Valencia Jones

Ariel Arrington, originally from Dallas, has lived in Houston for seven years. “Emancipation Park is just an opportunity to be with our people, to see our neighborhood thriving still,” Arrington said.

According to Houston's FIFA World Cup Host Committee, as of Friday, the city had welcomed over 500,000 people attending the events over the last two weeks.

Local Venezuelan communities are leading some of the relief efforts around the state.

A traveling exhibit called the American Revolution Experience was also part of the Patriot Day activities, and it will be on display through July 18.

Activities included demonstrations, a scavenger hunt and a free tour of the historic Kellum-Noble House.

They're now looking ahead to the team's matchup against Belgium in Seattle in the round of 16. It won't include striker Folarin Balogun after he was sent off with a red card in the second half of Wednesday's game.

“I was trafficked during the 2017 Super Bowl. Absolutely, there is a direct correlation, and they increase human trafficking mass events, such as FIFA, especially international events,” Litvak said.

Advocates say that while human trafficking happens year-round, large-scale events like the FIFA World Cup can serve as a magnet for traffickers who hide in plain sight.

TEXAS — Consumers continue to see higher gas prices across the U.S. and in Texas compared to this time last year as tensions continue in the Middle East, with unleaded gas hovering over $3 a gallon across the state.

TEXAS — According to Redfin, a national real estate brokerage firm, the top three most affordable cities for renters in the country are in Texas.