Lila Mendez

Bureau Chief · Houston, TX

Lila Mendez has spent over 15 years in local journalism, honing her skills at the Houston Chronicle and NPR’s Houston affiliate. A graduate of the University of Houston, she excels in connecting with the community and has a knack for unearthing stories that highlight the diverse voices of Houston's neighborhoods.

12 stories from Lila Mendez in Houston

Community

Texas EquuSearch asks Sugar Land neighbors to check cameras for missing man

Townewest residents are asked to review footage from 6 to 10 p.m. Oct. 27 for any sign of Allen or a vehicle they don’t recognize.

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Sunnyside neighborhood residents gather near the vacant Sunnyside Elementary, advocating for safety and community renewal.

Schools

Sunnyside residents frustrated by crime, safety concerns at vacant former school

Under the warm Houston sun, the quiet streets of Sunnyside have recently been disrupted by a growing sense of unease. Families who have called this neighborhood home for generations now find themselves watching over their children with cautious eyes, worried about the shadow cast by a vacant school...

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Community

Could Texas suspend gas and diesel taxes? What Gina Hinojosa has proposed

On a warm Houston morning, families filling up their cars at local stations might have felt a flicker of hope. The rising cost of fuel has long been a burden for many, especially as diesel prices surged to record levels last September, pushing the price at the pump well over $4 per gallon in some...

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Houston football star Colin Simmons celebrating after being named a semifinalist for the Lombardi Award, embodying faith and determination

Community

Texas’ Colin Simmons among 12 semifinalists for 2026 Lombardi Award

Under the bright Texas sun, young athletes often dream of their moment in the spotlight, but for Colin Simmons, that moment is now. The Houston-born linebacker has captured national attention, earning a spot among the 12 semifinalists for the prestigious 2026 Lombardi Award. His journey from local...

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Community

Plans for gas station at historic Houston church site withdrawn after residents object

The warm glow of community unity shone brightly in Houston this week, as residents rallied to protect a cherished piece of their neighborhood’s history. It was a moment that reminded us all of the power of collective voice and the deep roots that bind families and faith communities together....

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A cowboy belt with initials RB, symbolizing the mystery of the unidentified man.

Community

He was found wearing a belt with the initials 'RB' in Humble in 1987. Who was he?

On a warm summer evening in 1987, a community was shaken by the discovery of a man found deceased near Rankin Road in Humble, Texas. Clad in cowboy boots and a belt emblazoned with the initials 'RB', the mystery surrounding his identity has lingered for decades, leaving a poignant mark on the...

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Traffic jam caused by a jackknifed tanker truck in Houston

Community

Jackknifed tanker truck shuts down 290 near the Loop

As commuters navigated their daily routines, a sudden disruption unfolded on the busy highways of Houston. The sun had just begun to rise, casting a golden hue over the city, when a jackknifed tanker truck brought traffic to a standstill near the Loop at the Mangum/Dacoma exit. A scene that would...

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Lone Star College campus during lockdown

Community

Lone Star College in The Woodlands placed on lockdown

As the sun began to rise over The Woodlands, a sense of normalcy enveloped the community. Families were preparing for their day, children were heading off to school, and students were making their way to Lone Star College. But that tranquility was shattered when news broke that the campus was...

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A bustling Houston street scene with people discussing politics

Community

Kalshi tops $2.5 billion in election trading, but how much did people win?

As the sun dipped below the Houston skyline, casting a golden hue over the bustling streets, a sense of anticipation filled the air. In the heart of the city, the chatter among friends gathered at a local café turned to an unexpected topic: election trading. Just a few blocks away, Kalshi, a...

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Celebration of James Talarico and Gina Hinojosa at Whataburger

Community

James Talarico and Gina Hinojosa's post-election celebration couldn't be more Texas

As the sun began to set over the vibrant streets of Austin, two newly elected Texas representatives, James Talarico and Gina Hinojosa, found themselves basking in the glow of victory. Their smiles were as wide as the Texas sky, and the celebration was quintessentially Texan—at none other than...

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Nathan Johnson celebrates victory in Texas Attorney General race

Community

Nathan Johnson wins Texas Attorney General race, defeating Mayes Middleton

As the sun dipped below the horizon on election night, a wave of excitement surged through the Johnson campaign headquarters. Nathan Johnson, a dedicated public servant with a passion for justice, stood before a jubilant crowd, his heart swelling with gratitude. The cheers were not just for his...

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Community

Polk County man indicted for murder in death of mother of three who lived at his home

In the quiet community of Polk County, a chilling story has unfolded that has left residents grappling with shock and disbelief. On a warm afternoon in early October, the sun shone brightly over the small town, but the atmosphere was heavy with sorrow as news broke of a tragic event that would...

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