🚗 Good morning, Houston! Today’s issue starts with a heads-up from HCSO about catalytic converter thefts, then moves into help for new trash fees, lower-cost World Cup parking, mosquito control in Fort Bend County, new business moves, and a couple of Houston sports notes.

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In This Edition of Houstonicity:

Thursday, June 18, 2026

Friday, June 19, 2026

Saturday, June 20, 2026

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: 95F / 80F |🌤️| 4% | S 10 MPH
Friday: 91F / 78F |🌩️| 55% | SSE 9 MPH
Saturday: 91F / 80F |🌩️| 55% | SSE 9 MPH
Sunday: 91F / 81F |🌤️| 25% | S 12 MPH
Monday: 93F / 78F |☀️| 16% | S 10 MPH

Link for more weather information.

HCSO says catalytic converter thefts are increasing across Harris County, and deputies are adding enforcement to slow the trend. The sheriff’s office said thieves can remove the part in minutes, leaving drivers with expensive repairs. Deputies are also working with prosecutors and recycling facilities, along with checking metal recycling sites and scrap yards.

HCSO urged drivers to park in bright spots, use cameras when possible, consider shields or other anti-theft tools, and report suspicious activity. Free VIN etching events will be announced soon.

Watch The Sheriff’s Office Video About Catalytic Converter Thefts!

Low-income and elderly Houstonians will be able to seek help with the city’s new $5 monthly trash fee. City Council approved using the W.A.T.E.R. Fund, which already helps seniors, people with disabilities and low-income families with utility bills.

Approved residents can receive up to $100 every six months. The trash fee starts in July and will show up on August water bills. It is expected to raise about $24 million a year for solid waste service.

Watch This Video About Houston’s Budget And How It Includes a Trash Fee!

The East End District is giving World Cup fans a cheaper way to reach FIFA FanFest, downtown and Houston Stadium. Drivers can use the Harrisburg Parking Garage at 4450 Harrisburg Boulevard, which has about 230 spaces.

Parking is $1 for riders who use METRO and pay by mobile or online option. Paying at the kiosk costs the regular $5. From there, fans can walk to Harrisburg Station, ride the Green Line, and transfer to the Red Line for Houston Stadium.

Fort Bend County officials will conduct aerial mosquito spraying June 22-24, weather permitting, after a local public health emergency tied to high mosquito activity. The county said spraying is expected to begin around sunset June 22 in chosen treatment areas, using Dibrom Concentrate.

Officials said areas could change based on conditions and operational needs. Health leaders are also reminding residents to follow the 4 Ds: avoid dusk and dawn, drain standing water, dress in long sleeves and pants, and defend with approved repellent.

Watch This Video About The Terrible Fort Bend County Mosquito Problem!

Gulf Coast Blood has opened a new donor center in Sienna to help support the region’s blood supply. The Houston-based organization serves more than 170 hospitals and health care facilities across 26 counties.

The new 5,620-square-foot site has eight donor chairs and is aimed at helping meet the need for 1,000 daily blood donations. It opened May 29 at 9010 Sienna Crossing Drive, Suite 300, in Missouri City, giving nearby residents another place to donate close to home.

Why Donating Blood Is Actually Important.

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

Uber, Nuro and Lucid named Houston as the second planned market for their robotaxi program, with service expected to launch in mid-2027 through Uber. Nuro is already testing autonomous vehicles with safety operators in Houston, while Lucid is building the vehicles for the program.

Uber said it has secured a 50,000-square-foot depot and a charging pitstop in Houston to support the future fleet. The companies said the service is planned to expand to more markets in the years ahead.

Watch This Video About Uber Robotaxi Growth For Houston!

Greenside in Memorial City is closer to opening after developers confirmed five more tenants and completed the main buildings. Merit Coffee, Tifa Chocolate & Gelato, Epic Cycles, Swish Dental and Original ChopShop have signed on for the 35,000-square-foot retail and dining project at 1085 Gessner Road.

Most are expected to open from fall through the end of the year, while Original ChopShop is planned for next month. The project includes a one-acre green space, outdoor seating and pedestrian paths.

Watch: Gelato vs. Ice Cream…What’s The Difference?

🥳 Thanks for starting your morning with HOUSTONICITY. Have a safe Thursday, Houston, and keep an eye on the roads, the weather and the good things happening around town.

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