Convenience Big Store: How some Houston tenants are getting last-minute eviction lawyers

April 16, 2026

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Good morning, Houston.

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

Need to know: Are you going to Daikin Park anytime soon? With the price of everything going up these days, here are some tips to make sure the only thing at the ballpark being racked up are runs, not debts.
Top of the chart: The most-read story on our site yesterday was about a $270 million, mixed-use development that recently broke ground in Upper Kirby.

Here's the rest of the news.

1

A line forms down the hallway outside Harris County Justice of the Peace (Precinct 5, Place 1) court Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, as persons involved with eviction cases wait to appear before Judge Israel B. Garcia, Jr. in Houston.

Some Houston tenants are getting lawyers at the last minute. Here's why.

For those unfortunate enough to find themselves facing eviction, hiring an attorney is probably a good idea.

Affording an attorney is another question.

According to reporting by R.A. Schuetz, a lawyer from Dallas might have figured it out by utilizing funding through philanthropy and perhaps some taxpayer dollars.

This is about the team of nonprofit lawyers that make up the Dallas Eviction Advocacy Center, led by Mark Melton. They recently set up shop in Houston, where you'll find folks like Mario Pineda working the room at the city's busiest eviction court.

Find out how Melton brought this idea to fruition and how a Facebook post during the depths of the pandemic got the ball rolling.

2

A nearly 1,000-home community is planned near Tomball.

Two builders are tackling a long-challenging site in Tomball with plans for a 919-home community. The 445-acre deal offers a glimpse of where Houston’s growth is heading next.

3

Why NRG Stadium is returning to its original name.

According to NRG, a recent survey revealed that 90% of their Houston-based customers supported the return of the stadium’s original name.

4

Tomlinson: This Texas mayor is charting a unique path to balance growth and affordability.

San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones ruffles feathers trying to boost the economy and strike the best deal for residents, writes columnist Chris Tomlinson.

5

Magnolia's mayor is booked into the Tarrant County jail after recent arrest.

Matthew Dantzer is charged with assault on a pregnant person, a third-degree felony, and official oppression, a Class A misdemeanor.

6

Seven of Texas’ 10 most congested highways are in Houston. See where.

Stuck on the West Loop again? There’s data behind the gridlock. Explore our interactive tracker of Houston’s most congested highways and see where drivers are losing the most time.

7

Fleet Week mixed-reality challenge puts players' skills to the test on a flight deck and a submarine.

As a part of Fleet Week Houston, the U.S. Navy is bringing an immersive challenge for people to try out this weekend.

Also: See the ships and members of the armed forces in action.

🍴 Bao’s Review

***

Restaurant critic Bao Ong gave Zaranda three out of four stars in his latest review.

What to order: For dinner: Ensalada Caesar, trucha salmoneada, zarandeado (fish and octopus), taco de gobernador, tostada de langosta, zanahorias tatemadas, milhojas. For lunch: Paté de almeja, tostaditas de tiradito, torta de res.

Prices: For lunch: $9-$44 starters, $17-$29 tacos and tostadas, $15-$26 ensaladas and tortas, $22-$24 hot entrees; $29 two-course business lunch. For dinner: $9-$44 starters, salads and crudos; $12-$22 antojitos and tostadas; $38-market price for grilled seafood; $38-$75 arroces; $32-$72 slow-cooked and grilled meats; $8-$11 vegetables. Desserts: $14-18.

⚾ Sports

Houston Astros pitcher Spencer Arrighetti delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Wednesday, April 15, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Kevin M. Cox)

Photo by: Kevin M. Cox, Associated Press

Astros: In his first big league outing of the year, Spencer Arrighetti threw six innings of one-run ball and Yordan Alvarez hit another home run in the Astros' win. Also, team officials vowed to help Tatsuya Imai adjust after he admitted to struggling in his transition to MLB and living in the U.S.
Texans: The team is scheduled to draft at No. 28 in the first round next week. But what if their top options come off the board?
Cougars: Braden East, who spent the past two seasons at Lamar, announced his commitment to UH on Wednesday. A 6-foot-9, 238-pound big man, East continued a theme of adding size and production in the frontcourt as coach Kelvin Sampson reloads the roster through the transfer portal this offseason.
Longhorns: Quarterback Arch Manning reflects on his first season as a starter, his health for next year, his recruiting efforts and a new roommate.

🗣️ Opinion

In 1960 John F. Kennedy explained his Catholicism to a roomful of skeptical Protestant ministers. It's a model Donald Trump should study, write professors Kenneth Zagacki and Richard Cherwitz.
With fumbles on immigration and Easter, Houston Mayor John Whitmire risks losing conservative support, writes radio host Kenny Webster.
My 8-year-old survived, but just barely. Before other parents entrust their children to Camp Mystic and the Eastlands, the state of Texas needs to be sure they'll be safe, writes Bolton Walters, the father of a child who nearly died in the July 4 flood.
"Texas prides itself on freedom, personal responsibility and limited government. But this rule embodies none of those values," writes Adam Rawkinberry in a letter to the editor regarding the state's ban on smokable THC.

Showdown Over ICE Policy

Houston Mayor John Whitmire has called a special City Council meeting for Friday to vote on whether to repeal an ordinance that changed how the Houston Police Department interacts with federal immigration authorities. Here's what to know as council members prepare to revisit the policy.
Gov. Greg Abbott’s office is investigating Texas cities that limit law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration officials after he threatened to pull $110 million in public safety grants from Houston this week.
Whitmire voted to limit HPD officers' interactions with ICE agents last week, but he now says the city must "correct" its policy after Abbott threatened to pull grant funding.
Abbott is threatening to pull $110 million in grant funds from Houston if the city does not revoke its new policy limiting cooperation with ICE agents.

📅 Events at the Chronicle

EVENT: How to save on property taxes with chief appraisers

Houston Chronicle and Chron.com readers are invited to a virtual event on April 30 at noon CST featuring local appraisal leaders and Chronicle journalists discussing 2025 property trends, tax-saving exemptions, and the protest process.

Spring residents, your grocery options are expanding.

Trader Joe’s plans to open a new store off Kuykendahl, between Spring-Stuebner and FM 2920.

It now operates eight Houston-area locations, according to its website: three in Houston and one each in Cypress, Katy, Kingwood, Sugar Land and The Woodlands.