Year in review: Decisions that reshaped Houston ISD in 2025
HISD’s year brought sweeping reforms, tense debates, and decisions that reshaped classrooms and community trust.
Year in review: Decisions that defined Houston’s City Council in 2025
A turbulent year at City Hall reshaped Houston’s priorities, redefining core city services.
Top 5 things on Blackfolk’s Christmas list
Check out this wishlist of political, social, and economic changes for Black peace of mind.
Laura Onyeneho: Year in Review Message
Defender Lifestyle and Culture reporter shares her final message before the new year.
Top 5 things on my Christmas list
Defender Network reporter Laura Onyeneho shares her holiday Christmas list
DN+ shares storytelling that reflects the diverse interests and experiences of Black Houston area readers.
Trending Stories
Top 5 things on my Christmas list (That you can’t buy at a store)
Our Managing Editor shares five deep, non-material Christmas wishes.
Top headlines on social media
Here are the top 5 viral moments on social media that had everyone talking.
Year in Review: National
As 2025 ends, Black communities nationwide showed resilience amidst political upheaval, policy whiplash, and inequality.
Conrad Johnson Foundation marks 25 years empowering youth
Local foundation plans two-day celebration marking 25 years of youth music education
Managing Editor Message: Trump’s America, immigration battles, voter suppression
Defender Managing Editor ReShonda Tate reflects on the year.
Top 5 2025 Profiles
Check out these top profiles of dynamic Houston change agents from 2025.
Profiles
Cream Burger serves up generations of flavor with attitude
Here’s a look at Cream Burger’s 64-year legacy and its multi-generational family leadership.
‘Come Bee Well’ with meditation guide Jasmine Lynch
Former teacher Jasmine Lynch brings accessible meditation and wellness to Third Ward.
Sky Houston inspires women to reach for the stars
Majic 102.1 host Sky Houston has used her magnetic voice to entertain, and empower.
National
Community Reporter Year-end Message
With 2025’s destruction, the call for Black self-determination in 2026 has already been heeded.
Georgia offers lesson in what Black voter power really means
A down-ballot election revealed the impact of engaging voters on issues that shape daily life.
A nation in freefall while the powerful feast: Trump calls affordability a ‘Con Job’
Trump said during a recent cabinet meeting that affordability “doesn’t mean anything to anybody.”
50 Cent’s Diddy Documentary: Justice or just petty?
50 Cent’s Diddy documentary exposes allegations and motives, sparking debate about justice, beef, and accountability today.
Black techies say 2025 politics impact job prospects
Black techies face job market challenges due to 2025 political climate and underrepresentation.