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Lisa Valadez

Stories by Lisa

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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.

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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.

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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
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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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