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Lisa Valadez

Stories by Lisa

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Galveston College Names Courtney Lamm Executive Director of Development and Foundation

Galveston College has appointed seasoned philanthropy leader Courtney Lamm as its new executive director of Development and the Galveston College Foundation, signaling a renewed focus on scholarships, community partnerships and student success.

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Covenant House Texas Hosts Sleep Out: Executive Edition to Support Youth Facing Homelessness

Business and civic leaders unite Nov. 20–21 during National Homelessness Awareness Month

Covenant House Texas hosts its 2025 Sleep Out: Executive Edition with business leaders, including Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale, raising awareness and support for Houston youth facing homelessness and trafficking.

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Harris County Approves Historic Worksite Safety Policy to Protect Construction Workers

Harris County Commissioners Court has approved a historic Worksite Safety Policy, setting a new standard for construction worker safety, accountability, and protections.

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HAR’s Home for the Holidays: Ice Skating, Bumper Cars & Holiday Lights at Discovery Green

HAR’s Home for the Holidays at Discovery Green brings ice skating, bumper cars on ice, H-Town Holiday Lights, and festive family fun to downtown Houston this winter.

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Grand Hyatt DFW Airport Marks 20 Years with $34 Million Transformation

Grand Hyatt DFW Airport celebrates 20 years with a $34 million transformation, including upgraded guestrooms, event spaces, rooftop venues, and a redesigned restaurant

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Houston’s Magical Winter Lights Returns with 45 Nights of Holiday Fun

Houston’s Magical Winter Lights returns November 21 at Fort Bend County Fairgrounds, offering 45 nights of lanterns, live entertainment, and family fun through January 4, 2026.

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Miller Outdoor Theatre Breaks Ground on New Gateway Plaza

Miller Outdoor Theatre breaks ground on a new Gateway Plaza, part of its 100th anniversary campaign to enhance accessibility, comfort, and visitor experience.

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Houston Restaurants Bring Gourmet Thanksgiving Feasts to the Table in 2025

Houston restaurants are making Thanksgiving effortless and indulgent this year with gourmet take-home feasts, festive catering, and elegant dine-in experiences from Fielding’s, Juliet Steakhouse, Victory, The Savoy, Comfort Foodies, and more.

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City Lights Returns to Downtown Houston with 11 Holiday Villages and Magical Experiences

City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic, presented by Kroger, returns to Houston with 11 festive villages, dazzling lights, live performances, and mostly free holiday experiences.

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MD Anderson Launches $2.5 Billion Philanthropic Campaign to End Cancer

MD Anderson Cancer Center launches its $2.5 billion campaign Only Possible Here, The Campaign to End Cancer to advance research, expand care, and transform patient experiences.

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Meghan Trainor Announces New Album Toy With Me and 2026 Arena Tour

Meghan Trainor is set to release her seventh album Toy With Me on April 24 and is launching The Get In Girl Tour in summer 2026, with stops at major arenas and special guests Icona Pop.

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The Spot Lounge & Bar Hosts Week of Giving with Free Meals for Houstonians

The Spot Lounge & Bar is celebrating the holidays early with its “Sips of the Season Week of Giving,” providing 100 free meals daily to Houstonians in need, November 17–20, at 2003 Emancipation Ave.

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Texas AG Sues Harris County Over Immigrant Legal Fund; Commissioners Ellis and Briones Defend Program

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has sued Harris County over its Immigrant Legal Services Fund, alleging the use of taxpayer money for legal defense of undocumented immigrants, while county officials defend the program as lawful and necessary.

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Skip the Airport Chaos — Head to San Antonio for the Brightest Holiday Celebration in Texas

Six Flags Fiesta Texas’ “Holiday in the Park” Returns Bigger, Brighter, and Merrier Than Ever

Avoid the airport crowds and hit the road to San Antonio, where Six Flags Fiesta Texas’ “Holiday in the Park” dazzles with millions of lights, festive shows, family fun, and seasonal treats from November 22 through December 23.

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Houston’s Goode Company Brings Thanksgiving Feast to Homes with Meal Kits and Holiday Deals

Goode Company is making Thanksgiving stress-free for Houstonians with fully loaded meal kits, desserts, and holiday deals for easy pick-up or nationwide shipping.

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The Grow & Gather Market Celebrates 27 Years of Central City Co-Op in Houston Heights

Celebrate 27 years of Houston’s Central City Co-Op at The Grow & Gather Market! Enjoy farm-fresh produce, artisanal goods, live music, wellness activities, and a chance to connect with local growers and makers on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025.

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Houston to Honor Veterans with Parade, Ceremony, and Keynote Address on November 11

Houston honors its veterans on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, with a citywide parade, ceremony, and keynote address by retired Marine Sgt. Major Angela Maness. Join the community to celebrate and pay tribute to those who have served.

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McDonald’s Honors Veterans and Active-Duty Service Members with Free Meals on Veterans Day

This Veterans Day, McDonald’s is honoring Houston’s military servicemen and women with free breakfast and Extra Value Meals. See how you can celebrate and enjoy a complimentary meal on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025.

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Daikin and Houston Astros Host Big League Experience Youth Baseball Clinic

More than 100 young athletes from across Houston hit the field for the Big League Experience Youth Baseball Clinic, hosted by Daikin and the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. The event brought big-league excitement, skill-building, and community spirit to the next generation of players.

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Houston Restaurants Honor Veterans with Free Meals on Veterans Day

Houston restaurants are honoring veterans and active-duty service members this Veterans Day with complimentary meals and special offers. Find out where you can enjoy a free meal on November 11, 2025.

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Ft Bend County Commissioner Dexter L. McCoy and Community Leaders Dedicate African American Heritage Monument & Park

Fort Bend County recently dedicated the African American Heritage Monument & Park in Kendleton, honoring the history and contributions of the area’s early African American community. The 40-foot monument now stands as the tallest in the U.S. dedicated to African American heritage.

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TX-18th Congressional Update: Edwards and Menefee Head to Runoff as Rep. Al Green Announces 2026 Campaign in Newly Redrawn District

Amanda Edwards and Christian Menefee are heading to a January runoff to fill the TX-18 Congressional seat. Meanwhile, longtime Congressman Al Green has announced he will seek election in the newly redrawn district following major changes to Texas’s congressional maps.

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Children’s Museum Houston & Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center Celebrate Native American Heritage Month

Join Children’s Museum Houston and Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center this November for an unforgettable Native American Heritage Month celebration featuring Aztec dance, music, storytelling, and hands-on craft workshops for the whole family.

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Texas Southern University Names Calvin Johnson, Ph.D., as Dean of Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs

Texas Southern University welcomes Calvin Johnson, Ph.D., as the new Dean of the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs. With decades of leadership in research, policy, and public service, Johnson is set to advance TSU’s mission of preparing the next generation of public leaders

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BJ’s Restaurants Puts a Fresh Spin on Pizza with a Coast-to-Coast Remix

Get ready, pizza lovers! BJ’s is remixing its legendary deep dish with coast-to-coast flavors. From Chicago crunch to New York melt, the ultimate pizza experience is here.

Council Member Kamin Responds to Increased ICE Activity Reported in Houston’s District C

Council Member Abbie Kamin is responding to reports of increased ICE enforcement in Houston’s District C, citing growing community concern over detainments and the impact on local families.

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Update: Downtown Traffic Signal Timing Adjustments Complete, Red Line Service Restored

METRO restores Red Line service after downtown traffic signal timing adjustments, improving reliability and efficiency for Houston riders.

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Amanda Edwards and Christian Menefee Headed to Runoff in Texas’ 18th Congressional District

In one of Houston’s closest political contests, Amanda Edwards and Christian Menefee are heading to a runoff in Texas’ 18th Congressional District after finishing just three points apart in a crowded special election.

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Holocaust Museum Houston Honors Veterans with Free Admission Week

Special Offer Runs November 11–16 in Recognition of Veterans Day

In honor of Veterans Day, Holocaust Museum Houston is offering free admission to veterans, active duty service members, and their families November 11–16 — a week to reflect, remember, and honor those who serve.

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Houston to Honor Veterans with Parade and Ceremony on November 11

Join Mayor John Whitmire and the City of Houston on November 11, 2025, to honor our local heroes with the Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony. Celebrate, remember, and pay tribute to those who served.

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Houston High School Students to Compete in 3rd Annual HADA Student Technician Competition

23 Teams Will Showcase Automotive Skills and Vie for Scholarships, Tools, and Career Opportunities at TSTC Rosenberg

High school seniors from across Greater Houston compete in the HADA Student Technician Competition, showcasing automotive skills and earning scholarships, tools, and career opportunities.

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Goodwill Houston Opens Gessner Clearance Center to Help Shoppers Save and Support Jobs

Goodwill Houston launched its new Gessner Clearance Center on October 23, offering discounted items, job training opportunities, and a way for shoppers to save money while supporting the communit

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Walmart Launches $40 Thanksgiving Meal for 15, Adds Latino and Gluten-Free Options

Walmart introduces its most affordable Thanksgiving basket yet — a meal for 15 people under $40, featuring new gluten-free and Latino-inspired options, free delivery, and opportunities to give ba

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University of Houston-Downtown Launches First-Generation Gator Program with Moody Foundation Grant During First-Gen Week

The University of Houston-Downtown is celebrating First-Gen Week by launching a new First-Generation Gator Program, supported by a Moody Foundation grant, to empower first-gen students with scholarships, mentorship, and success initiatives.

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Houston Updates Downtown Traffic Signals to Improve Transit Flow and Reliability

Houston has updated traffic signal timing throughout downtown to ease congestion and improve coordination between vehicles, pedestrians, and METRO services. The changes aim to enhance reliability and efficiency across the city’s growing transportation network.

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The Capital Grille Houston Launches First-Ever Happy Hour

The Capital Grille in Houston is introducing Capital Hours, its first-ever happy hour experience, featuring shareable dishes, handcrafted cocktails, and curated wines, all in a relaxed, no-reservations setting.

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Houston Public Library Hosts Free Fall Author Talks with Lise Olsen and Sergio Chapa

The Houston Public Library welcomes acclaimed journalists Lise Olsen and Sergio Chapa for two free author talks this fall, exploring Houston’s hidden history and the vibrant culture of the U.S.-Mexico border.

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Texas A&M Hospitality Program Prepares Students for Global Meetings and Events Industry

As the global meetings and events industry continues to grow, Texas A&M’s Department of Hospitality, Hotel Management and Tourism is training the next generation of professionals through innovative coursework and hands-on partnerships with leading industry organizations.

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Goodwill Houston to Host Free Expungement Assistance Event on November 4

Goodwill Houston is offering free expungement assistance to help individuals clear eligible offenses from their records and access new opportunities in work, housing, and education.

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Congressman Al Green Introduces 2025 Domestic Violence Awareness Resolution

Congressman Al Green has introduced the bipartisan 2025 Domestic Violence Awareness Month Resolution, urging Congress to expand survivor support, strengthen protections, and confront the nationwide crisis impacting millions of Americans each year.

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Harris County Clerk Reminds CD‑18 Voters to Use Current District Lines for November 4 Election and Potential January Runoff

Voters in Texas’s 18th Congressional District will cast ballots using the current district lines in the November 4, 2025, general and special elections — and in a possible January 2026 runoff — before the new boundaries take effect in March 2026.

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Harris County Secures Major Court Victory Over TCEQ’s 10-Year Concrete Plant Pollution Delay

A court has struck down TCEQ’s 10-year compliance delay for concrete batch plants, marking a major victory for environmental justice in Harris County and reinforcing protections for communities exposed to industrial pollution.

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Hobby Center Opens Applications for 2026–2027 Houston is Inspired Residency Program

The Hobby Center invites Houston-based artists and arts organizations to apply for its 2026–2027 Houston is Inspired residencies, offering production support, full access to Zilkha Hall, and a $20,000 stipend. Applications open October 31.

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Houston City Council Approves $16 Million “Superhub” for Homeless Population; Council Member Pollard Casts Sole Dissenting Vote

Houston City Council approved a $16M “superhub” in East Downtown to serve the city’s unhoused population, despite concerns over cost, long-term funding, and capacity.

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Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office Investigates Deadly Road Rage Shooting in Sugar Land

The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the fatal shooting of 43-year-old Roy Ferrer after his vehicle crashed along State Highway 6 in Sugar Land. Investigators believe road rage may have been a factor and are seeking information about a gray Nissan Sentra seen near the scene.

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San Jacinto College Opens Advanced Center for Biotechnology at North Houston Campus

San Jacinto College launches a cutting-edge biotechnology center, creating in-demand career pathways and hands-on training for students at its North Houston campus.

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HiramStyle Celebrates 20th Anniversary with Fedora Project Gala Supporting Mental Health

HiramStyle marks 20 years of luxury design with a black-tie gala launching The Fedora Project, supporting mental health and youth empowerment in Houston.

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Hadestown Broadway Musical at Houston’s Hobby Center 2026

Hadestown, the Tony-winning Broadway musical, brings its Grammy-winning magic to Houston’s Hobby Center February 10-15, 2026. Tickets go on sale October 31.

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Color Box Donation Drive Returns to Houston, Supporting Cullen Middle School

CoolxDad’s Color Box donation drive returns for its fifth year, uniting Houston families, local businesses, and community members to provide gifts, clothing, and essentials to students at Cullen Middle School, culminating with a Thanksgiving morning Turkey Trot 5K.

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The Ensemble Theatre Presents Take the Soul Train to Christmas Holiday Musical

The Ensemble Theatre is getting into the holiday spirit with its soul-filled Christmas spectacular, Take the Soul Train to Christmas!—a vibrant musical journey through history celebrating African American holiday traditions with rhythm, joy, and heart.

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