This small city became the Christmas capital of Texas. Here’s why.
| November 18, 2025
christmas capital of texas | Community | CULTURE | DFW | DFW Lead Story | ENTERTAINMENT | food & drink | grapevine | HARDGATE | HOLIDAYS | LIFESTYLE | SHOPPING | TEXAS | THINGS TO DO
Grapevine, Texas, draws over two million visitors to 1,400 Christmas events each year. Here’s what makes this town just north of Dallas a festive draw at the holidays.
New Harris County worksite policy aims to prevent injuries, fatalities on construction sites
| November 18, 2025
Approved by Harris County commissioners at a Nov. 13 court meeting, the Worksite Safety Policy will now mandate 15-minute water breaks every two hours when the temperature is 90 degrees or higher. So far in 2025, Houston experienced 134 days where the temperature was at least 90 degrees.
7 ways to give back in Houston during the holiday season
| November 18, 2025
animals | charities | christmas | Community | CULTURE | food banks | giving back | HARDGATE | HOLIDAYS | HOUSTON LEAD STORY | HTX | LIFESTYLE | local politics | nonprofits | pets | TEXAS | THINGS TO DO
From volunteering to donations, these seven Houston charities and nonprofits help you give back to those facing hardship in our community during the holidays.
Women-only Uber driver option now available in Texas cities, sparking criticism, lawsuits from male drivers
| November 17, 2025
A new system feature from Uber is showing mixed responses as the driving app rolls out a pilot program in Texas cities.
The American Black Film Festival will be in Dallas this weekend. Here’s what you need to know
| November 14, 2025
American Black Film Festival | arts | Community | CULTURE | DALLAS | DFW | ENTERTAINMENT | LIFESTYLE | TEXAS
The American Black Film Festival is holding a two-day event this weekend at AMC NorthPark 15. Here are all the details.
The Politics of Access: What AfroTech can teach us about empowering innovation and equity
| November 14, 2025
At AfroTech in Houston, the energy was more than innovation. It was a call to expand power and access. Stacey Abrams’ powerful message about AI, democracy, and equity revealed why Texas’ tech future must serve everyone.
I’m a Texan. But I don’t know if I can be a Texas OB-GYN
| November 14, 2025
ABORTION | HEALTH | health care | HEALTHCARE | HEALTHCARE | maternal healthcare | TEXAS | women's health
'I worry that I won’t be able to provide certain types of care because of the laws. I worry about the moral distress I’ll feel if I’m unable to act in particular cases—like when a woman might need a termination, and the law says that you can’t do one. On the other hand, there is value in having a doctor who understands the culture.'
Houston plans new $16 million homeless resource hub
| November 13, 2025
Houston Mayor John Whitmire hosted a public walkthrough of a new facility that will provide shelter and services for individuals experiencing homelessness.
The facility at 419 Emancipation Avenue includes 225 beds. City officials said it will open in early 2026.
Do I need to add ‘preserve democracy’ to my to-do list?
| November 13, 2025
Ever wonder what’s keeping this whole thing—you know, America—from just totally falling apart? It’s not the folks yelling on TV or trolling online: It’s the quiet work happening in local communities like yours.
Subscribe to COURIER HTX at the link in our bio for ways you can do your part.
Here are just some of the free things to do inside the Texas Renaissance Festival
| November 13, 2025
Running through Nov. 30, the Texas Renaissance Festival has something for every budget. Come along with Houston Newsletter Editor, Sierra as she explores free things to do at the festival and subscribe to the COURIER HTX free email newsletter at the link in our bio to keep up with more Houston happenings.
Remembering Cleo Hearn: Visionary Behind Cowboys of Color Rodeo Dies at 86
| November 13, 2025
Cleo Hearn | Community | Cowboys of Color | CULTURE | DALLAS | DFW | DFW Lead Story | LIFESTYLE | rodeo | TEXAS | TEXAS HISTORY
Cleo Hearn, who was known for creating the Cowboys of Color Rodeo, has died at the age of 86. Here’s what you need to know about his life and legacy. Cleo Hearn, a legend in the Texas rodeo community, died on November 9 at the age of 86. He will be remembered, among many other […]
TX walk to bring attention to substance-use disorders
| November 13, 2025
Community | CULTURE | DALLAS | DFW | FAMILY | HEALTH | LIFESTYLE | mental health | shatterproof | shatterproof walks | substance abuse
Drug poisoning deaths have increased by 75% in Texas over the last five years. In hopes of ending the stigma surrounding substance-use disorders, hundreds of people are expected to gather in Dallas Saturday for a walk sponsored by the nonprofit Shatterproof. The Shatterproof Walk to End Addiction Stigma will bring together advocates, families and those in recovery who want to see addictions addressed with more compassion.
Everything you need to know about the Cowboys Thanksgiving game
| November 12, 2025
Community | CULTURE | DALLAS | dallas cowboys | dallas cowboys thanksgiving game | DFW | ENTERTAINMENT | HARDGATE | HOLIDAYS | LIFESTYLE | SPORTS | TEXAS | thanksgiving | THINGS TO DO
The Cowboys Thanksgiving game is a lovely tradition. Learn about the team’s Turkey Day history, what to expect this year, and the special treat the winners get.
New lung cancer report shows Texas below average in treatment, early diagnosis especially in Black communities
| November 12, 2025
Community | diversity | EQUALITY | HEALTH | health care | health insurance | HEALTHCARE | HEALTHCARE | TEXAS
The State of Lung Cancer 2025 found that Black individuals in Texas are the least likely racial group to receive surgical treatment. While the rate of Black people in Texas who are diagnosed with cancer is similar to the national average, the five-year survival rate and the treatment rate are both vastly different from the national average and the rates of white individuals.
Epstein email says Trump ‘knew about the girls,’ but White House says release is a Democratic smear
| November 12, 2025
The sex-offending financier Jeffrey Epstein wrote in a 2019 email to a journalist that Donald Trump “knew about the girls," according to communications released Wednesday, but the White House quickly accused Democrats of selectively leaking the emails to smear the president.
Political Videos
New Texas law caused some schools to limit student health care services
Government shutdown threatens Houston classrooms
Jasmine Crockett: Republicans use trans people, immigrants to divide Black voters
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Gov. Greg Abbott would have you rat out your family
Texas has banned over 500 books. That’s why we’re launching the Texas Banned Book Club.
Attacks on academic freedom spread across Texas universities
James Talarico reflects on free speech attacks
4 Democrats eyeing newly drawn US House district in North Texas
Lina Hidalgo on 7 years leading Harris County: ‘I’m most proud of this community’
THINGS TO DO
LOCAL STORIES
This small city became the Christmas capital of Texas. Here’s why.
| November 18, 2025
christmas capital of texas | Community | CULTURE | DFW | DFW Lead Story | ENTERTAINMENT | food & drink | grapevine | HARDGATE | HOLIDAYS | LIFESTYLE | SHOPPING | TEXAS | THINGS TO DO
Grapevine, Texas, draws over two million visitors to 1,400 Christmas events each year. Here’s what makes this town just north of Dallas a festive draw at the holidays.
New Harris County worksite policy aims to prevent injuries, fatalities on construction sites
| November 18, 2025
Approved by Harris County commissioners at a Nov. 13 court meeting, the Worksite Safety Policy will now mandate 15-minute water breaks every two hours when the temperature is 90 degrees or higher. So far in 2025, Houston experienced 134 days where the temperature was at least 90 degrees.
Women-only Uber driver option now available in Texas cities, sparking criticism, lawsuits from male drivers
| November 17, 2025
A new system feature from Uber is showing mixed responses as the driving app rolls out a pilot program in Texas cities.
The American Black Film Festival will be in Dallas this weekend. Here’s what you need to know
| November 14, 2025
American Black Film Festival | arts | Community | CULTURE | DALLAS | DFW | ENTERTAINMENT | LIFESTYLE | TEXAS
The American Black Film Festival is holding a two-day event this weekend at AMC NorthPark 15. Here are all the details.
The Politics of Access: What AfroTech can teach us about empowering innovation and equity
| November 14, 2025
At AfroTech in Houston, the energy was more than innovation. It was a call to expand power and access. Stacey Abrams’ powerful message about AI, democracy, and equity revealed why Texas’ tech future must serve everyone.
Remembering Cleo Hearn: Visionary Behind Cowboys of Color Rodeo Dies at 86
| November 13, 2025
Cleo Hearn | Community | Cowboys of Color | CULTURE | DALLAS | DFW | DFW Lead Story | LIFESTYLE | rodeo | TEXAS | TEXAS HISTORY
Cleo Hearn, who was known for creating the Cowboys of Color Rodeo, has died at the age of 86. Here’s what you need to know about his life and legacy. Cleo Hearn, a legend in the Texas rodeo community, died on November 9 at the age of 86. He will be remembered, among many other […]
TX walk to bring attention to substance-use disorders
| November 13, 2025
Community | CULTURE | DALLAS | DFW | FAMILY | HEALTH | LIFESTYLE | mental health | shatterproof | shatterproof walks | substance abuse
Drug poisoning deaths have increased by 75% in Texas over the last five years. In hopes of ending the stigma surrounding substance-use disorders, hundreds of people are expected to gather in Dallas Saturday for a walk sponsored by the nonprofit Shatterproof. The Shatterproof Walk to End Addiction Stigma will bring together advocates, families and those in recovery who want to see addictions addressed with more compassion.
