FROM THE EDITOR

☀️ Good morning, Houston! A dangerous five-day heat stretch is testing outdoor crews, while a judge’s order, a safe ending to a missing-person search, a 90th-anniversary fair, and a wild Astros comeback round out today’s edition. Let’s get started!

In This Edition of Houstonicity:

  • Workers Battle Houston Heat

  • Judge Orders Witness Released

  • Missing Athlete Found Safe

  • Fort Bend Fair Turns 90

  • And More…

THE WEATHER VANE

Wednesday: 98F / 78F | ☀️ | 25% | SSW 7 MPH
Thursday: 98F / 80F | ☀️ | 6% | SSW 7 MPH
Friday: 98F / 81F | ☀️ | 9% | SSW 7 MPH
Saturday: 100F / 82F | 🌤️ | 15% | SW 9 MPH
Sunday: 100F / 79F | 🌩️ | 55% | WNW 5 MPH

HOUSTON THINGS TO DO!

Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Thursday, July 30, 2026

Friday, July 31, 2026

HOUSTON’S NEWS

Workers Battle Houston Heat

Houston outdoor workers are facing dangerous heat as the city enters what may be its hottest week of the year. A utility crew on Hillcroft works in short stretches, then takes water and shade breaks about every 10 minutes. Foreman Darius Dotson keeps ice, water, and electrolyte drinks ready for the team.

Meteorologist Caroline Brown said Houston could see five straight days at or above 100 degrees. Landscaper Hugo Escobar said he drinks water often to stay safe. Labor leaders warn that outdoor workers face higher risks. Experts say dizziness, confusion, nausea, and fainting can mean heat illness and require quick action.

Judge Orders Witness Released

A federal judge ordered immigration officials to release Jose Trinidad Rojas Pliego within 48 hours. Rojas Pliego witnessed the fatal shooting of Lorenzo Salgado and has been held by ICE since July 7. Judge Keith Ellison said keeping him detained without a personal reason violated his right to due process.

Rojas Pliego has no criminal history and is seeking a U visa, which may protect crime victims and witnesses who help police. Lawyers say other witnesses remain detained while their cases move forward. The shooting and the detention cases are still under investigation.

Missing Athlete Found Safe

A Jordanian soccer player reported missing in Houston was found safe in Bridgeview, Illinois. Rabe’e Ata Juma’a Alqaq, 24, was visiting Houston for the Genuine Cup, a soccer event for players with cerebral palsy. His disappearance prompted a search by Rice University police and other agencies.

Police said Alqaq traveled by bus to Illinois on his own and later contacted Rice officers. Investigators found no sign of foul play. Officials are now working with law enforcement and the Jordanian delegation to arrange his return. The case ended with relief after days of concern from teammates, organizers, and the public.

AROUND THE METRO

Fort Bend Fair Turns 90

Fort Bend County’s landmark fair returns this fall for its 90th year. The Fort Bend County Fair and Rodeo will run from September 25 through October 4, offering 10 days of concerts, carnival rides, rodeo events, food, and family activities. The lineup includes country and Tejano performers.

The celebration also includes a fair queen scholarship contest and a barbecue cookoff on September 18 and 19. Money raised by the fair supports scholarships for local students. Organizers say the long-running event continues to blend agriculture, education, entertainment, and community traditions across Fort Bend County.

Residents Report Rat Problem

Senior residents in The Woodlands report a serious rat problem at Pineview at Grogansmill. Resident Tanya Moore said she has seen or caught about 18 rats in roughly one month. She said the animals entered apartments and caused fear among people living in the senior community.

Residents said they reported the issue to property management but believe more action is needed. FOX 26 said it was waiting for a response from management. The report also noted that residents may contact the Montgomery County Health Department. The claims have raised questions about pest control, building repairs, and living conditions at the complex.

Attention: Local Business Advertising Opportunity!

You may have noticed that we have been testing advertising. I’ve been using my bookkeeping business as the guinea pig and visits to its website have significantly increased.

We will be selecting a few local small business advertisers to receive a considerable amount of free advertising in multiple issues of one to four of our local newsletters (Houston, Conroe, Pearland, Sugar Land).

The free advertising will be a combination of story-style ads with a photo and internet links, and digital banner-type ads with a couple supporting sentences about your business and internet links. If you have a local small business, let’s have a conversation. You can email us at [email protected].

We are specifically looking for the following types of local small businesses:

  • Personal Injury Attorney

  • Insurance Agent / Agency

  • Junk Removal

  • HVAC

  • Landscaping

  • Financial Advisory or Wealth Management

  • Real Estate Agency

  • Dental Group

  • Primary Care Group

If you are a local business owner and are interested in advertising with us, email us today!

BUSINESS UPDATE

Houston Commerce Center Sold

A large northwest Houston industrial center has been sold after construction finished in June. Quannah Partners and LaSalle Investment Management developed the 183,301-square-foot 290 Crossroads Commerce Center. The buyer is a company that plans to use the building for its own operations.

The property went under contract early enough for the buyer to help shape parts of the final construction. The building is in northwest Houston near major transportation routes, which can help move goods and reach customers. The sale marks the completion of a new Class A industrial project built for modern warehouse and business needs.

7 Brew Plans Spring Shop

A new 7 Brew drive-through coffee shop is planned for 501 Sawdust Drive in Spring. State filings show the 510-square-foot building is expected to be under construction from October 1 through January 1. The location will add another quick-service drink option near The Woodlands.

7 Brew has grown to more than 700 locations. Its menu includes cold brews, Americanos, mochas, lattes, teas, smoothies, shakes, and flavored energy drinks. Customers can change flavors and ingredients to create custom drinks. The new shop will focus on drive-through service rather than a large indoor seating area.

Houstonicity is Presented By Clearjournals Bookkeeping

If you own a service business (e.g. Cleaning company, Plumbing, HVAC, Restoration, Roofing, etc.) and need bookkeeping, check out Clearjournals at Clearjournals.com.

HOUSTON SPORTS NEWS

Astros Rally Past Angels On Monday

The Astros erased a four-run deficit to beat the Los Angeles Angels 6-4 in the July 27 series opener. Houston entered the ninth inning down 4-2, then scored four runs despite getting only one hit in the frame. Walks, an error, and a hit batter helped fuel the comeback.

LaMonte Wade Jr. drew a bases-loaded walk that put Houston ahead. Cristian Javier gave the club five scoreless relief innings and struck out seven batters. Josh Hader closed the game for the save. The win improved Houston’s record to 53-55 and gave the team a dramatic start to the road series.

Mack Returns for Eighth UH Football Season

Houston defender Brandon Mack II will begin a rare eighth college football season. His career has stretched through a redshirt year, pandemic eligibility, and two medical redshirts after injuries in 2021 and 2023. Now 25, Mack has become a veteran leader teammates call “Unc.”

Mack produced some of his best football in the past two seasons and recorded five sacks in 2025. He hopes another year at Houston will help him reach the NFL. A newer five-for-five eligibility rule means future players will not be able to follow the same long path, making Mack’s story especially unusual.

THANKS!

⚾ That’s it for today, Houston. Stay cool and have a great Wednesday!

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