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Gov Abbott 420 Friendly? Rockets & KD? WTH-TOWN
Your daily dose of Houston happenings, news, and much more!
H-TOWN Crew
June 24, 2025
GOOD MORNING H-TOWN! Kevin Durant might be a Rocket now, but judging by that “wait, what?” face he made on stage at Fanatics Fest, it looks like Houston surprised him the way the Galleria surprises tourists—sudden, chaotic, and somehow all your stuff’s missing. Whether you’re here for the hoops or just the drama, welcome to Tuesday in the H.
H-TOWN HEADLINES
🤢 Houston Air Quality Ranks Among Worst Nationally: The American Lung Association reports Houston is tied as the 7th-worst U.S. metro for high ozone levels (71 orange days) and 8th worst for year-round particle pollution (21 red, 1 purple day) from 2021–2023 .
🍕 Gov. Abbott Vetoes $450M Summer Food Aid Bill: Texas Gov. Abbott rejected a measure offering $120/month to low-income kids via Summer EBT—affecting 3.8 million children—citing uncertainty in matching SNAP funding. Advocates decried the decision amid already high child food insecurity.
👴🏼 Houston’s First LGBTQ+ Senior Center Builds Community: The Law Harrington Senior Living Center, opened in 2021 between Montrose and Third Ward, provides affirming care for income-qualified LGBTQ+ seniors. Daily lunches, pantry support, and intergenerational activities combat isolation.
NATIONAL HEADLINES
🚀 U.S. Launches Strikes on Iranian Nuclear Sites: On June 21, the U.S. military conducted precision airstrikes—under “Operation Midnight Hammer”—on Iran’s nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, marking a direct involvement in Israel’s conflict with Iran. President Trump announced the strikes as a “spectacular military success,” warning further action is possible if Iran retaliates.
‼️ Iran Retaliates by Striking U.S. Base in Qatar: Yesterday, Iran launched six missiles targeting the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar in response to the U.S. strikes. Five Gulf countries closed their airspace, and the U.S. confirmed zero casualties. This intensifies worries about the conflict expanding regionally.
🚨 Growing Concern Following U.S. Intervention in Iran–Israel War: The U.S. involvement in Israel’s war against Iran has sparked global alarm and is being described as a pivotal escalation. The engagement prompted international calls for diplomacy to prevent broader regional conflict. Why are we expected to shoulder the financial burden of another country’s war?
MARKET REPORT
S&P 500 | DOW JONES | NASDAQ |
|---|---|---|
$6,025.17 | $42,581.78 | $19,630.98 |
1D +0.96% | 1D +0.89% | 1D +0.94% |
10-YR BOND | BITCOIN | META |
|---|---|---|
4.320% | $105,532.83 | $698.53 |
1D -1.26% | 1D +4.75% | 1M +11.40% |
⛔️ Equity Investors Face Clarity Dilemma: Markets remain buoyant despite escalating uncertainties—from tariffs resetting July 9, pending semiconductor import restrictions, upcoming Senate debt votes, to the Israel‑Iran war. Oil has surged 10%, and U.S. equities are trading roughly 15% above fundamentals, raising correction concerns.
❌ SEC Chair Repeals Gensler-Era Rules: The SEC, under Trump-appointed Chair Paul Atkins, has axed 14 proposed rules—covering AI advice, derivatives transparency, and decentralized exchange definitions—drawing industry praise but prompting investor safety warnings.
💶 Record Hedge Fund Sell-Off in Europe: Goldman Sachs reports that hedge funds executed the largest European equities sell-off in a decade during March–April, citing tariff threats and a strong euro.
Abbott Vetoes Texas THC Ban
Governor Greg Abbott surprised Texans with a last-minute veto of Senate Bill 3, aimed at banning hemp-derived THC products across the state. The bill, championed by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, sought to outlaw THC gummies, vapes, and similar products, citing concerns over public safety and youth access. Abbott at the last minute disagreed, highlighting the economic repercussions of banning a thriving industry worth billions of dollars that supports tens of thousands of jobs. He emphasized potential legal issues, referencing the 2018 federal Farm Bill and recent court rulings against similar bans in other states. Abbott’s veto has sparked significant political controversy within conservative circles.
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick strongly criticized Abbott, accusing him of betraying conservative values and implying the governor is indirectly endorsing recreational marijuana use. Abbott countered these accusations by clarifying his preference for responsible regulation over outright prohibition. He aims to balance public safety, economic stability, and legal prudence through structured guidelines. Abbott, who previously served as Attorney General and a state Supreme Court justice, argues that strict regulations, similar to alcohol laws, would address safety concerns without harming the economy.
In response to the controversy, Abbott called for a special legislative session starting July 21 to establish clear, enforceable THC regulations. Proposed regulations include age restrictions, licensing, packaging guidelines, and taxation modeled after alcohol laws. This upcoming session promises intense debate as legislators must reconcile opposing views on public health, economic impacts, and individual freedoms. Texans now face a pivotal moment as the state decides between embracing structured regulation or continuing contentious battles over prohibition. The outcomes of this special session will significantly influence Texas’s future approach to hemp-derived THC products.
46th Houston Pride Celebration Festival & Parade (Saturday June 28th)
The premier event of Houston's Pride Month, this all-day festival and evening parade draws hundreds of thousands of attendees. The festival at City Hall features vendors and live performances by artists including K. Michelle, David Archuleta, Kayla G, and Brooke Eden. The parade is free to attend and winds through downtown.
AXELRAD Feels Like Summer: Pride 2025 (Thursday June 26th)
They have 3 DJ's Amarji, Kayillah, & Hollaway. Drag contest hosted by the lovely Queen Persephone with a $150 cash prize for the winner! This event is free to the public.
Beyoncé – Cowboy Carter Tour (Saturday - Sunday June 28th & 29th)
No description needs its mfin Queen B
Weird Al Yankovic (Tuesday July 1st)
Weird Al is the biggest-selling comedy recording artist in history who has lampooned pop hits by Madonna, Taylor Swift, Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga and more. His biggest was 2006's "White & Nerdy," a parody of "Ridin'" by HTOWN rapper Chamillionaire.
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