Yesterday, we celebrated National Ice Cream Day, but everybody knows that indulging in a cold, sweet treat can’t be relegated to once a year, especially in this Texas heat. Luckily for you, we have a Houston ice cream guide to help you navigate the many delicious ice cream shops around town.

To celebrate ice cream’s special month, be sure to check out Howdy Homemade Ice Cream for their farewell party this Wednesday before they shut their doors. You can also check out Cosmic Ice Cream for a special July collab with Trill Burgers.

Make sure you catch my personal ice cream recommendation later in this newsletter. ↓

A story worth sharing with your neighbor

House Democratic Leader Gene Wu (D-TX‑137), Fort Bend County Commissioner Dexter McCoy (D‑Pct. 4), and state Representative Suleman Lalani (D‑TX-76) gather in Richmond, Texas, to warn of rising discrimination targeting AAPI and immigrant communities.

Chinese immigrants once faced sweeping restrictions in the United States, including alien land laws in 15 states, bans on citizenship, limits on employment and exclusion from public schools. Those measures culminated in the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which blocked immigration from many Asian countries for more than eight decades.

At a town hall in Fort Bend County Tuesday night, three Texas Democratic legislators warned a crowd of diverse families that the same playbook is being run again.

Houston’s food and art news

Somi Somi’s drool-worthy Ah-Boong. (Anna Raj/Courier HTX)

Mo’ Brunch and Brews: Shop records, drink coffee and nosh on brunch at this all-vegan cafe that even my meat-loving friends enjoy. Be sure to get there early to beat the weekend breakfast crowds!

Unplugged Open Mic: Have you ever wanted to give spoken word poetry a try or show off your musical talents? Avant Garden hosts free open mic nights on Tuesday evenings, and anyone can sign up upon arrival to give a performance.

What’s on my plate:

Somi Somi is my go-to place for a dessert that is both Instagram-worthy and mouthwatering. Their signature fish-shaped waffle cones come with your choice of filling and are topped with soft serve. Opt for the Nutella-filled Ah-Boong and let me know what you think!

Meet the people who make Houston work

Pecan shellers in San Antonio sought better pay and more favorable working conditions. (Russell Lee/CC0 1.0)

Labor unions are making the news in the Houston area as union workers at Ashland Specialty Chemicals in Texas City have been picketing outside the plant over unfair labor practices and concerns about benefits and retirement protections. (KGTX 7News)

The fight for better working conditions in Texas has historic roots dating back nearly 200 years, from San Antonio pecan shellers striking for better pay to Houston hotel workers seeking a higher minimum wage.

Do you know of a workplace in Houston fighting for labor rights? Loop me in on what they’re doing.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Anna Raj and edited by Joi Louviere.

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