HTX-SKL: Impact 9/18/2025

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo formally announced she will not seek reelection for a third term as judge of Texas’ largest county. Hidalgo said in a Sept. 15 news release that she is keeping her promise not to serve more than two terms.

Quote of note: “I ran for office as a change maker to challenge the establishment and bring a fresh perspective to a Harris County government," Hidalgo said. “I’m so proud of our community and all of the progress that we’ve achieved together, from expanding early childhood education to making our community safer.”

Also of note: The announcement comes just weeks after addressing a crowd of Houston business leaders and constituents Sept. 5 about her reelection status during the 2025 State of the County keynote address. Hidalgo hinted she would announce “soon” whether or not she would run in 2026.

Hidalgo has served as county judge since 2019 and was reelected after winning the county seat during the November 2022 general election. Her current four-year term ends Dec. 31, 2026.

Smalls Sliders, a cheeseburger slider and shakes restaurant, opened its fourth location in Texas Sept. 16, store officials confirmed in a news release.

The details: The Smalls Sliders menu offers cooked-to-order cheeseburger sliders, fries, shakes and queso. At the grand opening on Sept. 16, local owner and operator Thad Montgomery gave a donation check to his chosen “Smalls Town Hero,” which he dedicated to the FSC Sports Performance Foundation, a local nonprofit that helps to develop young athletes physically and spiritually, according to the release.

Zooming out: Smalls Sliders has other locations in Houston, Willis and McKinney, according to the release.

• 25549 Hwy. 249, Tomball

More than $7.9 million of Funds for Veterans’ Assistance, or FVA, grants have been awarded to 38 organizations in the Greater Houston area, Gov. Greg Abbott announced Sept. 12.

The gist: Abbott said the grants are part of the Texas Veterans Commission Grants Across Texas Tour. The grants support a wide range of services, from emergency financial assistance to transportation and home modification, according to a news release.

Quote of note:  “This over $7.9 million in grants will provide crucial services and financial support for our veterans and their families in the Gulf Coast and Houston so they can lead successful lives in our great state,” Abbott said.