We’ve been talking about the proposed demolition of Garden Oaks Theater lately, particularly as activists entered their last window to save the landmark from being scrapped last week. 

Garden Oaks Theater once showed world famous classic films like “Jaws,” with crowds attending from across Houston. (Courtesy of Arthouse Houston)

Well, there’s good news for art lovers and Houston history buffs—Garden Oaks Theater narrowly escaped demolition with a sales deal to close in a few days, but it’s still counting on members of the public to ensure its long-term survival. 

With a little help from renowned filmmakers and a whole lot of local passion, Garden Oaks Theater might live to see another era of drawing big crowds for the arts. 

Taking inspiration from the example set by the activists who saved River Oaks theater, local residents continue to rally around this historic venue. 

Activists have until Sept. 8 to collect pledges and are asking Houstonians to send in their donations so the deal can officially go through.

Your news roundup—a quick stop for stories happening across the state that deserve a little more attention.

Austinites think they have Houston beat with their skyline, but we have another trick up our sleeve. (Anna Raj/Courier HTX) 

🏙️ Austin just stole Houston’s record for the tallest Texas building with their new Waterline tower, but here’s why Houston technically still wins. (Chron)   

🚘 Zoox, Amazon’s driverless vehicle program, is mapping Houston with plans to unroll the service in the city soon. Find out what to expect from the robot cars. (Chron) 

🌧️ Houston’s Nepalese community is working to send relief to Nepal in the wake of disastrous floods that have left 1,000 dead and even more missing. (Spectrum News 1)  

🌪️ While residents outside of Houston proper suffered power loss and flooding, many neighborhoods within city limits didn’t receive any rain from Tropical Storm Edouard. Here’s why. (Houston Public Media, Click2Houston)

A story worth sharing with your neighbor.

City Controller Chris Hollins and Mayor John Whitmire are at odds over Woodlands annexation plan. (Office of Chris Hollins and AP/Michael Wyke)

Houston and The Woodlands have reached a $50 million agreement that would permanently prevent the city from annexing the Montgomery County community, while ending The Woodlands’ obligation to send a portion of its sales tax revenue to Houston.

The Houston City Council approved the agreement Wednesday in a 13-1 vote. Councilman Joe Panzarella (District C) cast the lone vote against the agreement. The Woodlands Township Board of Directors unanimously approved the deal last week.

Under the agreement, The Woodlands will make four annual payments to Houston beginning in 2027. The first payment is expected to be nearly $23 million and would help bridge the city’s forecasted budget gap of about $26 million. Additional payments will bring the total to $50 million over four years.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire defended the agreement as a necessary source of revenue for a city facing financial pressures, while City Controller Chris Hollins pushed back.

Low-cost & free resources to elevate your day-to-day.

Birds living on local beaches are counting on you this Bird Week. (Anna Raj/Courier HTX) 

🐯 Back in class but need supplies? After registering, the first 150 TSU students can get a free college care package with their student ID. 

🎨 Attending this free hands-on crafting event will get you a free slice of birthday cake and teach you how to make candles for the Houston Center of Contemporary Craft’s 25th birthday.  

🐦 Bird Week is here, and the winged critters need your help. Expand your public service resume and join Birds Houston (formerly known as Houston Audubon) to clean up the shoreline at Bolivar Flats.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Anna Raj and edited by Crystal Niforos.

Courier HTX is free to read for everyone. Your support makes our work possible.