Convenience Big Store: The NRA's top mission in Texas?

April 21, 2026

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Good morning, Houston.

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

Need to know: The nonprofit Blue Santa program, which provides Christmas toys to Houston-area children in need, will cease operations after 41 years of service.
Top of the chart: One of the most-read stories on our site yesterday was about the Brazilian triathlete and influencer who died during Saturday's Ironman Texas event in The Woodlands.

Here's the rest of the news.

1

Attendees walk the convention floor and browse firearms and merchandise during the National Rifle Association convention at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Friday, April 17, 2026.

The NRA's top mission in Texas: Stop James Talarico in the Senate race.

The NRA's 155th annual meeting, held here in Houston these last few days, has come to a close.

During that time, one name emerged as a top concern for the group: James Talarico.

The group isn't dismissing the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate. In fact, one official called him a "formidable candidate," according to John C. Moritz's reporting.

It comes as the group takes steps to rebuild its membership and focuses on its mission to advocate for the protection, and expansion, of existing gun rights. And Republicans have been crucial to its success through the decades.

To the NRA, a Democrat from Texas in the Senate could spell trouble for Republicans in other, more competitive states.

2

A family’s 10-month detention by ICE is ruled unconstitutional by a judge.

The El Gamal family has been held in the Dilley detention center for more than 10 months. A judge ordered their release Monday.

3

Texas AG Ken Paxton targets Democratic fundraising behemoth ActBlue.

The lawsuit, the first filed by a state against the platform, could become a headache for ActBlue as it fundraises for a midterm election that is expected to be punishing for Republicans.

4

Brazilian influencer Mara Araujo dies while swimming in Ironman triathlon.

Over the weekend, followers expressed sadness and sympathy for her family in comments under her posts.

5

HISD is outsourcing some of its top schools. The fine print is still missing.

Houston ISD has released the contracts that give outside nonprofits control of four high-profile campuses and pre-K centers, but key academic and financial details remain undisclosed.

Also: Members of the HISD community participated in a protest where people read books for more than five hours near state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles’ Heights residence.

6

Gov. Greg Abbott appoints new members to the embattled Texas Funeral Service Commission.

It comes after two commissioners, including the former presiding officer, left amid turmoil involving lawsuits and firings.

7

Nominate your favorite local educator to be 'Houston's Favorite Teacher.'

As National Teacher Appreciation Week approaches next month, the Houston Chronicle wants to celebrate Houston's favorite teachers at public, charter and accredited private schools.

A new way to challenge your property tax appraisal

The Chronicle’s new property tax guide helps you navigate each step of the complex protest process, access the same data used to value your home and build a stronger case that may reduce your tax bill.

Get Tx Tax

📸 Photo of the Week

Joseph Barrera and his son, Sebastian, pose for a photo holding a 57mm artillery round aboard the USS St. Louis, a Freedom-class littoral combat ship, during Fleet Week, Saturday, April 178, 2026, in Houston.

In this Jason Fochtman photo, Joseph Barrera and his son, Sebastian, pose for a photo on Saturday holding a 57mm artillery round aboard the USS St. Louis during Fleet Week festivities. On Sunday, hundreds turned out at Sylvan Beach Park to pay tribute to the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.

Fleet Week comes to an end on Wednesday.

⚾ Sports

Houston Astros' Christian Walker, left, celebrates after his two-run home run with teammate Carlos Correa in the first inning of a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians in Cleveland, Monday, April 20, 2026. (AP Photo/David Richard)

Photo by: David Richard, Associated Press

Astros: A newly mustachioed Christian Walker and Isaac Paredes' two homers fueled Houston's series-opening rout in Cleveland that halted a four-game skid. Also, the team was dealt another blow to its injury-wracked roster.
Texans: Houston should prioritize the interior on both lines with its first two picks of the 2026 NFL draft and consider a trade down.
Rockets: Kevin Durant may or may not play, but the team needs to fix its offense for Game 2 against the Lakers. It starts with better spacing.

🗣️ Opinion

Where would Texas be without the Alabama-Coushatta, and yet where are they in stories celebrating early Texas, writes the Houston Chronicle Editorial Board.
"The Second Amendment can and should work hand in hand with commonsense gun safety laws that save lives," writes Scott Spreier in a letter to the editor.
"If you do not take the time to decide what you believe, someone else will decide for you," writes Sam Torn, who serves on the Texas A&M Board of Regents. "And if you do not choose your values, the world will hand you a set that may not hold when it matters most."

🍴 Restaurant Roundup

Celebrating 20 years, Killen’s Steakhouse is bringing back 2006 prices on prime cuts of red meat this weekend. The throwback menu will be available dine-in only on Friday and Saturday at Killen’s original Pearland location.
Children under the age of 12 will be able to grab a free meal this week and next at Chick-fil-A restaurants in the Houston area.
Burgerchan will soon grill its customizable burgers in the Heights. The popular restaurant, which first launched in 2016, is currently based in the Galleria area.
The founders of the viral mini-chain Trump Burger insisted they would continue working to open a new restaurant under that name, even after companies affiliated with the Trump Organization sued over trademark and service mark infringement.

📅 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.

There has been a shakeup at Fermi America, the data center company co-founded by former Gov. Rick Perry.

It seems the company lost both its CEO and chief financial officer in the span of a few days. It's the latest in a series of financial and legal woes Fermi is facing.

It also comes after state officials cautioned that the hype surrounding data centers could lead to inflated estimates of future power needs in Texas, according to Claire Hao's reporting.