Mayor John Whitmire is poised to unveil his first budget in two weeks, but officials said they’re still hammering out the final details of a proposed $1.5 billion settlement with the city’s firefighter union.

bit.ly/4dotsti

Immigrant rights groups rallied at City Hall yesterday to ask Mayor John Whitmire and HPD to create formal policies to protect Houston’s immigrants from controversial Senate Bill 4.

Anna-Catherine Brigida and Matt Sledge explain.

bit.ly/4dlj59K

Colony Ridge has dominated headlines, and the news has largely been bleak.

But despite systematic challenges, the fast-growing Houston-area development is home to many industrious Latino entrepreneurs who moved to the area in search of the American Dream. bit.ly/44rUuw6

If you love #Houston , you should subscribe to this new newsletter: Uniquely HOU.
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Every Wednesday at lunchtime we deliver stories, art, inspiration & upcoming events to your inbox — all intended to capture the spirit of the city. Join us by subscribing!

1/ A year goes by too fast when you love your job. It’s my one year anniversary Houston Landing!

I’m beyond grateful to be part of an organization where I can grow as a person and a reporter.

It's been a tough year, but I'm committed to the mission of the Landing.

📍We’re at Segundo Coffee Lab in Second Ward today until 1pm.

☕️ Stop by and say hi, grab a free coffee on us!

The Houston Public Library Foundation — a nonprofit that supports the library's programs and events — issued at least a dozen checks that city employees and vendors were unable to cash in 2023, according to public records obtained by the Houston Landing.

bit.ly/3xTyduF

Opening a small business in Houston can be daunting.

💼 Our Small Business Guide breaks down the process, with steps you can take before you even open your doors. bit.ly/4dfnRWi

The Metro Latino GDP Report found that Latinos in Greater Houston contributed $139.5 billion, or 25 percent of the overall local economy, outpacing their counterparts.

bit.ly/4aYxGGM

🚏 The number of Metro riders has steadily increased, but it still doesn’t match pre-pandemic levels.

Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock, its new board chairperson, hopes her vision and different tactics will lead to increased public transit ridership.

bit.ly/3Qp7oVO

In March, Gov. Greg Abbott ordered public universities to revise their free speech policies, singling out some pro-Palestine student groups.

Here’s what the law says about protesting on Texas college campuses.

(via Texas Tribune)

bit.ly/4a4lYJ8

I’m still hiring an Audience Engagement Editor for Houston Landing!

Details:
+ You'll coach and work closely with assigned reporters and editors
+ You'll strategize distribution plans from a story's pitch to publication
+ $68K minimum

Questions? DMs open. apply.workable.com/houston-landin…

The Launchpad is our daily newsletter. It is where Houston's stories take flight. 🚀

We're up late so you can wake up with the local news you need in your inbox. Want to start your weekday mornings with us?

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The racial disparities in US maternal healthcare are stark. Black birthing parents are at least 3x more likely to die from complications.

Houston: we're committed to sharing these experiences. If this is your reality, we want to hear from you. bit.ly/4bfjXuW

Despite the hurdles and uncertainty brought by SB 17, the University of Houston's Lavender Graduation continues to shine. Led by students and alumni volunteers, it stands as a beacon of celebration and pride for LGBTQ+ graduates.

bit.ly/3JEDfhh

Cypress-Fairbanks ISD plans to halve librarian staff amid a $138M budget deficit for 2024-25. As Texas districts grapple with funding woes, critical roles like librarians take the blow, sparking community concern.

bit.ly/3xYX3cO

Cy-Fair ISD (3rd largest Texas school district) is planning to halve its librarian staff, adding themselves to the growing list of districts doing so to cut costs

The move would leave 42 librarians in a district with 117,000 students and 88 schools. 

houstonlanding.org/cy-fair-isd-pl…

🐢 There are about 30,000 endangered sea turtles nesting on Galveston Beach, but during nesting season, the beach is not safe for the turtles to hatch.

The safest space for them is at a protected lab.

We talked to a volunteer working to protect them. bit.ly/3UsBpq2

Join us on May 20 for a thoughtful conversation between HISD Superintendent Mike Miles and four graduating seniors from high schools impacted by his new policies, exploring the trials and triumphs of his first year.

📆 Save your spot: bit.ly/3WkhKK9

Are #Houston ’s #immigration courts becoming more child-friendly? Advocates say not enough.

By Anna-Cat Brigida Houston Landing
#HouNews
houstonlanding.org/are-houstons-i…