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See the top 6 stories most read by Houston residents in June

June was a news-filled month for Houston. Community Impact reported on the city budget, the World Cup coming to town and new homelessness initiatives.

Here is a recap of the top stories in June, based on page views.

Houston has 16 high-risk ZIP codes for lead poisoning. The city has a program that can help
Community Impact reported that Houston has 16 ZIP codes that are more likely to have risks of lead poisoning than other areas. Residents who live in those areas may be qualified for free lead paint control from the city if they meet the required qualifications.

Houston homeless hub opens with over 60 individuals in facility
Houston officially opened its homeless hub in June and has taken in dozens of residents since then. The city also approved a land purchase agreement to extend the facility to include additional green space.

Houston passes assistance fund to help qualified residents with new $5 fee
Houston will assist residents who need it with the new $5 administration fee that will address solid waste issues.

 
CI Business
Killen's in the Heights to close in July, offer original menu items

The Michelin-recognized barbecue restaurant Killen's Heights will close July 18, and to honor the restaurant, chefs will offer a special menu.

What’s on the menu: Owner Ronnie Killen and chef-culinary director Ryan Hildebrand will bring back a selection of Killen’s original menu items, barbecue by the pound and popular items beginning June 30. The menu will continue through its last day.

Some original menu items include chicken-fried steak, Ronnie's 24-Hour Fried Chicken, fried or smothered pork chops, smoked and braised oxtails, chicken pot pie and the Cafeteria Burger. Its signature barbecue items will also be offered, including brisket, pork ribs, pulled pork, turkey, house-made sausages and pork belly burnt ends.

Meet the owner: Killen’s BBQ—which has locations in Pearland and Cypress, along with Killen’s Steakhouse and Killen’s Burgers in Pearland—opened in 2020 and since then has earned two Michelin Bib Gourmand awards in 2024 and 2025. It has also been a James Beard Award semifinalist.

  • 101 Heights Blvd., Houston
 
In Your Community
Harris County presents plans for new Remembrance Park honoring Houston’s Black history

In honor of Juneteenth weekend, Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis led a procession through Downtown Houston on June 20. The event included the unveiling of new historical markers dedicated to formerly enslaved people and victims of lynching in Harris County, and the presentation of the design for Harris County Remembrance Park.

A closer look: The historical markers are located in the El Franco Lee Service Plaza. There is also a Freedom Marker for the formerly enslaved people of Harris County and their descendants. According to a news release, the park will include a variety of features besides the markers, including Witness Grove, Cypress Grove, a Memory Pavilion and Remembrance Courtyard. 

Also included in the park will be the Hush Harbor Gardens, referencing community spaces once used by enslaved people for group worship and organizing. The park is set to be completed in 2029.

 

Your Weekend To-Do List

Check out these weekend events across the metro area.

Final Kickoff Soccer Party

Beats on the Bayou

July 3, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Houston

July 3, 6-9 p.m.
Houston

Learn more.

Learn more.

 

'The Hunchback of Notre Dame'

Houston Symphony: Star Spangled Salute

July 3, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Houston

July 4, 8 p.m.
Houston

Learn more.

Learn more.

 
To submit your own event, click here.

Metro News
Houston Methodist receives record $110M donation to fund neuroscience research, women’s healthcare services

In a June 24 news release, Houston Methodist announced its acceptance of a $110 million philanthropic gift that will further advance research and care related to neuroscience, women’s health and other diseases among various neurological conditions. The gift is the largest sum donated to the health system in its more than 100-year history.

The impact: Officials said the commitment will establish two new funds in support of research acceleration and the improvement of several care services offered by the system. 

How it happened: The donor behind the gift, The Brockman Medical Research Foundation, is a private, Houston-based foundation established by the Brockman Family, according to the news release.

More details: Houston Methodist will formally recognize the foundation for its gift by establishing the name of its newest hospital facility as the Brockman Centennial Tower, officials said.

 

Your local team

Cassie Jenkins
Editor

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