On a day when Houstonians joined together to celebrate how far we’ve come, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton was busy releasing a legal opinion calling for the state to get rid of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in the private sector, schools, and state and local government.

Problematic in many ways, Paxton has claimed that this opinion is legally binding.

Fact check: Legal experts argue that Paxton can’t overturn state laws by declaring them unconstitutional.

Just a reminder that having DEI initiatives can look like:

At times when Texas can feel like it’s splintering apart due to all the hate and misinformation being spread, the last thing needed is more division and tearing apart systems that are meant to provide equal footing, regardless of our background.

Share your take: Is DEI still necessary?

If you want to share more on this topic, feel free to reply!

🇧🇷 Craving a Cuban sandwich? Yuma, which will serve Brazilian cuisine, has secured a spot for its brick-and-mortar restaurant after solely operating as a pop-up. You can try one for yourself this spring when it opens on Washington Avenue.

🚫 Tex-Mex restaurant Verde Gardens closed its doors Jan. 17. Now, Exilio Latin Flair will offer Latin dishes at the same space on West Gray Street.

💃 If you’ve ever wanted to combine your love of salsa dancing and pilates classes, look no further than Latin nightclub Clandestina, which opened downtown Jan. 17.

🍖 Pinkerton’s Barbecue is set to open a second location in the Upper Kirby area, boasting an expanded menu that will include a bread program, a dessert program, and a sausage program.

It’s time for reader responses! I got an interesting reply to this week’s question:

What stories do you want to see more of this year?

“Make this make sense.

If anyone can explain how stripping injured workers of court access while shielding insurers is constitutional, I’d genuinely like to hear it.” — Michael E.

We’re always interested in questions about how systems work. If you have one about workers’ comp—or another system—send it our way!

🍽 Galveston Restaurant Week has officially kicked off! Through Jan. 30, patrons can try out select restaurants on the island for a discounted rate. (Chron)

❄️ With cooler temps sweeping through the state, Houston could see a hard freeze as an Arctic cold front hits the area late Saturday, and potentially some snow. (Fox26 Houston)

🗳 Early voting kicked off this morning for Texas’ 18th Congressional District and will run through Jan. 27, with Election Day set for Jan. 31. (Houston Public Media)

🚁 Have you ever wanted your groceries delivered by a drone? Wal-Mart is now rolling out drone delivery to certain parts of the Greater Houston area, with eligible items including groceries, household goods, and over-the-counter medications. (KHOU11)

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By Sierra Rozen

It’s been nearly a decade since the George R. Brown Convention Center saw a major renovation—but just a few weeks into 2026, Houston is already seeing visible changes tied to its $2 billion transformation project.

The project is expected to boost the city’s position as a hub for major sports, entertainment, and tourism events. Its first phase includes the construction of GRB Houston South, a new expansion set to open in May 2028.

GRB Houston South will span 700,000 square feet and include two exhibit halls, a multipurpose hall, an atrium flex hall, ground-level retail and dining spaces, and a ballroom, once complete.

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Sierra Rozen. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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