Harris County Clerk first elected official to reject $305,000 salary from commissioners court
Hudspeth told Houston Public Media Tuesday that she does not plan to file a salary grievance after rejecting the boosted salary.
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Erick Lopez, deported to Honduras after HPD traffic stop, misses the ‘freedom’ of his life in Houston
Lopez was one of at least 19 people HPD handed over to ICE from April through June. On Tuesday, HPD Chief Noe Diaz was slated to face questions from a city council committee about the coordination — but he skipped the meeting....
Ag Commissioner Sid Miller: Some Texas Republicans will lose in November due to rural voter outrage
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller says frustration among rural Republicans over data centers, transmission lines and other state policies has grown so intense that he and some other GOP voters may refuse to vote for some Republican candidates in the November election....
Texas adds 1,600 jobs in July as private-sector employment grows
According to the Texas Workforce Commission, Texas added 1,600 nonfarm jobs in July, while employment increased from June across the Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston metro areas....
Midterms: Building trust with Black voters dominates Democratic strategy
Democratic candidates hoping to compete statewide in Texas must fundamentally rethink how they engage Black voters. This includes investing in year-round organizing instead of relying on loyalty built over decades, Democratic Party strategists warn. Texas now has more than 2.9 mi...
Watch: Man dressed as Darth Vader speaks on Flock cameras at San Diego council meeting
A man dressed as "Star Wars" villain Darth Vader spoke up at a California city council meeting on the decision to acquire Flock cameras.
Harris County leaders debate proposed property tax increase ahead of September vote
Harris County homeowners could see a significant increase in the county portion of their property tax bills under a proposal being considered as commissioners work to finalize next year’s budget....
Hundreds of Fort Bend ISD students could be rezoned if new school boundaries are adopted this fall
The FBISD school board is proposing 2027-28 boundary changes to align middle school feeder patterns amid declining enrollment and three overcrowded high schools, Stephen F. Austin, Elkins and Travis....
Houston rental A/C ordinance: Your questions, comments coming in
The Houston City Council passed a landmark ordinance on Wednesday requiring landlords to provide working air conditioning in all rental properties , and since then, readers have been sounding off. PREVIOUS: Houston renters will soon have a right to working A/C under new city rule...
What is personalized pricing? Here's why companies could face federal charges for it
Companies that engage in a practice known as personalized pricing could face federal charges under a new rule proposed by the Federal Trade Commission....
Opponents of Big Bend border construction take protest to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission
Those opposed to a border barrier through the Big Bend region say the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department should be doing more to stop the construction on state land....
Texas WWII veteran hopes to receive 100 birthday cards for his 100th birthday
When Weldon Kenneth Bowen turns 100 on Sept. 5, organizers hope he will be surrounded by a special kind of celebration: 100 birthday cards from people across Texas. Bowen, a resident of the Watkins-Logan Texas State Veterans Home, is taking part in the Veterans Land Board’s “100 ...
A/C in rental housing (Aug. 20, 2026)
On Thursday's show: A heat advisory goes into effect for Houston as the city council approves an ordinance requiring landlords to provide air conditioning in rental units. And we examine the role chaplains in health care settings....
Harris, El Paso counties challenge federal election conditions on security grants
The lawsuit argues the Trump administration cannot withhold funding to force election changes it calls unconstitutional and unrelated to terrorism.
Hello Houston (August 19, 2026)
Today: We find out what’s behind the budget problems plaguing several Texas cities, learn about solar radiation management, discuss questions about voting access ahead of the midterm elections, and more....
Abbott announces special election to replace former state Sen. Brian Birdwell
Gov. Greg Abbott has set a special election to finish out former state Sen. Brian Birdwell's term after he resigned the seat to a take a position as an assistant U.S. secretary of defense....
Houston City Council passes ordinance expanding requirement for AC in rental housing
Houston City Council passed an ordinance on Wednesday that will expand the requirement for air conditioning in residential rental properties by eliminating an exemption that allowed property owners to install window screens instead....
Houston renters will soon have a right to working A/C under new city rules
The Houston City Council passed a landmark ordinance requiring landlords to provide operable air conditioning in all rental properties — closing a loophole that had long allowed property owners to sidestep the requirement simply by providing window screens. The council approved t...
Rental units in Houston must provide air conditioning under new ordinance
More than 20,000 households in the Houston metro area lack AC, according to a 2023 survey by the U.S. Census Bureau
The women who helped build Houston’s history take center stage at Heritage Society event
Women who helped shape Houston’s civic life, education system and neighborhoods will be the focus of a Women’s Equality Day program at The Heritage Society . The Heritage Society and the League of Women Voters Houston will host the event at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26, at 1100 B...
Which Houston-area school districts allow corporal punishment?
Corporal punishment may seem like a thing of the past, but it is still an option in some schools across the state. While it is not used in every school, it is an option if a school board adopts a policy that allows its use. What is the law? Under the Texas Education Code , a scho...
Houston City Council to vote on ‘Right to A/C’ ordinance as council member launches free A/C giveaway
Houston City Council is expected to vote Wednesday on a proposed ordinance that would require rental properties to provide working refrigerated air conditioning, as one council member launches a separate effort to provide free portable A/C units to vulnerable Houstonians. Council...
Commissioners Court gives go-ahead to ICE shooting investigation
The fatal ICE shooting that killed Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a 52-year-old, on July 7, will move forward thanks to a recent move by the Harris County Commissioners Court. Harris County Commissioners Court unanimously approved $2.52 million to fund an independent investigation into ...
15-year-old speaks out after coach paddled him at Port Arthur ISD
The Port Arthur ISD school board will revisit the district’s corporal punishment policy after concerns were raised about an incident at a high school.
Houston City Council could eliminate screened window exemption for AC at rental properties
Houston City Council is considering eliminating the screened window exemption for rental properties and requiring landlords to provide refrigerated air....
Galveston County constable, residents urge Texas Supreme Court to block county’s new precinct map
The plaintiffs asked the state's highest civil court to block Galveston County’s new precinct boundaries ahead of the November election. The maps were changed on June 29, after the March primary election....
Texas counties sue feds for trying to tie election security policies to anti-terrorism funding
El Paso and Harris counties joined cities in Tennessee and Ohio in the suit arguing the new requirements are unconstitutional and would cost millions to implement....
‘Hijacked Faith’ forum confronts white Christian nationalism threat
We are living through a critical moment in the nation’s history. With the midterm elections less than 100 days away, questions about faith, power, politics, and the future of American democracy demand attention now—not later. That urgency is behind “Hijacked Faith: Power, Politic...
Big Bend National Park border wall construction paused
Construction activity tied to a border security project in Big Bend National Park has been paused as U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott heads to the region for an on-the-ground review....
Mike Morath and Mike Miles say Houston ISD is close to exiting the state takeover
Morath, the Texas Education Commissioner, says HISD could exit state intervention "relatively soon" and added the district needs to make special education changes a "primary" goal to ensure that....
Paddleboarder dies on Colorado reservoir, second death in 9 days
A paddleboarder drowned in a Colorado reservoir Friday. marking the second paddleboarding death there in nine days.
What can you change on your Norhill home? The city’s design guidelines just took another turn
Proposed design guidelines for Houston’s Norhill Historic District are headed back for review after the Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission voted Wednesday, Aug. 13, to rescind its conditional approval and create a two-member subcommittee to revisit the conditions. T...
Houston’s water utility receives ‘negative’ financial outlook from S&P Global
The lowered outlook comes after significant financial restructuring by Mayor John Whitmire’s administration.
CBP says Big Bend work is limited as legal challenges grow
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney S. Scott released a statement he said was “correcting the record” on projects happening in Big Bend National Park....
Election 2026: Make your voice heard
Tell us what matters to you and help shape our election coverage.
CPSC warns families to stop using slide playsets after toddler's death
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning families to immediately stop using certain indoor and outdoor slide playsets after a 17-month-old child died in an entrapment incident. The warning, issued Aug. 13, involves Model WPX-4 slide playsets manufactured by Wenzhou ...
Conroe City Council vote falls short of putting Flock camera question on November ballot
The Conroe City Council voted late Thursday night on whether to place a binding proposition about the city’s Flock Safety license plate reader cameras on the November ballot, but the motion did not get the three “yes” votes needed to advance. PREVIOUS: Should Flock cameras stay i...
Judge who appointed Daniel Wong as Fort Bend County judge denies request to vacate that decision
This week's ruling by Judge Jeth Jones solidifies the likelihood that Wong, a Republican who is facing Democratic Fort Bend County Commissioner Dexter McCoy in the county judge race, will continue to serve in that position through the November election....
Reporter message: Black space pioneers, midterm voters, HBCU achievement
Nassau Bay monument honors Black space pioneers A new monument near NASA’s Johnson Space Center will honor Black pioneers whose contributions helped shape America’s space program. EarthRise recognizes eight individuals and groups, including Ed Dwight, Robert Henry Lawrence Jr., G...
Fort Bend County commissioners move forward with proposed tax rate as standoff over Wong continues
Fort Bend County Commissioners Court moved forward Thursday with a proposed property tax rate, but the meeting again took place without Democratic Commissioners Dexter McCoy and Grady Prestage. County Judge Daniel Wong and Republican Commissioners Andy Meyers and Vincent Morales ...
CBP commissioner defends agency’s border project in Big Bend National Park
Rodney Scott, the head of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, indicated Thursday the agency would stick with its plan to build vehicle barriers and patrol roads in the West Texas park despite growing public outcry. "We are securing this park to protect its legacy," Scott said in ...
As John Whitmire turns 77, the ‘spry’ and ‘vigorous’ Houston mayor wants to stay in office into his 80s
After 50 years in the Texas Legislature and nearly three at City Hall, Whitmire says he will seek a second term as mayor.
Goody King magnetic building cubes and blocks recalled due to risk of swallowing magnets, 2 injuries reported
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall for 213,500 units of Goody King magnetic building cubes and blocks due to the risk of the magnets becoming loose and swallowed by children....
Paxton, Talarico tap contrary versions of God and Christianity in appeal to Texas voters
Campaigning for the U.S. Senate, Paxton says he was “delivered by God” to protect Texas from leftists. Talarico’s focus: “You can’t love God and hate other people.”...
Texas’ mail ballot ID requirements restored by federal appeals court
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rebuked the lower court’s 2025 ruling that struck down nine provisions of a sweeping election law related to voter assistance....
Ballot measures in November (Aug. 13, 2026)
On Thursday's show: We learn about a pair of issues voters will decide in the November election. And a Houston biologist considers how living on Mars might affect the human body and mind....
2 Helps You: Voting reminders on Texas focusing on ID, provisional ballots and voter registration
As the November election approaches, Texas voters should make sure they know what they need before heading to the polls. From acceptable forms of identification to what happens if you show up without the ID you normally use, here are some important voting reminders from 2 Helps Y...
Houston voters to decide on marijuana enforcement, no-knock warrant ban in November
Houston voters will have the opportunity this November to reshape two significant law enforcement policies — low-level marijuana possession enforcement and no-knock warrants. The Houston City Council passed an ordinance placing a charter amendment on the November ballot. If appro...
‘I can breathe a little easier’: Houston airport worker shares emotional story after losing car
An emotional moment unfolded at Houston City Hall Wednesday after an airport worker shared how difficult it has been to make ends meet on her past wages. Augusta Dillon, who works as a tool room agent at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, spoke during Mayor John Whitmire’s ann...
Lindsey Graham's sister Darline advances to GOP runoff for US Senate
Sen. Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman will face off in a Republican runoff election for South Carolina’s vacant U.S. Senate seat, one month after the sudden passing of late Sen. Lindsey Graham....
Houston voters to consider deprioritized enforcement of cannabis laws, ban on no-knock warrants
A progressive advocacy organization said it submitted more than 40,000 signatures to place the measures on the November ballot.
League City voters to give input on Flock cameras in November — but council reserves final say
League City council members voted unanimously to add a proposition to the November ballot that will ask voters if the city should continue using controversial automated license plate readers on public roadways for law enforcement purposes. The election result will be non-binding,...
Cy-Fair ISD trustees vote to put tax rate increase, $1.6B bond on November ballot
In what were some of the first big decisions by a school board that was reconfigured last year, a total of five propositions were ordered to be placed on the ballot for the Nov. 3 election....
League City voters will weigh in on Flock cameras in November, but City Council gets final say
League City voters will get to say whether Flock cameras should stay or go—but they will not necessarily get the final word. City Council voted Tuesday night to place a proposition on the November ballot asking residents whether the city should continue using Flock Safety’s autom...
Houston airport workers to see pay increases, reaching $23 an hour by 2028
Houston airport workers will see their wages increase under a new executive order announced Wednesday by Mayor John Whitmire, with pay eventually reaching $23 an hour in 2028. Whitmire made the announcement alongside SEIU Texas President Elsa Flores, Houston City Council Member J...