Convenience Big Store: Inside Houston's derecho and the split-second choices that changed everything

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Photo by: Elizabeth Sadler, Staff Video

A storm, two families and the choices that changed everything

This is the story of two mothers who raced to protect those they loved as a severe system of thunderstorms destroyed homes and flooded streets on May 16. The rare derecho forced split-second decisions with long-lasting impacts.

Stay in the Loop

Marina Ramirez, center, takes part in a moment of silence for a man who passed away from COVID-19 related complications, during a protest at a McDonald's location Wednesday, May 19, 2021, at the intersection of Almeda Genoa Road and Highway 288 in Houston. The group was part of the Houston chapter of the Fight for $15 union, and they were protesting for higher wages. Ramirez said she works two jobs at two McDonald's locations, both part-time, to take care of her two boys. She described working roughly 100 hours each two-week period and still struggling to afford the family's needs. 'It's very hard for one person to do that,' she said through a translator.

Photo by: Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle / Staff Photographer

Two-child families need over $100K per year to live in Houston, study finds

Even as millions of middle- and lower-income Americans are feeling squeezed, Houston and other major Texas cities stand out as among the nation's most affordable for working families.

Tammy Marino holds a copy of Margaret Atwood's book

Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Staff Photographer

Fort Bend ISD trustees consider new policy that could fast-track book bans

The new Fort Bend ISD school board is workshopping a library policy which would give the superintendent sole authority to remove books, but there are still some ruffled feathers.

Photo by: Shawn Chippendale

New French-inspired Montrose bar opens with patio and rooftop terrace

Sophie Cocktail & Terrace Bar draws inspiration from the South of France and will have all the trappings of an Instagrammable space.

The SpaceX Super Heavy rocket and Starship spacecraft stand in the evening light on June 5, 2024. It took its fourth flight on June 6, 2024, from Boca Chica.

Photo by: Brandon Lingle

SpaceX reaches new milestones in its fourth Starship launch from South Texas

SpaceX launched its Super Heavy rocket and Starship spacecraft, collectively called Starship, from Boca Chica this morning.

Pick of the Day

Humble ISD athletic director Troy Kite at signing day for the student athletes of Humble ISD.

Photo by: Marcus Gutierrez Staff Photo

Former Humble ISD athletic director alleges wrongful termination and sexual harassment in lawsuit

The husband of Humble ISD's superintendent has filed a lawsuit against the school district and trustees, claiming that he has been the victim of "unwelcome sexual advances."

What else is going on

Agencies participate Harris County Precinct Two's emergency tabletop exercise and prepare storm response scenarios Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at Felix L Baldree Building in Houston.

Photo by: Yi-Chin Lee, Staff Photographer

With an active hurricane season looming, Harris County Precinct 2 team runs disaster drill

In an exercise familiar to anyone who grew up playing the game "Oregon Trail," Harris County staffers and first responders assembled for a disaster drill at the beginning of hurricane season.

Toyama Sushi & Ramen in the fast-developing Cross Creek Ranch area offers sushi, sashimi, ramen, and Japanese-fusion cuisine on its menu.

Photo by: Toyama Sushi & Ramen

Wave of Asian and Asian-inspired restaurants open in Fort Bend County with sushi, hot pots, ramen

Fort Bend County now has several new Asian-inspired restaurants, offering sushi, curry, hot pots and ramen.

Houston Texans quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) dumps off a pass as he is pressured by Tennessee Titans defensive end Denico Autry (96) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Nashville.

Photo by: Brett Coomer/Staff Photographer

Coming off a career season, Texans newcomer Denico Autry just wants to 'play ball'

The veteran defensive lineman signed to a two-year, $20 million deal. He was one of several defensive acquisitions Houston made during the offseason.

Senior catcher Cade Arrambide, an LSU commit, has a .416 batting average and .550 on-base percentage for Tomball this season.

Photo by: Courtesy Of Jason Mandujano

How Tomball became the country's No. 3-ranked high school baseball team

Premier talent and a bond years in the making have the Cougars two wins from a Class 6A state championship.

Los Angeles Dodgers fan with a sign during the first inning of an MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park, Tuesday, May 25, 2021, in Houston.

Photo by: Karen Warren, Staff Photographer

Why the Astros-Dodgers series opener in July won't be on TV

The Astros' first home game against the Dodgers in three years has been picked up to stream exclusively on Apple TV+.

FILE - A sign outside the Internal Revenue Service building is seen, May 4, 2021, in Washington. The IRS has announced Jan. 29 as the official start date of the 2024 tax season, and expects more than 128.7 million tax returns to be filed by the April 15 tax deadline. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)

Photo by: Patrick Semansky/Associated Press

Conroe pastor tells congregation to 'stuff the ballot box.' What tax law says about pulpit politics

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.