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Lisa Valadez

Stories by Lisa

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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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Houston Area Urban League Equal Opportunity Day Gala December 13

The Houston Area Urban League will celebrate 57 years of community impact at its Equal Opportunity Day Gala on December 13, featuring fine dining, live entertainment, and recognition of local leaders.

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Free Entry to All Texas State Parks on November 2 for Texas State Parks Day

Explore the outdoors for free on Texas State Parks Day! On November 2, all 89 state parks welcome visitors to enjoy hiking, biking, swimming, and more.

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New Edition, Boyz II Men, and Toni Braxton Announce “The New Edition Way” Tour

R&B legends New Edition, Boyz II Men, and Toni Braxton are coming together for The New Edition Way Tour, a 30-city concert series celebrating decades of iconic music. Tickets go on sale October 31

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Kroger Launches Fall Savings on Groceries and Fuel Ahead of Holidays

Kroger is helping shoppers save this fall with discounts on groceries, seasonal essentials, and bonus Fuel Points, just in time for holiday meals and travel.

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Houston’s MLK Unity Parade Returns January 19, 2026

Parade registration now open

Houston’s MLK Unity Parade returns January 19, 2026, celebrating community, culture, and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., featuring Grand Marshal MADD HATTA and special guests from civil rights history.

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Children’s Museum Houston Rewinds to the 90s and Raises Record $1.16 Million at Annual Gala

Children’s Museum Houston threw it back to the 90s for its “Prom Night: Party Like It’s 1999” gala — and raised a record-breaking $1.16 million to support its mission of empowering young minds through play and learning.

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Isaiah Martin’s Bid for 18th Congressional District

Houston Democrat Isaiah Martin, 27, is running for Congress in Texas’s 18th District, emphasizing youth engagement, transparency, and community-focused policies in a bid to bring a new generation of leadership to Washington

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State Representative Jolanda Jones Seeks U.S. House Seat in CD-18

State Representative Jolanda Jones is running for Congress in Texas’s 18th District, bringing a record of advocacy on healthcare, economic justice, and LGBTQ+ representation to a competitive special election.

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Bayou City Art Festival Opens Artist Applications for Spring 2026 Event in Downtown Houston

Artists are invited to apply for the Spring 2026 Bayou City Art Festival in Downtown Houston, a premier juried event showcasing world-class art, live entertainment, and community engagement.

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Balloon Museum to Debut “Pop Air – Art Is Inflatable” in Houston Nov. 1

A Celebration of Art, Air, and Creativity Runs Through April 19, 2026

The Balloon Museum in Houston will open Pop Air – Art Is Inflatable on Nov. 15, featuring large-scale, interactive installations by 14 international artists. The exhibition explores the intersection of art, air, and creativity and runs through April 19, 2026

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Menefee Joins National Coalition Opposing Federalization of Texas National Guard

Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee has joined more than 100 local government leaders nationwide in filing an amicus brief opposing the Trump administration’s move to federalize Texas National Guard troops for deployment to Chicago. The coalition argues the action oversteps presidential authority and undermines local control.

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Texas Southern University Names Dr. Jennifer H. Stephens Vice President for Marketing and Communications

Texas Southern University appoints Dr. Jennifer H. Stephens as Vice President for Marketing and Communications, bringing two decades of higher education leadership and strategic expertise to advance the university’s brand and national profile.

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University of Houston-Downtown Celebrates National Transfer Student Week

UHD celebrates National Transfer Student Week, highlighting the achievements of students who began their academic journey elsewhere and are thriving at the University of Houston-Downtown.

Abbie Kamin Leads Effort to Expand Recycling in Houston Apartments and Condos

Houston expands recycling with a new pilot program for apartments and condos. Council Member Abbie Kamin leads the effort to make recycling accessible for all residents.

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Amanda Edwards in Tight Race for Texas’ 18th Congressional District Special Election 2025

Houston native Amanda Edwards is running in the special election for Texas’ 18th Congressional District. With a track record of public service and deep community ties, she is focused on healthcare, economic opportunity, and grassroots engagement in a tight race against Christian Menefee.

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Ferrel Bonner Announces Candidacy for Fort Bend County Judge

Fort Bend County Commissioner Ferrel Bonner is running for County Judge! With decades of military, civil service, and community leadership experience, he aims to bring proven, committed leadership to the county.

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Christian Menefee Aims to Bring Experience and Leadership to Congress

Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee brings his bipartisan experience, public health initiatives, and community-focused leadership to his campaign for Texas’ 18th Congressional District, emphasizing environmental justice, healthcare reform, and economic equity.

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Raising Cane’s Launches Glow-in-the-Dark Halloween Cup and Haunted VR Experience

Raising Cane’s is turning up the spooky fun! Grab a glow-in-the-dark Halloween cup, explore a haunted VR experience, and unlock treats all month long.

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Fort Bend County Libraries to Host Annual Book Festival on November 15

Celebrate books, authors, and community at Fort Bend County Libraries’ Annual Book Festival! Meet featured author Amanda Churchill, enjoy live Yosakoi dance, kids’ activities, author meet-and-greets, and more on November 15 at George Memorial Library.

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Prairie View A&M University Gears Up for Hillmatic Homecoming Week

Prairie View A&M University celebrates Hillmatic Homecoming with a week of Panther pride, tailgates, concerts, and the big game.

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O.S.T. Liquor Store Launches University-Themed Double Cup Cocktail Kits for Homecoming Week

O.S.T. Liquor Store brings Homecoming Week to life with university-themed Grab-and-Go Double Cup Cocktail Kits, perfect for tailgates, alumni gatherings, and celebrating school spirit across Houston.

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Galveston’s Haunted Harbor Tours Expand Schedule for Halloween Season

Ghosts, Storms, and Sunken Secrets Await on the Island’s Most Haunted Cruise

Set sail into Galveston’s ghostly past this Halloween season with Haunted Harbor Tours — a one-hour nighttime cruise through the island’s most haunted waters, shipwrecks, and maritime legends

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Menefee and Edwards Lead Tight Race for Texas’ 18th Congressional District Ahead of Early Voting

With early voting starting October 20, Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee and former Houston City Council member Amanda Edwards lead a crowded field in the special election for Texas’ 18th Congressional District, signaling a likely runoff on November 4.

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Porscha Brown Appointed Executive Director of Harris County’s Managed Assigned Counsel Program

Harris County has appointed Porscha Brown as Executive Director of the Managed Assigned Counsel Program, reinforcing the county’s commitment to fair and effective legal representation for residents who cannot afford private counsel.

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Harris County Offers Free Help for Medicare Enrollment During Open Enrollment Period

Harris County residents can get free help reviewing and updating their Medicare coverage for 2026. Assistance is available in-person, virtually, and by phone. Open enrollment ends December 7.

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Daikin and Houston Astros Host Big League Experience Youth Baseball Clinic

Houston kids ages 7–14 can step up to the plate this fall! The Big League Experience at Daikin Park on November 8 offers pitching, batting, base-running drills, and a chance to meet Astros pitcher Spencer Arrighetti. Spots are limited—register starting October 22.

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Hermann Park Conservancy Invites Houston to Fall Fitness Events Supporting the Park

Get active this fall and support Houston’s beloved green space! Join the Park to Port Bike Ride on October 25 or Run in the Park on November 8—fun for all ages and fitness levels. Register now and help sustain Hermann Park.

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Broadway Musical Water for Elephants Heads to Houston’s Hobby Center in January 2026

Experience the magic of the circus on stage! Water for Elephants, the critically acclaimed Broadway musical based on Sara Gruen’s bestselling novel, comes to Houston’s Hobby Center January 27–February 1, 2026.

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HOPE Releases First National Report on Economic Status of Latinas

HOPE releases its first national report on Latinas’ economic and leadership progress, highlighting strong workforce participation, rising entrepreneurship, and a persistent $1.7 million lifetime wage gap for Texas Latinas.

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Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort Kicks Off the Holidays with First Annual Tree Lighting and Extravaganza

Looking for a festive Hill Country getaway? The newly renovated Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort in San Antonio is lighting up the season with its first-ever Holiday Extravaganza — featuring live reindeer, s’mores by the fire, Santa’s grand arrival in a red Ferrari, and more family fun all season long.

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Record Attendance at 11th Annual Girls in Aviation Day at Lone Star Flight Museum

More than 675 aspiring aviators and STEM leaders attended Girls in Aviation Day at the Lone Star Flight Museum, experiencing hands-on activities, aircraft tours, and guidance from female leaders in aerospace.

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Magical Winter Lights Returns to Fort Bend County

Houston’s holiday lantern festival, Magical Winter Lights, returns November 21, 2025, at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds, featuring dazzling lanterns, acrobatic performances, cultural vendors, and a new interactive petting zoo.

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Fielding’s River Oaks Expands Lunch Service to Thursdays, Offering Chef-Driven Midday Dining

Houston diners can now enjoy Fielding’s acclaimed lunch menu on Thursdays, featuring seasonal specialties, premium steaks, and a new outdoor patio experience.