The SOUTHSIDE SIGNAL weekly publication

Week ending 6/18/26

Houston’s dining scene is booming, with a wave of exciting new restaurant openings drawing food lovers citywide.

Augustine's in Riverside offers a refined take on Creole cuisine under Chef Dominick Lee, quickly standing out for its blend of Gulf Coast and Southern flavors.

Asiatown’s Mensho is creating a buzz with rich Japanese ramen and inventive broths, while the Near Northside has embraced Johnny Ritas Cocina y Cantina for its vibrant Tex-Mex fare and lively cocktails.

Westheimer’s Model Kitchen + Bar is quietly earning raves for modern American dishes in an upscale lounge setting, and Rice Village welcomes MANA Thai Kitchen with standout Thai classics and sleek presentation.

Aga’s Indian-Pakistani restaurant will debut its Katy location on June 24, promising signature halal specialties to Houston’s expanding suburbs.

From Creole to ramen to Thai, Houston’s culinary diversity is on full display—leaving locals eager to discover their next must-try spot.

Absolutely Amazing Alkaline H₂O, a leading Houston-based water brand, has announced the debut of its exclusive Private Label Water Program for local businesses.

Founder LaMont "The Waterman" Gilbert revealed that only 10 companies will be selected for this limited beta, giving them the chance to feature their own logos, colors, and messages on premium alkaline water bottles.

The initiative is aimed at businesses seeking creative brand exposure — such as real estate firms, medical offices, retailers, and nonprofits.

Each participant receives personalized label design, 1,000 custom labels, and cases of water, turning a basic necessity into a memorable marketing tool.

With Houston’s business landscape growing, the program offers local organizations a powerful way to leave a lasting impression with every bottle distributed.

Interested businesses are encouraged to contact management at 832-209-7318 before the beta slots fill.

HOUSTON, TX — Nearly ten years after beloved educator Untorio Jones was killed just days before Christmas, a Harris County jury has found his murderer guilty, offering long-awaited justice for his grieving family.

Untorio Jones, a dedicated special education teacher at Lee High School and father of four, spent his final hours serving at a holiday toy drive for local children.

Later that night in 2016, Jones’s life ended when an argument at a Houston bar escalated after he accidentally stepped on a friend of Mark Joshua Hall.

Surveillance footage and trial evidence revealed Hall shot Jones following the dispute.

After reviewing the case, jurors convicted Hall, sentencing him to 40 years in prison.

Jones’s compassion and mentorship left a lasting mark on Houston’s youth, and his untimely death deeply shook the education community.

His legacy lives on, as loved ones hope the verdict honors his memory and the many lives he changed.

HOUSTON, TX — A man wanted for murder in the fatal shooting of Sean Bree outside a Houston shopping center has died by suicide as police moved in to arrest him.

Authorities identified the suspect as Iddris Umaru, 23, who, along with his girlfriend Axzey Mojica, 22, was accused in Bree’s killing.

Mojica has since been arrested and remains jailed on murder charges.

Bree, 39, was remembered by family as a dedicated worker known for his uplifting spirit.

The tragedy has dealt a devastating blow to Bree’s loved ones—his mother shared that Sean is her second son lost to gun violence in Houston, underlining the enduring pain this crisis causes across the city.

Police say Umaru died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound as officers attempted to detain him.

The criminal case against Mojica moves forward as police continue their investigation.

Houston is responding to Governor Greg Abbott’s disaster declaration by launching urgent hydration support for residents in need.

Absolutely Amazing Alkaline H2O has introduced its Emergency Hydration Program, offering families, local organizations, and businesses affordable access to premium alkaline water.

Founder LaMont 'The Waterman' Gilbert emphasized the crucial role of clean water during crises, aiming to assist Houston as emergency conditions continue.

The program features easy-to-store 16.9-ounce organic alkaline water bags—ideal for homes, shelters, and emergency kits.

Special emergency pricing is in effect, with water bags now $1 apiece and discounts on bulk cases, plus same-day delivery available for qualifying orders placed before noon.

Community members are urged to secure essential emergency supplies and can call 832-209-7318 to learn more.

Absolutely Amazing Alkaline H2O is committed to serving Houston when it is needed most.

HOUSTON, TX — Governor Greg Abbott has declared a disaster across 101 Texas counties, including Harris County, as Southeast Texas faces flash flooding, heavy rainfall, and the threat of the season’s first tropical storm.

The order allows local agencies to get state resources faster while the Texas Division of Emergency Management and the state’s Emergency Operations Center ramp up to 24-hour operations.

Officials urge Houstonians to monitor forecasts, charge devices, have an emergency plan, and avoid flooded roads as rain continues and a tropical disturbance in the Gulf looms.

Water, not wind, is often Houston’s biggest threat, especially for neighborhoods along bayous and in flood-prone areas like South Houston and Sunnyside.

Residents are advised to stay vigilant throughout the evolving weather, with updates ongoing as hurricane season picks up.