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Top 26 of ’25: Buzz Articles by the Numbers
Every December, we take time to reflect on the past year and look forward to the next. Here, we list the top 26 most-viewed stories of 2025, since we’re heading into 2026. The below list is determined by the numbers from Google Analytics and includes stories published this year.
The Unexpected Diva by Tiffany L. Warren is a fictionalized account of the life of Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield, a Black opera singer in pre-Civil War America. (Photo: Cindy Burnett)
1. Hottest New Historical Fiction by Cindy Burnett
Book reviewer Cindy Burnett contributes our monthly Buzz Reads column spotlighting new reads plus a feature story on a book-related topic in print. Each week, she also writes on a book-related topic for our Page Turners online column. This Page Turners article in February on the hottest new historical fiction was our number-one viewed article this year. Read it here and see all articles by Cindy here.
Emily York – University of Oklahoma (Senior photo: Kelsey Fay)
2. Class of 2025: Where are they headed? by Caroline Siegfried
It’s our annual tradition to spotlight Buzz-area graduating seniors and where they’re headed to college, an always-popular feature. Want your senior to be spotlighted in this year’s feature? Email us at [email protected].
Buzz summer interns Rebecca Bloome (on left) and Caroline Blocker Martinez (on right) visited Floating World.
3. ‘Floating World’ Exhibit at MFAH Spins Modern Art into Interactive Eye Candy by Rebecca Bloome and Caroline Blocker Martinez
Buzz summer interns Rebecca Bloome and Caroline Blocker Martinez explored the Floating World exhibit by artist duo A.A. Murakami at The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.
HOPING FOR SUNNIER DAYS A rainbow spreads over Hunt, Texas.
4. Before the Flood, After the Flood: A view from higher ground by Cindy Gabriel
Cindy Gabriel was in Hunt, Texas when the floods hit. She tells her story – before, during, and after – and that of Camp Mystic camper Blakely McCrory, 8, who tragically lost her life.
Recently, Blakely was honored by Bellaire neighbors with a butterfly play structure at her favorite local park, Joe Gaither Park. Read more here.
FAMILY FIRST Jeffrey Feinstein's life turned upside down when he suffered a spinal cord injury in 2018. He says spending time with family has helped him move forward. Jeffrey (center) is pictured with his wife Alli, twin boys George and Joshua, and daughter Julia. (Photo: lawellphoto.com)
5. Rolling Forward: With help from family and community by Pooja Salhotra
Family and community have been instrumental in Jeffrey Feinstein's recovery from a devastating spinal cord injury in 2018. Jeffrey and wife Alli have worked to help others with spinal cord injuries.
SCHOOL BUZZ A group of 2025-26 School Buzz reporters gathered at Saint Thomas' Episcopal School (STE) to meet each other and take headshots for the upcoming year. Front row, from left: Vishakha Medha Rao (Awty), Alexis Kiew (DeBakey), Elizabeth Koo (Kinkaid), Mimi Wright (Episcopal), Ella Bibi (Kinder HSPVA), Marin Hammonds (Duchesne), Sophie Lighvani (Kinkaid), Keira Donovan (Memorial); second row, from left: Kelsy Donovan (Memorial), Megan Wang (Bellaire), Olivia McCray (STE), Gray Hevle (Memorial), Olivia Koo (Bellaire), Ralph Satija (Strake Jesuit); third row, from left: Camila Putman Patino (Lamar), Kate Burke (Emery), Vivian Buchanan (Carnegie Vanguard), Tessa Brown (Cathedral), Selina Yuan (STE), Raoul Kumar (Strake Jesuit), Emma Mankarious (Memorial), Simon Zamberk (Kinder HSPVA), Sophia Cyamara Aguirre (Lamar); top row, from left: Adela Nicolae (Carnegie Vanguard), Jackson Yi (Houston Christian), Tiffany Li (St. John’s), Johanna Dorn (St. Agnes), Emily Xie (St. John's), Chloe Tran (Carnegie Vanguard), Dhara Agrawal (Bellaire), Adarsh Mohanty (DeBakey), and Chinedu Abiaziem (STE).
6. School Buzz 2025-2026 by Caroline Siegfried
Our student reporters write about their schools and share their perspectives with Buzz readers. Meet our 2025-26 School Buzz correspondents here. Check out the School Buzz blog here.
Just prior to the first pitch of their regular season finale at Rice University’s Reckling Park, the Memorial and Stratford baseball teams circled together in prayer to honor Spartans senior captain Blake Barry. Blake was recently diagnosed with a rare blood condition known as aplastic anemia. (Photo: Matt Bennett)
7. Rivals Unified: Stratford and MHS Baseball Teams Come Together for Blake Barry by Todd Freed
When Memorial and Stratford faced off in the second of two matchups in late April at Rice University’s Reckling Park, the fierce rivalry between the two teams took a back seat to an emotional pre-game ceremony. Just before the opening pitch, the teams joined together for a moment of prayer for Stratford Spartans senior captain Blake Barry, who had been recently diagnosed with a rare blood disorder known as aplastic anemia.
COLONY BUZZ The Beehive board includes top row, from left: Luke Covacs (director of outreach), Rosemary Moore (director of graphic design and media), Abby McClees (secretary); front row, from left: Edie Mahan (vice president and co-founder), Paige Buri (treasurer), and Meredith Otness (president and founder). (Photo: hartphoto.com)
8. The Buzz about The Beehive: The sacredness of belonging by Michelle Casas Groogan
The Beehive is an organization that hosts social events for teens of all abilities, created and run by teens.
The Desperados wagon is co-owned by Rene Bennett and three of her cousins, who together purchased it after Rene’s mother Beverly Wilson Bennett Smith passed away in 2022. Beverly, one of the founders of the Desperados, was known for being the first female “wagon boss” in the Salt Grass Trail Ride. Pictured are (from left) Ryan Proler, David Shofner, Elizabeth Patton, Joanne Wilson Shofner, Preston Proler, Margaret Jo Byron, Rene Bennett, Ryan Wasaff, Rachael Bennett, Archie Bennett III, Logan Niscavits, Mandy Bennett Niscavits, Cecilia Herdeg, Joe Niscavits, and Maren Flood. (Photo: Eli Luke)
9. Salt Grass Trail Riders Parade into Houston: Kicking off Rodeo Season with Style and Spirit by Pooja Salhotra
More than 1,000 people and 22 wagons take part in the Salt Grass Trail, which is thought to be the oldest and largest Texas Trail Ride. Look out for more on these trail riders in our upcoming February print issue.
ME TO WE Charlotte and Amy Krasner and Doug Robb are making space for each other – at home and in their hearts. (Photo: hartphoto.com)
10. Spring Cleaning: From “me” to “we” by Andria Dilling
Charlotte and Amy Krasner and Doug Robb are making space for each other – at home and in their hearts.
Sophie Zhou, Nurture, 2025, oil and acrylic on canvas. Houston, The Hayloft Gallery.
11. Kinkaid’s Sophie Zhou Named Grand Champion at Houston Rodeo Art Competition by Sophie Lighvani
Out of nearly 200,000 participating students, Kinkaid junior Sophie Zhou was named Grand Champion of the 2025 Houston Rodeo School Art Competition.
EYES ON THE PRIZE Ajay Mandke with the telescope he uses to take astrophotos. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)
12. Over the Moon: Amateur astronomers in Houston by Cheryl Ursin
Meet Buzz residents passionate about astronomy, including Jimmy Newland, a long-time Houston Astronomical Society member who established the first astronomy course at Bellaire High School, where he taught for 28 years; BHS student Sara Kannan, who runs the school’s astronomy club and public star parties; father and son Ajay and Aditya Mandke who are amateur astronomers; and more.
EAST TEAM TAKES THE WIN The Wilchester Men’s Club’s East team, led by captains Jorge Martinez and Brandon Fleetwood, secured victory at the Pecan Bowl 2024 in December. (Photo: Big Pineapple Productions)
13. The Wilchester’s Men’s Club: Philanthropy through fraternity and football by Annie Blaylock McQueen
Wilchester Men’s Club is comprised of men of all ages committed to raising money for charity and having fun together. One favorite tradition is the annual Pecan Bowl football tournament in which four flag football teams – East, West, South, and North – compete in semi-final matchups leading to a championship game.
101 YEARS Frances Zlotnik celebrated an incredible 101 years with her extended family. Pictured (top row, from left) Jeff Levey holding Kaki Levey, Kirby Levey holding Liv Levey, Zeke Sachs holding Stella Sachs, CeCe Sachs, Grant Cohen, Rachel Cohen, Mason Cohen, Matt Zlotnik, Molly Zlotnik holding Miles, Mitch Zlotnik holding Davis, Kevin Zlotnik holding Harrison; (seated, from left) Sandy Cohen, Terry Cohen, birthday girl Frances Zlotnik, Bob Zlotnik, Marcie Zlotnik; (seated, on the floor, from left) Wyatt Sachs, Blake Cohen, Ramsey Sachs, Philip Zlotnik. Not pictured: Morgan Zlotnik and Lauren Zlotnik. (Photo:S hauna Kiely)
14. Rumor Has It – March 2025 by Sharon Brier
Sharon Brier spotlights “rumors” in her monthly column. Find all Rumor Has It columns here.
ONE SCHOOL, MANY MEMORIES Mariann Dunwoody and husband David shared childhoods at West University Elementary where relatives once taught, and some of their children are former and current students. Pictured, top row, from left: David and daughter Claire, 10; bottom row, from left: David, 14, William, 11, Holden, 6, and their mother Mariann. (Photo: hartphoto.com)
15. The School that Shaped a Town: A century of learning, legacy, and lasting memories at West University Elementary by Cathy Gordon
As WUES celebrates its centennial this year, parents, students, alumni, and teachers reflect on the school that has meant so much to so many through the generations.
This crew of Bellaire Little League players and parents built a gigantic snowman on Weston Field. Pictured: Bubba Crosby, Hudson Crosby (in front), Rohan Wagle, Oliver Stern (in front), Seth Davidoff (in front), Todd Stern (in white jacket), Fitz Stern (in front of Todd), Asher Wagle (closest to the snowman), Tommy Crosby, Miles Davidoff (in front of Asher), Adam Davidoff, Reid Crosby (in red), and Silas Kwok.
16. Winter Wonderland, Houston Style: Snow Magical by Jordan Magaziner Steinfeld
Houston woke up on Tues., Jan. 21, to discover a fresh blanket of snow covering our city. And the snow was still falling. It was magical. See our roundup of snow-day fun photos and videos here.
PERIMETER POSSE Patrolling the perimeter of George Bush Intercontinental Airport is fun with a sense of purpose, say (from left) Susan Reichenthal, Eve Lapin, and Barbara Levy, who love being in the Airport Rangers. The three also do pack trips in the summer, going off-grid on camping and riding adventures. (Photo: hartphoto.com)
17. Runways and Reins: A trio of friends saddle up at IAH by Cathy Gordon
Friends Barbara Levy, Susan Reichenthal, and Eve Lapin volunteer as part of the Airport Rangers at IAH, the only mounted horse patrol of its kind in the nation. The three also embark on long-distance horse rides all over the world.
A FAMILY TRADITION Lakshmi Achari and Rahul Rao are the second Achari generation to wed on Galveston Island in a traditional Indian ceremony. (Photo: Rebecca Davidson Photography)
18. The best is yet to come by Angie Frederickson
Newlyweds share their wedding stories, in our first-ever edition of our Wedding Buzz column. Recently married and want to share your story too? Email us at [email protected].
RECIPE FOR LOVE Dr. Mary Alford used more than 1,500 of her family’s recipe cards to decorate an entire wall of a room off the entry of the home she shares with Dr. Gene Alford. Here, Mary and Gene enjoy slices of their favorite pound cake in front of her recipe wall. The pair have been married for 40 years and cooking and baking is one of the ways Mary shows love. (Photo: hartphoto.com)
19. Recipe for a Sweet Space: Mary Alford designs a meaningful room by Jennifer Oakley
Mary Alford used more than 1,500 of her family’s recipe cards to decorate an entire wall of a room off the entry of her home.
The Bellaire Cardinals boys basketball team advanced to the UIL State Basketball final with a 65-57 victory over San Antonio Brennan in the Class 6A State Semifinals. The victory over a Brennan team that was ranked number one in the state and number four nationally sends Bellaire to the State Championship game for the first time in school history. (Photo: Todd Freed)
20. Bellaire Boys Basketball Heads to State Championship Final by Todd Freed
The Bellaire Cardinals boys basketball team advanced to the UIL State Basketball final with a 65-57 victory over San Antonio Brennan in the Class 6A State Semifinals. The victory sent Bellaire to the State Championship game for the first time in school history.
HIGH ADVENTURE CREW Boy Scouts from Troop 599 completed a 50-mile backcountry canoe trek through Maine’s remote Allagash Waterway. Pictured, from left: Luca Paullo, Assistant Scoutmaster Adrian Binnion, Jonathan Lackey, Alden Binnion, Diego Vasquez, Dustin Oglesby, Wyatt Binnion, Wyatt Smejkal, Matthew Le, Zach Parks, Guide George Ellis, and Scoutmaster Don Paullo.
21. When Boys Lead the Way: Houston Scouts Navigate Maine’s Allagash Waterway by Tracy L. Barnett
Boy Scouts from Troop 599 completed a 50-mile backcountry canoe trek through Maine’s remote Allagash Waterway.
SFL Cheer alums (from left) Brooklyn Fontenot, Lauren Young, Samantha Alleyne, Samantha Chavez, Lainey Burrow, Ella Gibson, Taylor Vondenstein, Macyn Tannery, Teresa Pinkston, Jordan Young, Jenna Bayne, and Zoe Clark. (Photo: Jacob Power)
22. SFL spirit by Angie Frederickson
Former Southwest Football League cheerleaders gathered for a reunion at Evelyn’s Park. Many of the girls are now on their high school cheer or dance teams. This was included in our Buzz About Town column.
CULINARY MINDS Local Foods Group owner Benjy Levit and culinary director Seth Siegel-Gardner opened Italian-American concept Milton’s this fall. Seasoned chef Kent Domas executes their vision. Benjy describes Seth and his team as the “strongest group I’ve worked with in 30 years.” Pictured is the team behind Milton’s. (Photo: Carla Gomez)
23. The Chefs Behind Local Foods Group: And mastering the art of transformation by Dai Huynh
Dai Huynh spotlighted the talented culinary team behind Local Foods Group and their concepts: Milton’s, Maximo, Lee’s Den, Local Foods, and Local Foods Market in our Chef’s Corner column.
LIFE-SAVING, LIFE-CHANGING Isabella Charlotte Arlt, a junior at St. Agnes Academy, was diagnosed with liver failure at age 15. Receiving a liver transplant saved her life. Now, she is working to honor the donor’s legacy by sharing her story and advocating for organ donation.
24. How a liver transplant transformed my life and mission by Isabella Charlotte Arlt, age 17
Isabella Charlotte Arlt, a junior at St. Agnes Academy, was diagnosed with liver failure at age 15. Receiving a liver transplant saved her life. Now, she is working to honor the donor’s legacy by sharing her story and advocating for organ donation. She wrote about it in this Buzz Kidz story. Read more Buzz Kidz stories here.
PLAY LIKE A GIRL Girls flag football is on the rise across Texas. Pictured (from left) are teammates Claire Denson, Demi Smith, and Cleo Hodges, who played on Spring Branch-Memorial Sports Association's first all-girls flag football team this summer. (Photo: hartphoto.com)
25. Pulling Flags and Breaking Barriers: Girls’ flag football takes off in Houston by Annie Blaylock McQueen
Girls’ flag football is growing in Houston. Meet some local young players and supporters of the sport.
Cindy Burnett shares favorite books of 2025 by genre. Here are some top reads. (Photo: Cindy Burnett)
26. Best Books of 2025 by Genre by Cindy Burnett
In this Page Turners article, Cindy Burnett lists her favorite books of the year by genre: mysteries and thrillers, historical fiction, fiction, and nonfiction.
Past “By the Numbers” Recaps
Curious which articles were most-viewed in the past? See our top stories from 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2019.
Wishing you all a happy, healthy, and Buzzworthy year ahead!
Editor's note: Have a "buzzy" story to share in 2026? Email us at [email protected]!
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