A federal investigation found that a lack of safety protocols at Watson Grinding led to the massive explosion that killed three people and damaged hundreds of nearby homes in January 2020.
Danya Pérez / Staff writer
Danya Pérez is a diverse communities reporter for the Houston Landing. She returned to Houston after leaving two years ago to work for the San Antonio Express-News, where she reported on K-12 and higher education. Prior to that, Danya was a digital producer at the Houston Chronicle, where she worked on community engagement efforts by developing and writing daily newsletters. She previously spent 4 ½ years covering education at the Monitor newspaper in the Rio Grande Valley. Danya lived most of her childhood in Mexico before migrating with her family to their second home in El Paso. She is a proud University of Texas at El Paso graduate (Picks up!). When she's not writing about our communities, she might be found taking her loyal travel companion, Wakko, a 16-year-old Schnauzer, for slow walks at his favorite spots along Buffalo Bayou.
Posted inDiverse Communities
Celebrating Pride required ‘an extra level of bravery’ this year, Houstonians say
Pride month in Texas felt different from previous years for Houstonians struggling to combat the rise in hateful rhetoric and anti-LGBTQ state legislation.
Posted inDiverse Communities
‘Just feels like home’: Houston Pride Parade delivers an evening to remember
Revelers crowded into downtown Houston for the 45th-annual event, which was more subdued this year after a scorching experience in 2022.
Posted inDiverse Communities
$1 million in grant money aims to keep 50 Houston artists of color afloat
The notes emanating out of two violins, two violas and two cellos were not always meant to soothe. Houston composer J.E. Hernández wanted chaos, a “ferocious sound,” as if the chords were about to snap. A breaking point. After spending 60 days in an immigration detention center in his early 20s, Hernández couldn’t help but […]
Posted inDiverse Communities
Critics push Spring Branch ISD’s mostly white school board to better reflect the community
A federal lawsuit alleges Spring Branch ISD is violating the Voting Rights Act. Until recently, a person of color has never served on the school board.
Posted inEducation
More than 100 protesters decry Superintendent Mike Miles and new board at HISD meeting
The protesters voiced opposition to new Superintendent Mike MIles’ plans for overhauling nearly 30 schools and expressed concern about the impact on teachers.
Posted inEducation
Meet the new governing board members of Houston ISD after the state’s takeover
Several Houston ISD parents, multiple business professionals and one former school teacher are now in control of governing Texas’ largest school district.