City Bulletin: Houston Council Session, School Freedom Accounts, and Health Alerts

City Council Convenes for Weekly Wednesday Session

The Houston City Council is scheduled to meet for its regular weekly session on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at City Hall. Following the Tuesday public comment period, today’s meeting focuses on the official voting agenda. Council Member Davis is scheduled to lead the initial public session. Key items on the broader municipal agenda for this month include discussions regarding the transition of operations for Moody Park and Keith-Wiess Park to Harris County Precinct 2, aimed at ensuring long-term sustainability and improved care for these local green spaces as part of the city’s upcoming legacy projects.

Launch of Texas Education Freedom Account Applications

A significant state-level public service announcement affects Houston families starting today. On Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., the application window officially opens for the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program. This initiative, officially known as the state’s education savings account program, allows eligible families to apply for state funds to assist with private school tuition, tutoring, and other approved educational expenses for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year. Parents and guardians are encouraged to submit applications early through the official state portal, as the program represents a major shift in available educational resources for Houston area students.

Public Health Alert: West Nile Virus and Food Recalls

Harris County Public Health has issued a notice regarding the detection of the first West Nile virus-positive mosquito samples for 2026. The samples were identified in north and northwestern Harris County, specifically within ZIP codes 77041 and 77032. Residents are urged to follow the “Four Ds” of defense: use repellent containing DEET, dress in long sleeves, dawn and dusk precautions, and drain standing water around homes.

Additionally, two active health recalls remain in effect for Houston consumers:

• Infant Formula Recall: A voluntary recall is ongoing for ByHeart Whole Nutrition infant formula due to concerns regarding a potential Infant Botulism outbreak. Parents are advised to check all lot numbers and single-serve packets.
• Moringa Powder Salmonella Alert: The FDA is continuing an investigation into an outbreak of Salmonella linked to certain lots of "Why Not Natural" Moringa Green Superfood capsules and "Live it Up" brand Super Greens powder. Consumers are advised to discard any affected products immediately to avoid severe infection.

Infrastructure and Traffic Advisories

Houston Public Works and local transit authorities have issued several traffic notices active for Wednesday, February 4:

• I-10 Katy Freeway Closures: Daily closures will affect the eastbound exit ramps to W.T.C. Jester Boulevard, Durham Drive, and Ella Boulevard from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. These closures are scheduled to continue through Friday, February 6.
• METRO Service Adjustments: Riders should be aware of February service changes affecting multiple bus routes, including lines 6, 9, 28, 56, and 82. Commuters are advised to check updated schedules for route eliminations and timing shifts.
• Alief Forest South Construction: Modernization efforts continue for water and sewer lines in the Alief Forest South and Walnut Bend areas, which may cause temporary local street delays.