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Lisa Valadez

Stories by Lisa

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Precinct 4 Expands Free Summer Food Programs for Families

Harris County Precinct 4 is launching expanded free summer food assistance programs to help families facing rising grocery costs and food insecurity.

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Fort Bend County Polling Centers Disrupted by Countywide Check-In System Outage During Runoff Election

A software-related failure temporarily shut down voter check-in systems at Fort Bend County polling locations during the May 26 runoff election, causing delays, provisional ballots, and brief disruptions before systems were restored.

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TDECU Shares Budget-Friendly Summer Vacation Tips for Houston Families

Financial experts and TDECU are encouraging Houstonians to plan ahead, budget carefully, and use smart financial tools to make summer travel more affordable

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Houston Event to Honor George Floyd’s Legacy with Community Celebration

Houston residents are invited to gather Memorial Day weekend for a community celebration honoring the life and legacy of George Floyd at Tom Bass Regional Park III.

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Houston Public Library Receives $449K Grant for Technology Upgrades

Houston Public Library will upgrade broadband, computers, and infrastructure at 10 branches across the city thanks to a new $449,000 state grant.

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Hollywood-Themed Mother/Son Dance Coming to Rosenberg Civic Center June 12

Families are invited to enjoy a glamorous Hollywood-inspired evening of music, games, dancing and red-carpet fun at the Rosenberg Civic Center’s “Hollywood Nights” Mother/Son Dance on June 12.

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Stages Announces 2026 Sin Muros Latinx Theater Festival

Stages will host the 2026 Sin Muros: A Latinx Theater Festival June 11–14 at The Gordy, celebrating Latinx playwrights, culture, and community through staged readings, performances, workshops, and special events.

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Congressman Christian Menefee Joins Equality Caucus

Congressman Christian Menefee announced he has joined the Congressional Equality Caucus while campaigning in the ongoing Democratic runoff election against Congressman Al Green in Texas’ 18th Congressional District.

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Lone Star Flight Museum Honors Memorial Day Weekend With ‘Wings of Vietnam’ Aviation Exhibition

Visitors can enjoy Memorial Day admission for just $10 while exploring Vietnam-era aircraft displays, flight simulators and family-friendly activities throughout the holiday weekend

The Lone Star Flight Museum will honor Memorial Day weekend with its “Wings of Vietnam” exhibition featuring Vietnam War-era aircraft, aviation demonstrations, STEM activities and family-friendly programming celebrating the service and sacrifice of U.S. military members.

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Congressman Menefee Highlights First 100 Days Representing Texas’ 18th Congressional District

Congressman Christian D. Menefee marked his first 100 days in office by highlighting legislative efforts, constituent services, and community engagement while preparing for the May 26 Democratic runoff against Al Green.

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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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