Excerpted from the Houston Chronicle

Grant Pinkerton, owner of Pinkerton's Barbecue, has helped feed individuals impacted by the flooding in the Hill Country that started the morning of Independence Day. Speaking to Chron, Pinkerton said his crew started delivering meals in the middle of day Friday.

Pinkerton's made three delivery drops at Trinity Baptist Church in Kerrville, Ingram Elementary School in Ingram and The Hunt Store in Hunt. Between 450 and 500 plates of brisket, pulled pork and sides were delivered to victims, first responders and those helping with the search-and-rescue effort that started Friday morning when the Guadalupe River's height rose to near-record levels, causing life-threatening flooding.

Pinkerton called the scene in the area along the Guadalupe "apocalyptic," with cars wrapped around other items, roads completely destroyed and trees stripped of their bark.

Louie Gonzales, who runs barbecue operations at the San Antonio Pinkerton's location, helped to spearhead the delivery efforts. Pinkerton said he hopes to make two or three more delivery runs during the week.

Pinkerton's Barbeque is located in the Greater Northside at 1504 Airline Drive.

H-Town! Join Saint Arnold and Meow Wolf for a block party to celebrate Space City. This all-ages event is free to attend.

On Sunday, July 13, from noon to 4 p.m., Meow Wolf will open their front plaza off Lyons Avenue and Saint Arnold will have a Beer Garden full of festivities. Here's the rundown:

At Saint Arnold:

• Commemorative 713 Day pint glasses available
• Purple Syrup for our Boiler Room Berliner Weisse beer
• Space City Local Market with H-Town artists and makers
• Live performances from:

·   DJ Loon

·   12:00 - Batalá Houston: Thunderous Samba Reggae Percussion

·   1:00 - Mariachi Amor a Mexico: Colorful All Female Mariachi

·   2:00 - Batalá Houston

·   3:00 - Hot City Brass Band: Explosive Bayou Brass Band

At Meow Wolf:

• DJ MLE
• Exclusive merch from GONZO247 & Caitlin Caselli
• Free Popston Pops
• Chrome Cube activation

Enjoy ice cream with an officer

Tuesday, July 22 - 1 to 3 p.m.

Provide your input

about the Regional Transportation Plan 2025

The 2050 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) will guide policies and development of transportation over the next 25 years. Whether you bike, drive, take the bus, roll or walk, every experience counts. Help create a Regional Transportation Plan that meets the needs of our community and enhances your daily commute. 

Click here to share your thoughts and ideas.

Click here to register for these free events

METRO, in partnership with the City of Houston and Evolve Houston, has expanded its Community Connector microtransit service to the Near Northside neighborhood.

This expansion builds on the METRONow commitment to enhancing mobility across the region, especially in historically underserved areas where accessing transit has traditionally been difficult.

Service Details:

• Service Area: View service map..
• Operating Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Booking: Rides can be requested through the Ride Circuit app, available for download on iOS and Android.

The Community Connector utilizes all-electric, on-demand shuttles to bridge the "first and last mile" gap, connecting residents to METRO’s fixed-route bus and rail services, as well as essential destinations such as grocery stores, medical facilities, and educational institutions.

Already operating in Downtown, The Heights, Second Ward, and Third Ward, the service continues to grow as part of the METRONow plan, a systemwide effort to enhance the rider experience and build a stronger, more reliable transit system.

Click here to read the full article about this service.

Avenue is calling on our community to rally together for a cause that truly matters—ensuring every student at Sam Houston Math, Science, and Technology Center (MSTC) HS starts the school year with the tools they need to succeed.

From June 26 to July 25, Avenue is hosting a Backpack & School Supply Drive with the goal of collecting 2,500 fully stocked backpacks. These supplies will directly benefit students at Sam Houston MSTC HS, many of whom face economic challenges that make it difficult to afford even the most basic school essentials.

Click here to learn how you can help.

Avenue’s 2025 Build Up Bash, a Rent Party! is a Houston twist on the legendary rent parties of 1930s Harlem!

Step into an evening filled with music, delectable bites and the spirit of community, all in support of a vital cause.

This fundraiser will benefit the development of affordable rental homes, new construction projects, supportive resident services, and community development initiatives.

Click here for more information

The Quitman Pedestrian-Transit Improvements Project is GNMD's capital infrastructure project in partnership with multiple partners from the City of Houston, METRO, Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia and Hardy TIRZ 21.

It includes improvements to the pedestrian realm, such as ADA accessible sidewalks and ramps, landscaping, solar lights and more. The streetscape improvements along Quitman Street will enhance the sense of place and preserve the cultural fabric by augmenting the overall quality of the area. The project extends along 1.5 miles of Quitman Street from west of Houston Avenue to west of Elysian Street.

Click here for locations.

Several Greater Northside businesses have been selected as finalists in the 2025 Best of the Best competition sponsored by the Houston Chronicle. The winners will be recognized on July 17.

Eat and Drink

Brewery - Saint Arnold Brewing Company (2000 Lyons Ave.)

Doughnuts - Shipley Do-Nuts (3932 N. Main, 8601 Jensen)

Ribs - Pinkerton's Barbeque (1504 Airline Dr.)

Entertainment & Leisure

Farmers Market - Houston Farmers Market (2520 Airline Dr.)

Retail & Services

Furniture - Gallery Furniture (6006 N. Freeway)

Grocery - Fiesta Mart (4711 Airline Dr.)

Mattress Store - Gallery Furniture (6006 N. Freeway)