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Houston officials say the city will host seven FIFA World Cup 2026 matches at NRG Stadium and expect about 500,000 visitors over three weeks in June, a temporary population increase of roughly 20 percent. Organizers project the influx of international and domestic fans could generate up to $1 billion in economic impact through hotel stays, dining, transportation and entertainment spending. City, tourism and airport authorities coordinate security, transit, staffing and infrastructure plans as they prepare Houston to serve as a major U.S. host city for the global soccer tournament.

A mural of Nobel laureate and girls’ education advocate Malala Yousafzai near Houston’s Heights neighborhood was vandalized again with white paint covering her portrait, prompting Houston City Council Member Abbie Kamin to pledge city funding for its restoration as officials assess damage, review security measures, and coordinate with artists and arts organizations to repair the public artwork.

Texas has launched a website allowing the public to submit complaints or feedback on the state’s colleges and universities.

Suzy Seeley, 66, will run her 350th marathon Sunday at the 2026 Chevron Houston Marathon, continuing a running career that began more than 30 years ago.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Thursday raised the possibility of state intervention in Harris County elections, citing a report that more than 100 voter registrations in the county were linked to private post office boxes, which can violate state election laws.

Gov. Greg Abbott visited Houston on Thursday afternoon to receive an endorsement for reelection from the Texas Municipal Police Association, an organization that represents more than 30,000 law enforcement officers statewide.

Dozens of parents attended a Houston ISD information session Tuesday to discuss the district’s plan to close several on-campus magnet programs across 10 high schools.

The Houston City Council on Wednesday approved a $30 million program to demolish blighted buildings using stormwater mitigation funds, passing the measure 9-7 amid a clash between Mayor John Whitmire and City Controller Chris Hollins.

A Texas City funeral director helped coordinate the return of victims who died in a medical support plane crash in Galveston Bay, leading a procession on Jan. 2 to honor five of the six passengers killed in the incident.