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Houston City Council member Abbie Kamin appointed Harris County attorney in split vote

Houston City Council member Abbie Kamin will serve as Harris County attorney effective June 15 after Commissioners Court approved her appointment April 16 in a 3-2 vote.

What happened: Kamin replaces County Attorney Jonathan Fombonne, who said he will serve in the position until she takes over in June. Commissioners Court named Fombonne as the county attorney Jan. 8 after now-U.S. Rep. Christian Menefee, D-Houston, resigned from the role to run for Congress, Community Impact previously reported.

Kamin must still earn voter approval in the Nov. 3 election, where she faces Republican candidate Jacqueline Lucci Smith, the sole Republican to enter the race to serve for the rest of Menefee's county attorney term, which expires in 2028.

What they're saying: Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said she expects Kamin to garner the votes Nov. 3, but it "doesn't feel right" to appoint her to the role prematurely. Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey also said the process lacked transparency and that he could not support her appointment.

 
Stay In The Know
Annual Memorial Hermann Ironman triathlon returns to The Woodlands on April 18; traffic delays expected

The annual Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas North American Championship triathlon is scheduled for April 18. It’s a competitive race that brings athletes and spectators from around the world to The Woodlands.

The backstory: Though registration to participate has closed, interested attendees will still have the opportunity to witness professional athletes compete for a portion of the $175,000 pro prize purse.

The race will consist of:

  • 2.4-mile, spectator-lined lake swim
  • 112-mile bike run on mostly closed roads
  • 26.2-mile run

The impact: According to traffic alerts from The Woodlands Township, residents, visitors and business owners should expect delays leading up to and during the race. Major roadways will have lane reductions, closures and detours as early as 5 a.m. and will last through the evening of April 18.

 
Across The Region
DATA: See which teachers, superintendents were paid the most across the Greater Houston area in 2025-26

In the 2025-26 school year, Cy-Fair and Klein ISDs had the highest-paid superintendents while Lamar CISD and New Caney ISD had the highest-paid teachers, on average, according to Texas Education Agency data released in mid-March.

The big picture: Community Impact analyzed data from the TEA to learn about compensation for superintendents, teachers and staff at public school districts for the 2025-26 school year.

According to the TEA data released March 16, the Greater Houston-area school districts with the highest-earning superintendents for the 2025-26 school year are:

  • Cy-Fair ISD Superintendent Wayne Killian with $520,231 in total pay
  • Klein ISD Superintendent Jenny McGown with $508,554 in total pay
  • Katy ISD Superintendent Kenneth Gregorski with $474,440 in total pay

A closer look: According to the TEA data released March 19, the Greater Houston-area school districts with the highest average teacher base pay for the 2025-26 school year are:
  • Lamar CISD with $76,225
  • New Caney ISD with $75,125
  • Deer Park ISD with $74,343

 

FOODIE FRIDAY
Check out these new restaurants and bars opening across the Houston area.

Schilleci’s New Orleans Kitchen now open in new location

Schilleci’s New Orleans Kitchen opened at 2501 Research Forest Drive, Ste. B, The Woodlands, on April 4.

The restaurant serves Cajun-style food as well as Louisiana staples and French and Italian influences. Schilleci’s also offers a lunch and happy hour menu featuring drink specials and small bites.


Read now.

 

🍛 C79 Bakery and Restaurant now open in Katy
(Read more)

🍖 Barbecue spot relocates to new location in Meyerland
(Read more)

🍔 Burger Fresh reopens in new Humble location
(Read more)

☕️ Trung Nguyên E-Coffee to open 2nd location in Katy Asian Town
(Read more)

 

Southern flavors meet Houston’s nightlife at popular Upper Kirby restaurant

Confessions, opened in April 2025 by Sterling Lewis, blends Southern flair with nightlife. Menu items include dishes such as strawberry cornbread, spicy peach wings and honey truffle fried chicken. Additionally, guests can enjoy a traditional dining environment until around 9 p.m. or 10 p.m., when a “DJ starts curating moments and experiences,” Lewis said.


Read more.

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Jessica Shorten
Editor

Kim Giannetti
General Manager

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