Two brothers survived the July 4 floods at Camp La Junta. Their mother speaks with Sharon Steinmann about therapy and advocacy for others. houstonchronicle.com/opinion…

FIFA is coming to Houston and nonprofits are airlifting dogs to other cities, showing just how bad Houston’s stray crisis is, writes Sharon Steinmann, opinion video journalist: "Even after our visitors leave, we should have streets where it’s safe for people to walk, unafraid of roaming dogs."⁠ Read more here: bit.ly/435bXdT

A cancer survivor who fell behind on rent. An Uchi chef nearly kicked out over a payment dispute. A woman forced to crawl through a window to enter her own home. Sad stories fill Harris County’s JP courts. But sad stories don't win eviction cases – lawyers do. And 96% of tenants here show up to court without one. Inside one of the epicenters of the U.S. eviction crisis, I met the small legal aid team fighting to keep Houstonians housed. The Houston Eviction Advocacy Center pilot program is ambitious. It’s also absolutely necessary. 🔗bit.ly/4vuRXhF 📸: Sharon Steinmann / Opinion video journalist 📝: Regina Lankenau / Houston Chronicle columnist

Last week, over 130 people packed Houston City Hall. Most were there to speak on a single issue: defining the line between the Houston Police Department and ICE.⁠ ⁠ On Wednesday, City Council will finally vote on an ordinance aimed at protecting residents during routine traffic stops. It's a long overdue step toward ending Houston’s compliance with dragnet deportation tactics that leave our neighbors too terrified to call the police. City Council should pass the ordinance – but they shouldn’t stop there, writes the Houston Chronicle editorial board.⁠ ⁠🔗bit.ly/4mfezOM 📸: Sharon Steinmann / Opinion video journalist⁠ 📝 The Editorial Board

Last week, over 130 people packed Houston City Hall. Most were there to speak on a single issue: defining the line between the Houston Police Department and ICE. On Wednesday, City Council will finally vote on an ordinance aimed at protecting residents during routine traffic stops. It's a long overdue step toward ending Houston’s compliance with dragnet deportation tactics that leave our neighbors too terrified to call the police. City Council should pass the ordinance – but they shouldn’t stop there, writes the Houston Chronicle editorial board. 🔗bit.ly/4vlEp8i 📸: Sharon Steinmann / Opinion video journalist 📝: The Editorial Board

After 111 days in federal immigration detention, Luis was finally reunited with his family. But he carried something out of those concrete walls: a song. 🔗houstonchronicle.com/opinion…

Opinion: Texas beef prices are soaring as herds shrink. Regenerative grazing allows ranchers to drought-proof their land and produce high-quality cattle, writes columnist Nick Powell.⁠ bit.ly/4b5gNLP

Opinion | A year after a 15-year-old student was killed crossing train tracks to school, Houston is finally investing in safety. But history shows: if infrastructure isn’t practical, people won’t use it. The Bringhurst Street pedestrian bridge in 5th Ward is one example. A single well-placed bridge helps but a citywide vision saves lives," writes the Houston Chronicle Editorial Board.

For 25 years, Luis has cultivated a full and prosperous life in Houston with his wife and five children and no criminal record, writes the Editorial Board. Now he sits in a detention center, filled with working guys like him who are just as surprised to be locked up as he was. houstonchronicle.com/opinion…

The senseless separation of immigrant families is happening in Houston, right now. Our leaders ought to have the spine to say so, writes the Editorial Board. 📝: Editorial Board 📹️: Sharon Steinmann / Houston Chronicle opinion video journalist houstonchronicle.com/opinion…

Maria Garcia's missing son, Emmanuel, was detained at a federal immigration center. On Friday, a court order answered Maria’s prayers for her son. She was finally reunited with Emmanuel at the same strip mall where she had visited him earlier this week. Surrounded by Spanish-language media and cameras, Emmanuel seemed overwhelmed and said he was looking forward to sleeping in his own bed. "My tears are no longer from pain," Maria said, her voice breaking. "Today my son is coming home." Read the latest in Emmanuel and Maria’s story here: houstonchronicle.com/opinion…

Following a hearing Friday, U.S. District Court Judge Lee Rosenthal granted a temporary restraining order. Emmanuel could go home. bit.ly/4ieCL23

Neighbors are outraged by a plan to reopen 419 Emancipation as a city-owned, low barrier shelter. Mayor Whitmire  is right to invest in the downtown homeless facility. But the city should listen to critics, and move forward boldly. | Editorial houstonchronicle.com/opinion…

The Houston Chronicle Editorial Board studies each race in Houston elections to give readers an informed opinion. Read more about their philosophy and approach: houstonchronicle.com/opinion…

For Houston City Council At Large 4 seat, the Houston Chronicle editorial board endorses Jordan Thomas, an urbanist policy wonk who presents a real vision of our city's future and a willingness to confront the mayor.

Opinion | Puppy mill 'ninjas' are exploiting Texas parking lots, turning them into hubs for animal cruelty. But two new laws give counties near major metro areas the authority to crack down on vendors. houstonchronicle.com/opinion…

The latest count of homelessness in the Houston region shows a small uptick in people living on the streets. It's a warning sign of a broader crisis. We must decide: Will we invest in housing and services that work, or risk becoming the next city overwhelmed by homelessness?

Opinion | Union Pacific trains are once again running next to schools during drop off and pick up. UP should fund crossing guards and HISD should be clear about tardies. houstonchronicle.com/opinion…

Houston ISD enrollment keeps dropping by thousands. Mike Miles celebrates higher test scores, but many parents aren't convinced. bit.ly/4fAbOV4