Community stories in Houston

Four volunteers are set to exit a Mars habitat simulator after nearly 380 days of isolation at Johnson Space Center. The CHAPEA mission aimed to study the effects of long-term space conditions on human health and behavior.

As Halloween approaches, authorities are urging parents to inspect their children's trick-or-treating candy for potential illicit drugs that may resemble candy. Recent seizures of drug tablets in New Jersey highlight the need for vigilance during the holiday.

Montgomery County Precinct 4 has opened Granger Park in Grangerland, featuring a GaGa Ball pit, walking trails, and a play structure. The park aims to provide a recreational space for families in the community.

A gas main break near Morton Ranch Road and Bridge Lake Boulevard has led to a half-mile shelter-in-place notice for residents. Emergency officials have closed the road and are advising drivers to avoid the area.

A car sped onto a sidewalk during a trunk-or-treat event in New York City, injuring six people, including three children. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about pedestrian safety at community events.

The Lake Houston area is experiencing a significant increase in eviction filings, driven by affordability issues and the ease of filing. Local organizations report assisting numerous families daily as they face housing instability.

The article highlights eight Christmas tree farms in the Austin area, offering options for both harvesting your own tree and purchasing precut ones. Farms range from Elgin to Fredericksburg and Salado, providing a variety of festive experiences for families during the holidays.

Cedar Park is gearing up for the holiday season with a variety of local events for residents to enjoy. Among these is a family movie screening of 'The Land Before Time' at the public library, complete with snacks and coloring sheets.

Former ABC13 anchor Melanie Lawson will be inducted into the Silver Circle at the upcoming 2026 Lone Star Emmy Awards. This prestigious recognition celebrates her 45-year career and significant contributions to the television industry.

A LendingTree report reveals that raising a child costs over $300,000, prompting a Houston-area mother to discuss her family's adjustments to soaring daycare expenses. With part-time daycare costing nearly $1,500 a month, families are feeling the financial strain.

On November 3, CARTS will provide free transportation to and from polling places, encouraging voter participation. This one-day promotion aims to make it easier for residents to exercise their right to vote.

Longtime rodeo announcer Bob Tallman has been appointed as the grand marshal for the 2027 Houston Rodeo Parade. With a career spanning 45 years, Tallman is celebrated for his contributions to the rodeo community and will lead the parade as part of the event's 95th season.

Patrick Stewart, renowned for his roles in 'Star Trek' and 'X-Men', passed away at 86 after battling Alzheimer's and Lewy body dementia. Tributes from Hollywood reflect on his legacy and impact on the film industry.

The Pearland Neighborhood Center has launched its annual holiday food drive to assist families in need during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Donations of food and personal care items are urgently needed.

Residents in Round Rock will face higher utility bills starting November 1 due to increased rates for water, wastewater, stormwater, and trash services. The increases are a response to rising operational costs and requests from the city's refuse service provider.

The Fort Bend Junior Service League is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Sugar Plum Market, featuring over 100 vendors from Nov. 4-7. The event has raised more than $5 million for local nonprofits since its inception in 2001.

Adi Kattari has transformed a backyard cricket batting cage into All Stars Cricket Arena, a full-fledged indoor cricket training facility in Frisco. The venue features a full-size indoor cricket field, batting lanes, and more, catering to the growing interest in cricket among the local South Asian community.

A contest is underway for a chance to win four tickets to the popular Disney On Ice show in Houston. One grand prize winner will be selected.

Wagmor Pets, a dog rescue in Los Angeles, is being sued for allegedly operating a puppy laundering scheme, misrepresenting commercial breeders as rescue operations. The lawsuit claims consumers were misled into supporting the very industry they sought to avoid.

The Wings Over Houston airshow is set to take place this weekend, featuring the Thunderbirds and NASA's inaugural flyover. Attendees can also enjoy various family activities and should be aware of important ticket details.

As Halloween weekend approaches, Austin expects large crowds and potential safety concerns. Integral Care emphasizes the importance of planning and looking out for one another during celebrations.

A popular Halloween display in Bloomfield, New Jersey, created by James Joanow, attracts thousands but faces complaints about noise and crowds. Despite the issues, the display will remain open until Halloween night.

This weekend, families in Conroe and Montgomery can enjoy a variety of events, including a Trunk or Treat at The Learning Experience and a Halloween Festival in Historic Downtown Montgomery. These activities offer fun and community engagement for all ages.

The Galveston Police Department has launched a new HOPE unit to connect the island's growing homeless population with essential services. Funded by $12,000 from the city council, the initiative aims to provide compassionate support rather than enforcement.

Residents in the Sunrise Pines neighborhood of northeast Harris County have not received mail for nearly half a year due to issues with their community mailbox. The USPS has indicated that repairs are needed, but there is confusion over responsibility and no clear timeline for resolution.

The Round Rock City Council has approved a $324,024 funding agreement for Penfold Theatre over the next three years. This funding is intended to support the theater while plans are made to reassess the subsidy in three years.

Parents of students at Almeda Elementary in southwest Houston express concerns over the lack of safe sidewalks around the school. With only 57% of Houston streets having sidewalks, many feel their children's safety is at risk.