Houston’s Weird and Wild Month
Introduction to the Chaos
Austin may be Texas’s “weird” city, but this month, Houston is giving the capital a run for its money. From Galveston’s raccoon infestation to Trump Burger’s dance with ICE, and a restaurant art heist, Houston is proving to be just as quirky. Let’s dive into the wild stories that made this month unforgettable.
Raccoon Invasion
Raccoon Colonies Take Over Galveston
When visiting Galveston, tourists usually flock to the giant Rainforest Café, Moody Gardens, and Margaritaville. However, a new attraction has stolen the spotlight: the Seawall’s raccoon colonies. These masked critters have become internet sensations, and their fans are fiercely protective. Recently, island officials increased animal traps near the beach, sparking rumors of raccoon bites and potential euthanasia. Fortunately, city spokesperson Kurt Koopmann debunked these rumors, confirming that seven trapped raccoons were relocated to a wildlife rehab facility.
Trump Burger Controversy
Controversial Restaurant Owner Faces Deportation
Houston’s food scene was abuzz with the debut of Trump Burger, a restaurant owned by avid Trump fan Roland Beainy. In a surprising twist, Beainy was arrested by ICE and now faces deportation. The Lebanese native is accused of overstaying his visa, which expired in February 2024. Beainy denies the allegations, calling them “90 percent” untrue. This controversy has added fuel to the fire surrounding Trump Burger, leaving many to wonder what’s next for the embattled restaurant.
Sports and Shenanigans
Getting Too Turnt at the Ballpark
Astros fans know that Daikin Park’s margaritas are strong, but recent viral videos took it to a whole new level. Two fans were caught passed out in the bleachers after enjoying El Tiempo Cantina’s signature margaritas. The incident prompted the restaurant to limit margarita sales to “one person per ID.” It seems that the margaritas are a bit too potent, even for the most seasoned fans.
Art and Theft
An Art Heist at Houston’s Oldest Bakery
Moeller’s Bakery, a 95-year-old institution, is famous for its delicious treats and old-fashioned window art. However, thieves recently stole the bakery’s painted canvases, which depicted references to the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. The canvases, worth around $500 each, were created by a retired artist 20 years ago. The bakery has filed a police report, and the search for the stolen art is ongoing.
Business and Changes
Shipley’s Moves to California, Sort Of
Shipley Do-Nuts, a beloved Houston brand, has been sold to California private equity firm Levine Leichtman Capital Partners. This news has left fans worried that the iconic doughnuts will lose their magic. Although this isn’t the first time Shipley has changed hands, Houstonians are still anxious about the potential changes. Hopefully, the new owners will preserve the recipe and quality that has made Shipley a staple in the city.
Conclusion
This month, Houston has proven that it can be just as weird and wild as Austin. From raccoon colonies to Trump Burger’s controversy, and from art heists to business changes, the city has shown that it’s never short on excitement. As the city continues to evolve and grow, one thing is certain: Houston will always be a place where the unexpected happens. Whether you’re a fan of the weird and wild or just looking for a good story, Houston has got you covered.
