Houston Methodist, Memorial Hermann, Texas Children's Hospital, and St. Luke's Health welcomed healthy newborns in 2026 within minutes of the New Year.
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Hospital officials in Houston reported a wave of New Year's Day births from midnight to early morning.
Julia, the hospital's first baby of the year, arrived at midnight at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital. Hospital officials reported that the mother and baby Julia, 10 pounds, 5 ounces, were healthy.
After that, Robin, the first boy born at Children's Memorial Hermann in 2026, was born at 12:42 a.m.
Memorial Hermann Health System reported more New Year's arrivals elsewhere. Adriel, an 8-pound, 4-ounce boy, was delivered at 12:28 a.m. at Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital. Romi, born at 12:59 a.m., completed Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center's first-hour celebrations.
“Welcoming babies at the start of a new year is always special for our teams,” Memorial Hermann said. This is a delightful way to start the year for families and workers.
Elina was born at 1:42 a.m. to Amal and Tareq at Texas Children's Hospital on New Year's Day. Elina was 8 pounds, 12 ounces, 21 inches long, and healthy.
Hannah arrived at 3:40 p.m. Hannah was 21 inches and 6 pounds, 15 ounces. Hannah and her parents, Jessica and Tyler, were fine, according to hospital officials.
Montgomery County St. Luke's Health Minutes after midnight, The Woodlands Hospital reported its first newborn of the year. Myla Mae was born at 12:12 a.m., 5 pounds, 15 ounces, and 19.5 inches. Her parents, Chancy and Loga, and the newborn were healthy.
Meanwhile, Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital had its first baby at 12:26 a.m. Other Houston Methodist hospitals recorded New Year births, including Houston Methodist Cypress Hospital at 12:45 a.m. and Houston Methodist West Hospital at 7:28.
Regional hospital officials reported healthy mothers and newborns, making the opening hours of 2026 a celebration of new beginnings.
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Disney Cruise Line will remove the Disney Magic from Galveston in mid-2027 after nearly 15 years of seasonal service. The ship will relocate to Vancouver for Alaska sailings, while Disney has not yet announced which vessel, if any, will replace it in Texas.
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Gov. Greg Abbott announced that Davie Defense Inc. will expand shipbuilding operations in Galveston and Port Arthur, investing more than $730 million and creating over 2,400 jobs. The state awarded the company a $21.7 million Texas Enterprise Fund grant to support the project, which will focus on building Arctic icebreakers and other specialized vessels.
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The La Marque City Council confirmed Byron Frankland as the city’s new police chief Monday night. Frankland, a longtime law enforcement and public safety leader, will begin his new role Feb. 16 following a nationwide search that drew more than 40 applicants.