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.

Only In Houston

Only in Houston: Trash Pandas, Margaritas, and Trump Burger Drama

From Galveston’s raccoon crews to a potent ballpark cocktail, here’s the strangest local news of the month.

08/19/2025 By Erica Cheng

Eat, Drink, Hou

What to Eat, Drink, and Do in Houston This Weekend: August 15

Dine like Astros star José Altuve, sip award-winning cocktails, and explore one of Houston’s coolest underground spaces.

08/15/2025 By Brittany Britto Garley and Houstonia Staff

Tariff Talks

From H-E-B Sushi to Boba Tea, Tariffs Are Driving Up Houston’s Food Costs

Tariffs on goods from dozens of countries are forcing local restaurants, caterers, and grocers to raise prices—or get creative.

08/14/2025 By Erica Cheng

H-Town Reppin’

While Houston Pop Star Keshi Skyrockets to Fame, Local Fans Are Holding Him Down

From Sugar Land to Madison Square Garden, Keshi hasn't forgotten where he came from.

08/11/2025 By Erica Cheng

Eat, Drink, Hou

What to Eat, Drink, and Do in Houston This Weekend: August 8

Texas’s biggest cumbia block party, last visits to closing restaurants, and binge-watching a reboot—here are your Houston weekend plans.

08/08/2025 By Erica Cheng and Sofia Gonzalez

Flood Impact

One Month After Central Texas Floods, Grief and Questions Remain

In light of ongoing investigations, Houston has embraced Kerr County with donation drives and volunteer efforts.

08/04/2025 By Erica Cheng and Sofia Gonzalez

We're Outside

Dress Code Ordinances and Crime Crackdowns: Is Houston's Nightlife Scene the New Policy Battleground?

Inside the clash between policies, crime crackdowns, and a nightlife industry possibly caught in the middle.

07/31/2025 By Erica Cheng

Tasty times

The Top Dishes Houstonia Editors Ate in July

This month was filled with an epic waffle from Agnes and Sherman, fall-off-the-bone ribs from Pizzitola's, bolo-top egg waffles from Hong Kong Food Court, and possibly the best chicken Parmesan in Houston.

07/31/2025 By Sofia Gonzalez and Houstonia Staff

Storm Essentials

The Most Important Tool You Need During Texas Hurricane Season, According to a Houston Meteorologist

After the deadly Central Texas floods, early warnings are more critical than ever. Here’s why meteorologist Matt Lanza swears by this one lifesaving tool: a weather radio.

07/28/2025 By Erica Cheng

Eat, Drink, Hou

What to Eat, Drink, and Do in Houston This Weekend: July 25

Cool down with La Cruderia’s aguachile, hydrate at Tapioca House, and beat the heat at the indoor claw machine arcades in Asiatown.

07/25/2025 Edited by Erica Cheng By Houstonia Staff

Game Time

Houston’s Mahjong Boom: Meet the Women Teaching the Game, One Tile at a Time

Mocha Mahj is revamping the centuries-old Chinese game in Houston.

07/23/2025 By Erica Cheng

Croissants, Cubed

Asiatown Trendsetter Debuts Houston's First Viral Korean Cream-Stuffed Pastry Shop Le Kream

Stuffed with cream in flavors like matcha and yuzu, these cube-shaped croissants are selling out fast—and flooding Houston’s feeds.

07/18/2025 By Erica Cheng

Bonkers

Only in Houston: Celebrity Encounters, Flies, and a Political Coin Flip

All the weirdest, whack-a-doodle news buzzing around town.

07/17/2025 By Erica Cheng

Hip-Hop Lore

713 Day Is Houston’s Annual Citywide Holiday. Thank Rapper Lil' Keke.

Houston’s unofficial July 13 holiday is more than just area code pride—it’s a tribute to the city’s hip-hop legacy and one of its most influential voices.

07/11/2025 By Erica Cheng

Landmark Lost

‘A Loss That Speaks Volumes’: The Life and Death of Houston’s Graffiti Park

Demolished for a freeway expansion, Graffiti Park was the beating heart of the city's street art community. The artists who built it now ask, What’s next?

07/09/2025 By Erica Cheng