COMMUNITY

Sam Houston: 9 facts about the city’s namesake (including when he ran away & was adopted by a Cherokee chief!)
by Joey Held

Houston drivers to see some cheaper toll rates starting in September
by Sierra Rozen
| August 4, 2025
Toll payments can quickly add up on Houston roads—but drivers will soon see lower rates along SH 288. Starting Sept. 1, through the Texas Department of Transportation, rates will be lowered on SH 288 by almost half. “When TxDOT made the historic move to buy back this roadway, we promised drivers toll relief and that […]

Texas Republicans unveil new congressional maps targeting 5 Democratic US House seats
by Matt Hennie
| July 30, 2025
2026 Election | DFW | HTX | redistricting | TEXAS | Texas Lead Story | TEXAS LEGISLATURE | TEXAS POLITICS
Texas Republicans proposed new maps for US House seats in the state, targeting five Democratic districts in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and South Texas.

Discover the 30 Michelin-recognized restaurants in Houston
by Joey Held
| July 29, 2025
Houston’s culinary scene has some impressive standouts. Here are the restaurants in Houston that have been honored by the prestigious MICHELIN Guide.

Greg Abbott targets redistricting, abortion pills, trans people in special session
by Matt Hennie
| July 23, 2025
Texas Democrats criticized Gov. Greg Abbott’s special legislative session as “cruel” for including redistricting, seeking to ban abortion pills, and targeting trans people.

Sam Houston: 9 facts about the city’s namesake (including when he ran away & was adopted by a Cherokee chief!)
by Joey Held
| July 22, 2025
Battle of San Jacinto | CULTURE | HARDGATE | houston namesake | houston statue | HTX | republic of texas | sam houston | TEXAS | TEXAS HISTORY
The city of Houston is named after Sam Houston, the first president of the Republic of Texas. Discover more about this colorful character.

Craving a cone? 8 local Houston ice cream shops to head to
| July 17, 2025
CULTURE | food and drink | frozen custard | HARDGATE | houston ice cream | HTX | ice cream | LIFESTYLE | TEXAS | woman-owned business
From ice cream to custards to crazy, seasonal flavors, stay cool in the sizzling summer heat at these Houston ice cream shops.

Reading is fundamental: A bookworm’s guide to Houston bookstores
by Sierra Rozen
| July 16, 2025
There’s nothing that compares to walking into a new bookstore, breathing in the smell of fresh paper, and knowing that the possibilities of an adventure are endless.

Why children might need help coping with Texas Hill Country floods trauma
| July 14, 2025
Children are facing lasting trauma from the Texas Hill Country floods. Experts warn the emotional toll—from nightmares to anxiety—will echo far beyond the disaster.

I got to experience 3 classic game shows without leaving Texas, thanks to GameOn! HTX
by Joey Held
| July 14, 2025
Community | CULTURE | ENTERTAINMENT | game on! | game shows | HARDGATE | HTX | LIFESTYLE | TEXAS | THINGS TO DO | tv shows
GameOn! HTX gives you a full game show experience right in the Lone Star State, making it the perfect activity for parties, big groups, and work events.

7 great Houston hideaways—a local’s luxe staycation guide
| July 11, 2025
CULTURE | ENTERTAINMENT | food and drink | HARDGATE | hotels | houston hotels | HTX | LIFESTYLE | staycation | TEXAS | THINGS TO DO
Discover H-Town's most exclusive boutique hotels, upscale resorts, and hidden luxury retreats perfect for a sophisticated Houston staycation without leaving the city.

7 most notorious true crime cases in Houston history
by Joey Held
| July 8, 2025
From serial killers going on multiple rampages to inner-family drama leading to staged burglaries, these true crime cases rocked the Houston area.

10 binge-able ‘House Hunters’ episodes set in Houston
| July 4, 2025
Community | CULTURE | ENTERTAINMENT | HARDGATE | house hunters | HOUSING | HTX | LIFESTYLE | real estate
Houston is home to some stunning scenery and gorgeous properties. Check out these Houston “House Hunters” episodes to get an even closer look at the city’s real estate.