Every vote counts—no, for real
If you ever needed proof that every single vote matters, look no further than Arcola, TX. The May 3 election in this small town near Missouri City ended in a dead tie—literally.
Fred Burton and Ebony Sanco each walked away with 50% of the vote, leaving the city in suspense over what happens next.
In case you missed the drama: Burton, a former Arcola mayor who lost his re-election bid last year by just 15 votes, is now battling for a city council seat against Sanco, a councilwoman he tried to oust last year. Their legal battle is still playing out in court, and tensions are high.
A runoff or other resolution is expected soon, but if this doesn’t convince you to get to the polls, what will?
Turkey Leg Hut co-founder ordered to stay behind bars
The drama of the Turkey Leg Hut continues. A federal judge has ordered former co-owner Lyndell “Lynn” Price to remain behind bars while he awaits trial on federal arson charges. Price, 42, is accused of masterminding the June 2020 fire that gutted Bar 5015 in Houston’s Museum District.
U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Dena Palermo ruled that Price poses both a flight risk and a danger to the community. In newly released court documents, the judge pointed to Price’s prior criminal history, his alleged crimes while on supervised release and the discovery of firearms in his home despite his conviction as a felon.
The judge also noted “overwhelming evidence” tying Price to the arson, which prosecutors say was sparked by revenge over a business dispute. Price is facing a three-count indictment and serious prison time if convicted.
I know we’re all quick with our comments—and yes, the drama is wild—but let’s not forget that behind all this mess are Price’s children. Count me out as one of the ones laughing at this downfall. Not to mention, I hate to see Black businesses fail.
Percival Everett wins Pulitzer for ‘James’
Literary powerhouse Percival Everett has done it again. His novel James—a radical reimagining of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn told from the perspective of the enslaved title character—has won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction. This caps off an incredible run for Everett, whose gripping work has won the National Book Award, the Kirkus Prize and the Carnegie Medal, among others.
Everett, long considered an under-the-radar genius, is finally getting his flowers. His 2001 novel Erasure inspired the Oscar-nominated film American Fiction, and James has cemented his spot at the top of today’s literary game.
Houston entertainment icon Scott Gertner dies
Houston is mourning the loss of entertainment legend Scott Gertner. The beloved musician and nightclub owner, known for bringing live music and big energy to the city, passed away unexpectedly on May 1.
Gertner was a three-time Grammy nominee and the visionary behind iconic venues like Scott Gertner’s Skybar & Grille, Sports Bar Live, and the Rhythm Room on Memorial Drive.
His legacy in Houston’s nightlife scene is unmatched, and his impact will be felt for generations. According to his family, funeral details will be shared soon.
