Houston
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Houston Mayor John Whitmire proposes FY 2027 Budget amid $174M shortfall, adds new garbage fee
The proposed budget includes a new $5 monthly solid waste fee, funding for public safety and drainage improvements, and efficiency savings without layoffs.
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9 cheap & fun ways to spend Memorial Day in Houston
From free outdoor concerts to budget-friendly picnics, here’s how to make the most of Memorial Day weekend in Houston without breaking the bank.
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Houston, we have a lovebug problem — and it’s only getting worse
Lovebugs, otherwise known as honeymoon flies, are descending on Houston in swarms. Here’s what you need to know about them.
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Houston council revises immigration ordinance after state funding threat
Houston City Council voted 13–4 to amend its immigration ordinance after the state threatened to withdraw a $110M public‑safety grant. The debate included concerns about constitutional protections, funding, and whether the new language reflects local or state priorities.
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Alejandra Salinas presses John Whitmire over grant records in tense exchange
A tense exchange as Council Member Alejandra Salinas presses Houston Mayor John Whitmire for a full list of grants, certifications, and payout details ahead of Thursday’s ICE ordinance re-vote. Her request for transparency remains front and center.
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Voters head to polls in Texas Senate District 4 special election
Early voting is now underway for Texas Senate District 4. Voters will choose between Democrat Ron Angeletti and Republican Brett Ligon to fill the vacant seat. The district stretches from Conroe to Beaumont/Port Arthur and down to Texas City. Early voting runs through April 26, and Election Day is May 2.
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Harris County leads nation in Black maternal mortality
This week, Commissioner Lesley Briones is spotlighting Harris County’s Black maternal health crisis, noting the county leads the nation in Black maternal mortality. The crisis is being worsened by federal and state policy decisions, including cuts to Medicaid funding, as the county works to expand access to care through its Maternal and Child Health Program.
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James Dixon urges collaboration as Houston revisits Proposition A
NAACP Houston President James Dixon addressed City Council as members prepare to revisit Proposition A. He acknowledged city leaders for their earlier support while urging caution during what he described as a challenging political moment. Dixon emphasized protecting civil liberties and constitutional rights, noting the city’s reliance on $110 million in public‑safety funding. He called…
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Protesters rally at City Hall over immigration policy, funding dispute
Dozens gathered at City Hall to protest Senate Bill 4, the state law requiring local police to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. Demonstrators urged city officials to protect local control after Governor Abbott withdrew a $110 million public‑safety grant from the city. Speakers highlighted the potential impact on immigrant communities and those who feel unable…
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The best cocktail bars in Houston you need to visit right now
Houston’s cocktail scene goes far beyond the ordinary—these are the bars and lounges worth lingering in all night long.
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Harris County tops Texas and US in active tuberculosis cases
Active tuberculosis cases are higher in Harris County than anywhere else in Texas or the US. Here’s what to know.
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Houston’s most social media-famous food joints in 2026
Showstopping dishes, lively atmospheres, and celebrity sightings draw influencers to these social media-famous restaurants in Houston. Houstonians on social media, whether influencers or regular ol’ Texans craving a good meal, seek out all types of food from trendy and Instagrammable to just really, really tasty. Then they spread the word online, and that leads to…lines. But this…
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City Controller reveals Houston’s $174M shortfall the largest in the city’s history
City leaders are weighing tough choices, from potential service cuts to long‑term fixes.
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New road signs aim to slow cars — and save Galveston’s ghost wolves
Wildlife crossing signs have been installed in Galveston to protect the ghost wolves. Here’s what you need to know.
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Carroll Wiseman’s legacy was written in the stars
NASA’s historic Artemis II mission named a lunar crater after the late Carroll Wiseman, a former Friendswood nurse. Here’s what to know.
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Fort Bend shake up as Brittanye Morris is disqualified and Nicole Roberts moves into the Pct. 4 runoff
A court ruling removes Brittanye Morris from the Precinct 4 race, positioning Nicole Roberts to face April Jones in the May 26 Democratic runoff. Fort Bend County Judge Susan Brown has issued a ruling that reshapes the Democratic runoff for Fort Bend County Precinct 4 commissioner, declaring former Harris County District Judge Brittanye Morris ineligible…
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Pearland greenlights Orchard at Lower Kirby, a new 122-acre mixed-use development
A new 122-acre development was recently approved by the Pearland City Council. Here’s what you need to know.
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The 15 best Houston Astros promos of the 2026 season
The Houston Astros are looking to add another championship to the franchise’s accolades, and they’re doing a ton of fun promo giveaways along the way. Another baseball season is underway! Attending a Houston Astros game is always a blast. From the crack of the bat to the endless snacks to singing “Take Me Out to the Ball…
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The 5 best Cajun restaurants in Houston, according to the locals
You’ll find perfectly seasoned roux, kicky jambalaya, and fresh seafood singing with spice at these highly rated Cajun restaurants in Houston.
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Harris County Democratic chair calls for more voter engagement ahead of November
Harris County Democratic Chair Elect Traci Gibson said the party’s priority is building a stronger, more connected electorate ahead of November. She emphasized the need for deeper voter engagement, saying the path to higher participation begins with making residents feel heard, included, and informed. She pointed to her own down ballot performance as evidence that…
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Crowd at Houston ‘No Kings’ protest rallies around shared declaration
During the ‘No Kings’ protest, one speaker reminded the crowd that the fight is bigger than a moment. Houston showed what that looks like: diverse, strong, and welcoming.
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What to know about the 2026 Art Car Parade, Houston’s largest free public event
Houston’s wildest free event, the Art Car Parade, is back with 250 rolling masterpieces, 315,000 fans, and one unforgettable parade.
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10 restaurants where kids can eat for free in Houston
Kids can eat free at many restaurants across Houston on certain days of the week. Check out these 10 options, ranging from Mexican food to sushi.
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The best lunch deals in Houston for every craving
From a $16 Japanese feast to Friday pork chops, these lunch deals in Houston prove midday dining doesn’t have to break the bank.
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Moody Gardens celebrates first-ever Humboldt penguin hatch
The Moody Gardens Aquarium Pyramid recently hatched three Humboldt penguin chicks for the first time ever. Here’s what you need to know.
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Houston NAACP president calls SAVE Act the “Sabotage Act”
Bishop James Dixon, President of the Houston NAACP, addresses concerns about the SAVE Act and its implications for democracy and voter access, as the Houston chapter stands united with the national NAACP in their opposition to the act.
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Texas Rep. Jolanda Jones shares her health story on ACA anniversary
State Rep. Jolanda Jones, a Houston Democrat, reflects on the ACA’s 16th anniversary, recalling how a medical emergency once wiped out her savings before the law existed. At the core of her message: affordable health care is essential for every community.
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Travelers face hourslong wait times at Houston Bush Airport as shutdown affects TSA
Long lines are stretching through Bush Airport as TSA staffing drops during the shutdown. Airport officials say on a normal day, 37 TSA checkpoints are open, but only a fraction are running.
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Houston council member outlines 3-part ordinance to limit HPD ICE calls, increase transparency
Council Member Alejandra Salinas, joined by Council Member Abbie Kamin and community leaders, proposed an ordinance stating that HPD would not be required to call ICE for administrative immigration warrants. It would require routine traffic stops to end once their lawful purpose ends and mandate regular reports on how often HPD asks about immigration status…































































