Houston honors Local Foods Group's 30th anniversary with proclamation
Houston Mayor John Whitmire proclaimed Sept. 9 as Local Foods Group Day during Tuesday's public comment session, acknowledging the hospitality group's 30-year legacy in Houston.
About the company: Local Foods Group was founded by Houston native Benjy Levit in 1995 and consists of four distinct restaurants and two markets across Houston, with one location in Austin's 2nd District.
The group focuses on using fresh, hyper-seasonal ingredients, with an emphasis on healthy dishes such as soups, sandwiches, salads and sides.
The local impact: According to a Sept. 8 news release, Council member Abbie Kamin, District C, recommended the group for recognition as the company has also contributed more than $1 million to charities across Houston.
Check it out: To celebrate the company's 30-year anniversary and the new proclamation, Local Foods Group is offering guests prizes and experiences with the purchase of gift cards until Sept. 12.
Smash City burger to offer halal smashburgers, hot dogs in Galleria-area
A new halal smash burger and hot dog eatery concept is coming to the Galleria area.
The event: A grand opening event is scheduled for the Sept. 13 weekend with free food, giveaways and celebrity guest appearances, according to communication representatives.
The details: Smash City is a Houston-based restaurant concept that opened its first food truck location in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The Galleria-area location will be the eatery’s first brick-and-mortar storefront in Texas.
PREVIEW: Harris Health, Commissioner Ramsey to host Sept. 10 town hall
Harris Health and the office of Harris County Commissioner Precinct 3 Tom Ramsey will host a town hall meeting Sept. 10 to share updates and resources with the community.
The gist: The event will feature updates from Ramsey’s office as well as Harris Health, which will provide information on the $2.5 billion bond projects aimed at expanding access to quality health care in Kashmere Gardens neighborhoods. The Sheila Jackson Lee Center for Accelerating Health Outcomes will also present on current initiatives to address health disparities and access to health resources.
A panel discussion and Q&A session focused on nutrition security and heart health will round out the evening.
The meeting is free and open to the public. It will take place from 6-7:30 p.m. Sept. 10 at Trini Mendenhall Community Center on 1414 Wirt Road, Houston.
Cellphone ban, library materials: 8 new Texas laws impacting public schools
When Texas students returned to school in August, some substantial changes awaited them.
The overview:
House Bill 2 increases state funding for public schools by $8.4 billion.
House Bill 1481 prohibits students from using cellphones and other personal communication devices throughout the school day.
Senate Bill 12 requires parental consent for students to receive "medical, psychiatric and psychological treatment" on campus.
Senate Bill 13 gives parents and school boards more oversight of library materials.
House Bill 6 gives teachers more discretion to remove repeatedly disruptive or violent students from class.
Senate Bill 10 requires most schools to display donated posters of the Ten Commandments in classrooms.
Senate Bill 11 allows districts to set aside time for students and staff to pray or read religious texts at school.
Senate Bill 965 codifies school employees' rights to "engage in religious speech or prayer while on duty."
The context: The sweeping changes come after lawmakers passed what state leaders have called “transformative” education laws during this year’s regular legislative session, which ended June 2.
