John Simpson of World Link and a Houston City Beat Community Connector shares Sam Coates’ Black-Bottom Pie, a classic dessert from the 1950s and 60s that was once a restaurant favorite in Waco. Rich, creamy, and layered with chocolate, this pie is a timeless holiday treat.

The true magic of Extra Virgin Olive Oil lies in its phenolic compounds. While most fats are simply fuel, high-quality EVOO acts as a biological shield, specifically targeting oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. However, the ‘catch’ mentioned is critical: these health-protective benefits vanish if the oil is refined or improperly stored, turning a medicinal superfood into a basic cooking fat.

You might be dealing with the “holiday blues,” a common mood dip that can pop up when routines change, expectations rise, budgets tighten, and family dynamics (or grief) get stirred up. For some people, it’s the first holiday without someone they love. For others, it’s feeling far from home, overwhelmed by packed calendars, or quietly burned out while everyone else looks like they’re thriving.

Houston has lost one of its most iconic voices. Dave Ward, the legendary ABC13 (KTRK) anchor, died Saturday, December 13, 2025, at age 86 after a career that spanned more than five decades. Known for his steady presence, sharp storytelling, and signature greeting, “Good evening, friends,” Ward helped shape how generations of Houstonians experienced the news.

He joined KTRK in 1966 as the station’s sole on-the-street reporter and photographer, then became the main anchor of Eyewitness News in 1968. He held that role with integrity and warmth until his retirement in 2017, earning recognition for one of the longest tenures by a TV news anchor at the same station in the same market. For Houston, Dave Ward wasn’t just a familiar face, he was a trusted part of the city’s daily life.

Hee Haw’s Tacos & Tequilas is bringing big Tex-Mex energy to Tomball, part colorful cantina, part neighborhood hangout, and all-around good-time spot. Step inside and you’re greeted with bold decor, upbeat music, and that can’t-miss aroma of sizzling fajitas and fresh tortillas.

Ronald McDonald House Houston is the answer for many families, offering a supportive home-away-from-home when life turns into hospital schedules and uncertain timelines for their child.

Howard Sherman doesn’t do subtle. Since graduating from the University of North Texas in 2006, the Texas artist has made a name with huge, high-voltage canvases bursting with bold color, aggressive brushwork, and playful surprises. Look closer and you might spot unexpected details, even a cartoon character, tucked into the chaos.

In a recent episode of Let’s Talk on Houston City Beat, host Mike Acosta sat down with Rochella Cooper to revisit a bold chapter of Houston’s cultural history. Cooper shared her path to Houston, her leadership with the Houston Festival, and the story behind bringing Jean-Michel Jarre’s Rendez-Vous Houston: A City in Concert to life in 1986, an unforgettable spectacle that reflected the city’s resilience and honored the Space Shuttle Challenger astronauts.