Rebecca Hennes
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Deputy Audience Director @HoustonChron ⭐️ Houston native / @UHouston alumna / rebecca.hennes@houstonchronicle.com
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Articles by Rebecca Hennes
Houston's No Kings protest, in photos
Thousands of No Kings protesters arrived at Houston City Hall just after 1 p.m. Saturday as part of a national day of action against what organizers say is “authoritarian” leadership under President Donald Trump. Here's a look at the protests in downtown Houston, as captured by Houston Chronicle staff photographers. Thousands gather for the No Kings protest on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Houston.
Texas flooding photos show complete devastation at Camp Mystic, Hill Country
Search and rescue operations are still underway Sunday in many parts of the Texas Hill Country after devastating flooding along the Guadalupe River took the lives of at least 43 people, including 15 children. More than 27 girls are still missing from Camp Mystic, one of the summer camps hit hardest by the July Fourth floods. Here's a look at some of the photos from Camp Mystic, Kerrville and other areas in the Texas Hill Country that were devastated by the flooding.
Photos: Houstonians brace bitter cold to honor MLK Day in downtown parade
Hundreds of Houstonians braced frigid temperatures Monday as they celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day in downtown. This year, and for the past 30 years, Houston has had two MLK Day parades, along with various other celebrations held throughout the city in honor of King's legacy: the Annual "Original" Martin Luther King Jr. Parade, held downtown beginning at 10 a.m., and the MLK Grande Parade, held in Midtown at the same time.
Live election results: Who's winning in Texas?
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Tuesday capped off the 2024 election season as Texans cast their votes in hundreds of state races, including some that could sway key issues like private school vouchers and the power grid. While the GOP is unlikely to lose its iron grip on the state Legislature, there are several races that could help sway how far right the House and Senate tacks when they convene in January. Gov.
By Alexandra Kanik, Matt Zdun, Jordan Ray-Hart Verified, Rebecca Hennes Verified, Dana Burke Verified, Alan Fossler Verified
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Houston Chronicle
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Real-time election results: Who's winning the race for president?
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Texas voters streamed into polling sites on Tuesday for the finale of one of the most raucous and unpredictable presidential election cycles in decades. While most eyes are glued to the top-of-the-ticket contest between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, it’s U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz’s reelection bid that could prove the most surprising. Polls have consistently shown a tight race between the two-term incumbent and his Democratic challenger, U.S. Rep. Colin Allred of Dallas.
By Alexandra Kanik, Matt Zdun, Jordan Ray-Hart Verified, Rebecca Hennes Verified, Brady Stone Verified, Dana Burke Verified, Alan Fossler Verified
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Houston Chronicle
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Photos and videos show widespread damage from severe storms
Harris County Constable Deputies at a scene where a tree fell on a vehicle in the 9600 block of Dowdell Road. Harris County Constable Precinct 4Cars are submerged in high water filling a convenience store parking lot as severe storms pass through the area of US-69 near Little York Thursday, May 16, 2024.Kirk Sides/Staff photographer A severe destructive thunderstorm ripped through Houston Thursday evening, leading to several tornado warnings and reports across the region.
Joel Osteen responds to deadly shooting at his megachurch: 'Kind of in a fog'
After service, Osteen meets with attendees for prayer or book signing. Service at Lakewood Church on Sunday, April 22, 2018, in Houston. Images for a four-part series on it's pastor, Joel Osteen. ( Elizabeth Conley / Houston Chronicle ) Elizabeth Conley, Chronicle / Houston ChronicleA woman outside of Lakewood Church on Sunday, Feb.
Houston Runoff Voter Guide: Inside the races for mayor, controller and City Council
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Houston Mayor Sheila Jackson LeeCongresswoman Save Sheila Jackson Lee has represented the 18th Congressional District since 1995. She has rarely faced a serious challenger in the Democratic primary and has secured landslide victories in every election during the past three decades.
By Dylan McGuinness Verified, Yilun Cheng Verified, Elizabeth Sander Verified, Dug Begley Verified, Nusaiba Mizan Verified, Evan MacDonald Verified, Yaffa Fredrick, Codell Rodriguez Verified, Colleen Baker, Jordan Ray-Hart Verified, Rebecca Hennes Verified
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Houston Chronicle
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Texas Voter Guide: Everything you need to know about the candidates, races and issues that impact you
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Houston Mayor With Mayor Sylvester Turner completing his second and final term in office, 18 candidates are competing to succeed him in this year's election. They range from career politicans to businessmen to single-issue candidates. Sheila Jackson LeeCongresswoman Save Jackson Lee has represented Texas's 18th congressional district since 1995. Before her congressional tenure, she served two terms as an at-large councilmember on the Houston City Council.
By Dylan McGuinness Verified, Yilun Cheng Verified, Elizabeth Sander Verified, Dug Begley Verified, Nusaiba Mizan Verified, Evan MacDonald Verified, Yaffa Fredrick, Codell Rodriguez Verified, Jeremy Blackman, Allie Morris, Dana Burke, Colleen Baker, Jordan Ray-Hart Verified, Rebecca Hennes Verified
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Houston Chronicle
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What to know about Tony Buzbee, the Houston lawyer representing AG Ken Paxton in impeachment trial
Buzbee then took to social media to announce he intends to represent Paxton throughout the case. EXPLAINED: The 20 articles of impeachment against AG Ken Paxton So who is Buzbee? Here are six things to know about the millionaire lawyer: 1. Paxton's impeachment Buzbee shared on Instagram Friday he had been retained to represent Paxton, but the post later was removed.
Timeline: How Mattress Mack evolved from failed entrepreneur to Houston celebrity
By Rebecca Hennes | April 26, 2023 | Updated: April 26, 2023 6:20 AM Before he was the Houston furniture tycoon known as Mattress Mack, Jim McIngvale was a divorced, failed entrepreneur crashing with relatives in Dallas. So how did he become a millionaire TV legend whose commercials are forever chiseled in the memory of longtime Houstonians?
9 surprising facts about Jim 'Mattress Mack' McIngvale, Houston's legendary furniture salesman
But the furniture magnate also has a lesser-known history of interactions and relationships with historic figures, from Muhammad Ali to Chuck Norris to Donald Trump. The Houston Chronicle recently published a narrative portrait of McIngvale, which you can read here. You also can check out the timeline of how he became a Houston fixture and view his political donations in this new tracker.
9 surprising facts about Jim 'Mattress Mack' McIngvale, Houston's legendary furniture salesman
But the furniture magnate also has a lesser-known history of interactions and relationships with historic figures, from Muhammad Ali to Chuck Norris to Donald Trump. The Houston Chronicle recently published a narrative portrait of McIngvale, which you can read here. You also can check out the timeline of how he became a Houston fixture and view his political donations in this new tracker.
The top 25 highest-paid Harris County employees, ranked by 2023 salaries
The top 25 highest-paid employees working for Harris County are mostly under the Institute of Forensic Sciences, according to a Houston Chronicle review of public data. That department is composed of the Medical Examiner Service and the Crime Laboratory Service, which aid in death investigations and laboratory analysis. The positions within this department typically require advanced degrees.
Harris County shelter volunteers say animals are deteriorating under new policies, demand action
“I have never seen dogs so skinny come out of Harris County,” Lukasik, 54, said. “You can see the bones on them.” More than a dozen animal advocates say policy changes under the shelter's interim director have measurably harmed animals in the facility’s care and pets are leaving in worse shape than they were when they came in.
Harris County animal shelter staff warn of cruelty, plead with officials for autonomy
Rebecca Hennes, Staff writer April 4, 2023 Former and current staff of Harris County’s animal shelter urged county leaders on Tuesday to give the shelter direct autonomy amid concerns that animals are being treated inhumanely under the direction of county health officials. Problems plaguing the shelter have reached a boiling point.
Everything to know about the unprecedented HISD state takeover and the school district's future
Rebecca Hennes, Anna Bauman, Rebecca Carballo, Staff writers March 15, 2023Updated: March 15, 2023 5:17 p.m. Texas education officials seized control of Houston ISD on Wednesday, capping a four-year legal battle that some Houston leaders say is driven by Texas Republican leaders trying to push a conservative political agenda on the embattled urban district.
The 25 highest-paid City of Houston employees in 2023 so far
Rebecca Hennes, Dylan McGuinness, Staff writers March 13, 2023Updated: March 13, 2023 1:03 p.m. Houston Police Chief Troy Finner is the city's second-highest-paid city employee while Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner is the tenth-highest so far in 2023, according to data provided to a public information request filed by the Chronicle. The highest-paid employee listed this year is Arturo Michel, the city attorney.
Major moments in TEA's takeover of Houston ISD after year one
Aug. 7, 2019 TEA report cites misconduct, recommends replacement of board TEA officials recommend a state-appointed governing team replace HISD's locally elected school board after a six-month investigation finds several instances of alleged misconduct by some trustees, including violations of the Texas Open Meetings Act, inappropriate influencing of vendor contracts and making false statements to investigators.
There will be horses and covered wagons on the streets of Houston over the next 2 days. Here's where.
The tradition dates back to 1952, when four men rode on horseback from Brenham into Houston to spread the word about the Houston Rodeo. Today, more than 3,000 people of all ages take part in 10 different trail rides that date back generations. They travel hundreds of miles on horseback, in covered wagons and some vehicles from different starting points across southeast Texas. The groups will converge on Memorial Park on Friday and then head downtown for the start of the Rodeo Houston parade.
How one nonprofit's approach to spay and neuter surgery could help Houston's maxed-out shelters
“Hey, buddy,” says a woman in scrubs, as she walks up to the dog's kennel. She pokes her fingers through the metal gate. “You’re okay, don’t worry.” More from Rebecca Hennes: Houston is in the middle of a stray animal crisis, and local rescues are feeling the brunt of it The center is bustling with activity. Outside, the staff is preparing dozens of empty kennels for transport later in the day.
Houston's lowest-performing school districts in 2022, ranked by Children at Risk
Rebecca Hennes, Staff writer Feb. 15, 2023Updated: Feb. 15, 2023 10:05 a.m. High schools Children At Risk's annual school rankings are aimed at helping parents, educators and the community understand how schools are performing and where they can improve. The education advocacy and research nonprofit has been ranking Texas public schools for nearly 20 years, primarily using state standardized math and reading test scores, as well as high school achievement data to grade campuses.
The top 15 Houston middle schools in 2022, according to Children at Risk
Rebecca Hennes, Staff writer Feb. 14, 2023 Children At Risk's annual school rankings are aimed at helping parents, educators and the community understand how schools are performing and where they can improve. The education advocacy and research nonprofit has been ranking Texas public schools for nearly 20 years, primarily using state standardized math and reading test scores, as well as high school achievement data to grade campuses.
The top 15 Houston elementary schools in 2022, according to Children at Risk
Rebecca Hennes, Staff writer Feb. 13, 2023 Children At Risk's annual school rankings are aimed at helping parents, educators and the community understand how schools are performing and where they can improve. The education advocacy and research nonprofit has been ranking Texas public schools for nearly 20 years, primarily using state standardized math and reading test scores, as well as high school achievement data to grade campuses.
Houston's top-performing school districts in 2022, ranked by Children at Risk
Rebecca Hennes, Staff writer Feb. 12, 2023 High schools Children At Risk's annual school rankings are aimed at helping parents, educators and the community understand how schools are performing and where they can improve. The education advocacy and research nonprofit has been ranking Texas public schools for nearly 20 years, primarily using state standardized math and reading test scores, as well as high school achievement data to grade campuses.
Katy settles lawsuit with ex-animal control employee who alleged retaliation for animal abuse claims
Gerber spent months documenting violations by staff at the shelter as well as conduct she considered inhumane and unethical. She began workingat the Katy shelter part time in May 2019. She saw staffers leave animals that had been euthanized overnight in close proximity to live animals. They placed cats in birdcages outside the facility, with crisscross bars that made it hard for them to walk. They left cats outside in sweltering heat and rain.
How to get free neutering services for your male cat in Houston this month
Rebecca Hennes, Staff writer Feb. 1, 2023Updated: Feb. 1, 2023 10:49 a.m. The Houston Humane Society will offer free neutering services for cat owners this month in an effort to help curb the city's rampant stray cat population. The shelter is planning to neuter 1,500 male cats at a "Fix Felix" event on February 15, according to a release. The event is free and open to the public, including good Samaritans who bring in strays. NEW HOUSTON LAW: Have a dog or a cat?
Here's where roads are closed, traffic lights are out in Pasadena after Tuesday's severe weather
Rebecca Hennes, Staff writer Jan. 25, 2023 This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The southeast Houston community of Pasadena was one of the areas hardest hit by Tuesday's record-breaking severe weather after a rare tornado touched down and ripped off roofs, siding and fences; mauled vehicles and overturned semi trucks, and caused what officials described as "catastrophic" damage to homes and businesses.
What we know about tornado damage from Houston storms in Pasadena, Deer Park, other cities Original
Houston tornado damage Several tornado and shelter-in-place warnings were issued for areas across Houston throughout the day Tuesday, including Katy, Jersey Village, Pasadena, Pearland, north central Chambers County and southeastern Liberty County. A tornado was confirmed to have touched down in Pasadena, other areas of western Harris County, southeast Harris County, Deer Park and Baytown areas late Tuesday afternoon.
What to know about Alexandra Mealer's plan to contest the results of the Harris County Judge's race
Who is Lina Hidalgo? Hidalgo became the first Latina county judge and youngest elected since 1936 when she defeated Republican incumbent Ed Emmett in 2018 as a 27-year-old political newcomer. Born in Colombia, Hidalgo moved to the Houston area with her family as a teenager. In 2013, she graduated from Stanford University with a political science bachelor’s degree – the same year that she became a U.S. citizen.
What to know about Robert Fratta, ex-Houston cop convicted in wife's murder, as his execution nears
Who is Robert Fratta? Fratta, 65, was sentenced to death in 1996 after a Harris County jury found him guilty of orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot that led to the death of his 34-year-old wife, Farah Fratta. The two were in the midst of a divorce and custody battle over their three children at the time of the murder. How did Farah Fratta die? Farah Fratta was shot in the head as she stepped out of her car at her Atascocita home in November 1994.
Everything Houstonians need to know about the winter freeze, from Texas grid updates to travel info
Freeze forecast When will the hard freeze hit Houston? The arctic cold front will arrive in the region Thursday night, plunging temperatures into the 20s and teens with windchill temperatures below zero, according to the National Weather Service. The freeze is expected to last 36 hours, with Friday projected to have the coldest temperatures.
Hidalgo says Houston's hard freeze will not bring major road interruptions or dangerous travel
Rebecca Hennes, Staff writer Dec. 20, 2022 Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo cautiously told Houstonians she does not expect the upcoming hard freeze to bring any major road interruptions or dangerous travel to the region. "The good news is none of this is snow, none of this is ice ... meaning we do not expect ice or snow on the roads, or any major road interruptions," Hidalgo said during a Tuesday press conference. LANZA Q&A: How will this week's cold compare to the 2021 freeze?
Houston pet owners: It's illegal to leave your pets outside in freezing temperatures
SPCA investigator Jay Chase checks on a dog that was reported to be chained up outside a house while doing an animal welfare check Saturday, Feb. 13, 2021 in Houston. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Editor's note: This story was originally published in 2022. It has been updated to reflect new information about the 2024 freeze. Texas law makes it illegal for pet owners to leave their animals outside in extreme weather conditions, including in temperatures below 32 degrees.
Hidalgo's chief of staff, indicted in canceled controversial vaccine contract, announces departure
Rebecca Hennes, Staff writer Dec. 16, 2022 Alex Triantaphyllis, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo's Chief of Staff and one of three current and former county aides indicted in a controversial vaccine contract, is leaving the judge's office, Hidalgo announced on Twitter Friday afternoon. Hidalgo thanked Triantaphyllis for his four years with the county and said a nationwide search is underway for his replacement.
Harris County Pets will host a mega adoption event this weekend with waived fees on all animals
Rebecca Hennes, Staff writer Dec. 16, 2022 This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Harris County Pets will waive adoption fees this weekend as part of a statewide mega-adoption event funded by Petco Love and Skechers. The adoption event aims to find homes for 7,000 animals across Texas on Saturday and Sunday, according to a release. Adoption fees are waived for both cats and dogs, with vaccinations included.
Things to know about WNBA star Brittney Griner as the Houston native is freed from Russian prison
TIMELINE: Tracking Brittney Griner's rise to basketball stardom and her detention in Russia Here's everything to know about Griner, the trial that captured global attention and her long-awaited release. When was Brittney Griner released? Griner was released Thursday, 10 months after her arrest. She was exchanged for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, nicknamed “the Merchant of Death." Rumors circulated for months that she would be exchanged for Bout.
Where can you vote in Houston? With Election Day underway, here's what to know.
Where can I vote in Harris County? Registered and eligible voters may vote at any Harris County polling location. To find the closest location to you, visit HarrisVotes.com. Residents living outside of Harris County should check their voter registrar's website listed by county here. What do I need to vote in Texas? Texas voters are required to bring a valid form of ID to cast a ballot.
Mattress Mack says he was defending Astros' Jose Altuve during viral altercation with Phillies fans
Rebecca Hennes, Staff writer Nov. 2, 2022 Gallery Furniture owner and Houston legend Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale said he was defending Astros second baseman Jose Altuve when he was caught on camera arguing with Phillies fans at last night's World Series game in Philadelphia. Dressed in Astros gear from head to toe, McIngvale can be seen on video sending some choice words to some Phillies fans while several other men keep him at bay.
Houston Humane Society partners with DoorDash to deliver pet food straight to your doorstep
Houston Humane started its Pet Pantry Monthly Assistance Program during the pandemic to help provide free food and resources to those facing financial hardship through monthly, drive-up distribution events.
Mattress Mack says he was defending Astros' Jose Altuve during viral altercation with Phillies fans
Rebecca Hennes, Staff writer Nov. 2, 2022Updated: Nov. 2, 2022 10:32 a.m. Gallery Furniture owner and Houston legend Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale said he was defending Astros second baseman Jose Altuve when he was caught on camera arguing with Phillies fans at last night's World Series game in Philadelphia. Dressed in Astros gear from head to toe, McIngvale can be seen on video sending some choice words to some Phillies fans while several other men keep him at bay.
Missing Alvin ISD teacher found 'alive and well' in New Orleans
Rebecca Hennes, Staff writer Nov. 1, 2022 A missing Alvin ISD teacher whose search spanned two states and included helicopter and boat searches across the Mississippi River in New Orleans has been found alive. Michelle Reynolds was first reported missing on Sept. 22 by her husband after she apparently left to get something to eat and never returned.
This is the last week to vote early in Texas: Here's everything to know at the polls
Rebecca Hennes, Staff writer Oct. 31, 2022 This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Heads up, Houston: This is the last week to vote early in the Nov. 8 election. Millions are expected to cast their vote this year, with estimates expected to exceed turnout from the 2016 presidential election. Harris County saw more than 60,000 ballots cast on the first day of early voting alone.
No, there isn't drive-thru voting in Harris County. What to know about Texas voting restrictions
Rebecca Hennes, Staff writer Oct. 26, 2022 Early voting for the November election is already underway and Texas is expected to see a massive turnout with some estimates projecting more than 10 million ballots. Harris County pioneered a long list of voting expansions to increase access and provide safer and more convenient options for voting during the pandemic. Some Texans may be wondering if those are still in place for this year's election.
Harris County Pets suspends intakes through Nov. 4, waives fees indefinitely due to overcrowding
Rebecca Hennes, Staff writer Oct. 25, 2022 This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Harris County's municipal shelter, Harris County Pets, is so swamped with animals that officials are taking several drastic measures to curb overpopulation, including waiving fees indefinitely and stopping intakes.
Monday is the first day of early voting in Texas. Here's where and how to vote in Houston.
Early voting for the November 8 Texas midterm election started Monday. Here's everything Houstonians need to know about the early voting period, where and how to vote, and more. When does early voting in Texas start? Early voting in Texas runs from Oct. 24 through Nov. 4. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. most days. Two days have amended times: polls will open later on October 30, at 12 p.m., and close later on November 3, at 10 p.m. Where can I vote in Harris County?
Execution date set for Robert Fratta, ex-Houston cop convicted in wife's murder-for-hire killing
Rebecca Hennes, Staff writer Oct. 11, 2022Updated: Oct. 11, 2022 1:44 p.m. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate After Robert Fratta spent more than 25 years on death row, an execution date has been set for the former Missouri City cop convicted of hiring a hit man to kill his estranged wife. A Harris County judge signed Fratta's death warrant Tuesday. He will be executed at 6 p.m. Jan. 10, in Hunstville.
What to know about ex-Baytown cop's trial in Pamela Turner's death, which earned national attention
FIRST DAY IN COURT: Baytown officer's Taser takes center as trial begins in Pamela Turner's death Pamela Turner was fatally shot by Delacruz, an ex-Baytown cop, in 2019 Turner was shot May 23, 2019, in the parking lot of her Baytown apartment complex on Garth Road where Delacruz worked as a security guard after he tried to arrest her for outstanding misdemeanor warrants.
Large dogs need homes, too. New adoption campaign in Houston will slash fees at shelters
Rebecca Hennes, Staff writers Oct. 5, 2022 A new animal adoption campaign aims to help alleviate the overcrowding in shelters across Houston and Texas, where larger dogs have a much harder time finding homes. Best Friends Animal Society, an animal welfare nonprofit that advocates for no-kill communities across the country, is teaming up with 26 Houston and Texas shelters for a "Love Large" adoption campaign to help large dogs over forty pounds find their forever families.
How to register to vote in Houston before the November midterms. The deadline is next week.
Rebecca Hennes, Staff writer Oct. 5, 2022 Election Day is less than a month away, and there are several crucial races on the ballot that Houstonians will decide on. The Houston Chronicle's 2022 Texas Voter Guide outlines some of the key races to watch, including the Harris County judge's race, the gubernatorial race and the attorney general race.
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