As we ring in 2026, we at The Leader say thank you—to our readers, our neighbors, the advertisers who sustain us, and the countless individuals who make the Heights and Garden Oaks/Oak Forest neighborhoods such a special place to call home.
This past year reminded us of something powerful: community isn’t just a word, it’s an action. We saw neighbors helping neighbors, volunteers stepping up without being asked, and residents speaking out—sometimes loudly, sometimes quietly—to make our streets safer, our schools stronger, and our shared spaces better for everyone. In moments both joyful and challenging, you showed up for one another.
From celebrating local milestones and small businesses to standing together when it mattered most, the spirit of caring and connection defined the year. It’s a reminder that real change doesn’t always come from big headlines—it comes from everyday people who choose kindness, generosity, and courage.
At The Leader, it is our privilege to tell these stories and to serve a community whose residents believe in looking out for one another. As we head into a new year, we carry with us the hope that this spirit continues to guide us—encouraging us to listen, to act, and to keep building the kind of community we’re proud to pass on.
With that, we give you our picks for the top stories of 2025. The list is by no means comprehensive — so many big and small acts and events have affected great change, inspired great hope, and made a great difference.
Without further ado…
#1 — January 2025Waltrip High School Band’s Sugar Bowl Trip Marked by Triumph and Terror
The Waltrip High School Ram Band’s long-awaited trip to New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl and a major band competition became one of the year’s most dramatic stories. After earning more than a dozen awards for their performances, the students and chaperones were thrust into a citywide crisis when a terrorist attack struck Bourbon Street early on New Year’s Day.
Though at least 14 people were killed and dozens injured, Houston ISD confirmed that all Waltrip students were safe in their hotel at the time of the attack, shielded by an HISD Police escort that had accompanied the group from Houston. Parents praised both the band’s accomplishments and the measures taken to keep students informed and protected amid the tragedy.
Federal authorities later identified the attacker as a Houston man and uncovered signs of extremist intent, prompting a nationwide investigation. While the Sugar Bowl was postponed and New Orleans reeled from the violence, the Waltrip community returned home grateful for students’ safety — and proud of a trip that was both unforgettable and unexpectedly harrowing.
#2 — February 2025 Shepherd-Durham Reconstruction Disrupts Business, Enters New Phase
One of the Heights’ most disruptive but consequential infrastructure projects—the multi-year reconstruction of the Shepherd–Durham corridor—became a defining issue of 2025. Led by the Memorial Heights Redevelopment Authority (TIRZ 5), the project aims to modernize drainage, utilities, sidewalks, bike lanes, and traffic infrastructure along a corridor that has not seen significant upgrades since the 1960s.
While Phase One is expected to wrap shortly, Phase Two has now begun following a temporary administrative pause and design review. This next phase, stretching from I-10 to West 15th Street, is anticipated to take roughly three years and includes more extensive wastewater improvements, bridge work, and construction near Love Elementary.
Throughout 2025, residents expressed concerns about delays, communication gaps, and especially accessibility issues—most notably when newly relocated CenterPoint utility poles were installed directly in wheelchair ramps. CenterPoint attributed the placement to City-directed requirements for the new sidewalk layout, while the City and TIRZ confirmed they are coordinating with utility and telecommunications companies to remove old poles and restore ADA access.
Though frustrations remain high, project leaders emphasized that the improvements will bring long-term safety, mobility, and resiliency benefits. For now, neighbors continue to navigate congestion and construction zones while keeping a close eye on one of the Heights’ largest and most transformative public-works efforts.
#3 — March 2025Heritage Classical Academy Gets New Home at Former Lutheran North Academy
Heritage Classical Academy (HCA), a new tuition-free public charter school, marked several major milestones in 2025 as it prepared to welcome students for its inaugural 2025–26 school year. Enrollment officially opened for kindergarten and first grade, the first steps in HCA’s planned expansion to a full K–8 program that will grow by one grade level each year. The school will offer a classical education model focused on character formation, critical thinking, and a curriculum rooted in literature, history, math, science, and the arts.
In another major step, HCA secured a permanent location at 1130 W. 34th St., the current home of Lutheran North Academy. Renovations began immediately to prepare the campus for the fall opening. Michalak called the new site “a beautiful space” that will support students’ academic growth and character development.
#4 — May 2025Heights’ Odd Fellows Lodge Marks 102 Years With Historic Marker
In May, the Houston Heights Odd Fellows Lodge #225 received a Texas Historical Commission marker, recognizing more than a century of continuous service. Founded in 1905, the lodge has occupied its current East 14th Street building since 1923, making it one of the Heights’ longest-standing community institutions.
The lodge’s first home burned in 1911, but the organization rebuilt and has remained active ever since—now with more than 70 members. Only about 20 historic markers exist in the Heights and nearby neighborhoods, placing Lodge 225 among a select group.
Throughout its history, the lodge has hosted weddings, community meetings, cultural events, and social gatherings, serving as a reliable public space in a rapidly changing city. It is also a contributing structure within the Heights East Historic District, affording it protections similar to formal city landmarks.
After surviving a near-closure in the 1990s due to dwindling membership, the lodge rebounded and continues to welcome new members while preserving its long tradition of fellowship and community service.
Monthly meet-and-greets are held the first Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. More information is available at houstonheightslodge225.com.
Chrissie Dickerson Ramirez announced the impending ‘retirement’ of the legendary Casa Ramirez Folk Art Gallery on June 2, 2025, after continuing it for five challenging years following her husband’s death. (Photo by Stephanie Shirley)
#5 — June 2025Casa Ramirez Folk Art Gallery Announces Closure
Casa Ramirez Folk Art Gallery, a Heights cultural landmark for more than 40 years, announced it will close in March 2026 as owner Chrissie Dickerson Ramirez prepares for retirement. The shop will operate normally through 2025 before beginning a gradual wind-down.
Founded in 1985 by Chrissie and her late husband, activist and educator Macario Ramirez, Casa Ramirez became a hub for Mexican and Latino art, heritage, and community organizing. The couple’s early activism—rooted in Macario’s push for cultural representation in education—shaped the gallery into both a cultural classroom and a gathering place. Over the decades, it hosted grassroots meetings, literary events, art workshops, and countless celebrations tied to Mexican tradition.
With Macario gone and Chrissie approaching 79, she said it is time for a new chapter, though the Casa Ramirez name will continue through future cultural events she hopes to organize.
Community leaders reflected on the gallery’s outsized impact, from inspiring Houston’s Latino literary movement to offering immigrant families a place of connection and support. Longtime staff members also shared how the gallery guided them through personal grief and introduced them to cultural traditions like ofrendas.
Casa Ramirez’s closing marks the end of a beloved Heights institution that served as a shop, gallery, library, and refuge for generations. A full slate of Día de los Muertos and holiday programming is planned for its final year before the space begins clearing in early 2026.
#6 — July 2025 Community Mourns Sinclair Elementary Student Lost in Kerr County Flooding
The Heights community was heartbroken this summer by the death of 11-year-old Greta Toranzo, a Sinclair Elementary student who was among the more than 100 lives lost in the devastating Kerr County flash floods over the July Fourth weekend. Greta had been attending Camp Mystic along the Guadalupe River when sudden floodwaters swept through the area; her body was recovered after several days of searching. More than 160 people initially remained missing in what officials called one of the state’s deadliest flood events.
At Sinclair Elementary, a silhouette of Greta surrounded by flowers, notes, and blue ribbons—her favorite color—became a place for classmates, teachers, and neighbors to grieve. The school’s PTO expressed deep sorrow, asked the community to support the Toranzo family, and pledged counseling resources for students.
The tragedy has renewed questions about Hill Country emergency preparedness, especially in “Flash Flood Alley,” where extreme rainfall can create life-threatening conditions within minutes.
Across Houston, blue ribbons, vigils, and community tributes honored Greta’s memory by visiting the memorial at Sinclair, displaying blue ribbons, and sharing #GoBlueForGreta on social media.
More than 300 members of the community came together for a candlelight vigil at Sinclair Elementary School on July 5, 2025, to show support for the Toranzo family while Greta was missing. Most people wore blue, Greta’s favorite color. (Facebook photo: Sinclair Elementary PTO)
#7 — August 2025 18th Congressional District Special Election Heads to Runoff in January 2026
Texas held a special election on Nov. 4, 2025 to fill the U.S. House seat in Texas’s 18th Congressional District left vacant by the March 2025 death of Representative Sylvester Turner. With no candidate winning a majority of the vote in the crowded field, the top two finishers—Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee and former Houston City Council Member Amanda Edwards—advanced to a runoff.
Gov. Greg Abbott set the runoff election for Jan. 31, 2026, with early voting beginning Jan. 21. Texas.gov The winner will serve out the remainder of Turner’s term, which runs through January 2027.
The race comes amid potential redistricting that could reshape the 18th District’s boundaries and demographics. GOP lawmakers’ proposed map would make the Houston-centered district even more Democratic by adjusting its composition, a move likely to draw legal and voting rights challenges.
The initial election featured a broad and diverse slate of candidates—from well-funded Democrats like Menefee and Edwards to grassroots and third-party contenders—reflecting the district’s historical significance and deep local engagement. With the runoff scheduled for late January, the race is poised to draw strong turnout and shape representation for one of Houston’s most iconic congressional seats.
#8 — October 2025 Flying Saucer Pie Company Faces First-Ever Holiday Supply Crisis, Asks Houstonians for Help
For nearly 60 years, Flying Saucer Pie Company has been a defining Houston holiday tradition—famous for overnight campouts, news helicopters circling above, and police directing the Thanksgiving pie crowds. But in 2025, the 58-year-old institution issued an unprecedented warning: it might not be able to afford supplies for the season after a financially difficult year.
The bakery, which typically sells close to 20,000 pies during Thanksgiving week, shared that rising costs and lower revenue left them unable to purchase the ingredients needed to prepare. It was the first time since opening in 1967 that the shop had asked the community for help.
The iconic Flying Saucer Pie Co. called on the community to help them secure inventory for an ambitious 2025 Thanksgiving season. (Flying Saucer Pie Co. Facebook photo)
In true Houston fashion, the community responded. Days after the plea, Flying Saucer shared that donations poured in, allowing the bakery not only to secure needed supplies but also to give back. “Houston, thank you so much for your donations. Because of you we were able to make it happen for Flying Saucer and foster families in our community,” the shop announced on social media, noting that 100 pies were delivered as part of Thanksgiving baskets through DePelchin Children’s Center.
Flying Saucer’s roots stretch back to founder Bill Leeson, who arrived in Houston in 1963 as a broke merchant seaman and eventually launched what would become a city landmark. Known for its Fresh Strawberry Cream Pie and whimsical green-alien mural, the shop has remained a constant even as the city transformed around it. Today, Bill’s daughter Heather Leeson runs the bakery.
Flying Saucer Pie Company is located at 436 W. Crosstimbers St. More information is available at flyingsaucerpieshop.com.
#9 — December 2025 Houston City Council Makes Evening Public-Comment Sessions Permanent
In a major win for civic access, Houston City Council voted 15–1 in 2025 to launch monthly evening public-comment sessions—an experiment that has since become permanent. The change, championed by District H Council Member Mario Castillo with co-sponsors Sallie Alcorn and Amy Peck, updates long-standing rules that limited public comment to Tuesdays at 2 p.m.
Castillo credited the victory to residents who pushed for a more accessible system.
“This belongs to the teachers, nurses, small business owners, shift workers, students, and caregivers who had to choose between a paycheck and being heard,” he said.
After strong turnout, the evening sessions were officially adopted as a standing part of the council schedule.
Residents must register with the City Secretary’s office before the meeting by calling 832-393-1100, emailing speakers@houstontx.gov, or visiting the office at City Hall Annex. Agendas are available at houston.novusagenda.com/agendapublic.
#10 — December 2025 Council Member Abbie Kamin Enters Race for Harris County Attorney
Houston City Council Member Abbie Kamin filed to run for Harris County Attorney, seeking to replace Christian Menefee after his resignation to pursue the 18th Congressional District seat. Citing ongoing political battles at the state and federal levels, Kamin said the role would allow her to “dive into the fight in a bigger way.” Her announcement triggers Texas’ resign-to-run law, meaning a special election will be held in 2026 to fill her District C seat.
During six years on council, Kamin championed initiatives such as the Houston Women’s Commission, paid parental leave, the city’s first firearm-injury dashboard, policing reform, and significant infrastructure and flood-mitigation projects. If elected, she plans to prioritize Child Protective Services cases, environmental enforcement, nuisance abatement, and housing conditions.
Kamin faces Judge Audrie Lawton-Evans in the Democratic primary, with the winner advancing to face Republican Jacqueline Lucci Smith—guaranteeing Harris County will elect its first female County Attorney in 2026.