Tannistha Sinha

Bishop James Dixon II, president of the Houston branch of the NAACP, criticized the Louisiana v. Callais ruling. Credit: Tannistha Sinha/Defender

Michelle Williams has spent 26 years teaching Houston's children.

Houston ISD has nearly doubled the number of A and B-rated campuses in just two years, Superintendent Mike Miles announced. Credit: Houston ISD

The runoff race followed a mid-decade redistricting shakeup that redrew Houston-area congressional boundaries. Credit: Harris Votes

Community leaders say unity matters more than lingering political divisions. Credit: Tannistha Sinha/Defender

Mayor John Whitmire says the budget rectifies the deficit caused by Houston's revenue caps. Credit: Tannistha Sinha/Defender

HISD employees have among the lowest monthly premiums, while the district contributes more than most peer systems, according to documents. Credit: HISD

As the Houston City Council prepares to vote on the proposed operating budget for fiscal year 2027, a $7.5 billion spending plan , the city finds

The spending plan includes employee raises, healthcare investments, and targeted operational reductions. Credit: HISD

The budget highlights the ongoing tension between fiscal responsibility and delivering services to underserved communities. Credit: Tannistha Sinha/Defender