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Saturday, January 24, 2026 • Vol. 71 • No. 3
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Edwards, Menefee lay out visions for TX-18 as district nears 1 year without representation, runoff election approaches By BETSY DENSON The Leader News Contributor
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INSIDE.
As Texas’s 18th Congressional District goes nearly a year without federal representation, the two leading candidates in the upcoming special election are drawing sharp contrasts with state and federal leadership while outlining their own priorities for the dis-
trict on issues including flooding, voting access, and pollution. Amanda Edwards, a former Houston City Council member and public finance attorney, and Christian Menefee, the former Harris County Attorney, answered questions from The Leader about issues facing the district ahead of the special election. The winner will serve the remaining months of the term
before facing a March primary against them, potentially disqualifying ballots Congressman Al Green under newly re- that arrive after state deadlines. drawn district maps. “Democracy should not hinge on mailroom logistics, and voters should Mail Voting and New USPS not be punished for a postage system Postmark Rules that has been sabotaged by the Trump Both candidates expressed concern administration,” Edwards said. over new USPS postmark rules that Menefee reiterated that if you drop could result in mail-in ballots being See ELECTION P. 2 postmarked days after voters deposit
BLADE BRIGADE
HISD Board unanimously approves CTE overhaul, drawing mixed reactions from Heights, Waltrip communities
HFD Arson arrests man in 3-alarm fire at shuttered church
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By BETSY DENSON The Leader News Contributor The Houston Independent School District says it wants to give students a clearer path to living-wage careers by expanding access to state-of-the-art training facilities in fields like healthcare, welding, and cybersecurity. But to do so, the district is phasing out popular programs at some local schools, like graphic design, that officials say don’t lead to high-paying jobs, a move that has drawn mixed reactions from parents at the affected schools. At January’s board meeting, HISD’s state-appointed Board of Managers voted unanimously to sunset graphic design and digital communications career pathways at four schools. In their place, students at ten campuses - Heights, Kashmere, Northside, Waltrip, Furr, Sam Houston MSTC, North Forest, Booker T. Washington, Mickey Leland, and Wheatley - will have access to 16 career programs at the Barbara Jordan Career Center, a centralized hub in northeast Houston that the district is expanding with new labs for trades, healthcare, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies like robotics and drones.
National Blood Donor Month highlights lifesaving impact
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Space City Skaters pause for a group photo during a daytime ride, showcasing the crew’s diverse and growing community.
Submitted photo
Urban skating group brings streets to life on wheels Coming to a Table Near You: The big game, crawfish kick-off, and Valentine’s Day specials
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Save the Date: See what’s happening in the neighborhood and around town
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By ALEKSA RADENOVIC The Leader News Contributor On most Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, as the city’s bustle settles into midweek rhythm, a different kind of movement rolls through the streets of The Heights neighborhood. Groups of inline skaters gather in neighborhoods across the city for Space City Skaters’ regular rides — known as Tuesday Night Skate and Wednesday Social Skate — that wind through urban corridors and bring people together through shared motion and community. Space City Skaters, a grassroots Houston crew, builds on the city’s long street skating history, tracing roots in part to earlier crews such as Urban Animals in the 1970s, Skate Trash in the 1990s and Inline Swine Photo by Aleksa Radenovic in the 2000s. The organization’s mis- Skaters glide through a brightly lit stretch sion statement says its goal is to unite of road during one of Space City Skaters’ people through a shared love of urban evening group rides.
skating and exploration, and to promote safety and connection by rolling together through the city. According to organizers, the group currently includes about 215 participants, a number that continues to grow as more skaters discover the rides. Participants range in age from their early 20s to their late 60s, reflecting the group’s emphasis on accessibility rather than speed or performance. Organizers say all are welcome, regardless of background or experience, and that the diversity of ages and skill levels is part of what defines the community. Beyond the weekly rides, the crew organizes larger celebrations of street skating, including Sk8Houston 2026, a four-day event scheduled for March 19–22, 2026, designed to showcase the city’s vibrant skate scene and welcome skaters from across the country. See SKATE P. 2
See CTE P. 5
Photo by Betsy Denson
A student practices welding at Barbara Jordan Career Center as classmates observe. The center’s newly opened welding lab is part of HISD’s expansion of trade programs.
Arbor Day celebration returns to Houston Arboretum with family-friendly activities, crafts and forest exploration STAFF REPORTS Prepare now for winter weather
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The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center is inviting the community to get outdoors and celebrate the power and beauty of trees during its annual Arbor Day Celebration on Saturday, Jan. 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free, family-friendly event blends education and play, offering hands-on activities that highlight the essential role trees play in keeping Houston — and the planet — healthy. Visitors can take part in lumberjack
games, build whimsical fairy houses, enjoy tree-themed crafts, and explore the Arboretum’s forest trails on a selfguided hike. Johnny Appleseed may even make an appearance. All crafts and activities will be available while supplies last. Arbor Day is more than a festive tradition — it’s a chance to recognize the profound impact trees have on daily life. Trees generate oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide, support wildlife habitats, recharge groundwater, stabilize soil and reduce erosion. They also provide
shade, food, medicines and much of the natural beauty woven throughout Houston’s landscape. The event is sponsored by ExxonMobil and Bartlett Tree Experts. Admission and parking are free, and the program will take place rain or shine. The Houston Arboretum is located at 120 West Loop North, between Post Oak Boulevard and Woodway Drive. For more details or to learn about Arboretum membership, visit houstonarboretum.org or call 713-681-8433.
Photo courtesy of Houston Arboretum
A tree climbing demonstration at Houston Arboretum
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