🏙️ Good morning, Houston! Today’s issue starts with a new city budget, then heads to Fan Fest, League City, Fort Bend, and a big Rice track weekend. There is a lot moving around town as World Cup energy starts picking up.

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Thursday: 91F | 77F |⛈️| 55% | SSE 10 MPH
Friday: 92F | 77F |🌦️| 55% | SE 8 MPH
Saturday: 91F | 78F |⛈️| 55% | SE 10 MPH
Sunday: 89F | 78F |🌦️| 55% | SSE 8 MPH
Monday: 86F | 77F |⛈️| 89% | S 8 MPH

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Disclaimer: Sometimes event dates or times change, or we get things wrong. Please double check any event you are interested in with the event holder.

Thursday, June 11, 2026

Friday, June 12, 2026

Saturday, June 13, 2026

Houston City Council passed a $7.5 billion budget Wednesday in a 15-1 vote, approving Mayor John Whitmire’s spending plan for the next fiscal year. The budget starts July 1 and includes a new $5 monthly solid waste administrative fee, plus a right-of-way charge on Houston Water and Wastewater operations.

Supporters said the plan helps close budget gaps and keep services going. Critics, including Controller Chris Hollins, said it lacked transparency and could put more burden on residents.

Houston's FIFA Fan Festival opens Thursday in East Downtown, giving soccer fans a free place to watch matches, enjoy live entertainment, grab food, and take part in World Cup activities. The festival will spread across several city blocks with big screens, vendors, and interactive areas.

Organizers expect thousands each day and said entry is first-come, first-served with room for about 7,500 people at a time. Fans can bring clear refillable water bottles, use hydration stations, and should consider METRO, rideshare, or bikes.

Houstonia talked with Space City Weather meteorologist Matt Lanza about what Houston should expect during the 2026 hurricane season. Lanza said El Niño could help reduce Atlantic storm activity this year, with fewer named storms and hurricanes than an average season.

Still, he warned Houstonians not to treat a quieter forecast like a free pass. Lanza said people should keep hurricane kits ready, follow reliable forecasts, and remember that even low-activity years can still bring serious storms.

League City's first driver license office is now open at 1202 State Highway 3, giving residents a closer option for standard DPS driver license services. Customers can schedule appointments online, and the site is only the third driver license office in Galveston County.

State Rep. Greg Bonnen called it a milestone for a growing city. The office will not offer commercial driver license skills testing, but it is meant to make everyday license services easier for families and businesses in the area.

Fort Bend Transit will offer dedicated Fan Express shuttle service from Sugar Land to World Cup events, including access to MetroRail for NRG Stadium and the Houston Fan Festival in East Downtown. The route starts at the AMC Park & Ride in Sugar Land.

The shuttle runs June 14, June 20, June 26, and July 4 on a first-come, first-served basis. Fares are $4 each way, and times depend on that day’s match schedule.

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

Bloomberg Philanthropies is investing $17 million in a Houston City College-led effort to connect high school students with registered apprenticeships and skilled trades careers. The Gulf Coast TradeUp Careers initiative is part of a $90 million national effort in nine regions.

Good Reason Houston said the local program will work with HCC, HISD, Alief ISD, the Greater Houston Partnership, BridgeYear, CenterPoint Energy, Hays Electrical, and union partners. The goal is to build clearer paths to high-wage jobs.

Houston remains one of the more affordable U.S. World Cup cities for short-term rentals, even as Airbnb and VRBO hosts see higher prices on some tournament nights. AirDNA data cited by the Chronicle put Houston’s average booked short-term rental rate at about $202 per night.

Available listings are asking more, with an average near $336 per night. Demand is strongest for budget and economy rentals, while some upscale and luxury listings have softer demand so far.

🌊 Thanks for starting your morning with HOUSTONICITY. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and we’ll see you in the next one.

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