What You Need to Know About the Global Hantavirus Andes Strain Outbreak and Home Safety

A deadly cluster of respiratory illnesses linked to the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius has thrust a rare but lethal pathogen back into the spotlight: the Hantavirus Andes strain. As of May 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) is monitoring several fatalities and critical cases involving passengers who traveled from Argentina through the South Atlantic. While most Hantavirus strains in the U.S. do not spread between people, the Andes strain—currently suspected in the international outbreak—is Read more […]

May Day Strong: Houston Community Day

HOUSTON! On May 1, actionnetwork.org is declaring workers over billionaires.

Join them at MacGregor Park from 2–6 PM for #MayDayStrong, a day of field‑day games, performances, art‑making, community resources, and radical joy as they demand a Houston where our families, not billionaire fortunes, come first.

New Security Protocols for Immigration Applicants: What the April 27 Deadline Means for Cases

Effective April 27, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has implemented “enhanced” security checks for immigration applicants. This mandate stems from a February executive order directing authorities to maximize access to federal criminal databases.  Key Impacts of the New Policy The policy specifically targets applicants whose cases involve fingerprint-based background checks.  Who is Affected: Applicants for Green Cards (Permanent Residency). Applicants Read more […]

Meg, Klay and the Proxy War That Followed

Men Feeling Unloved is Dangerous There’s a proxy war being fought in comment sections all over the world, or at least in America, over Klay Thompson and Meg the Stallion. Now, being from Houston and being an avid sports fan, I’ve seen both of these people from the literal beginning. I watched Klay get drafted to the Warriors and become one of the best shooters of all time, a 4-time World Champion, and write his name into history books. I watched Meg use social media and YouTube, freestyle Read more […]

Beyond the Keys: The Hidden Struggle to Stay Housed in Houston

To the casual observer, the “Houston Miracle” is often measured in statistics: a 60% reduction in homelessness since 2011, or the rapid skyline expansion of a city that never stops building. But for those on the front lines of the city’s housing crisis, the reality is far more fragile. At a recent Houston Community Media briefing, the message from experts was clear: getting someone into a home is merely a starting point. The real challenge is keeping them there. “Housing is not a finish line,” Read more […]

Hundreds Of Houstonians Gather To Celebrate The Life Of DJ Michael “5000” Watts

DJ Michael “5000” Watts is a part of Houston culture, many Houstonians childhood. His mother lived in the same neighborhood as I did growing up. His loss felt like a piece of my childhood chipping away. This past monday, hundreds celebrated his impactful life-King’s Day. The day started with a private funeral service at the Luke Humble Church where Pastor Walter August facilitated the service. Guests included the family of Watts, entertainers such as Slim Thug, Mike Jones, D-Reck of Wreckshop Read more […]

Three Digits, One Heart: Why 211 is Houston’s Real First Responder

Houston, we need to talk about a number. No, it’s not the All-Star game score or the fluctuating price of a gallon of gas at the corner station. I’m talking about three digits that serve as the ultimate safety net for our community: 2-1-1. This past week, I was invited to celebrate 211 Day—a moment to recognize the 211 Texas/United Way HELPLINE. If you follow my work, you know I’ve spent my career telling the stories of this city. I’ve seen our highest highs and our most devastating Read more […]