News
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‘I know what you’re doing’: testy exchange in Houston City Hall over proposed budget
Council Member Edward Pollard pressed the mayor on the purpose of the proposed $5 monthly garbage fee.
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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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Democratic Congressmen Christian Menefee and Al Green go head to head in TX‑18 debate
They faced off on issues ranging from the economy to immigration enforcement to the political climate in Washington.
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Houston’s $174M deficit: Controller warns mayor’s plan risks city’s finances.
Mayor John Whitmire’s $7 billion budget plan includes moving the city’s $100 million solid waste budget to a fee‑based model to help offset rising police and fire overtime costs.
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Could Houstonians soon pay a $5 trash fee as council members consider the proposal
City leaders say fee could help the city chip away at its $174 million budget deficit.
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Flooding takes center stage as Harris County judge candidates discuss infrastructure & transparency.
Democrats Letitia Plummer and Annise Parker outlined how they would address flooding in low lying southside neighborhoods.
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Harris County Judge candidates outline their approach to rebuilding the public’s trust in the role
Democrats regroup after Lina Hidalgo’s sometimes-rocky tenure.
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Controller: Whitmire hid $73M fire department overages from city council
As Houston continues to face a reported $174 million budget shortfall, new financial gaps are adding to the strain.
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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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Rep. Christian Menefee warns AI data center growth could impact Fort Bend County
US Representative Christian D. Menefee told attendees that rapid growth in AI data centers across Texas could soon reach Fort Bend.
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La Cancha Social Club brings Latin flair to Houston’s sports bar scene
La Cancha Social Club is opening at 820 Holman St. in Houston. Here’s everything you need to know about the sports bar/nightclub.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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…
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Harris County adopts first-ever worker consultation policy
Harris County has approved a historic consultation policy that gives nearly 20,000 workers a real voice in shaping workplace policies. The plan creates structured dialogue between employees and leadership, with a consultation agent, a joint consultation team, regular policy review meetings, support in grievance processes, and a clear path for employee centered recommendations to Commissioners…
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US Rep. Christian Menefee condemns ICE funding amid partial shutdown
During the Harris County Democratic conference, US Rep. Christian Menefee reflected on the urgent need to fund essential services, the harm caused by underinvestment in agencies like TSA and FEMA, while continuing to support ICE.
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Commissioners Court pushes for Judge Lina Hidalgo’s resignation
At Harris County Commissioners Court, Commissioner Tom Ramsey is calling for Judge Lina Hidalgo to resign amid recent controversy at the Houston Rodeo. He says with hurricane season and the FIFA World Cup ahead, the county needs stronger leadership. Commissioners also honored the Houston Rodeo with a resolution for its community work.
