more covid cases

COVID-19 cases are on the rise in Houston, according to local expert

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An expert at Houston Health Department says he's seeing more COVID-19 cases.

Photo by Getty Images

The number of COVID-19 cases in Houston has increased since reopening.

Though it's not exponential, Dr. David Persse with the Houston Health Department is concerned the rate could grow if people don't continue to social distance.

"There are 219 people with COVID-19 in intensive care units with the TMC Hospitals," Persse tells CultureMap news partner, ABC13.

Persse also addressed concerns about a new rise in cases because of protests.

"If it stays at this sort of same rate of increase, then I definitely won't be able to say we can blame the protests. If anything, it's going to be the reopening of society and people becoming fatigued, if you will, with the precautions we've asked them to take," Persse says.

Chambers County is also seeing new cases grow at a flat rate. The county reported 73 total cases on Thursday, but 60 of those include recoveries. The county also reported zero new COVID-19 hospitalizations.

"We are certainly worried that if people are not following social distancing guidelines, that the risk of spread is much higher even though the state has relaxed guidelines," says Samantha Humphrey, a spokesperson for Chambers County. "We're not putting executive orders and placing limits on movements for general citizens. We are still actively pushing out information regularly encouraging people to follow social distancing guidelines."

Persse also urges people to use caution and stick with the new normal of practicing safe distancing even as temperatures warm up.

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For more on this story, including video, visit our content partner, ABC13.

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a new record

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo commits over $30 million to education

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo cattle exhibition

Courtesy of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

The money supports studies in fields such as animal husbandry.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo continues its annual tradition of breaking its own record when it comes to educational endowments. On Giving Tuesday, the organization pledged to disburse $30,353,380 in 2026 in the form of scholarships, grants, and other funding.

“This milestone moment of reaching $30 million in a single year highlights the Rodeo’s unwavering dedication to Texas youth and education,” HLSR president and CEO Chris Boleman said in a statement. “Thanks to our loyal donors, sponsors, more than 36,000 volunteers and dedicated attendees, 2026 will reach historic heights in supporting the next generation of leaders, agricultural professionals and organizations that share the Rodeo’s mission.”

This brings the total of education funding provided by the Rodeo since 1932 up to $660 million. Last year's $28 million commitment also set a new record.

One innovation this year is the establishment of the Area Go Texan Vocational Scholarship, a program that expands on the relationship with 68 Texas counties through the Area Go Texan affiliate program. One student from each county will receive $6,000 toward a degree or certificate in a vocational field at a Texas nonprofit college or university. Another $500,000 in vocational scholarships will awarded to 10 schools in 2026. Guidelines for applying can be found at this link.

In total, the Rodeo will hand out $15,126,000 in scholarships, $11,273,500 to junior exhibitors, $3,430,880 in grants, and $523,000 in graduate assistantships. Grants will be awarded to 82 Texas institutions and organizations, such as Arts for Rural Texas, BridgeYear, The Bryan Museum, Diversity in the Arts and Entertainment, Greater Houston Partnership Foundation, Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts (MECA), Space Center Houston, Texas State University Development Foundation, and University of St. Thomas at Houston.

Money for the annual endowment is raised through the annual auctions, sales of livestock and art, and through charitable donations. The goal of the endowment program is to promote study and research in agriculture, animal husbandry, and other fields that directly benefit the Rodeo.

The Rodeo is scheduled to run from March 2 – 22, 2026. More information on performers, attractions, and vendors can be found at RodeoHouston.com. Scholarship applications are open through February 2, with funds being awarded in summer 2026.

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