LATEST HEADLINES
Taste America: Houston brings culinary delights to the city
| September 23, 2025
Like most Houstonians my age, getting the chance or funds to splurge on a seasonal, chef-driven meal is pretty rare. (Not in this economy, am I right?)
But the upcoming Taste of America event, which aims to showcase some of the city's expansive culinary scene, might just be worth the spend.
Educators rally behind James Talarico at Dallas campaign event
| September 23, 2025
State Rep. James Talarico, a 36-year-old Democrat and former teacher, is running for US Senate in Texas.
‘Sick to my stomach’: Trump distorts facts on autism, tylenol, and vaccines, scientists say
| September 23, 2025
acetaminophen | autism | Community | Donald Trump | EXTREMISM | HEALTH | HEALTHCARE | NATIONAL NEWS | national politics | North Carolina | NORTH CAROLINA NEWS | prenatal Tylenol | RFK Jr. | tylenol | vaccines
On Monday, President Donald Trump stood beside Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for what he called a “historic” announcement on autism.
Fighting a health insurance denial? Here are 7 tips to help
| September 23, 2025
Affordability | CENTRAL WISCONSIN | Community | CULTURE | EASTERN WISCONSIN | ECONOMY | EDUCATION | Federal Cuts | HARDGATE | HEALTH | health insurance | health insurance denial | HEALTHCARE | insurance | LIFESTYLE | Medicaid | national politics | NORTHERN WISCONSIN | SOUTHERN WISCONSIN | WESTERN WISCONSIN | wisconsin | WISCONSIN POLITICS
To control costs, nearly all health insurers use a system called prior authorization, which requires patients or their providers to seek approval before they can get certain procedures, tests, and prescriptions.
Get to know your 2025-2026 Dallas Mavericks NBA team
| September 22, 2025
Anthony Davis | CULTURE | DALLAS | DALLAS MAVERICKS | DFW | DFW Lead Story | ENTERTAINMENT | HARDGATE | Jason Kidd | Klay Thompson | Kyrie Irving | NATIONAL NEWS | NBA
The 2025-2026 Dallas Mavericks have plenty of returning faces and could make some noise in a crowded Western Conference—assuming they can stay healthy.
Texas educators applaud increased public school funding, but question if it’s enough
| September 22, 2025
Texas lawmakers provided $8.5 billion in new funding for public schools this year, including a pay raise for teachers.
17 statewide propositions will appear on the November ballot. Here’s what Texas voters need to know.
| September 22, 2025
austin | ballot | CIVIC ENGAGEMENT | election | elections | lawmakers | laws | local politics | TEXAS | texas voter | Voter Resources | Voter Stories | VOTING IN TEXAS
By María Méndez, The Texas Tribune “17 statewide propositions will appear on the November ballot. Here’s what Texas voters need to know.” was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues. Sign up for The […]
Spot the purple ‘The Giving Pumps’ at Shell gas stations for a chance to give back in Houston
| September 22, 2025
The new Shell pumps are part of a charity campaign called “The Giving Pump,” running now through the end of October. Customers will have the chance to donate a portion of every gas purchase towards two children’s charities: the Children’s Medical Foundation of Houston and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston.
8 u-pick farms in North Texas & the fall fun they offer
| September 22, 2025
Community | CULTURE | DFW | ENTERTAINMENT | fall fun | FAMILY | HARDGATE | LIFESTYLE | North Texas | outdoor recreation | THINGS TO DO | u-pick farms
The whole family will enjoy these nine u-pick farms in North Texas that offer fall activities and pick-your-own produce.
5 degrees of live music: A local’s guide to the best music venues in Houston
| September 19, 2025
While other Americans are starting to pull out their chunky knits and warming their hands over a blazing fire, fall looks a little bit different for those of us living in Houston.
What you need to know about THC bans in Texas
| September 19, 2025
Changes are coming to the T💨C industry in Texas.
Although lawmakers failed to pass a blanket ban on consumable h3mp products, Gov. Greg Abbott recently issued an executive order mandating state agencies develop a ban on sales to minors and regulate the products similar to alcohol.
Vape pens containing T💨C are now banned in retailers as well.
Texas teacher fired over Charlie Kirk comments amid free speech crackdown
| September 19, 2025
Hundreds of Texas teachers are being investigated by the Texas Education Agency over social media posts commenting on Charlie Kirk’s death, sparking concerns over free speech.
Lina Hidalgo won’t seek third term as Harris County chief executive
| September 18, 2025
Harris County voters will choose a new county judge in 2026, as Lina Hidalgo announced she won’t seek a third term.
‘This is not right’: Texas students, educators criticize Ten Commandments in classrooms
| September 16, 2025
Some Texas students and educators are criticizing new laws that added prayer time, Ten Commandments to public schools.
The best breakfast restaurants in Houston, according to Yelp
| September 16, 2025
Houston may be known for barbecue and Tex-Mex, but the sprawling city has also developed a stellar reputation for breakfast spots. Mexican fusion cafe CasaEma landed on Bon Appetit’s 14 Best New Breakfast Restaurants, serving some of the best pan dulce in the city. The Breakfast Klub—which has quickly become a main attraction in Houston for out-of-towners— has been consistently ranked as one of the best breakfast restaurants in the US by Good Morning America, USA Today, Esquire, and Forbes Magazine.
Political Videos
Houston mayor John Whitmire blasts critics of retiree pay delays
James Talarico opens US Senate campaign denouncing ‘bullies bigots, billionaires’
Texas’ DEl ban in K-12 public schools challenged in court
Greg Abbott brushes off NAACP lawsuit over new congressional map
Texas colleges could see fewer international students amid Trump immigration crackdown
Ken Paxton wants your kids to recite the Lord’s Prayer in school
WATCH: Wendy Davis reflects on 4 years of Texas reproduction rights restrictions
WATCH: Beto O’Rourke: Texans don’t bend the knee to Trump
WATCH: Houston pastor reflects on Hurricane Katrina
WATCH: Texas Republicans are trying to ‘cheat in the middle of the game’ with gerrymandering maps
THINGS TO DO
LOCAL STORIES
Taste America: Houston brings culinary delights to the city
| September 23, 2025
Like most Houstonians my age, getting the chance or funds to splurge on a seasonal, chef-driven meal is pretty rare. (Not in this economy, am I right?)
But the upcoming Taste of America event, which aims to showcase some of the city's expansive culinary scene, might just be worth the spend.
Spot the purple ‘The Giving Pumps’ at Shell gas stations for a chance to give back in Houston
| September 22, 2025
The new Shell pumps are part of a charity campaign called “The Giving Pump,” running now through the end of October. Customers will have the chance to donate a portion of every gas purchase towards two children’s charities: the Children’s Medical Foundation of Houston and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston.
Lina Hidalgo won’t seek third term as Harris County chief executive
| September 18, 2025
Harris County voters will choose a new county judge in 2026, as Lina Hidalgo announced she won’t seek a third term.
Houston celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month amid concerns over ICE arrests
| September 15, 2025
Community | CULTURE | ENTERTAINMENT | hispanic heritage month | HTX | IMMIGRATION | LIFESTYLE | Texas Lead Story | THINGS TO DO
Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs through Oct. 15, kicks off in Houston this week with music, dance, and festivals across the area. But for many, the celebrations are not just about celebrating culture—it’s also about finding hope and joy at a time when increased immigration enforcement has left many communities on edge.
Step right up! Adidas set to unveil State Fair of Texas kicks
| September 15, 2025
adidas | Community | CULTURE | DALLAS | DFW | DFW Lead Story | HARDGATE | hibbett | LIFESTYLE | shoes | state fair superstar | TEXAS
Adidas is partnering with Hibbett for a run of limited-edition shoes featuring a State Fair of Texas theme. Here’s what you need to know about the “State Fair” Superstar kicks.
The fascinating history of Houston’s iconic concert venue Anderson Fair
| September 15, 2025
anderson fair | Community | CULTURE | ENTERTAINMENT | HARDGATE | houston businesses | houston history | houston venues | HTX | live music venue | TEXAS | TEXAS HISTORY
In Houston, we are fortunate to have widespread live music venues of every size and catering to every taste—and grandaddy of them all is Anderson Fair Retail Restaurant, an oddly named listening room that since 1970 has hosted musical legends—and it’s still going strong.
New Houston-area Family Place Libraries provide safe learning spaces for families
| September 12, 2025
Two new Family Place Libraries have been unveiled in the Houston area, and will set the scene for a focused environment for families to take learning to the next level on their own time.
