Good afternoon, Houston.

The State Fair of Texas in Dallas kicks off this week, and according to its website, the event "celebrates all things Texan." 

But let's be honest: We all go for the fried foods! I know I did each fall for four years straight before COVID cancelled it in 2020.

This year's event is expected to draw millions over its 24-day run. If you're going, Ralph Green has everything you need to know.

Here's the rest of the news.

Alexandria Alejandro, Audience Producer alexandria.alejandro@houstonchronicle.com

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As Trump eyes National Guard troops in major cities, could Houston be next?

Concern for crime and the use of political rhetoric to increase policing are strategies not unfamiliar to Houston, and political experts say it's possible the city could see National Guard troops.

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Texas emergency responders face serious financial burden after Hill Country floods: ‘Why cut our legs off?’

First responders across the state are expecting a financial crunch for their agencies, with no choice but to raise health insurance premiums by potentially thousands of dollars.

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Houston’s priciest August homes span Galveston waterfront to River Oaks

August’s most expensive Houston homes include a Georgian-style River Oaks estate and a Malibu-style Galveston retreat, each defining luxury in its own way.

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The ultimate Harris County property tax guide We created custom data tools to make protesting your property tax appraisal as simple as possible. Never pay more for taxes than you have to.

1 story to bring you joy

Houston Zoo introduces four new baby animals to its enclosures

The organization revealed babies from four of its animals had been recently born: a boat-billed heron, an okapi, a Baird’s tapir and an eastern bongo.

7 stories you may have missed this week

Exclusive: How Houston homebuilders cash in on risky land in FEMA floodplains Lennar, Perry Homes and Meritage are among five builders who account for nearly 5,000 homes on flood-prone land across the Houston area.

How gruesome claims about Houston funerals unraveled a nightmare A Houston man stands accused of disrespecting the dead. A bereaved mother will stop at nothing to get justice for her son. And the police trail on the case has seemingly gone cold.

Ken Paxton takes heat from Christian leaders after divorce and alleged affair Some Christian and conservative leaders are saying they can no longer support Paxton as he runs for U.S. Senate against John Cornyn.

Texas A&M president resigns amid uproar over professor’s gender identity lesson Mark A. Welsh III resigned in a stunning fallout after a viral “whistleblower” video that raised questions about a professor’s teaching on gender identity.

Meyerland area HOA may need to close community pool after constable raises Barkley Square residents are asking, should they close their pool to help pay for higher constable contracts?

Top 25 Houston restaurants to try in fall 2025 Restaurant critic Bao Ong recommends these spots to try this fall.  Plus: These three Houston restaurants made Southern Living's list of top BBQ in the South

Tariffs are hitting Houston sushi spots. Here’s what that means for diners. Sushi restaurants get fish from all over the world: Bluefin from Mexico. Salmon from Scotland. Scallops from Japan. They're wrestling with uncertainty amid changing tariffs.