An ICE shooting Tuesday left a 52-year-old father dead and his family and community grieving. The demand for answers has been constant, while the city’s response has been less clear.

Mayor John Whitmire first said HPD couldn’t investigate Lorenzo Salgado Araujo’s death, but legal experts pushed back. Now, after news that Araujo was not ICE’s intended target, Whitmire is calling for an investigation.

All of this comes just as Houston wraps up its turn on the World Cup stage, after weeks of packed streets, visiting fans, and international attention.

It’s a lot to take in, and a lot to keep straight. That’s what this newsletter is here for: to help you follow what’s happening, understand what’s changing, and see the full picture.

And speaking of this newsletter, something big is happening next week. A surprise will drop in your inbox next Friday, when you’ll meet our new Courier HTX newsletter editor—someone who loves Houston the way this city deserves to be loved and is passionate about telling stories for and about Houstonians. 🌇

Don’t miss it.

Alright, Houston, here are today’s headlines.

Paula Solis
Deputy Director of Newsletters

💦 Houston’s summer heat is no joke—but there are plenty of ways to cool off, from bumper boats at Discovery Green to lazy rivers and splash pads across the city. Whether you want a chill float or full waterpark chaos, there’s an option for every vibe.

⚖️ Ken Paxton built his career on prosecuting voter fraud—now he’s facing similar allegations. A new investigation found he may have voted using an address where he didn’t live. His campaign denies wrongdoing, but Paxton has not directly addressed the findings.

🏨 The long-vacant Hotel Sabine is set for a revival after nearly 40 years. A $2.46 million EPA grant will fund cleanup and redevelopment, with plans to transform the historic building into a mixed-use space with housing, offices, and retail.

💸 Gina Hinojosa is proposing $1,500 payments to Texas households as she runs for governor, funding the plan with the state’s rainy day fund. Her campaign says the $17 billion proposal would provide relief to Texans, though it would require approval from the Legislature.

By Rebecca Deurlein

You’re busy. I get it. In a world of non-stop everything, it’s tough to carve out time to give back to your community.

But there’s a way to do just that while preserving your schedule—and your sanity. No long-term commitments, no weekly expectations, just volunteering the time you can spare, whenever that may be.

Microvolunteering involves small increments of time that make a big difference to organizations working for the betterment of the larger community. Tasks can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours to a full day—the amount of time is up to you.

Nonprofits make it easier than ever to peruse volunteer opportunities from the comfort of your home, find something that fits your skill set and passions, and give back in a way that’s meaningful.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Paula Solis with stories from Rebecca Deurlein, Brian McManus, Sam Cohen, and The Texas Tribune.

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