for you, Houston Style Magazine–style—clear, civic-minded, and empowering.

January 31: A Runoff with National Stakes

The election calendar kicks off immediately with a high-profile runoff on January 31, 2026, to fill the remainder of the late Congressman Sylvester Turner’s term. Voters will choose between former Houston City Council Member Amanda Edwards and newly re-elected Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee.

This special election is more than procedural—it’s about continuity, representation, and momentum. The winner will serve as an interim U.S. Representative through January 2027, holding the seat until the next general election in November 2026. In a district with deep historical roots and evolving boundaries, this vote matters.

February 17–March 3: Primary Season Takes Over

Just weeks later, February 17, 2026, marks the start of Early Voting for the Super Tuesday primaries on March 3, 2026, and Houston voters will see crowded ballots at nearly every level.

At the center is the race for the Democratic nomination in the newly drawn Texas Congressional District 18, a district reshaped geographically and politically. The field includes Edwards and Menefee once again, joined by longtime Congressman Al Green and Gretchen Brown. The new district now stretches south and west—from Sunnyside through Meyerland, Stafford, and Missouri City—bringing new communities and priorities into focus.

U.S. Senate, Statewide Power, and Crowded Ballots

The same February 17, 2026, Early Voting period also launches one of the most closely watched races in Texas: the U.S. Senate primary. Voters will weigh a packed Republican contest featuring incumbent John Cornyn, Attorney General Ken Paxton, and Houston Congressman Wesley Hunt.

On the Democratic side, attention centers on U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett and State Rep. James Talarico, setting up what could be a defining matchup for Texas’ political future.

Add to that open races for Attorney General, State Comptroller, and competitive county contests—including Harris County and Fort Bend County Judge—and you have ballots packed with choices that demand voter focus and follow-through.

March 25–April 4: City Hall Meets the Courthouse

Democracy doesn’t slow down after Super Tuesday. On March 25, 2026, Early Voting begins for the April 4, 2026, special election to replace former Houston City Council Member Abbie Kamin.

Kamin is seeking to succeed Menefee as Harris County Attorney, potentially becoming the county’s first Jewish and first woman to hold the post. Challenging her is Judge Audrie Lawton Evans, backed by Commissioner Rodney Ellis, with the opportunity to make history as the county’s first African American woman County Attorney.

Late May: The Runoffs Keep Coming

By May 28, 2026, just after Memorial Day, primary runoffs are expected for U.S. Senate, Congress, and key statewide offices—closing out what can only be described as a marathon season of civic engagement.

The Bigger Picture

Yes, it’s a lot. But it’s also something powerful.

This spring represents renewal—not just of leadership, but of participation. Houston’s strength has always come from its people showing up, staying informed, and refusing to sit on the sidelines. Every election, every runoff, every early-voting day is an invitation to shape the city and state we pass on to the next generation.

Houston Style Magazine will be right here — breaking it down, keeping it clear, and reminding you why your voice still matters.

Because democracy doesn’t run on autopilot. It runs on you.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Francis Page, Jr
fpagejr@stylemagazine.com
7139275444

By Lisa Valadez

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    January 8, 2026 (Houston Style Magazine) — Houston Style Magazine was on the scene in Alief as Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones announced a new $33.5 million investment in community infrastructure, marking the third year of her Places 4 People initiative. The latest round of funding will support seven major infrastructure projects designed to enhance public safety, improve flood mitigation, strengthen neighborhood connectivity, and expand access to parks across Precinct 4.

The announcement took place in the Alief community, underscoring the area’s central role in this year’s investments. One of the most significant efforts highlighted was the Alief Forest South neighborhood transformation, a $25.6 million infrastructure investment aimed at improving resiliency and quality of life for residents. The project includes $7 million from Harris County Precinct 4 and $18.6 million from the City of Houston.

Funding for the Alief Forest South project will go toward reconstructing nearly 3.9 miles of local streets, adding two new detention ponds to reduce flooding risks, replacing four miles of water lines, and upgrading 3,000 feet of sanitation lines. Together, these improvements are designed to address aging infrastructure while strengthening flood prevention and public safety in one of Houston’s most diverse communities.

The seven projects announced are being developed in partnership with the City of Houston, the Westchase District, the Houston Parks Board, and the Southwest Houston Redevelopment Authority/TIRZ 20. These collaborations reflect a coordinated, community-driven approach to infrastructure planning and delivery.

The Places 4 People initiative focuses on working with local agencies and organizations to deliver impactful improvements that directly benefit residents. This latest investment continues that mission by prioritizing roads, intersections, traffic signals, parks, sidewalk improvements, drainage, and other critical infrastructure needs.

Beyond this year’s $33.5 million announcement, the broader effort to build safer and more resilient infrastructure across Precinct 4 represents a total investment of $252.4 million. Harris County Precinct 4 is contributing $110.7 million, with an additional $141.7 million coming from 28 different partners, highlighting the scale of collaboration behind the initiative.

Houston Mayor Whitmire

The event brought together local and regional leaders, including Houston Mayor John Whitmire; City of Houston Council Member Tiffany Thomas of District F; Alief Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Anthony Mays; Houston Parks Board President and CEO Justin Schultz; Westchase District President and CEO Irma Sanchez; and Welcome Wilson Jr., Chairman of the Southwest Houston Redevelopment Authority/TIRZ 20.

As the Places 4 People initiative enters its third year, the continued focus on Alief and other communities across Precinct 4 reflects an ongoing commitment to creating safer, more connected, and more resilient neighborhoods throughout Harris County.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Francis Page, Jr
fpagejr@stylemagazine.com
7139275444

By Francis Page, Jr.

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    January 8, 2026 (Houston Style Magazine) — Houston, get ready to laugh loud, laugh long, and maybe laugh at yourself just a little. Comedy legend George Lopez is heading to H-Town for one unforgettable night of stand-up, and the countdown is officially on.

Originally scheduled for Saturday, August 2, 2025, the show has been rescheduled—and yes, it’s worth the wait.

Previously purchased tickets will be honored for the new date:

Friday, February 6, 2026 | 7:00 PM NRG (Houston’s crown jewel of live entertainment)

A Comedy Icon Who Still Tells It Like It Is

For more than two decades, George Lopez has been doing what only a handful of comedians can do—making audiences laugh while holding up a mirror. A true cultural trailblazer, Lopez didn’t just break barriers for Latino performers; he kicked the door open, held it there, and said, “Everybody come in.”

From family dysfunction and generational clashes to aging, culture, and everyday absurdities, Lopez has mastered the art of turning real life into riotous comedy. His humor is sharp, self-aware, and always rooted in truth—whether he’s talking about Latino family dynamics or the universal chaos of modern life.

From TV Royalty to Streaming Superstar

Houston fans know him best as the heart and soul of the groundbreaking ABC sitcom George Lopez, a show that redefined Latino representation on network television and still resonates today in syndication.

Fast-forward to now, and Lopez is still owning the screen—this time alongside his real-life daughter, Mayan Lopez, in NBC’s hit sitcom Lopez vs. Lopez, currently in its third season. The show blends heartfelt storytelling with laugh-out-loud moments, proving that comedy (and family) only get better with age.

One Last Stand… and It’s a Big One

Lopez’s most recent stand-up special, Muy Católico, premiered to critical acclaim after being filmed live at Los Angeles’ legendary Dolby Theatre. The special dives headfirst into aging, faith, culture, and family—with the fearless honesty fans expect and the punchlines they crave.

Seeing George Lopez live isn’t just a comedy show—it’s an experience. The timing, the crowd work, the stories you didn’t know you needed to hear—it all hits differently when you’re in the room.

A Night Houston Won’t Forget

This February, Houston gets front-row access to one of America’s most influential comedians—live, uncensored, and at the top of his game. Expect big laughs, smart humor, and that unmistakable George Lopez swagger that has defined generations of comedy fans.

If you’ve ever laughed at his sitcoms, quoted his stand-up, or nodded along thinking, “Yep… that’s my family,” this night is for you.

Don’t miss George Lopez—live in Houston—Friday, February 6, 2026 at 7:00 PM. Because some comedians tell jokes… George Lopez tells the truth—funny.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Francis Page, Jr
fpagejr@stylemagazine.com
7139275444

By Francis Page, Jr.

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    January 8, 2026 (Houston Style Magazine) — Houston is about to feel the thunder of tumbling passes, the sparkle of sequins, and the roar of championship-level cheer as the National Cheerleading Association (NCA) All-Star National Championship makes its Houston debut. From Friday, February 27 through Sunday, March 1, 2026, the nation’s largest all-star cheer competition will take over the heart of downtown—marking not just a milestone event, but the beginning of a three-year love affair between NCA and the Bayou City.

A First for Houston—and a Big One

For the first time in its storied history, the NCA All-Star National Championship will be hosted in Houston, welcoming an estimated 65,000 athletes, families, coaches, and fans from across the country. Competition venues will span the George R. Brown Convention Center campus, extending into Toyota Center and activating Discovery Green, creating a festival-like atmosphere that showcases Houston’s ability to host world-class, large-format events.

This marquee championship is produced by National Cheerleading Association, a Varsity Spirit brand, in partnership with Houston First Corporation—Houston’s official destination marketing organization.

Big Spirit. Bigger Impact.

The numbers tell a powerful story. Each year, the NCA All-Star National Championship is expected to generate $50 million in economic impact, culminating in a projected $150 million boost over the three-year agreement spanning 2026, 2027, and 2028. More than 150 Houston-area hotels are anticipated to benefit, alongside restaurants, transportation providers, retailers, and cultural attractions citywide.

“This is a high-impact event with tens of thousands of attendees that will activate our convention campus and bring business to hotels and small businesses throughout the city,” said Michael Heckman, President and CEO of Houston First. “We’re excited to showcase what Houston can do on a national stage.”

A Championship City Meets Championship Spirit

Houston was a natural fit. With its proven track record hosting Super Bowls, Final Fours, global conventions, and major cultural festivals, the city brings scale, hospitality, and heart—qualities that mirror the energy of all-star cheer itself.

“As one of the largest all-star events in the country, the NCA All-Star National Championship deserves a city that matches its scale and enthusiasm,” said Justin Carrier, Vice President of Event Operations and Experience for Varsity Spirit. “Houston was the clear choice.”

Behind the scenes, Houston First and Varsity Spirit are collaborating closely with key partners—including Fertitta Entertainment, which operates Toyota Center, Discovery Green leadership, and public safety teams—to ensure a safe, seamless, and unforgettable experience for athletes and visitors alike.

More Than a Competition—It’s a Celebration

For Houston, this event is more than pom-poms and pyramids. It’s a celebration of youth athletics, discipline, teamwork, and dreams, wrapped in a weekend that will light up downtown with color, sound, and citywide pride. Families will discover Houston’s legendary culinary scene, world-class museums, performing arts, and green spaces—many just steps from the competition floor.

For the cheer community, it’s a championship moment in a city that knows how to celebrate excellence.

Plan Your Visit & Learn More

Houston First Corporation: houstonfirst.com National Cheerleading Association (NCA): varsity.com/nca Varsity Spirit: varsity.com George R. Brown Convention Center: grbhouston.com Discovery Green: discoverygreen.com

As February 2026 approaches, one thing is certain: Houston is ready to bring the heat, the heart, and the hospitality. When the NCA All-Star National Championship hits downtown, the city won’t just host the event—it will cheer right along with it.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Francis Page, Jr
fpagejr@stylemagazine.com
7139275444

By Francis Page, Jr.

Click here for updates on this story

    January 8, 2026 (Houston Style Magazine) — On Monday, January 5, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., the doors of the Edison Cultural Arts Center officially opened—and with them, a powerful new chapter in Houston’s cultural story. What once stood dormant for nearly 25 years as a shuttered shopping center now hums with life, possibility, and purpose, following a celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony that brought together artists, educators, civic leaders, and families from across the city and Francis Page, Jr., Editor and Publisher of Houston Style Magazine, was in attendance to capture it all.

The grand opening was more than a ceremonial moment; it was a visible affirmation of what intentional community investment can achieve. Laughter echoed through freshly transformed halls. Art installations sparked conversation. Young people imagined themselves on stages, behind easels, and at the center of a future that finally felt accessible.

Hosted by the Edison Arts Foundation, the event reflected years of planning, collaboration, and belief that Houston’s creative ecosystem thrives when opportunity is shared broadly and equitably. Guests enjoyed guided tours of the expansive facility, interactive artistic demonstrations, culinary bites, and previews of the center’s inaugural programming—each moment reinforcing that this space was built with the community and for the community.

“At its heart, the Edison Cultural Arts Center is about access,” said Charity Carter, Executive Director of the Edison Arts Foundation. “We are opening doors for young people, emerging artists, and families who deserve meaningful opportunities to learn, create, and see themselves reflected in the arts.” Her words resonated deeply throughout the celebration, capturing the spirit of a project rooted in inclusion and imagination.

The ribbon-cutting itself carried symbolic weight. Led by Martha Castex-Tatum, Mayor Pro Tem and Council Member for District K, alongside fellow elected officials, foundation board members, staff, and community partners, the moment signaled a shared commitment to cultural equity, neighborhood revitalization, and long-term creative investment. The collective applause that followed felt less like formality and more like gratitude—for perseverance, partnership, and progress.

As the celebration continued, attendees mingled with artists and educators who will soon bring the center to life through year-round programming. At the core of that vision is the Edison Cultural Arts Center Afterschool Arts Academy, designed to serve young creatives with instruction in performing and visual arts, exhibitions, hands-on workshops, masterclasses, and live performances. Beyond youth education, the center will host community events, artist showcases, and collaborative initiatives that strengthen Houston’s already vibrant arts landscape.

What makes the Edison Cultural Arts Center especially compelling is its transformation story. Repurposing a long-abandoned property into a thriving cultural hub sends a clear message: communities can reclaim space, reimagine purpose, and rewrite narratives. This isn’t just adaptive reuse—it’s cultural renewal.

For Houston Style Magazine readers, this opening represents something larger than a single building. It’s about momentum. It’s about neighborhoods being seen, artists being supported, and young people being given tools to express, explore, and excel. In a city as diverse and creative as Houston, institutions like the Edison Cultural Arts Center are essential bridges between talent and opportunity.

As the final tours wrapped up and the last conversations lingered, one thing was clear: this was not an ending, but a beginning. The Edison Cultural Arts Center now stands ready to educate, inspire, and elevate—proof that when vision meets community, the arts don’t just survive; they soar.

For upcoming programs, partnerships, and membership opportunities, visit edisonartsfoundation.org

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Francis Page, Jr
fpagejr@stylemagazine.com
7139275444