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 […]
Go behind the scenes on 9 fun factory tours in Texas
| September 24, 2025
blue bell creameries | blue bell ice cream | Community | CULTURE | DALLAS | DFW | ENTERTAINMENT | food | food & drink | food and drink | fun | HARDGATE | HTX | ice cream | LIFESTYLE | local | local business | local news | outdoors | recreation | SAN ANTONIO | SPORTS | TEXAS | TEXAS HISTORY | THINGS TO DO | tourism
These Texas factory tours offer a glimpse into the production of some of our favorite products, including cheese, money, and baseball gloves.
Clearing the air in DFW: A look at local steps to improve air quality
| September 23, 2025
Between a bustling population, long commutes, industrial activities, and the limited public transportation access, it’s not too surprising that the Dallas-Fort Worth area ranks as the 10th-worst city for ozone pollution. That’s according to the American Lung Association’s 2025 air quality report, which in 2024 ranked DFW at no. 13. The report collects data on […]
Taste America: Houston brings culinary delights to the city
| September 23, 2025
Community | CULTURE | ENTERTAINMENT | food and drink | HARDGATE | HOUSTON LEAD STORY | HTX | LIFESTYLE | THINGS TO DO
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.
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
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.
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 […]
Taste America: Houston brings culinary delights to the city
| September 23, 2025
Community | CULTURE | ENTERTAINMENT | food and drink | HARDGATE | HOUSTON LEAD STORY | HTX | LIFESTYLE | THINGS TO DO
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.
