Lisa Valadez

Fort Bend Commissioners Stand Firm as Legal Challenge to Interim Judge Daniel Wong Continues

During a public meeting, Commissioners Dexter McCoy and Grady Prestage listened to constituents and provided updates on county projects as the legal dispute over Wong’s appoi

Fort Bend County Commissioners Dexter McCoy and Grady Prestage addressed residents during a public meeting as the legal dispute over Interim County Judge Daniel Wong’s appointment continues

Black Texans Remember the Record, Not the Rhetoric, as 2026 Election Approaches

Leaders point to voting rights, health care, education and economic opportunity as critical issues for Black voters.

Governor Greg Abbott’s criticism of James Talarico’s relationship with Black voters sparks debate over outreach, accountability, and the broader political priorities of Black Texans ahead of the 2026 election.

When Words and Actions Don't Align: Reflections on Black Media, Campaign Outreach, and Respect

A Houston Style Magazine editorial reflects on a recent James Talarico campaign event, examining the importance of authentic engagement with Black media, respectful outreach, and the role trusted community news organizations play in connecting with Black voters.

Houston Parks Board Names Ali Flanders Dodson as Chief Advancement Officer

Houston Parks Board has named veteran nonprofit fundraiser Ali Flanders Dodson as chief advancement officer to lead philanthropic growth, communications and community engagement as the organization celebrates its 50th anniversary and continues expanding parks and trails across Greater Houston.

Escape to the Texas Hill Country: Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort Announces 2026 Holiday Experiences

A San Antonio getaway offers Houston families a festive road trip filled with holiday lights, family activities, and seasonal experiences

Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Villas in San Antonio is offering Houston travelers a holiday escape with festive events, family activities, and a limited-time 25% “Christmas in July” booking promotion.

Houston Properties Earn Three International TOBY Awards for Commercial Real Estate Excellence

Three Houston-area commercial properties earned International TOBY Awards, giving Houston BOMA its first international victories in nearly a decade and recognizing excellence in commercial property management.

Primark Opens Houston Store at Willowbrook Mall

Primark has opened its second Greater Houston store at Willowbrook Mall, expanding the retailer's Texas footprint with affordable fashion and back-to-school shopping options.

Gov. Abbott Directs Texas Rangers to Investigate Fatal ICE Shooting in Houston

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Rangers to conduct an independent investigation into the fatal July 8 ICE shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston, joining ongoing federal and local investigations.

Harris County Opposes Proposed Federal Rule That Could Affect Billions in Grant Funding

Harris County Attorney Abbie Kamin is urging the federal government to reject a proposed rule that she says could jeopardize billions of dollars in federal funding supporting disaster recovery, public safety, housing, public health, transportation, and other essential local services.

Daikin, Astros Foundation Bring $100,000 HVAC Upgrade to Moody Park Community Center

Daikin and the Astros Foundation are investing $100,000 in HVAC upgrades at Moody Park Community Center, improving cooling capacity and year-round comfort for one of Houston's key neighborhood gathering spaces.

Houston Residents Press City Leaders for Action During Emotional Public Comment Session Following Fatal ICE-Related Shooting

Houston residents packed City Hall during Wednesday's public comment session, urging elected officials to take action following the fatal ICE-related shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and voicing concerns about immigrant rights, surveillance technology, and community leadership.

Lone Star Flight Museum to Celebrate New Orleans Culture at Annual Jet Setters Ball Fundraising Gala

Houston’s aviation museum will honor Lisa and Jerry Simon for their longtime support while raising funds for aircraft preservation, exhibits and STEM education program

The Lone Star Flight Museum’s annual Jet Setters Ball will celebrate New Orleans culture while honoring Lisa and Jerry Simon and supporting aviation preservation, museum exhibits and STEM education programs.

Planning a Texas Summer Getaway? San Antonio Offers History, Family Fun and a Fuel Credit for Travelers

Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk launches summer offer to help visitors offset travel costs while exploring the Alamo City

Houston's Bayou Collective to Host 'State of Black Philanthropy: Houston Edition' at Historic Deluxe Theater

August 5 event will bring together community leaders, philanthropists, nonprofits, and corporate partners to explore the future of Black-led giving in Houston.

The Bayou Collective will host State of Black Philanthropy: Houston Edition on Aug. 5 at the Deluxe Theater, bringing together leaders from philanthropy, business, and nonprofit organizations to celebrate and strengthen Black-led giving in Houston.

Texas Southern University Generates $1.6 Billion Annual Economic Impact, Supports More Than 15,600 Jobs

New report highlights TSU's growing influence on Houston's economy, workforce development, and return on investment as university approaches its centennial

A new Texas Southern University economic impact report finds the institution generates $1.6 billion annually, supports 15,676 jobs, and delivers strong returns for students, taxpayers, and the regional economy.

YMCA Operation Backpack Helps Houston Students Prepare for School Year Amid Rising Family Challenges

YMCA Operation Backpack returns for its 22nd year, providing more than 30,000 Houston-area students with backpacks, school supplies and support as families face rising costs and back-to-school challenges.

LOVB Houston Unveils 2026-27 Roster After Championship-Level Season

Houston’s professional volleyball team returns with Olympians, national team standouts, and emerging talent as it looks to build on a historic season.

LOVB Houston has unveiled its 2026-27 roster featuring Olympians, national team athletes, and emerging stars as the team looks to defend its regular season championship and continue building Houston’s professional volleyball presence

Council Member Alejandra Salinas Proposes Right to Air Conditioning Ordinance for Houston Renters

Council Members Sallie Alcorn, Mario Castillo, and Edward Pollard join as co-sponsors of proposal to require working air conditioning in rental properties.

Houston City Council Member Alejandra Salinas has introduced an ordinance that would require landlords to provide and maintain working air conditioning in rental units by eliminating a longstanding exemption in the city's building code.

Things to Do This Weekend in Houston: Food, Fun and 713 Day Celebrations

Celebrate Houston this weekend with free ice cream, immersive art, live entertainment, special food collaborations, brunches, and citywide events leading up to and including 713 Day.

Houston Leaders Call for Independent Investigation After ICE Agent Fatally Shoots Man in East Houston

Houston leaders and civil rights advocates are calling for an independent investigation after an ICE agent fatally shot Lorenzo Salgado Araujo during an enforcement operation in east Houston.

Hinojosa Proposes $1,500 Payments for Texas Households, Calls for Using Texas Rainy Day Fund

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa outlined her policy priorities, including public education, health care, affordability, and government accountability, as she made her case to Texas voters ahead of the 2026 election.

Independent Lens Premieres True North Exploring Canada's Black Power History

True North: Canadian Myths and Black Power explores the overlooked history of anti-Black racism in Canada and Montreal's pivotal role in the global Black Power movement through archival footage and firsthand accounts.

UniverSoul Circus Brings Its All-New WE ALL BELONG Spectacular to Houston This July

UniverSoul Circus brings its all-new WE ALL BELONG production to Houston July 17 through Aug. 2, delivering an interactive, family-friendly celebration of culture, music and world-class entertainment under the big top.

Swing Into Summer with Raising Cane's Astros Ticket Giveaways Across Greater Houston

Raising Cane's is giving Houston Astros fans the chance to win free game tickets during four summer sweepstakes events at participating Greater Houston restaurants from July 9 through July 29.

The Ensemble Theatre Celebrates 50 Years of Excellence with Landmark Season Honoring Legacy, Culture, and Community

Houston's The Ensemble Theatre celebrates its 50th season with six powerful productions, expanded educational programming, and a yearlong series of special events honoring its legacy of African American storytelling and community impact.

Black Like That Community Festival Celebrates Black Queer Excellence in Houston

Houston's fifth annual Black Like That Community Festival celebrated Black queer excellence through live music, cultural performances, community engagement, health initiatives, and recognition of local leaders advancing equity and inclusion.

Black Leaders Push for Representation, Healthcare Equity, and Civic Action at Texas Democratic Convention

Black leaders, elected officials, and Democratic candidates used the first day of the Texas Democratic Convention to discuss representation, healthcare disparities, criminal justice, voter engagement, and strategies to strengthen political participation in Black communities.

James Talarico Launches First Major General Election Ad in Texas Senate Campaign

James Talarico has launched his first major general election television advertisement in Texas, highlighting affordability concerns and his legislative record as he campaigns for the U.S. Senate.

James Talarico Launches First Major General Election Ad in Texas Senate Campaign

James Talarico has launched his first major general election television advertisement in Texas, highlighting affordability concerns and his legislative record as he campaigns for the U.S. Senate.

City of Houston, UTHealth Houston Launch Academic Health Department to Strengthen Public Health Workforce

The City of Houston and UTHealth Houston have launched a new Academic Health Department to strengthen the public health workforce, expand student training opportunities, and improve health outcomes through research and community collaboration.

Former First Lady Dr. Jill Biden to Appear in Houston for Special Progressive Forum Event

Former First Lady Dr. Jill Biden will appear in Houston on July 28, 2026, for a special Progressive Forum event at the Wortham Theater Center, where she will discuss her bestselling memoir View from the East Wing.

East End District Offers Affordable Park-and-Ride Option for Houstonians Attending FIFA FanFest and Matches

Houston soccer fans can save money and avoid event-day traffic by parking at the Harrisburg Parking Garage and riding METRO to FIFA FanFest and Houston Stadium for just $1.25 plus discounted parking.

Houston Symphony Expands 2026-27 Season with Live-to-Film Concerts and Broadway Star Idina Menzel

The Houston Symphony is adding two live-to-film concert experiences at Jones Hall in fall 2026 and welcoming Broadway and Frozen star Idina Menzel for a special one-night-only performance on Aug. 30

What's in a Name? Houston's Pro Volleyball Team Wants Fans to Decide

Houston's League One Volleyball franchise is launching its first-ever rebrand and inviting fans to vote on a new team name as the club looks to strengthen its connection to the city and volleyball community.

Star Maps & Star Chefs: Michelin Dinner Under the Stars at Sea Debuts at Grand Velas Los Cabos

Houston travelers can enjoy a new luxury escape at Grand Velas Los Cabos with its “Star Maps & Star Chefs” experience—a Michelin dinner under the stars aboard the 55-foot Azimut Bella in the Sea of Cortez, featuring a five-course tasting menu from Cocina de Autor.

Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office Honors Personnel for Excellence, Promotions and Lifesaving Service

The Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office recognized six employee promotions and honored deputies, civilian staff, and healthcare professionals for their lifesaving actions, valor, and exceptional service during a June 4 ceremony at the Gus George Law Enforcement Academy.

Harris County Residents Invited to Celebrate FIFA World Cup 26™ at Precinct 4 Opening Match Festival

Harris County residents and visitors are invited to celebrate the start of FIFA World Cup 26™ at Precinct 4’s free Opening Match Festival, featuring a live match watch party, family activities, music, food, and community spirit at Burnett Bayland Community Center.

Texas NAACP Announces 89th Annual State Convention in El Paso

The Texas NAACP will hold its 89th Annual State Convention in El Paso, bringing together advocates statewide to focus on civil rights, voting rights, education, and community empowerment.

ExxonMobil, United Way Support Houston Disaster Resilience Effort with Generator for Fonde Community Center

ExxonMobil and United Way of Greater Houston are funding a backup generator for Houston's Fonde Community Center to strengthen disaster preparedness and ensure the facility remains operational during emergencies.

Lone Star Flight Museum Launches New Exhibit Celebrating 116 Years of Texas Aviation History

The Lone Star Flight Museum’s new Made in Texas: 116 Years of Aviation History exhibit celebrates the state's aviation legacy through historic aircraft, artifacts, photographs, and stories of the people who helped shape flight in Texas and beyond.

Children's Museum Houston Kicks Off 'Party All Summer Long' with Soccer, Superheroes, STEM and Family Fun

Children's Museum Houston launches its "Party All Summer Long" series featuring themed events, cultural celebrations, science activities, character appearances, and family fun throughout summer 2026.

Alief-Born Gaspachos Mexican Bites Opens First Brick-and-Mortar Restaurant on Houston’s Lyons Avenue

From its beginnings as a small fruit trailer in Alief, Gaspachos Mexican Bites has expanded into its first brick-and-mortar restaurant on Lyons Avenue, bringing its signature Mexican fruit creations, street food favorites, and community-focused atmosphere to Houston's Fifth Ward

Gina Hinojosa Houston Campaign Stop: Education, Economy and Voting Rights Focus

Gina Hinojosa met with Houston voters at Gatlin’s BBQ, highlighting her campaign priorities including public education, economic opportunity, voting rights, and healthcare access.

CMCH Legacy Project Returns for Black Music Month at Eldorado Ballroom

The Community Music Center of Houston celebrates Black Music Month with its 2026 Legacy Project, featuring the debut of the Firey String Sistas, cultural exhibitions, community events, and tributes to Houston leaders who have preserved Black musical heritage.

CMCH Legacy Project Returns for Black Music Month at Eldorado Ballroom

CMCH’s annual Legacy Project blends live performance, visual art, and community programming to honor Black musical heritage and expands across multiple Houston venues throughout June.

The Community Music Center of Houston will celebrate Black Music Month on June 7 with performances, exhibitions, and tributes at the historic Eldorado Ballroom, plus June community activations across Houston.

Stories by Lisa