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Lisa Valadez

Stories by Lisa

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Obama Joins Texas Democrats Talarico and Hinojosa in Austin

Former President Barack Obama joined Texas Democratic candidates James Talarico and Gina Hinojosa in Austin to rally young voters and build momentum ahead of the November election.

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Acres Homes Juneteenth Parade Tradition Pauses, Organizers Announce Alternative Event

The Annual Acres Homes Juneteenth Parade, a longstanding Houston tradition honoring Juneteenth and the legacy of the late Honorable Sylvester Turner, will transition to a community celebration at Lone Star College-Houston North Victory Campus in 2026 due to public safety considerations surrounding the FIFA World Cup events in Houston.

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Kroger Texas Division Celebrates Creativity and Community at Cake Decorating Challenge

Kroger’s Texas Division celebrated the creativity and craftsmanship of its bakery teams during a regional Cake Decorating Challenge, where Houston decorator Sara Sanchez earned top honors and a chance to compete nationally in Cincinnati.

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NMAAHC Announces National Juneteenth Celebration Honoring Opal Lee’s Legacy

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture will commemorate Juneteenth with exhibitions, family programming, music, food and a special tribute to activist Opal Lee ahead of her 100th birthday.

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‘Cool 4 the Summer’ Returns to Help Harris County Residents Beat Rising Heat

The “Cool 4 the Summer” program, led by Lesley Briones, will provide free portable A/C units to vulnerable residents across Harris County as extreme summer heat continues to rise.

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Texas Bar Foundation Grant Expands Legal Internship Opportunity for Houston Students

A $3,500 grant from the Texas Bar Foundation will fund a Houston student’s participation in the Houston Bar Association Summer Legal Internship Program through Communities In Schools of Houston.

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Rep. Christian D. Menefee Introduces Bill to Expand Pell Grants and Broaden College Access

U.S. Rep. Christian D. Menefee has introduced the College Affordability and Accessibility Act to double Pell Grants, extend eligibility, and expand access to higher education for low-income and nontraditional students.

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Usher’s New Look and Boys & Girls Clubs Launch Live Touring Internship Program for Young Adults

Usher’s New Look and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Detroit have launched a new touring internship program giving young adults hands-on experience inside a major 2026 North American R&B tour.

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Three Texas Women File Federal Civil Rights Lawsuit Challenging Capitol Ban

Three Texas women have filed a federal civil rights lawsuit challenging year-long bans from the Texas Capitol Complex following a 2025 protest, arguing the restrictions violate their constitutional rights.

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Cinco de Mayo: History, Misconceptions, and Meaning in the United States

Cinco de Mayo commemorates Mexico’s 1862 victory at the Battle of Puebla, a symbolic resistance that slowed French intervention and carried wider geopolitical implications during the U.S. Civil War era, including indirect effects on regional power dynamics tied to slavery and foreign influence.

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Panera Bread Opens New Meyerland Café, Marking Next Chapter for Houston Family Franchise

A new Panera Bread café is opening in Houston’s Meyerland area, bringing jobs, expanded dining options, and marking a new leadership chapter for a longtime local franchise family.

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Fort Bend County Libraries Unveil Month-Long AAPI Heritage and Mental Health Programs

Fort Bend County Libraries is hosting a wide range of free cultural and educational events throughout May to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month and promote mental health awareness across the community.

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Rep. Christian Menefee Introduces SET Act to Speed Up Special Elections After House Vacancies

Congressman Christian Menefee has introduced the SET Act, a bill requiring special elections within 180 days of a U.S. House vacancy to ensure communities are not left without representation.

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BARC Joins BISSELL Pet Foundation’s Empty the Shelters Event to Help Houston Pets Find Homes

BARC Animal Shelter in Houston is participating in BISSELL Pet Foundation’s Empty the Shelters event from May 1–17, offering reduced adoption fees for cats and dogs to help more pets find loving homes.

Janet Jackson to Celebrate ‘Rhythm Nation 1814’ Induction at 2026 Grammy Hall of Fame Gala

Janet Jackson will make a special appearance at the 2026 Grammy Hall of Fame Gala as her iconic album Rhythm Nation 1814 is inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame

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Texas Southern Joins New HBCU Research Alliance

Texas Southern University joined the new Association of HBCU Research Institutions to strengthen research growth, boost federal funding competitiveness, and advance its path toward Carnegie R

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ExxonMobil Houston Giving Campaign Sets Record $16 Million for Greater Houston Nonprofits

The ExxonMobil Houston Giving Campaign raised a record $16 million for Greater Houston nonprofits, including major funding for United Way programs, STEM education initiatives, and 768 local organizations supporting families, education, and food security.

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Texas Epilepsy Walk Houston Returns Saturday at Houston Zoo to Raise Awareness and Support Families

The Epilepsy Foundation of Texas will host the Texas Epilepsy Walk Houston on Saturday, April 25, at the Houston Zoo, bringing together families, advocates and supporters to raise awareness and funding for epilepsy programs across Texas.

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Southern Jerks HTX Celebrates 1-Year Anniversary with Free Wings and $3.65 Deal

Houston fried chicken favorite Southern Jerks HTX marks its first anniversary with free wings for early guests and discounted combo specials.

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AARP Hosts Free Shredding and Fraud Prevention Event in Houston

Houston residents can safely shred documents and learn fraud prevention tips at a free community event this Saturday.

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Al Green to Premiere Documentary on Life and Legacy in Houston

Community leaders and residents will gather in Houston for the debut of a new documentary highlighting Al Green’s decades of public service.

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Texas Southern University Takes Leading Role in Historic Fleet Week Houston 2026

Texas Southern University is playing a leading role in Fleet Week Houston, highlighting its commitment to military engagement, education, and community leadership during Houston’s first large-scale naval celebration.

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Who Will Be on the Ballot?

Fort Bend Commissioner Race Hinges on Court Ruling

A legal dispute over Fort Bend County Precinct 4 Democratic runoff eligibility has reached the Texas Supreme Court after a lower court ruled candidate Brittanye Lashay Morris ineligible due to residency concerns, temporarily placing her status on the ballot in limbo while the court decides whether to uphold or overturn the decision.

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From Steelworker to Statewide Contender: Marcos Vélez Emerges as a Runoff Surprise in Texas Lt. Governor Race

Marcos Vélez, a first-time candidate with deep labor roots, has emerged as a surprising and viable contender in Texas’ Democratic lieutenant governor runoff, challenging expectations in a race once dominated by established political figures.

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Houston City Council Limits Police Interactions with ICE in 12-5 Vote

The Houston City Council passed a 12-5 ordinance limiting local police interactions with ICE, enhancing transparency and setting clear rules for civil immigration enforcement.

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Texas Southern’s Johnny Jones Departs for LSU After Historic Run with Tigers

Texas Southern University’s Head Men’s Basketball Coach Johnny Jones is leaving after eight successful seasons to join LSU as an assistant, leaving a legacy of championships, historic wins, and strong student-athlete development.

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BBQ Fundraiser for Fallen Deputy Kenneth Lewis

A community BBQ fundraiser on April 10 will honor Deputy Kenneth Lewis and support his family following his tragic death after stopping to assist stranded motorists.

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Houston, Get Ready to Take Off: Free Fleet Week Aircraft Display Lands at Lone Star Flight Museum

Houston’s Lone Star Flight Museum is hosting a free Fleet Week aircraft display on April 18 and 19, featuring Navy, Marine, and Coast Guard planes, interactive exhibits, and a family-friendly aviation experience.

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Jet, Set, Nashville: The Hutton Hotel Unveils a Fresh, Luxe Vibe

Nashville’s Hutton Hotel has a fresh new look after a $40 million renovation, offering Houstonians a stylish, pet-friendly getaway with redesigned rooms, world-class dining, immersive music experiences, and a full-service spa and fitness center

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Pour Minds Bring “Still Sippin Tour” Home to Houston

Houston’s own Pour Minds podcast hosts return to the stage with their “Still Sippin Tour,” bringing unfiltered conversations, humor, and interactive moments to a hometown crowd.

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Watch the First Widow’s Bay Teaser Trailer and Discover Apple TV’s New Horror Comedy

Widow’s Bay blends eerie island folklore with character-driven comedy as a timid mayor fights to revive his town while a long-forgotten curse resurfaces.

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The Tipped Wage is a Legacy of Slavery. Chicago is Right to End it.

Chicago’s move to eliminate the tipped wage highlights its roots in post-slavery labor practices and aims to create a more equitable pay structure for service workers.

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HCA Houston Northwest Earns 2026 Patient Safety Award

HCA Houston Healthcare Northwest earned the 2026 Patient Safety Excellence Award from Healthgrades, ranking among the top 10% of U.S. hospitals for patient safety while expanding services with Aquablation therapy.

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Supergirl Soars: Watch Milly Alcock’s DC Hero in Action – Trailer Out Now!

DC Studios’ Supergirl, starring Milly Alcock, hits theaters June 26, 2026 — watch the trailer now for a first look at the iconic superhero’s big-screen debut.

Over 1,300 Students and Industry Leaders Attend Women in Industry Conference 2026 in Galveston

Over 1,300 students, educators, and industry leaders attended the Women in Industry Conference 2026 in Galveston, inspiring girls to pursue careers in engineering, construction, maritime, oil and gas, chemical, and industrial sectors.

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Harris County Files Brief to Restore State HUB Program and Protect Minority- and Women-Owned Businesses

Harris County is backing a court challenge to restore Texas’s Historically Underutilized Business Program and protect minority- and women-owned businesses from recent eligibility cuts.

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Flip Circus Brings a Thrilling, Family-Friendly Big Top Experience to Houston This Spring

The all-new Flip Circus brings a thrilling, family-friendly big top experience to Houston this spring with world-class performers, daring stunts, and live music.

Houston Unions Back HPD Immigration Ordinance by Council Member Salinas

The Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation has endorsed an ordinance led by Alejandra Salinas, Abbie Kamin, and Edward Pollard to set clearer limits on the Houston Police Department’s cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, citing concerns over public safety, education impacts, and community trust.

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East End Street Fest to Celebrate Houston’s First-Ever Fleet Week with Free Cultural Festival

East End Street Fest will celebrate Houston’s first-ever Fleet Week with a free, family-friendly cultural festival on Navigation Boulevard highlighting music, food, and Latino heritage.

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Aldine ISD to Host Choice Schools Festival Showcasing 30+ Specialized Programs in Houston

Aldine ISD will host its Choice Schools Festival on March 28, giving families the chance to explore more than 30 specialized programs and academic pathways in one location.

CAIR-Texas Urges Fairness on Religious Liberty Committe

CAIR-Texas and Muslim American Society Dallas are urging Texas leaders to ensure the new Senate Select Committee on Religious Liberty operates with fairness, transparency, and equal protection for all faith communities.

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Houston Public Library Hosts Award-Winning Author Chencia C. Higgins for Exclusive Book Talk and Sneak Peek of New Novel

Houston Public Library will host award-winning romance author Chencia C. Higgins for a free March 28 Author Talk at Young Neighborhood Library, featuring a preview of her upcoming novel A Little Kissing Between Friends

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Texas Southern University Researcher Awarded $100K Grant to Study Firearm Deaths After Incarceration

A Texas Southern University researcher has received a $100,000 grant to study the factors driving firearm-related deaths among individuals in the critical first year after release from incarceration.

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Houston Faith Leaders Back Rep. Christian Menefee’s Re-Election Bid in Newly Redrawn 18th District

Congressman Christian Menefee has received endorsements from 25 Houston pastors as he campaigns for re-election in the newly redrawn 18th Congressional District, where he faces Rep. Al Green after Republican-led redistricting forced a new election

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Watch the Trailer for Beast: A Gritty MMA Comeback Story

In Beast, a retired MMA legend returns to the cage for one final, brutal showdown to save his brother and protect his legacy.

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Congressman Christian Menefee Visits Houston Immigration Detention Facility, Calls for Reform

Congressman Christian Menefee visited the Houston Contract Detention Facility to highlight harsh conditions for ICE detainees and call for humane immigration reform, amid reports that CoreCivic earned $742 million from ICE contracts in 2025.

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Houston’s Ensemble Theatre Presents the Poetic and Powerful ‘Choir Boy’

Houston’s Ensemble Theatre presents Choir Boy, a Tony-nominated, poetic coming-of-age musical exploring identity, sexuality, and community among young Black students.

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Houston Blood Drive Honors Legacy While Raising Awareness About Sickle Cell Disease

A Houston blood drive honoring Jesse and Leona Mays aims to boost lifesaving donations and raise awareness about sickle cell disease, which disproportionately impacts Black Americans.

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Children’s Museum Houston Raises Record $237,000 at Friends and Families Luncheon

Children’s Museum Houston’s 2026 Friends and Families Luncheon raised a record $237,000, celebrating early childhood learning and unveiling the new Gallery of Wonder for infants and toddlers.

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