Laura is a Louisiana native who has been exploring her second bayou-home since graduating from Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism in 2015. Joining the Houstonia team in August 2017, she has taken the reins of SagaCity’s custom publications and also contributes data-focused and animal-related content to Houstonia.

Previously, she served as data reporter for the Houston Business Journal, where she managed the annual Book of Lists. She has also reported on an array of subjects in Houston, Louisiana and Chicago ranging from technology to weddings to tacos.

Laura is a die-hard LSU Tigers fan, having competed for the school’s varsity swim team in undergrad, and living five minutes from campus for 22 years of her life. Now she, her husband and their golden retriever live in a 1954 fixer-upper in Garden Oaks–Oak Forest.

Geeked Out

A By-the-Numbers Look at Last Year's Comicpalooza

Houston's massive fan festival is as big as Texas.

03/02/2020 By Laura Furr Mericas

Miracle on 34th Street

6 Big Projects Are Sprouting Up in Garden Oaks–Oak Forest

The two-mile stretch in the GOOF will never look the same.

03/02/2020 By Laura Furr Mericas

Fix Houston

How to Balance the City Budget

When you're a city government with a $5.1 billion annual budget, spending more than you earn is risky.

01/30/2020 By Laura Furr Mericas

Hotel Boomtown

Which of These 8 New Hotels Is Right for Your Staycation?

From Instagram ops to on-site eats, here’s where to find what.

12/27/2019 By Abby Ledoux and Laura Furr Mericas

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Here’s How Houstonians Will Shop and Spend This Holiday Season

Spoiler: Our budgets have gotten bigger.

11/08/2019 By Laura Furr Mericas

Private School Guide

Houston’s Best Private Schools in 2019

The 25 best private schools in Houston, ranked. Plus: The 2019 valedictorian of St. Thomas High School shares his tips for success as he heads off to college.

09/25/2019 By Laura Furr Mericas

Private School Guide

Houston’s Best Private Schools in 2019

The 25 best private schools in Houston, ranked. Plus: The 2019 valedictorian of St. Thomas High School shares his tips for success as he heads off to college.

09/25/2019 By Laura Furr Mericas

Private Schools Guide

The Best Houston-Area Private Schools in 2019

Niche.com ranked the best private schools in Houston —these are the top 25 this year.

09/25/2019 By Laura Furr Mericas

Private School Guide

How to Succeed in Private School, According to This Valedictorian

Kellin McGowan graduated from St. Thomas High School in May with a 4.57 GPA, becoming the school’s first African American valedictorian in its 100-plus-year history.

09/25/2019 By Laura Furr Mericas

Mother's Helper

Everything You Need to Know About Those Egg-Like Enclosures Around Houston

Spoiler: They have mamas in mind.

08/26/2019 By Laura Furr Mericas

Party City

10 Frequently Asked Party Etiquette Questions

Local experts spill the tea on the modern rules for hosting and attending parties.

08/26/2019 By Laura Furr Mericas and Abby Ledoux

Party City

10 Amazing Spots for a Next-Level Get-Together

These venues will wow your guests.

08/26/2019 By Laura Furr Mericas

Mommy Nearest

In the Market for More Mom Friends? There's an App for That.

We chat with Michelle Kennedy, London mama and CEO of Peanut, the moms-only social network that officially launches in Houston this week.

07/29/2019 By Laura Furr Mericas

Education

Expand Your Mind With These Classes

These Houston-area continuing education courses will restore your wellbeing and feed your mind, body, and soul.

07/22/2019 By Morgan Kinney, Gwendolyn Knapp, Nicki Koetting, Abby Ledoux, and Laura Furr Mericas

Space City

These Historic Bungalows in the East End Might Be Houston's Coolest Airbnbs

Every design detail—from the eco-friendly mattresses, to the mismatched furniture, to the pendant lights, to the prints of Texas oilfields and native plants—is part of a Houston story.

07/22/2019 By Laura Furr Mericas

Dive Right In

20 Texas Swimming Holes to Cool You Off This Summer

It’s that time of year again, Houston, when the weather is downright relentless and we have to escape. But don't despair: There are many cool, clear, refreshing lakes, rivers, and spring-fed pools to enjoy right here in this beautiful state of ours.

06/25/2019 By Morgan Kinney, Gwendolyn Knapp, Nicki Koetting, Abby Ledoux, Catherine Matusow, Laura Furr Mericas, and Dianna Wray