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Lisa Valadez

Stories by Lisa

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Texas Southern Homecoming 2026 Brings Tigers, Southern Jaguars and HBCU Tradition to Houston

TSU Homecoming game, parade, tailgate and marching bands set for October 24

Texas Southern University’s 2026 Homecoming culminates October 24 at Reliant Stadium as the Tigers face Southern University in a celebration of HBCU football, music and tradition.

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National Black Breast Cancer Summit Returns to Houston in October

The 2026 National Black Breast Cancer Summit comes to Houston October 2–4, bringing together survivors, healthcare professionals, advocates and community members for education, wellness and conversations focused on Black breast health.

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Commissioner Lesley Briones Builds on Investment in Safety, Health, Jobs and Infrastructure

Precinct 4 will spotlight Alief’s food, culture and local businesses with the launch of its new Find Your Four tourism series.

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Federal Judge Orders Air Conditioning in Every Texas Prison by 2029

A federal judge has ordered air conditioning in every Texas prison by 2029 following a landmark case challenging extreme heat conditions.

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Spooky Season Arrives at Houston Arboretum With ArBOOretum Family Fall Festival

ArBOOretum brings together Halloween fun, outdoor adventure and nature education for a fall family tradition at the Houston Arboretum.

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Houston Gardeners Can Shop Texas Native Plants at Fall Plant Sale

Houston Arboretum’s annual sale features about 250 plant varieties, including native milkweed and pollinator-friendly plants

Houston gardeners can shop nearly 250 Texas native plant varieties at the Houston Arboretum’s Fall Plant Sale Oct. 2-3.

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Menefee, Carter, McIver and Ruiz Reintroduce Equity in Research Act

Bill would establish a National Science Foundation grant program to strengthen research capacity at under-resourced institutions

Reps. Christian Menefee, Troy Carter, LaMonica McIver and Raul Ruiz have reintroduced legislation that would create an NSF grant program to strengthen research infrastructure at eligible higher education institutions.

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A Sunny Orlando Escape: ette Hotel Earns Third Consecutive MICHELIN Key

Houstonians looking for a luxury holiday getaway can consider the Orlando hotel near Walt Disney World® Resort

Houstonians looking for sunshine and a luxury Orlando escape this holiday season can consider ette hotel, a three-time MICHELIN Key recipient located minutes from Walt Disney World® Resort.

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H-E-B Gives Texas Small Businesses a Chance to Grow

H-E-B’s Quest for Texas Best gives 10 Texas small businesses a chance to turn homegrown ideas into statewide success.

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Houston Youth Symphony Receives $1.2 Million in Anonymous Gifts

Houston Youth Symphony receives $1.2 million in anonymous gifts to expand music education, financial aid and access for young musicians across Greater Houston.

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Kroger Brings Free Health and Wellness Festival to Montgomery Community

Kroger brought health education, wellness resources, fitness activities and family-friendly programming to the Montgomery community during its free 2026 Health & Wellness Festival.

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Latina Artists Bring Art and Opportunity Back to Houston Neighborhoods

Two Latina Houston artists are bringing art, creativity and cultural connection directly into neighborhoods while creating greater opportunities for families and young people to see themselves reflected in the arts.

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Texas Democrats Counter GOP Midterm Convention with Dallas Events, Voter Outreach

Voting access, economic concerns, health care, public education and voter registration highlighted during Democratic events across North Texas.

Texas Democrats held events across North Texas during the Republican National Committee’s first midterm convention in Dallas, focusing on voting access, economic concerns, health care, public education and voter registration.

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Raising Cane’s Fundraiser to Support Make-A-Wish Comes to Houston-Area Restaurants

Houston-area Raising Cane’s restaurants are joining a September 16 fundraiser benefiting Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana, with 15% of qualifying proceeds donated when customers mention the fundraiser at checkout.

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Rooftop Cinema Club Houston Brings Encanto to the Rooftop This Weekend

A Family-Friendly Sing-Along Also Offers a Fun Way to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

Houston families can enjoy a special Encanto sing-along at Rooftop Cinema Club Houston on September 19, with a Mirabel meet-and-greet before the movie and a fun connection to Hispanic Heritage Month.

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Texas Dairy Queen Starts National Cheeseburger Day Celebration Early

Texas Dairy Queen restaurants are celebrating National Cheeseburger Day early with a five-day offer for a free Hungr-Buster with cheese with a $1 or more purchase through the DQ App.

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Homeschool Students Across Greater Houston Invited to Take Flight at Lone Star Flight Museum

Homeschool students across Greater Houston can explore aviation, STEM and hands-on learning during Lone Star Flight Museum's special Homeschool Day on Thursday, Sept. 10, featuring flight simulators, aircraft tours, maker activities and interactive demonstrations.

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Two New HMAAC Exhibitions Explore Black History, Memory and the Art of Listening

HMAAC opens two new exhibitions exploring Black history, memory and material culture through Lorenzo Pace’s textile works and Allie Martin’s immersive sound installation.

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Black Public Media Opens 2026 PitchBLACK Call for Independent Filmmakers

Black Public Media has opened its 2026 Open Call for independent filmmakers, offering five selected projects funding and the opportunity to compete in the 10th PitchBLACK Forum & Awards.

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Poll Shows Plummer Leading Sanchez in Harris County Judge Race

Survey of 600 likely Harris County voters finds Dr. Letitia Plummer ahead of Republican Orlando Sanchez in the November election, according to HIT Strategies.

A new poll commissioned by Dr. Letitia Plummer's campaign shows the Democratic Harris County Judge nominee leading Republican Orlando Sanchez among likely Harris County voters.

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Houston, Did You Know? The Bayou City Has a Professional Volleyball Team and It Just Added International Star Hanna Hellvig

LOVB Houston signs nine-time Swedish National Team member Hanna Hellvig as the city's professional volleyball team continues building for the 2026-27 season.

Houston's professional volleyball team, LOVB Houston, has signed Swedish National Team standout Hanna Hellvig as it continues building its roster for the 2026-27 season.

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Goode to Know: A New Beauty Business Carries on Jo-Carolyn Goode’s Community Spirit

A new Houston beauty and fashion shop is opening its doors while carrying on the community-first spirit of the late Jo-Carolyn Goode.

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2026 Hispanic Heritage Month Comes Alive in Houston

Houston is turning up the color this Hispanic Heritage Month with music, art, dance and traditions that celebrate the voices shaping the city.

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Silambam Houston Marks 25 Years With Landmark Season of Indian Classical Arts

Silambam Houston celebrates its 25th anniversary with a landmark season of Indian classical dance, music, emerging artists and community programming across the Houston area.

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Breaking Bread Returns to the Hobby Center With Food, Stories and Houston Connections

The Hobby Center brings back Breaking Bread for a second season, pairing Chris Shepherd with acclaimed guests for intimate conversations, Houston connections and a menu of bites.

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A Prostate Cancer Diagnosis Became a Story of Hope for a Houston-Area Man

A Houston-area prostate cancer survivor is sharing his story of remission during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month while encouraging men to be proactive about their health and discuss screening with their doctors.

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Texas Hispanic Policy Foundation Reconstitutes Board, Sets New Strategic Direction

The Texas Hispanic Policy Foundation has reconstituted its nine-member board and adopted a new strategic plan focused on expanding nonpartisan research and establishing a permanent academic home.

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Fort Bend County Detectives Arrest Suspect in $17,400 Gold and Silver Coin Package Theft

Fort Bend County detectives arrested a 28-year-old suspect accused of stealing approximately $17,400 in gold and silver coins from a FedEx package as authorities investigate possible connections to similar thefts across multiple jurisdictions.

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Talarico Campaign Expands Black Engagement Team Ahead of November Senate Election

James Talarico’s Senate campaign is expanding its statewide Black voter outreach, with two Houston-area communications veterans, Judy Foston Stanford and Linda K. Brown, taking key roles in the paid media effort.

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What’s Your Texas? McDonald’s Serves Up State Pride With New Texas Meal

McDonald’s Texas Meal brings Texas pride to the table with seven collectible regional cups, including a Houston design, plus the return of Spicy Chicken McNuggets.

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Houston Christian University to Launch New Artificial Intelligence Degree in 2027

Houston Christian University is expanding its academic offerings to prepare students for careers in one of the fastest-growing areas of technology

Houston Christian University will launch a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence in Fall 2027, preparing Houston-area students for careers in AI, machine learning, cybersecurity and other emerging technology fields.

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Eight Giant Mexican Folk-Art Creatures Are Taking Over Discovery Green This Fall

Houston gets a colorful dose of Mexican folklore, art and culture starting September 15

Eight towering Mexican folk-art sculptures are coming to Discovery Green September 15 through October 18, offering Houstonians a colorful way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month through art, folklore and culture.

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The Health Museum Brings Black Maternal Health Into Focus With ‘Call Me Mother’

Immersive Houston exhibition explores pregnancy, loss, birth complications and healing through art, research and personal stories

The Health Museum’s Call Me Mother exhibition uses art, poetry and personal stories to examine Black maternal health disparities, pregnancy loss, birth complications and healing in Houston.

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JODECI Brings 35 Years of R&B Hits to Houston

Legendary R&B group JODECI will bring its 35th anniversary tour celebrating Forever My Lady to Houston’s Arena Theatre on November 29, 2026.

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Project Row Houses Brings Southern Artists Together for Third Biennial Exhibition in Houston’s Third Ward

Project Row Houses is bringing seven artists and collectives from across the American South to Houston’s Third Ward for Southern Survey Biennial III, opening October 3 and running through February 14, 2027.

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Houston’s Bayou Collective Celebrates First Five Grantees on Give 8/28 Day

In just nine short months, Houston’s Bayou Collective is celebrating its first five nonprofit grantees on Give 8/28 Day, demonstrating the power of collective giving, Black philanthropy, and community investment across Greater Houston.

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Ready to Escape the Houston Heat? Put Costa Rica on Your Travel List

Houstonians looking to escape the heat now or plan ahead for fall and winter holidays can find a range of experiences in Costa Rica, from beachfront relaxation and rainforest retreats to off-the-beaten-path coastal adventures.

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Houston to Welcome More Than 6,000 Public Works Professionals for APWA Public Works Expo

Houston will welcome more than 6,000 public works professionals from around the world for the American Public Works Association’s Public Works Expo, August 30 through September 2, featuring education, innovation and solutions for today’s most pressing infrastructure challenges.

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Epilepsy Foundation of Texas Unveils Mobile Epilepsy Clinic to Expand Access to Care and Resources

The Epilepsy Foundation of Texas unveiled its new Mobile Epilepsy Clinic in Houston, bringing epilepsy education, care navigation and vital community resources directly to individuals and families across the region and beyond.

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Houston’s Media Community Invited to Celebrate 40 Years of Impact at the 2026 HAHMP Sylvan Rodriguez Scholarship Gala

The Houston Association of Hispanic Media Professionals celebrates 40 years of impact at the 2026 Sylvan Rodriguez Scholarship Gala on October 10, supporting scholarships and the next generation of Hispanic media professionals.

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‘The Many Lives of Her’ Brings Generations of Black Women’s Stories to Houston Stage

The Many Lives of Her: The Black Woman’s Journey Throughout Time brings a powerful story of history, resilience, faith and identity to Houston’s MATCH on September 27

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Houston, Get Your Spell On: Rooftop Cinema Club Brings ‘Practical Magic 2’ Under the Stars This Fall

Houston movie lovers can welcome fall under the stars with Practical Magic 2 at Rooftop Cinema Club, where the movie experience comes with skyline views, drinks and a night out with friends.

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Children’s Museum Houston Invites Houstonians to Step Into a Storybook at 2026 Fall Gala

Children’s Museum Houston will host its enchanting 2026 Fall Gala, “Once Upon a Time: A Fairytale Fashion Gala,” on October 17 at The Corinthian, raising support for innovative, child-centered learning and outreach programs across Greater Houston.

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Raising Cane’s Celebrates 30th Anniversary With Houston Animal Welfare Giveback

Raising Cane’s is celebrating its 30th anniversary by donating net proceeds from its limited-edition 30th Birthday Plush Puppy to 15 Houston-area animal welfare organizations.

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MICHELIN Guide Texas 2026 Selection to Be Revealed Oct. 8

The MICHELIN Guide will reveal its 2026 Texas restaurant selection on Oct. 8, including MICHELIN Stars, Bib Gourmands and other dining distinctions.

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Houston City Council Passes Right to Air Conditioning Ordinance for Rental Properties

Houston City Council has approved a Right to Air Conditioning ordinance requiring rental properties to provide operable air conditioning, with landlords given 120 days to comply.

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Hobby Center Announces Single-Ticket Sales for 2026-2027 Concert Series

The Hobby Center’s 2026-2027 season brings Broadway stars, Houston artists, jazz, world music and intimate live performances to Houston, with single tickets going on sale Aug. 24.

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Gov. Greg Abbott Targets Houston’s IAH Over Ablution Room and Prayer Facility

Abbott seeks federal review of religious accommodations at George Bush Intercontinental Airport as Houston officials say the facilities are open to all and were built without taxpayer, state or federa

Gov. Greg Abbott is seeking a federal review of religious accommodations at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport, while the city says the facility is open to all travelers and was built without taxpayer, state or federal grant funding.

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