Bayou Brief: HISD losses, James Coney comeback & the joy of sandlot baseball

In our weekly Bayou Brief series, we curate some of the latest headlines, longform stories and other noteworthy pieces that help you explore the ever-changing world of Houston from our wide-ranging media landscape.

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Bayou Brief: August 6, 2024

Recent Headlines

• HISD faces unprecedented departures in June | Houston Chronicle | Nusaiba Mizan, Anastasia Goodwin – The district lost as many staff in a month that typically leave in an entire school year, bringing the total staff losses since the district takeover to more than 10,000.
• Texas lawmakers hold public meeting on HISD | Defender | Laura Onyeneho – Teachers, parents and other educators gave their account of the HISD takeover and the challenges they face.
• Chevron moving headquarters to Houston | Texas Tribune | Juan Salinas II – The oil giant leaves California for the Gulf Coast, seeking a more business-friendly regulatory environment.
• Air Alliance Houston report identifies 12 biggest air polluters | Houston Public Media | Patricia Ortiz – The report examines records of fires, explosions and violations of clean air laws that contribute to carcinogenic pollutants in Houston’s air.
• Candidates announce intention to vie for Sheila Jackson Lee’s seat | Houston Public Media | Andrew Schneider, Dominic Anthony Walsh – Amanda Edwards, Sylvester Turner and several others formally declared candidacy to represent the Democratic party in the November election.
• Houston Symphony loses a visionary leader | Paper City | Shelby Hodge – Executive Director and CEO John Mangum heads to Chicago to join the Lyric Opera, leaving behind a storied tenure.

In Other News

• The history of Houston Blue | Houston Chronicle | Matt Young – With the Texans on the cusp of returning for a new season, the Chronicle looks back at the history of a familiar shade of blue that’s found in a new uniform.
• Houston City Council grapples with short-term rentals | Houston Public Media | Dominic Anthony Walsh – Guidance is expected later this year on how to deal with AirBNB, VRBO and other rental properties in residential neighborhoods.
• Greenspoint Mall closes to make way for housing development | Chron.com | Janet Miranda – Nearly 50 years after opening, the mall will make way for a 325-unit development for low-income families.
• James Coney Island eyes a comeback | Texas Monthly | Megha McSwain – After downsizing since the pandemic, the iconic, century-old Houston hot dog slingers look for ways to expand.
• The Screwballs take on Houston sandlot baseball | Houston Chronicle | Craig Hlavaty – The Houston reporter preaches the joy of an adult sandlot league, operating across seven teams in the Houston area.
• How Houston attractions prepare for the brutal summers | Houston Public Media | Craig Cohen, Joshua Zinn – The Zoo and Arboretum discuss the ways they try to keep things cool and safe during Houston’s summer.

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