Convenience Big Store: Alief is a microcosm of Houston's diversity. Why is it losing residents?

December 5, 2025

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🌧️ Temperature check: High of 48; low of 48. Forecast: If you liked Thursday's weather, then you're in luck. Things will change this weekend, though.

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Good morning, Houston.

Here's what you should know to start your day:

Need to know: The most important event in the lead-up to the FIFA World Cup begins today. Find out how it will affect the matches scheduled in Houston next year.
Top of the chart: One of the most-read stories on our site yesterday was our letters to the editor roundup on President Donald Trump's decision to pardon a drug kingpin.
📱Good news for mobile readers. Our app just got better. Upgrade or download our mobile app today 🔗 For iPhone users; for Android users.

Here's the rest of the news.

1

The Allief Neiborhood Center is seen in Houston, Monday, Nov 17, 2025.

Photo by: Kirk Sides, Houston Chronicle

Alief exemplifies Houston's diversity. So why is it losing residents?

There's a problem in Alief. It's one that has been developing over a period of years. And it will take time to fix.

But before we get to that, it's worth noting that the southwest Houston neighborhood developed rapidly during the oil boom era of the 1970s. But the oil bubble would burst a few years later, sending many of those families packing.

Working-class immigrant families soon moved in and transformed the area. Now, Alief is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the city, with nearly 105,000 people calling it home in 2023, according to Census Bureau data.

But in the last few years, Alief lost nearly 8,000 residents, the most of any neighborhood in Houston. And nowhere is that drop more clear than in Alief ISD classrooms.

What happened? And what's being done to turn things around? Sam González Kelly has the details.

2

The Supreme Court upholds Texas' GOP congressional map, reversing a lower court ruling.

In a 6-3 ruling, the court reversed a lower court's finding that the map was designed to weaken the voting power of racial minorities. All three liberal justices dissented.

3

The Katy Freeway will shrink to two lanes through next year for a $400M elevation project.

The project will also bring about the closure of connector ramps near Interstate 45 and disrupt commutes for months.

4

Here's what a Jasmine Crockett Senate run would mean for Texas Democrats.

It stands to pit three of the state's more well-known Democrats against one another — a scenario that has some Democrats frustrated.

5

New details emerge in death of Texas A&M student Brianna Aguilera.

Austin police say evidence, including a deleted note, suggests Brianna Aguilera died by suicide; an assertion her family disputes. Also, here's what we know about Aguilera and the circumstances behind her death.

6

Still waiting for heavy trash pickup? Houston is spending $2M to help.

The sweep began in southwest Houston on Wednesday and will move north and then east across the city over the next month and a half, Mayor John Whitmire said.

7

Commissioner Dexter McCoy challenges KP George in Fort Bend County judge race.

McCoy, a Democrat elected in 2022, is challenging incumbent KP George, who recently switched from Democrat to Republican while facing felony money-laundering charges tied to allegations he misused campaign funds.

❓ Question of the Week

Readers are reacting to news of U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls becoming the latest GOP lawmaker to announce a departure from Congress at the end of his term. Here's what you had to say regarding these recent announcements by lawmakers.

"Yes and good riddance. At least they will no longer be on the wrong side of history and associated with the worst presidency in American history. Thank you for doing your patriotic duty by leaving Washington." — Roland Johnson

"I believe all six Republicans are jumping ship, fearing that a backlash against President Trump's actions could cause them to lose their next election bid. They want whatever the perks are for a resigning member rather than losing out by not winning the 2026 election for their current position." — Paul Vollrath

🏈 Sports

Houston Texans defensive tackle Tim Settle Jr. (98) reacts after sacking Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen during the second half of an NFL football game in Houston, Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025.

Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Houston Chronicle

Texans: Defensive tackle Tim Settle Jr. was a big part of the team's No. 1-ranked defense and had started every game. He was placed on the team's injured reserve list Thursday afternoon.
Longhorns: New women's soccer coach Margueritte Bates won a national title at UCLA and has the challenge of doing the same at Texas, where resources won't be a problem. Also, the women's basketball team remained unbeaten following a win over North Carolina.

🗣️ Opinion

In the passionate immigration debate at City Hall, one mother showed Mayor John Whitmire what genuine moral courage looks like, writes the Houston Chronicle Editorial Board.
A storm barrier system like the Coastal Texas Project is imperative, not just for Houston and the surrounding areas, but for our entire country and all who rely on American energy. Fortifying the Energy Capital of the World will come at a price, but we cannot afford to fail, writes Sen. John Cornyn.
Dan Patrick wants a Texas version of Trump's baby savings accounts. But families don't need entitlements, says former Trump economist Vance Ginn. They need policies that let them keep what they earn.

🎩 Things to do this Weekend

A contingent of steampunk enthusiasts parade down The Strand, Saturday, December 1, 2012 during the annual Dickens on The Strand celebration in Galveston, Texas. (Todd Spoth / For The Chronicle)

Photo by: Todd Spoth/Houston Chronicle

Get to Galveston for Dickens on The Strand, which brings Victorian street performers, parades, vendors and holiday entertainment to its historic district.
See Kingfish, "Irving Berlin's White Christmas," "Spartacus," Handel's "Messiah" with the Houston Symphony or any of the other top live events happening here in the coming days.
See some of these new (and old) films hitting screens this week, like "Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair," "Five Nights at Freddy's 2," "Die Hard," and "Merrily We Roll Along."
Savor the scents at Bath & Body Works, which is ushering in the return of Candle Day this weekend, marking one of the brand's most highly anticipated events of the year.

Instead of making the above list of things to do this weekend too long, I thought I would pass along our list of 21 restaurants and cafes that opened around the region last month.

I haven't visited any of these places, so I can't vouch for them, but let me know if you do go.

Have a good weekend, everyone.