Exclusive: $1B school voucher program applications to launch in February

Plus: Trump to honor Charlie Kirk with Medal of Freedom.

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A hallway is seen in the high school building at the Westview School in Houston, Friday, Oct. 3, 2025.

Applications for $1B Texas school voucher program to launch in February, contract documents show

Families have answers for the first time about key details of Texas' school voucher program. 

 
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Top Stories

Pepsi products are seen on the shelf at a grocery store, Friday, Feb. 13, 2009, in Danvers, Mass. PepsiCo Inc. said Friday its fourth-quarter profit fell partly on restructuring and impairment charges, but adjusted results met analysts' expectations.

Photo by: Lisa Poole, Associated Press

PepsiCo plans huge warehouse west of Houston in 2025’s biggest industrial deal

The beverage giant is planning a "first-of-its kind" facility within a 1.05-million-square-foot warehouse in Brookshire near Katy.

 
Right-wing activist Charlie Kirk was shot Wednesday during a campus visit at Utah Valley University. 

Photo by: Getty

Trump to award Charlie Kirk a posthumous Medal of Freedom on his 32nd birthday

President Donald Trump is expected to posthumously award the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk with a Medal of Freedom at a ceremony on Tuesday.

 
Audrey Nath, a candidate for HISD District VII Trustee, speaks during a Houston Federation of Teachers’ rally for HISD pay raises in front of Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center in Houston on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025.

Photo by: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle

Here's how much each HISD trustee candidate has raised before November elections

Although the HISD elected trustees don’t currently have any power in the district under the ongoing state takeover, they will resume oversight towards the second half of their term. 

 
Drone photos of the settlement in Loving County which has been linked to an effort to sweep local offices in the most sparsely populated county in the U.S. by moving in dozens of new voters ahead of 2026 elections.

Photo by: Court Filings / Office Of The Texas Attorney General

Ken Paxton sues leader of group trying to seize control of Loving County

The attorney general filed a lawsuit against Malcolm Tanner, the leader of a group who recently moved to west Texas with the intent of taking over the county government. 

 
Fort Bend County Judge KP George, right, is joined by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner during a celebration of Diwali on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022, at Sugar Land’s Constellation Field. The parade and festival also celebrated the 75th anniversary of India’s independence.

Photo by: Annie Mulligan, Contributor

Fort Bend commissioners approve new precinct map after heated meeting

The mid-decade change reshapes boundaries drawn in 2021 and reignited debate over political representation in the county.

 

Food

Radom Capital and Triten Real Estate Partners are planning a nearly 4.5-acre adaptive reuse of the historic Swift meatpacking and cottonseed oil refinery in the Houston Heights. The design by Michael Hsu Office of Architecture embraces the historic character of the buildings while reimagining spaces for modern restaurants, retailers and offices. Landscape architects Edgeland's design enhances green spaces and pedestrian connections from the project to the adjacent hike-and-bike trail.

Photo by: Michael Hsu Office Of Architecture

Merit Coffee, Escalante's set to open in historic Heights warehouse development

The Swift BLDG, a revamp of the old Swift and Co. refinery, will house restaurants, office space and wellness spots. Read More

 
Chocolate Tapioca Pudding from Anita Jaisinghani

Photo by: Carolina Ayala, Contributor

Recipe: How to make chocolate tapioca pudding for Diwali

A simple, creamy twist on a classic pudding, created by Houston chef Anita Jaisinghani, to share with friends and neighbors this Diwali. Read More