Convenience Big Store: Gov. Greg Abbott targeted in blame for school budget shortfalls

June 8, 2024

Connect and Discover Sale: 25¢
Find essential local news anytime with unlimited digital access.
Act Now

🔍 Need to Know

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, left, and Gov. Greg Abbott, right, talk during a swearing in ceremony on the first day of the 88th Texas Legislative Session in Austin, Texas, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Gov. Greg Abbott targeted in blame for Houston-area school budget shortfalls

Staring down a $100 million deficit budget, even after closing three campuses in February, Aldine ISD trustees have a difficult decision to make this week.

Texas Democratic candidate Beto O'Rourke speaks during a rally outside of the West Gray Recreational Area on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022 in Houston.

Beto O'Rourke warns Democrats they're in a fight against fascism

O'Rourke said Donald Trump's talk about immigrants poisoning America and other comments would have been at home in Mein Kampf or straight "from the mouth of Adolf Hitler."

Democrat Colin Allred, a U.S. Senate candidate, greets supporters, including Dallas City Council members Adam Bazaldua, left, and Omar Narvaez during a primary election watch party, March 5, 2024, in Dallas. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)

Colin Allred calls out Ted Cruz in speech to Texas Democrats

The jabs from the congressman and U.S. Senate candiate capped a raucous night of speeches at the party's biennial state convention in El Paso.

Miguel Calderon, 28, wipes off sweat while working in the heat, detailing cars at Divine Shine car wash on Friday, June 7, 2024, in Houston.

June cold front soon ushers in Houston's next chance of rain

Typical highs in early June are usually in the lower 90s, so this weekend's heat isn't record-shattering or even record-tying heat.

A wet northern mockingbird flutters its wings to remove water. Birds use a variety of tactics to stay dry and find food during storms. Photo Credit: Kathy Adams Clark. Restricted use.

What happens to birds during storms and hurricanes? Our expert explains.

Despite their unique adaptations for surviving stormy weather, birds are as vulnerable as people against hurricanes.

A US Postal Service truck is flipped on its side at the intersection of Bingle and Sowden in the aftermath of a severe storm on Friday, May 17, 2024 in Houston. Fast-moving thunderstorms pummeled southeastern Texas for the second time this month, killing at least four people, blowing out windows in high-rise buildings, downing trees and knocking out power to more than 900,000 homes and businesses in the Houston area.

Inside Houston's derecho and the split-second choices that changed everything

Mighty winds stunned Houston on May 16, leaving devastation in their wake. This is the story of two mothers who raced to protect the ones they loved.

Houston Public Library's Central Library is seen Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, in Houston.

Houston Public Library announces extended hours for some facilities

The Houston Public Library has extended hours for some of the facilities in the city. Here are the locations of the libraries and research centers affected.

Constance Wu as Rachel and Henry Golding as Nick in 'Crazy Rich Asians.' MUST CREDIT: Sanja Bucko, Warner Bros. Pictures

Why isn't a Crazy Rich Asians sequel out yet? Author Kevin Kwan shrugs.

Hollywood rom-coms still struggle to celebrate diversity. But we do fall in love and have funny things happen.

💼 Business

The crude oil tanker 'Devon' sails through the Persian Gulf toward Kharq Island to transport crude oil to export markets in the Persian Gulf, Iran, on Friday, March 23, 2018. Geopolitical risk is creeping back into the crude oil market. MUST CREDIT: Bloomberg photo by Ali Mohammadi

Deepwater oil terminal off Texas coast draws safety questions

Tankers would moor just two thirds of a mile from the terminal, far closer than existing terminals that serve supertankers, which can't navigate conventional ports.

Republican delegates from Texas were seen on the second day of the Texas GOP Convention on May 24, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas.

Tomlinson: GOP promises less democracy and more Christianity

GOP goals include changing election rules, putting Bible study in public schools and protecting white supremacist statues.

An $18 million grant will help provide high-speed internet to houses and businesses across four counties.

What readers want to know about Houston home internet service

Past columns about home internet service have generated a slew of reader questions. We have answers.

🚗 Outside the Loop

Pastor Alan Clayton delivers his opening message as 50 volunteers and staff memebers prepare for four Christmas Eve services for both in-person and online worshipers at The Ark Church, Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2020, in Conroe.

Conroe pastor tells church to 'stuff the ballot box.' What tax law says.

A 70-year-old law prohibits churches from endorsing candidates but lack of enforcement is making the practice more mainstream including for a popular Conroe church.

Atascocita Springs Elementary Jurassic Park Playground opened in Humble ISD in May.

New bug, dinosaur and space-themed playgrounds available for play in Humble ISD

Humble ISD elementary schools opened upgraded play areas in the 2023-24 school year with unique themes like space, bugs, dinosaurs and more. During the summer they are open for the public to explore.

Midpoint Bar and Eatery serves craft cocktails, wines, beers, and upscale bar snacks. Popular menu items include southwestern chicken eggrolls, fried pickle chips, variety of chicken wings and burgers.

Midpoint Bar and Eatery reopens in Katy after closing during pandemic

Midpoint Bar and Eatery, which closed in early 2021 due to the pandemic, has reopened at a new location at 25600 Westheimer Parkway in Katy.

📝 Opinion

FILE - Drake, an executive producer of the HBO drama series 'Euphoria,' poses at the premiere in Los Angeles on June 4, 2019. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

Drake's Mavs bet got nothin' on OG Mattress Mack | Editorial

Also: Dan Crenshaw's D-Day burpee salute, Tortoise fornication, NRA does Dallas, Whitmire greenlights rebuild, Republicans turn on traitors, Bumble Mata Hari nabs Jan. 6 rioter, Texas Stock Exchange

Jennifer Mathieu an English teacher at Bellaire High School, participates in a protest against Houston Independent School District Superintendent Mike Miles on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at Houston City Hall in Houston. The protest drew hundreds to march in downton Houston.

I am an HISD teacher. After a year of disrespect, I am ready to leave. | Opinion

We teachers tried to warn you.

🏀 Sports

Caleb Surratt smiles after hitting a par on the 18th hole during the LIV Golf Houston tournament at Golf Club of Houston on Friday, June 7, 2024 in Humble. Surratt ended the day at 7 below par.

Caleb Surratt gets a hot start at LIV Golf's Houston debut

Caleb Surratt, who turned pro in January, is one of three tied for lead in first round of LIV Golf Houston.

PLUS: What to know about the LIV Golf tournament in Houston this weekend.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez, right, meets with catcher Victor Caratini after Valdez threw a four-hitter in the team's 7-1 win against the Los Angeles Angels in a baseball game Friday, June 7, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

Astros insider: Framber Valdez dedicates complete game to Cristian Javier

After tossing a complete game against the Angels, Astros starter Framber Valdez dedicated his performance to Cristian Javier.

UH's new football facility will include a cold tub like the 'lazy river' inside Michigan's complex to help players recuperate after practices.

How a 'car wash' figures into the University of Houston's new football facility

Borrowing an idea from reigning national champion Michigan, UH's new football facility will have a mud room and "car wash" as part of the post-practice routine.