Born and raised in Houston, Erica covers and oversees coverage of education, policy, sports, and more. Previously, Erica served as the Food Reporter at Chron.com, covering food news and features. She loves critical analysis, 2000s media, graffiti, and covering underserved communities. Erica graduated from Southwestern University and has a master's in International Affairs from Boston University.

Red, White, and Boom

How to Celebrate the 4th of July in Houston

From food trucks to fireworks, there are so many celebrations to choose from this Independence Day.

07/01/2026 By Erica Cheng and Brittany Britto Garley

Yes Ma’am, No Ma’am

The Best—and Worst—Things About Houston’s Hot Summers

Our ‘hottest’ takes on what to do when Houston gets overheated.

06/15/2026 By Erica Cheng

World Cup Fever

Where to Watch World Cup Matches in Houston

Local bars and pubs are going all out for soccer’s biggest event.

06/02/2026 By Erica Cheng and Meredith Nudo

Hip-Hop History

The Story Behind Houston’s Most Iconic Dance Move

Nearly 30 years after Lil’ Keke released “Southside,” Houstonians still know every move—and the rapper never saw it coming.

05/27/2026 By Erica Cheng

Growing Pains?

Houston Is a Young City. So, Why Are So Many of Our Politicians Old?

Houston’s median age is 36. So why does the city keep electing politicians twice that age—and what would it take to change that?

04/23/2026 By Erica Cheng

Before FIFA

Houston’s Soccer Superfans Were Here Long Before the World Cup

Inside the Houston Gooners, Chelsea Blues, and FC Bayern Texas—the fan clubs keeping international soccer alive in Space City year-round.

04/10/2026 By Erica Cheng

On the Ice

How I Rediscovered Girlhood in a Houston Ice-Skating Rink

Alysa Liu skated her way into America’s hearts. I skated my way into the Houston Aerodrome.

04/08/2026 By Erica Cheng

Bayougraphy

How Joe Panzarella Went from "Never Coming Back" to Running for Houston City Council

Joe Panzarella spent years abroad before Houston pulled him back, transforming a BikeHouston volunteer into District C's most compelling candidate.

04/01/2026 By Erica Cheng

Spring Bucket List

How Houstonians Love to Spend Spring

Crawfish boils, Rodeo traditions, gardens, art events, and allergy survival. Here’s how locals make the most of spring in H-Town before the heat sets in.

03/20/2026 Edited by Erica Cheng By Houstonia Staff

Country Roads

Houston's Trail Riders Are Fighting to Keep a Rodeo Tradition Alive

Inside the challenges facing Houston's trail riding associations—dwindling numbers, road rage, and the rising cost of keeping horses.

03/18/2026 By Erica Cheng

Ever Wonder Why

Why Claw Machine Arcades Are Taking Over Houston

Claw machine arcades—known as clawcades—are spreading across Houston’s Asiatown and beyond. Here’s why the trend is booming.

03/12/2026 By Erica Cheng

Black History

What Houston Rodeo's Black Heritage Day Is—And What It Isn't

As online confusion grows around "Black Rodeo Weekend," community leaders clarify the history, trail rides, and legacy behind the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's Black Heritage Day.

03/05/2026 By Erica Cheng

Fuel up

Where to Eat Near Houston’s NRG Stadium

There’s no reason to go to the Rodeo hungry.

02/26/2026 By Erica Cheng, Brittany Britto Garley, and Sofia Gonzalez

Eat, Drink, Hou

The Best Things to Eat, Drink, and Do in Houston This Weekend: February 20

Browse Black art, celebrate Lunar New Year, sip top-notch margaritas, and envision your vessel to the afterlife.

02/20/2026 By Brittany Britto Garley and Erica Cheng

Cowboy Couture

Inside Houston’s Rodeo-Fueled Cowboy Boot Boom

As Western fashion goes global, Houston’s Rodeo culture keeps cowboy boots rooted in comfort, craftsmanship, and tradition.

02/19/2026 By Erica Cheng

Lion's Den

In Houston, Lion Dancing Goes Far Beyond Lunar New Year

Lion dance in Houston isn’t just a New Year spectacle. Meet the troupes training year-round, competing nationally, and preserving a centuries-old tradition.

02/17/2026 By Erica Cheng

Only in Houston

Fake Boobs, Auto Theft, and an H-E-B Emergency Anthem?

A titillating disguise for a thief and a boat dump in the middle of the city.

02/16/2026 By Erica Cheng

Love and Ambition

The Couples Powering Houston’s Culture Scene

Meet the married duos shaping the city’s theater, art, food, and news scenes.

02/13/2026 By Erica Cheng and Houstonia Staff

The Drawl

Houston Celebrities You Didn’t Know Were from Here

Beyoncé and Megan Thee Stallion aren’t the only ones. These Hollywood names all got their start right here in the Houston area.

02/12/2026 By Erica Cheng

Rodeo Gone Global?

Is the Rodeo Getting Too Big for Houston?

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has grown into a national destination, changing how the city—and longtime fans—experience a once-local tradition.

02/04/2026 By Erica Cheng