In the pandemic, even when vaccine researcher Prof Peter Hotez MD PhD told me something bleak, I felt better: The problem was defined. A first step.

Last night Baker Institute we talked about the rise of anti-science.

Bleak. But defined. A first step.

houstonchronicle.com/opinion/outloo…

Excited to interview vaccine researcher Prof Peter Hotez MD PhD tonight about his new book, The Deadly Rise of Anti-Science.

Sponsored by Houston Chronicle Baker Institute Brazos Bookstore bakerinstitute.org/event/deadly-r…

Houston gripes, anyone?

Mine is: This drought killed magnolias, which are great trees. Couldn’t it have taken out those wretched tallows?

We’re grumbling at 9 a.m. on Houston Matters

Got a Houston gripe? We’re getting ready to grumble on Houston Matters

#BREAKING : Our coverage of the tragedy at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde -- by Lisa Falkenberg, @Holleynews, Michael Lindenberger and Nick Powell -- has been named a Top 3 finalist with the 2023 The Pulitzer Prizes for editorial writing. houstonchronicle.com/projects/2023/…

So this happened today!

I'm honored to even be mentioned among these remarkably talented journalists who were Pulitzer finalists and winners this year.

That the win came on the same day Uvalde families got good news re: the Raise the Age bill in the House makes my heart sing.

Pitch:

Succession, but with Mattress Mack as Logan Roy.

Money! Political intrigue! Baseball! A furniture store full of big, deep recliners! Not to mention a tennis club with giraffes and rhesus monkeys....

houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-t…

We don’t have these cacti here! 😔

instagram.com/no_saguaros_in…

.Lisa Gray: Here’s what rocked me: Harithas & Texas Observer stood for a #Texas liberalism that I miss. 'While they were raising hell, they had fun. Why, dammit, did TX liberals/lefties/cultural revolutionaries have to become such dutiful bores?' 'houstonchronicle.com/opinion/gray-m…

Houston gripes, anyone? Craig Hlavaty and I are getting ready to grumble on Houston Matters

My news:

Starting 1/30, I'll be back at the Houston Chronicle, this time as op-ed editor.

I'll miss City Cast Houston — but I'm excited about working with the Houston Chronicle Opinion crew.

On Monday’s episode, we spoke with Harper Watters about how he makes one of the stuffiest art forms look fabulous and fun.

 🎧 “How Harper Watters Sashayed His Way to High-Heeled Stardom.” pod.link/city-cast-hous…

Today's fun fact:

Houston freeze prep: It’s 60 degrees out. I’m wearing sandals as I wrap my plants.

Comedic highlight of yesterday's Houston City Council meeting, via emily j hynds:

Councilmember Knox says drainage $$ shouldn't go to 'non-physical effort' like planning & design.

The problem: You can't build something without planning and design.

emilytakesnotes.com/2022/12/08/12-…

But Houston has some of the best grocery stores in the country! Why do I have to limit myself to just one?

Today in Texas:

The band Guns N' Roses is suing a Jersey Village store over its name.

Guns And Roses sells firearms and floral arrangements.

The heavy-metal band says they're hurting its image.

wsj.com/articles/guns-…

Mind-blowing thought for the day:

Houston really *could* have a street with no lanes for cars.