That feels like the order of things after Houston’s back-and-forth on immigration policy.

After weeks of pressure and the threat of losing $110 million in public safety funding, City Council voted to amend its ordinance, and police leadership issued new guidance that largely returns things to where they were before the fight started.

The debate has been anything but quiet. Council meetings grew tense as members pushed for greater transparency on funding and enforcement, while dozens gathered outside City Hall to protest Senate Bill 4.

I’m not sure if the mayor’s new taxpayer-funded podcast is the kind of transparency everyone was talking about, but you’re still paying for it.

In the meantime, here are two practical things to keep in mind:

🌀 Texas’ emergency prep tax holiday runs April 25–27, meaning you can stock up on things like generators, batteries, and flashlights without paying sales tax.

🗳 Early voting is underway for Texas Senate District 4 and runs through April 26. Election Day is May 2.

Alright, Houston, let’s take a look at the headlines.

Paula Solis
Deputy Director of Newsletters

🚀 Houston students are aiming for the next era of space travel. Inspired by NASA’s Artemis missions, a new “Artemis Generation” is already designing life beyond Earth—turning classroom projects into real pathways toward future careers in space exploration. (Houston Public Media)

🎷 Houston’s jazz legacy is back in the conversation. A new look traces the city’s deep ties to the genre—from historic venues and hometown legends to the musicians and programs keeping the scene active today. (The Defender)

🦠 Tuberculosis cases are higher in Harris County than anywhere else in the country. A new report shows local rates are nearly double the US average, with certain ZIP codes seeing even sharper spikes.

🍸 Houston’s cocktail scene is doing the most—in a good way. From hidden speakeasies to award-winning neighborhood bars, if you’re looking to linger a while, this is where to start.

⚕️ Harris County is facing a severe gap in maternal health outcomes. Local leaders say the county leads the nation in Black maternal mortality, and officials are pushing to expand support through local health programs.

🏫 Houston ISD is bracing for another drop in enrollment—and funding. The district expects to lose about 4,000 students next year, translating to a $50 million hit.

🛑 A Houston synagogue closed temporarily after authorities arrested a woman accused of plotting a mass attack. Officials say the out-of-state suspect allegedly conspired to target Congregation Beth Israel, prompting heightened security as the investigation continues across multiple states.

By Sam Cohen

When it was previously announced that Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr.’s pickleball spot, Solarium, was permanently closing, many locals wondered what kind of establishment would take its spot at 820 Holman Street.

If you happened to guess a Latin sports bar/nightclub, then you’d be right. La Cancha Social Club is getting ready to welcome guests, whether they want to relax and take in a soccer match or grab drinks and dance the night away. Or, for you particularly extroverted folks, maybe even a little bit of both.

Some weekends are “treat yourself,” others are “let’s keep it under $10.” So I sorted this list the way most of us actually decide what to do—by budget. Start with free (my personal favorite), move into $10-and-under, and then the splurge picks if you’re feeling it.

And if one of these sends you out the door, bring us along—snap a photo and send it in. We’ll share some favorites in the next newsletter.

~FREE~

Houston Poetry & Arts Festival
Saturday, April 25
The Orange Show

Green Mountain Energy Earth Day
Saturday, April 25
Discovery Green

$10 and under

Latin Wave 19: New Films from Latin America
Friday-Saturday, April 24-25
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Independent Bookstore Day
Saturday, April 25

Various locations

Corgi Races
Saturday, April 25
Sam Houston Race Park

The Complete Walking Tour of Houston
Saturday-Sunday, April 25-26

Downtown

$$$

18th Annual H-Town Blues Festival
Friday, April 24 (8 p.m.)
NRG Arena

Houston Astros vs. New York Yankees
Friday-Sunday, April 24-26
Daikin Park

Plantcon Houston
Saturday-Sunday, April 25-26
NRG Arena

Planet Earth Celebration
Saturday-Sunday, April 25-26
Space Center Houston

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Paula Solis with reporting by Sam Cohen. It was edited by Kimberly Lawson.

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