A family’s dream vacation turned into a life-or-death moment when a young girl fell overboard from the Disney Dream cruise ship. Her father immediately jumped in after her, prompting a dramatic and successful rescue at sea.
A 55-year-old Houston man drowned Sunday morning after a swim in Galveston, marking the fourth drowning in the area this year, according to officials.
In response to escalating protests in Los Angeles and nationwide, Houston law enforcement is preparing for possible demonstrations, coordinating with state and federal partners to prevent civil unrest while emphasizing support for peaceful assembly.
A $5.1 million beach restoration project is underway at Jamaica Beach on Galveston Island, Texas, Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham announced. The project will add 61,000 cubic yards of sand along 3,300 feet of shoreline, aiming to protect coastal communities and wildlife habitats. Completion is expected by August 2025, with 90% of funding covered by federal emergency assistance.
The Texas City Museum will offer free admission this Saturday, along with shuttle rides to the historic Bell Home and a new Juneteenth-themed art exhibit celebrating African American heritage.
The FDA has approved a new COVID-19 vaccine from Moderna, but it is only approved for use in people at high risk. The decision coincides with a controversial rollback of childhood vaccine recommendations under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
As hurricane season nears, Galveston officials are revising their emergency response plans by adding an extra day to mandatory evacuation orders, citing significant I-45 construction delays and historical lessons from past storms.
Texas lawmakers are advancing a bill allowing treated oilfield wastewater to be reused in rivers and for agriculture, but only if companies are protected from liability. Environmentalists warn that science is lacking in backing the move.
Crystal Beach residents are taking Jeep Weekend into their own hands—offering up their homes to law enforcement to keep the annual party under control.
Galveston’s real estate market is shifting as an influx of vacation rentals hits the listings. Rising costs and cooling demand are turning the beach town into the Houston area’s top buyer’s market.
An 82-year-old well in the Gulf of Mexico has been leaking oil and gas for over a week. The U.S. Coast Guard, now leading the cleanup, has deployed over 15,000 feet of boom and recovered more than 50,000 gallons of oil-water mixture.
Mexican culture and heritage took center stage Saturday across Galveston County as communities gathered for vibrant Cinco de Mayo celebrations, featuring music, food, and festivities supporting local education initiatives.
The sudden death and cremation of Houston philanthropist Jessica Rossman in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, have sparked a legal dispute and left her family searching for answers about how she died and why they weren’t informed.
Warmer spring weather is pushing Portuguese man o’ wars onto Texas shores, creating hazards for beachgoers in Galveston and beyond. Multiple sting injuries have been reported, so officials are urging visitors to stay alert. Experts remind the public to avoid touching the tentacles and skip the old myth about urine treatments.
A Conroe man already facing child exploitation charges in Montgomery County now faces new accusations in Galveston. Taylor Roy was arrested after a beachgoer spotted him allegedly photographing a child. Roy, who appeared in court this week, remains jailed as prosecutors seek to revoke his bond in multiple cases.
After years without answers, a Galveston jury has convicted a man in the fatal shooting of Baugh, who was killed while sitting in his car with his daughter. Detective Amanda Smith’s fresh investigation cracked the cold case and led to justice.
Moody Gardens is hosting 200 animal trainers from across the globe this week as part of the Animal Behavior Management Alliance’s 25th anniversary convention, focused on improving animal welfare through training and enrichment.
Carnival Cruise Line has banned 24 passengers for life after a violent brawl broke out in Galveston, Texas, following a 7-day cruise, with the incident now under law enforcement review.
The City of Galveston plans to resurface Seawall Boulevard and may include dedicated bike lanes as part of a federally funded infrastructure upgrade slated to begin in late 2026.
Under a hot spring sun, thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday to honor Pope Francis, who passed away Monday at age 88. By his wishes, his funeral rites are marked by simplicity, with his plain wooden coffin placed directly on the main altar of the basilica, watched over by solemn Swiss Guards.
A weekend fire at a historic mansion in Galveston’s Silk Stocking District left two people hospitalized with serious injuries. It caused damage to multiple homes, including the famed George Ball House.
A new $1 million campaign by the Turtle Island Restoration Network aims to establish a permanent marine education and conservation center in Galveston. As plastic pollution and environmental threats rise, the center will serve as a crucial hub for community outreach, youth engagement, and Gulf ecosystem protection.
A Texas man was sentenced to 82 years in prison for a 2022 drunk driving crash in Galveston that killed four family members riding in a golf cart. Miguel Espinoza pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including intoxicated manslaughter and intoxicated assault.
METRO’s repaving project on Washington Avenue moves forward despite a $700,000 Houston-Galveston Area Council mobility study, raising concerns about prioritizing cars over long-term safety and transportation improvements.
To enhance law enforcement presence, the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office asks property owners to provide free lodging for deputies during Jeep Weekend on May 24-26.
A Houston woman accused of killing her infant daughter in Galveston could face the death penalty. Prosecutors have yet to decide if they will pursue the state’s most severe punishment as Channel Yonko’s capital murder trial is set to begin in December.
Authorities rescued 71 malnourished dogs and cats from an abandoned bus at Galveston Island State Park on Monday. The Houston SPCA is investigating, and local shelters are working urgently to care for the neglected animals.
Galveston is gearing up for its 114th annual Mardi Gras celebration, with festivities beginning Friday and running through Fat Tuesday on March 4. More than 350,000 visitors are expected to attend the island’s vibrant parades, concerts, and events, making it one of the biggest Mardi Gras celebrations in the nation.
A rare and mesmerizing fogbow—often called a "white rainbow"—was recently spotted over Galveston’s west end. Unlike traditional rainbows, these misty arcs appear almost colorless. But what exactly causes a fogbow?
Scientists have identified Australian red claw crayfish in Texas waters, raising concerns about the potential ecological damage caused by invasive species introduced through aquarium dumping.
Two Galveston County teens accused of murdering a 61-year-old woman in Bacliff were captured in Laredo after fleeing Texas. Authorities say they changed their appearance and attempted to escape to Wyoming.
Texas City kicked off the 2025 Mardi Gras season with the Mainland Mardi Gras Parade, bringing bead-throwing floats, music, and community spirit to the streets. Festivities continue across Galveston County, culminating in Mardi Gras! Galveston from Feb. 22 to March 4.
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order preventing transgender women from competing in female sports categories. The order, which takes immediate effect, applies to high schools, universities, and grassroots sports, sparking debate between Republicans and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups.
Galveston is enhancing safety measures for Mardi Gras 2025, including vehicle bans on the Seawall, strict parking rules, and increased security patrols. The city is also raising fines for illegal parking and prohibiting drones, fireworks, and glass beverage containers.
A United Airlines flight from Houston’s Bush Airport to New York was forced to abort takeoff after an engine fire was reported. Passengers evacuated using emergency slides and stairs, but no injuries were reported. Officials are investigating the incident.
A medical transport jet carrying six people, including a child patient and her mother, crashed into a Philadelphia neighborhood shortly after takeoff, igniting a massive fire. Authorities have not confirmed survivors, and fatalities are expected.
Galveston’s mysterious ‘ghost wolves’—a unique coyote population with red wolf DNA—face increasing habitat threats from development. While some developers are considering preservation efforts, others remain silent, sparking public concern and renewed conservation efforts.
Amid a winter storm warning starting Jan. 20 at 6 p.m., officials in Greater Houston have opened warming shelters to assist residents facing extreme cold, snow, and ice.
Brazoria County Deputy Jesus Vargas was fatally shot in southwest Houston on Wednesday while serving a warrant. After an extensive manhunt, suspect Robert Davis III was killed in a police shootout.
Solarus has achieved unanimous approval from the Galveston Zoning Board of Adjustments for a critical variance, clearing the path for their seaside development. The approved variance resolves conflicts between local zoning regulations and FEMA’s building codes for high-risk flood areas. Despite initial opposition, the project’s redesigned, community-focused approach garnered full support, ensuring its progression.
As Galveston’s economy thrives on tourism, residents discuss ways to ease local costs, including introducing a "locals card" for discounts. The idea has sparked debates about fairness, sustainability, and the city's reliance on tourism.
Jeep Weekend, a chaotic annual gathering drawing over 100,000 to Bolivar Peninsula, may soon be shut down. Sheriff Jimmy Fullen’s plan to halt the event has divided residents and raised questions about public safety and community impact.
President Joe Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act into law, repealing provisions that limited benefits for public employees and boosting payments for nearly 3 million retirees.
A minor helicopter incident occurred in Galveston Tuesday, leaving the pilot unharmed. Authorities are investigating the cause of the tipping during takeoff near Seawall Boulevard.
Galveston is set to host its inaugural ART Week from January 6-12, 2025, a week-long festival featuring diverse artistic expressions. From pop-up galleries and artist retrospectives to open houses and creative scavenger hunts, this event celebrates the heart of Galveston’s cultural identity.
The holiday season just got cuter at Moody Gardens Aquarium Pyramid with the arrival of two Chinstrap penguin chicks. Hatched on Dec. 17 and Dec. 22, these fluffy bundles of joy are a must-see for visitors this winter.
President-elect Donald Trump’s promise of mass deportations has thrown Texas' undocumented population—estimated at 1.6 million—into a state of fear and uncertainty. Community activists and families worry about the looming threat of being uprooted from their lives in the U.S.
Galveston’s cruise port continues its expansion with a fourth terminal opening in 2025, introducing MSC Cruises and bolstering its offerings with Carnival, Disney, and Norwegian lines. The port is on track to break passenger records again.
La Marque Police Detective Stephen Leacroy has been honored with the U.S. Department of Justice's prestigious Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Community Policing, marking a significant achievement in his career.
After 40 years of service, the iconic Stewart Beach Pavilion in Galveston is being demolished, marking a new chapter for the popular beach park.
The Battleship Texas, a historical naval vessel, is on track to reopen to the public by late 2025, but the exact location for its permanent berth at the Port of Galveston remains under active discussion. A recently formed committee is now reviewing several potential spots for the ship, with key decisions expected soon.
Houston lawyer Michael C. Howard is accused of fatally shooting his son, Mark Howard, at their Sabine County property. Authorities allege he delayed reporting the incident for 17 hours and attempted to destroy evidence.
Oxford’s 2024 Word of the Year, 'brain rot,' highlights the impact of excessive social media use on mental well-being, sparking conversations about digital habits and their influence on our lives.
Galveston County schools are navigating the challenges of complying with Tucker’s Law, which mandates annual fentanyl awareness education for grades 6-12. The law, enacted in September 2023, requires research-based instruction, but a lack of clear curriculum or funding complicates implementation.
Shriners Children’s Texas has expanded its services by opening a new residential building and parking garage, offering patients and their families a more comfortable and supportive environment during recovery.
Santa Fe City Council has unanimously approved a $450 million mixed-use development that could double the city's population over the next decade. The plan includes the creation of a municipal utility district to support growth.
A young Kemp’s ridley sea turtle named Boeier will soon return to her Gulf of Mexico home. After traveling thousands of miles from the Netherlands, she will be released on a Galveston beach. Rescued and rehabilitated abroad, Boeier's return marks a milestone in international conservation efforts to protect this endangered species.
The Island Oktoberfest, hosted by First Lutheran Church in Galveston, kicked off its 34th annual celebration on Friday. It showcased vibrant Bavarian culture with lively music, delicious German cuisine, and community activities.
Houston native Beyoncé is set to perform at Vice President Kamala Harris' rally on Friday, sources confirm. The event, featuring other stars like Willie Nelson, aims to boost voter enthusiasm as Harris campaigns across Texas amid a closely watched Senate race.
Texas's initial unemployment claims declined last week to 13,718. This reduction suggests potential stabilization in the state’s job market, contrasting with varied trends seen in other states nationwide.
Humane Society was arrested over the weekend on assault charges related to a domestic incident. Henderson claims the charges have been dismissed, though official records still list them as active.
The Port of Galveston has secured a 10-year contract with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, marking a shift from seasonal to year-round operations. The $100 million terminal, set to open in November 2025, will also accommodate MSC Cruises, expanding Galveston’s cruise offerings.
Hitchcock Independent School District (HISD) has made a significant move in the fight against fentanyl poisoning by becoming the first district in Galveston County to provide Narcan to its students.
In a shocking turn of events, the Galveston Shrimp Company is facing a $20 million fraud lawsuit, with allegations that could tarnish its reputation in the seafood industry.
An important deal to secure $2 million from Galveston County for the extension of Hobbs Road to FM 517 is scheduled to be discussed at a meeting on Tuesday by the League City Council. In the rapidly expanding region, this financing is intended to boost local infrastructure and improve accessibility.
College of the Mainland (COM) received a $245,200 grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's Student Success Acceleration Program 2.0. The grant will help reengage students who paused their education, offering resources like scholarships and debt relief to complete their degrees.
Dr. Michael Silva, a vascular surgeon at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), has achieved a significant milestone by performing the area’s first Percutaneous Transmural Arterial Bypass using the FDA-approved Detour system.
First Union Baptist Church in Galveston has received a historical designation from the city, recognizing its significant role in the community since opening in 1870. Despite numerous challenges, the church remains committed to its mission of faith and service.
Texas has received an Ozone Action Day alert this week, urging drivers to reduce their car usage due to significant air pollution concerns. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality emphasizes actions to combat rising ozone levels while promoting healthy air quality for residents.
A recent video showcases the incredible rescue of a man stranded on a sinking vessel by a US Coast Guard helicopter approximately 40 miles off Florida’s coastline. The footage reveals the bravery and precision of the Coast Guard in performing life-saving operations at sea.
Researchers propose the innovative use of fleets of autonomous vehicles to help evacuate vulnerable populations during hurricanes. These driverless cars could provide safe transportation to shelters, aiding those in dire situations and enhancing disaster response measures. "You're going to want one shared vehicle for every 14 evacuees" if a Category 5 hurricane hit Houston, researchers said.
Harris County prosecutors revealed that Cpl. Maher Husseini and the man accused of killing him, Athir Murady, interacted minutes before the fatal shooting. Murady, who appeared in court Thursday with visible injuries from his arrest, has been charged with murder following the incident.
A Galveston County mother is desperately seeking help to find her missing daughter, Shanell Pierre, who has been missing for over three weeks amid concerns over her mental health.
A police officer was injured, and a suspect was fatally shot during a high-speed pursuit in Clear Lake Shores. The incident escalated rapidly, leading to a tragic outcome.
Mark your calendars for August 6, and join us at City Hall to take part in this important discussion. Whether you are a frequent beachgoer, a local business owner, or a concerned resident, your voice is vital in shaping policies that impact our community's natural resources and recreational spaces.