5 Texas school districts face state takeovers. Here’s what to know.
| September 30, 2025
Several Texas school districts, including Fort Worth, are at risk of takeover by the Texas Education Agency. Here’s a look at what that means.
Get to know your 2025-2026 Houston Rockets NBA team
| September 30, 2025
CULTURE | DALLAS MAVERICKS | ENTERTAINMENT | HARDGATE | Houston Rockets | HTX | LIFESTYLE | NBA | SPORTS | TEXAS | THINGS TO DO
Last year’s squad was a surprising top seed in the Western Conference. After shaking up their roster, the 2025-2026 Houston Rockets are a title contender.
Get ready to Empty the Shelters in Houston at BARC Animal Shelter
| September 30, 2025
That’s what BARC Animal Shelter hopes will happen at the Empty the Shelters event. From Oct. 1-15, BARC Animal Shelter, along with 300+ shelters across 38 states, will be offering reduced adoptions fees through a partnership with BISSELL Pet Foundation.
Rate of uninsured children in TX tops list
| September 30, 2025
Affordability | CULTURE | EQUALITY | FAMILY | Federal Cuts | health insurance | insurance | LIFESTYLE | local news | local politics | Medicaid | politics | TEXAS
Texas has the highest uninsured rate for children in the nation. That’s according to a report from Georgetown University’s Center for Children and Families.
8 creepy facts about Texas that textbooks leave out
| September 30, 2025
animals | austin | CULTURE | DFW | DFW EVENTS | dfw history | HARDGATE | houston history | HTX | LIFESTYLE | murder | North Texas | old texas | politics | recreation | SAN ANTONIO | TEXAS | TEXAS HISTORY | true crime
From unsolved murders to unsettling origins of town names, these creepy facts about Texas will make your skin crawl.
12 Houston events to help you fall into October
| September 29, 2025
It’s every fall lover's favorite month! And while Houston is still enjoying (or sweating in) hotter weather for the season, there are still plenty of upcoming events to help get you in the spooky and autumnal spirit. Keep reading for just a few of the festivals and other events we’re looking forward to.
Houston’s Southern Smoke Festival returns with its biggest lineup yet
| September 29, 2025
2025 southern smoke festival | Community | CULTURE | ENTERTAINMENT | food and drink | HARDGATE | HOUSTON LEAD STORY | HTX | LIFESTYLE | southern smoke festival | tourism
Sample bites from 85+ top chefs, sip signature cocktails, and enjoy live music at Houston’s biggest culinary block party on October 4.
Heartbreaking story: A Texas couple’s experience losing two pregnancies after being denied care
| September 27, 2025
ABORTION | HEALTH | HEALTHCARE | HEALTHCARE | Repro Rights | reproduction rights | TEXAS | Texas Lead Story | women's health
When Hollie Cunningham learned that the babies she carried had fatal diagnoses, she asked her doctor to help end their suffering. That's when she found out that Texas's abortion bans blocked her from the care she needed.
Austin-based Brazilian snack brand takes home the big bucks at H-E-B small business competition
| September 26, 2025
Grab-and-go snacks, easy cocktails, and spice packets were the stars at H-E-B’s Quest for Texas Best award ceremony, where five Texas businesses were awarded a collective $110,000 to help grow their small ventures.
New sports-themed gay bar set to open in the heart of Montrose
| September 25, 2025
It has to be said: While Texas might not always be viewed as a state where queer people can thrive, the city of Houston has always had a vibrant LGBTQ+ culture, including its own “gayborhood” in Montrose.
How affordable is senior care in Texas? Find out
| September 25, 2025
When older Americans contemplate retirement, and they consider whether to retire in another state, the regional costs of senior care might not cross their minds.
Yet more than 80% of Americans will need long-term care at some point, according to the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College. Long-term care delivers help with everyday activities, like dressing and eating.
The 23 most Instagrammable spots in Houston
| September 25, 2025
Community | CULTURE | ENTERTAINMENT | HARDGATE | HTX | instagrammable spots | LIFESTYLE | social media game | TEXAS | THINGS TO DO
If you’re looking for an eye-catching shot to up your social media game, we’ve got you covered with this list of picture-perfect spots around Houston.
Whataburger, Houston Food Bank, and Houston Texans team up to fight child hunger
| September 24, 2025
Through Oct. 12, Whataburger and the Houston Texans are partnering with the Houston Food Bank to donate a portion of the restaurant’s revenue to the nonprofit.
1 detainee killed, 2 others injured during shooting at Dallas ICE facility
| September 24, 2025
The shooting at a Dallas ICE facility killed at least one person and injured two others, according to police. The shooter died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Girl Scouts’ DreamLab focuses on overall well-being of TX girls
| September 24, 2025
Community | CULTURE | DFW | DFW Lead Story | dreamlabs | girl scouts of northeast texas | girls scouts | HEALTH | HEALTHCARE | mental health issues | teenage girls | teens | TEXAS
By Freda Ross The Girl Scouts are tackling mental health, self-esteem and career concerns among teen girls and young adults across Texas. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mental health issues among teens have been on the rise since at least 2012. Feelings of sadness, depression and despair are higher among young girls […]
Political Videos
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’
Texas lawmakers want to honor Charlie Kirk by investigating free speech on college campuses
James Talarico reclaiming Christianity from alt-right, DFW supporter says
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
THINGS TO DO
LOCAL STORIES
Get ready to Empty the Shelters in Houston at BARC Animal Shelter
| September 30, 2025
That’s what BARC Animal Shelter hopes will happen at the Empty the Shelters event. From Oct. 1-15, BARC Animal Shelter, along with 300+ shelters across 38 states, will be offering reduced adoptions fees through a partnership with BISSELL Pet Foundation.
Rate of uninsured children in TX tops list
| September 30, 2025
Affordability | CULTURE | EQUALITY | FAMILY | Federal Cuts | health insurance | insurance | LIFESTYLE | local news | local politics | Medicaid | politics | TEXAS
Texas has the highest uninsured rate for children in the nation. That’s according to a report from Georgetown University’s Center for Children and Families.
8 creepy facts about Texas that textbooks leave out
| September 30, 2025
animals | austin | CULTURE | DFW | DFW EVENTS | dfw history | HARDGATE | houston history | HTX | LIFESTYLE | murder | North Texas | old texas | politics | recreation | SAN ANTONIO | TEXAS | TEXAS HISTORY | true crime
From unsolved murders to unsettling origins of town names, these creepy facts about Texas will make your skin crawl.
12 Houston events to help you fall into October
| September 29, 2025
It’s every fall lover's favorite month! And while Houston is still enjoying (or sweating in) hotter weather for the season, there are still plenty of upcoming events to help get you in the spooky and autumnal spirit. Keep reading for just a few of the festivals and other events we’re looking forward to.
Austin-based Brazilian snack brand takes home the big bucks at H-E-B small business competition
| September 26, 2025
Grab-and-go snacks, easy cocktails, and spice packets were the stars at H-E-B’s Quest for Texas Best award ceremony, where five Texas businesses were awarded a collective $110,000 to help grow their small ventures.
New sports-themed gay bar set to open in the heart of Montrose
| September 25, 2025
It has to be said: While Texas might not always be viewed as a state where queer people can thrive, the city of Houston has always had a vibrant LGBTQ+ culture, including its own “gayborhood” in Montrose.
Whataburger, Houston Food Bank, and Houston Texans team up to fight child hunger
| September 24, 2025
Through Oct. 12, Whataburger and the Houston Texans are partnering with the Houston Food Bank to donate a portion of the restaurant’s revenue to the nonprofit.
