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Isabel Longoria, Harris County's first Elections Administrator, is getting ready for her new gig at NRG Arena, the county's election HQ.

New Harris County Elections Administrator Isabel Longoria Isn't Here For The Drama

By Schaefer Edwards

Nov 12, 2020

Every presidential election is obviously A Very Big Deal, but this year’s contest in Harris County made way more headlines than usual, due in large part to outgoing County Clerk Chris Hollins’s tireless efforts to make it easier and safer to vote during the pandemic and the deluge of Republican...

University of Houston's Cristina Rivera Garza was awarded the MacArthur Fellowship "genius grant" on Tuesday.

UH Professor and Spanish Language Fiction Writer Cristina Rivera Garza Named Houston’s Latest “Genius”

By Schaefer Edwards

Oct 9, 2020

Before dubbing her a genius, the MacArthur Foundation had Cristina Rivera Garza fooled. When the acclaimed Spanish-language fiction writer and University of Houston professor was first contacted by the nonprofit group, she was told her help was needed to evaluate a candidate for the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship. Nicknamed “Genius Grants,”...

A glam shot of this writer's now-favorite Pad Thai in Houston.

Takeout Reviews: Unapologetically Good Thai at Street to Kitchen

By Brooke Viggiano

Oct 6, 2020

As this coronavirus crisis continues, we continue to support our local restaurant industry any way we can, including by ordering takeout. Over in the East End just off Harrisburg sits a takeout spot you’ll want to get to know asap, the sizzling new Thai concept Street to Kitchen. It comes...

A calm professor (Stefano Accorsi) and a hotheaded soccer player (Andrea Carpenzano) form an unlikely bond in the Italian film "Il Campione (The Champion)."

Italian Cultural Center's Film Series Returns with Il Campione

By Bob Ruggiero

Sep 11, 2020

Sometimes, stereotypes exist for a reason. Among the Europeans, the Italian culture is very much a touchy-feely one. There are a lot of hugs and kisses and embraces and talking loudly and closely with operatic hand gestures. So in the Age of Coronavirus with its masking and social distancing and...

Lupe Guillén, sister of slain Army soldier Vanessa Guillén, spoke to mourners at Friday's memorial service for the murdered Houston native.

Slain Army Soldier Vanessa Guillén’s Public Memorial Service is Underway in Houston

By Schaefer Edwards

Aug 14, 2020

Houston native Vanessa Guillén’s public memorial service is underway today at Cesar Chavez High School, Guillén’s alma mater. Guillén’s family and friends were joined by their fellow Houstonians to mourn the loss of the 20-year-old Army soldier, who was killed on her base at Fort Hood in April. “Trust me...

Mark May addresses both elemental and inner destructive forces on his new album.

Mark May Confronts His Demonic Side

By Bob Ruggiero

Jul 9, 2020

If there was any single event in recent history that has given the people of Houston the most of collective case of the blues, it would have to be Hurricane Harvey. And while it’s been almost three years since that most unwelcome guest arrived at the city’s proverbial doorstep, it’s...

Antonio Eyez releases powerful new single "Last Days" in response to the killing of George Floyd and all victims of police brutality and racism.

A Sign Of The Times: Antonio Eyez Releases New Single "Last Days"

By Gladys Fuentes

Jul 3, 2020

“Say Their Names” has become a rally call for those who say there have been years of racial injustice, systemic racism and police brutality and that the names of victims shouldn't be forgotten. Local artist Antonio Eyez released a new single “Last Days” along with a powerful video to express...

Alexis Nicole Whitney doesn't need 20/20 vision to know her path in life.

Putting the T in LGBT: Nothing Keeps Alexis Nicole Whitney Down

By Sam Byrd

Jun 30, 2020

Alexis Nicole Whitney won't let anything slow her down. She is one of the many LGBTQ community members who lives her life loud and proud.

Barry Mandel leads the team at Discovery Green, downtown Houston's gem of a public space that provides free, accessible public programming.

Putting the G in LGBT: Barry Mandel Recounts Tackling Gay Issues

By Sam Byrd

Jun 23, 2020

We know Barry Mandel as the head honcho at Discovery Green. What many might not know, though, is the circuitous journey that lead him from leading the fight against HIV/AIDS to leading the park.

Christina Wells lets her light shine with her motivational speaking and singing.

Putting the L in LGBT: Christina Wells Transforms Shame Into Fame

By Sam Byrd

Jun 16, 2020

Singer Christina Wells, who identifies as lesbian, has faced a lifetime of shame over her weight. Instead of letting it get her down, she instead used it as fuel to not only show off her powerful vocal chords on America's Got Talent but also to become a motivational speaker to show others how to let their light shine.

KOU's Jon Wilkes Debuts New Single "Burn"

By Matthew Keever

May 22, 2020

"I just woke up one day and was like, 'I have to release these songs,'" Jon Wilkes says of his new project KOU, which released its new single "Burn" today. "I don’t even care if no one listens; I’ve got to get them out there." Formerly the drummer for the...

Takeout Reviews: Family Meals from Hugo’s

By Brooke Viggiano

May 19, 2020

As this crisis continues, we continue to support our local restaurant industry any way we can, including by ordering takeout. Sitting on lower Westheimer in one of the hottest dining pockets of the city, there’s a reason Hugo’s is a Houston institution. And that’s because chef Hugo Ortega and Co...

Haunter Doubles Down On Self-Love With New Single “Miss Me”

By Matthew Keever

May 15, 2020

Barely three months ago, Haunter was gearing up for the future. The band drew favorable comparisons to the likes of Chvrches of Ellie Goulding with their debut single “Love You Better,” and things looked to be heading in the right direction for the self-described former emo kids. Then the COVID-19...

Deep-dish pizza coming out of Volcano Room has hungry folks happy.

Seabrook Bar Volcano Room Collaborates with Local Chef

By Jennifer Fuller

May 5, 2020

Local Seabrook bar owner gets creative with a local chef and have found ways to keep revenue flowing during the last several weeks while bars and restaurant dining rooms have remained closed.

Chef Beto Gutierrez of The Tasting Home delivers the curbside meal kit.

Out-of-Work Hospitality Workers Can Pick Up Free Meal Kits Every Tuesday at The Tasting Room Uptown Park

By Mai Pham

Apr 21, 2020

It’s no secret that Covid-19 has hurt the restaurant and hospitality industry in a huge way. With restaurants and bars forced to close, many in the hospitality industry have found themselves furloughed or laid off. Meanwhile, restaurants like The Tasting Room have had to be creative in order to survive...

Crave has Thank You cupcakes for the front line healthcare workers.

Openings and Closings: The Local Edition

By Lorretta Ruggiero

Apr 3, 2020

We are all getting a little cranky and stir crazy as the weeks turn into possible months of quarantine and social distancing. And some of us are still not getting the idea. We are trying to support Houston's restaurants and businesses but we would like to reiterate that in doing...

Geogria James Steakhouse is offering a streamlined "take and bake" menu of simple yet delicious entrees to prepare at home.

Take Out Reviews: Georgia James

By Carlos Brandon

Mar 24, 2020

Pandemic aside, who doesn't love take-out? The convenience of taking home our favorite restaurant meals was, perhaps, something we took for granted before it became the only way to eat out. Long before this crisis, carry-out was a constant part of my busy life. That said, even the best take-home...

Rodeo Uncorked Best Bites 2020: Scenes and Winners

By Lorretta Ruggiero

Feb 24, 2020

And thus, it begins. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo 2020 got kicked off last evening with the Rodeo Uncorked! Best Bites Competition which featured 113 Houston restaurants serving delicious bites along with pours of 450 wines from the 2020 Rodeo Uncorked! International Wine Competition to accompany them. Officially Rodeo...

Dig into spot-on pub grub classics or go for Southern-meets-Gulf Coast eats like the crawfish mac' stuffed turkey leg.

Whining and Dining: Hot Wings and Baby Swings at Preslee’s

By Brooke Viggiano

Feb 19, 2020

Life has changed for this food writer. As a brand-new mom, poppin’ bottles has taken on a slightly different meaning. But while I find myself seeking out diaper changing tables for the first time ever, I’m still on the hunt for all the awesome happy hours, exciting menus and H-town...

Eight Row Flint is getting down with a mariachi band, shot block and "Big Ass" Margarita specials.

These Houston Bars and Restaurants are Celebrating National Margarita Day

By Brooke Viggiano

Feb 18, 2020

National Margarita Day is Saturday, February 22, and call us biased, but we think we’re in the best city in America to celebrate. From tequila-soaked parties to boozy drink specials, these Houston bars and restaurants are honoring the sacred margarita this year: Arnaldo Richards’ Picos, 3601 Kirby Housing over 250...

Local Spotlight

Missouri City's Jeremy Thomas Named Rhodes Scholar

Tattooing Away Through The Pandemic

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