Month: April 2026

By Lisa Valadez

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    April 15, 2026 (Houston Style Magazine) — A legal battle over ballot eligibility in Fort Bend County’s Democratic primary runoff for Precinct 4 commissioner has escalated to the state’s highest court, leaving uncertainty over who will ultimately appear on the May 26 ballot.

Earlier this month, a district court judge ruled that candidate Brittanye Lashay Morris was ineligible to run for the office, citing failure to meet Texas residency requirements. In an order signed April 3, 434th District Judge Susan Brown directed the Fort Bend County Democratic Party to remove Morris from the runoff ballot and replace her with Nicole Roberts, who finished third in the March 3 primary election and filed the legal challenge.

The dispute centers on a state law requiring county commissioner candidates to reside continuously within the precinct for at least six months prior to the filing deadline. With a filing deadline of December 8, 2025, candidates were required to establish residency in Precinct 4 by June 8, 2025. Roberts argued that Morris did not meet that threshold.

Court filings and testimony highlighted several pieces of evidence related to Morris’ residency. Morris, a former judge of Harris County’s 333rd District Court whose term ended in December 2024, registered to vote in Fort Bend County on January 30, 2025, using a Richmond address. She later re-registered at a different Precinct 4 address on January 1, 2026, nearly a month after the filing deadline. Additional records cited by Roberts included a Houston P.O. box listed on Morris’ candidate application, a Texas driver’s license tied to a Houston address, and vehicle registration in Harris County.

Morris, who received the most votes in the March primary and advanced to the runoff alongside second-place finisher April Jones, disputed the ruling and signaled plans to continue fighting it. None of the seven Democratic candidates received more than 19% of the vote in the primary, triggering a runoff since no candidate surpassed the 50% threshold required for outright victory. Roberts’ lawsuit argued not only that Morris was ineligible, but also that the runoff should be recalculated without Morris’ votes, which would place Roberts in the second runoff position. Following the district court ruling, Morris filed a petition in intervention challenging both the court’s jurisdiction and Roberts’ legal standing to bring the case. The case took another turn when the Texas Supreme Court issued an emergency stay, effectively blocking the lower court’s order and allowing Morris to remain on the ballot for now. The stay grants temporary relief while the court considers whether to overturn the district court’s decision.

As the legal fight continues, candidates are still campaigning on the ground. Second-place finisher April Jones said her campaign remains focused on reaching voters despite the uncertainty surrounding the ballot. “Yes, Morris is still on the campaign, for now. We will see what happens in the next few days, weeks,” Jones said. “The candidates are on the ground doing the work, knocking on doors to reach voters. I do not have the same campaign funds and am working my best to reach the voters with mailers and knocking on as many doors as I can. I need volunteers. But I am still working with what I have.” Jones emphasized that her campaign is relying heavily on grassroots outreach, including direct voter contact, as the court process plays out.

Additional scrutiny has also emerged outside the courtroom. Reports circulating on social media, including commentary from reporter Miya Shay, referenced claims from individuals in Houston’s Upper Kirby area who said Morris resided there, while her campaign has stated she is renting a home in Fort Bend County. During court proceedings, however, attorneys for Roberts focused primarily on voter registration records rather than broader residency claims. Questions have also been raised about the rental property cited by Morris’ campaign, with observers noting that an alleged trust connected to the home and registered voters at that address share a last name with Morris’ campaign treasurer. While those alleged connections have not been central to the legal arguments presented in court, they have added to public scrutiny surrounding the case.

With the runoff election approaching, the Texas Supreme Court’s forthcoming decision is expected to determine whether Morris remains on the ballot or whether the lower court’s order to replace her with Roberts will be upheld.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Kierra Lee
KIELEESTYLE@GMAIL.COM
4096658446

By Francis Page Jr.

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    April 15, 2026 (Houston Style Magazine) — Some journeys don’t follow a straight line—they take detours, pause for life’s responsibilities, and then, at just the right moment, circle back stronger than ever. For Tammy Foy, that moment has arrived.

Nearly a decade after pursuing an Associate of Science in Business Management at Houston City College (HCC), and being forced to pause, Foy is preparing to walk across the graduation stage with certainty, pride, and a powerful story of resilience that reflects the spirit of Houston itself.

Back in 2016, Foy followed a familiar narrative for many hardworking Houstonians: life took center stage. With aging parents needing care and family responsibilities mounting, education was placed on hold.

“I had to stop and do life,” Foy shared—a sentiment that resonates deeply across generations.

Now 53, Foy has spent 27 years as a dedicated administrative assistant with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Parole Division. While her career remained steady, the unfinished chapter of her education lingered quietly in the background.

Enter a new chapter—and a powerful advocate—her niece, Jana’ Jasper.

An HCC alumna and Dual Credit Pathways advisor, Jasper recognized that her aunt’s story was far from over. With determination and insight, she introduced Foy to the Houston Reconnect Scholarship, a transformative program designed to help former students return and complete their degrees without the financial burden that often stands in the way.

“I knew that was her way back in,” Jasper said.

And she was right.

In a twist of fate that feels almost poetic, Foy discovered she needed just one elective to complete her degree. For Spring 2026, she enrolled in HCC’s Global Online College, selecting Introduction to Astronomy—a course she once overlooked but now embraces as part of her triumphant return.

This May, Foy will walk the stage with the full weight of accomplishment behind her.

Her story is more than personal—it’s emblematic of a broader movement in Houston to re-engage adult learners, empower second chances, and redefine what success looks like at every stage of life.

A proud grandmother of six and an active member of her church community, Foy credits her faith, family, and perseverance for guiding her back to where she always belonged.

“Age doesn’t define what you can and can’t do,” she said. “And I certainly won’t let it define me.”

That mindset is already opening new doors. Foy is now considering a future in counseling—perhaps even launching her own practice—proving that education is not just about finishing what you started, but about discovering what’s next.

Programs like Houston Reconnect are reshaping lives across the city, offering accessible pathways for students who paused their education due to life’s demands. With flexible options like HCC’s Global Online College, returning to school has never been more attainable—or more relevant.

For Houston Style Magazine readers, Foy’s journey delivers a clear message: it’s never too late to rewrite your story.

One door may have closed in 2016—but in 2026, Tammy Foy is walking through another, stronger than ever.

Ready to finish what you started? Apply today at hccs.edu/reconnect and explore flexible learning options at hccs.edu/online.

Because in Houston, opportunity doesn’t expire—it evolves.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Kierra Lee
KIELEESTYLE@GMAIL.COM
4096658446

By Francis Page Jr.

Click here for updates on this story

    April 15, 2026 (Houston Style Magazine) — In a city as dynamic and diverse as Houston, innovation isn’t just about technology—it’s about people. And when it comes to tackling one of the region’s most pressing health challenges—diabetes—Harris Health is stepping up in a big, bold, and beautifully practical way. Their latest initiative? Refrigerated food lockers that are redefining how patients access nutritious meals and manage chronic conditions with dignity and ease.

At the heart of this inspiring story is Della Harris, a resilient 63-year-old stroke survivor who refuses to let her past define her future. After years of living with unmanaged diabetes, Della made a life-changing decision to take control of her health by enrolling in Harris Health’s groundbreaking Food Rx Program.

This isn’t your average nutrition program. Food Rx is a comprehensive, community-centered approach that blends education with access. Participants receive 30 pounds of fresh fruits, vegetables, and proteins every two weeks—paired with hands-on guidance from dietitians and community health workers who teach everything from portion control to meal preparation.

But here’s where the innovation truly shines: the newly installed refrigerated food lockers at select Harris Health locations, including Quentin Mease Health Center. These lockers provide 24/7 access to fresh, healthy food—eliminating barriers like transportation, scheduling conflicts, and food insecurity.

For Della, the impact has been immediate and empowering.

“Convenient and modern,” she shares. “It’s about getting fresh and nutritious food when I can—and that’s a huge plus for me.”

And she’s not alone. Since joining the program, Della has experienced weight loss, increased energy, and a renewed sense of purpose. Her journey is a testament to what happens when healthcare meets people where they are—literally and figuratively.

This transformative initiative is powered by a powerful partnership. With support from the Houston Food Bank and a $500,000 grant from Cigna Healthcare, Harris Health has expanded its Food Rx footprint to include seven in-clinic “Food Farmacies” and three community redemption sites. The lockers themselves are fully equipped with cutting-edge technology—ensuring food safety, language accessibility, and seamless user experience.

The results speak volumes. Since its launch in 2019, the Food Rx Program has served nearly 6,000 patients, delivered over 2.1 million pounds of food, and contributed to measurable health improvements—including a 1.1% average reduction in A1C levels. For patients with severely unmanaged diabetes, that drop can reach up to 2%—a life-changing shift.

“By removing barriers to nutrition, we’re changing the trajectory of chronic disease,” says Brian Greene, President and CEO of the Houston Food Bank.

Indeed, this is more than a program—it’s a movement. A movement that recognizes food as medicine, access as equity, and innovation as a tool for transformation.

Della Harris is already looking ahead. Inspired by her progress, she’s pursuing a bachelor’s degree in communications and public relations—hoping to share her story and continue her passion for animal rescue, having already saved over 200 dogs in her neighborhood.

Now that’s what we call full-circle impact.

As Houston continues to lead in healthcare innovation, Harris Health’s refrigerated food lockers stand as a shining example of what’s possible when compassion meets creativity. It’s not just about feeding people—it’s about fueling futures.

For more information on Harris Health’s programs and services, visit harrishealth.org.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Kierra Lee
KIELEESTYLE@GMAIL.COM
4096658446