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    another medal for simone

    Houston superstar Simone Biles receives nation's highest civilian honor

    Steven Devadanam
    Jul 1, 2022 | 11:40 am
    Simone Biles, medal of freedom
    Simone Biles received the nation's highest civilian honor on July 7.
    Alex Wong/Getty Images

     UPDATE: Biles received the highest civilian honor in the nation on Thursday, July 7 at a ceremony hosted by President Joe Biden.

     

    Biles was praised for her crusades for women and for mental health: “With absolute courage and honesty, she expands the legacy of our greatest champions who challenge the powerful and speak up for justice and the wellness of body and mind,” her introduction noted. (Note: This headline has been updated to reflect the news.)

     

    -----

     

    Medals are nothing new to Houston’s Greatest of All Time Simone Biles, given that the most decorated American gymnast in history boasts 32 of the Olympic and world varieties. But this new one might be especially sweet for our G.O.A.T.

     

    Biles will be one of 17 Americans to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden. The awards, which are considered the highest civilian honor in the nation, will be presented at the White House on July 7, according to a White House press release.

     

    Joining Biles on the prestigious list is fellow Olympic gold medalist and two-time Women’s World Cup champion Megan Rapinoe. Other distinguished recipients include Denzel Washington, Steve Jobs, and Senator John McCain.

     

    The award is given to “individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors,” notes the release. Biden, in the statement adds that the 17 recipients also “demonstrate the power of possibilities and embody the soul of the nation – hard work, perseverance, and faith.”

     

    Notably, NBC Sports notes that Biles, who is 25, shatters Tiger Woods’ record as the youngest athlete to receive the honor. He was 43 when he received the award in 2019.

     

    A fierce advocate for mental health and sexual abuse victims, Biles scored a bronze medal despite her globally watched challenges in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic games and is engaged to Houston Texans safety Jonathan Owens.

     

    She also launched a clothing line with athleisure brand Athleta and was named Time Magazine’s 2021 Athlete of the Year and also to Time’s Most Influential People list. She also recently landed on the cover of Wheaties boxes everywhere.

     
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    news/city-life

    This Week's Hot Headlines

    Shaq surprises Houston restaurant with $1,000 tip and more top stories

    CultureMap Staff
    Jul 12, 2025 | 11:00 am
    Shaquille O'Neal Ninfa's Uptown
    Courtesy of Ninfa's
    Shaquille O'Neal had lunch at Ninfa's Uptown.

    Editor's note: It's time to look back at the top Houston news of the week, starting with a surprise visit — and big tip — from Shaq. Plus, Houston ranks among America's most overpriced cities, and rents rise in Sugar Land. Get the details on our most popular stories below, then find the best things to do this weekend here.

    1. Shaquille O'Neal leaves $1,000 tip at Houston Tex-Mex institution. NBA Hall of Famer and media personality Shaquille O’Neal surprised the crowd at The Original Ninfa’s Uptown when he stopped by for lunch, posing for pics and leaving a very big tip.

    2. Veteran Houston bartender shakes up the Heights with new tropical bar. The woman behind your favorite bartender’s favorite bar has quietly opened a new cocktail spot in the Heights. Called Berwick’s Birds of Paradise, it’s the latest project from Double Trouble owner Robin Berwick.

     Berwick's Birds of Paradise bar Robin Berwick Owner Robin Berwick took inspiration from hotel bars for BBOP.  Photo by Vivian Leba  

    3. Houston is one of America's most overpriced cities, study finds. In what may come as a surprise to some local residents, a new study ranks Houston among the 10 most overpriced cities in America.

    4. This Houston suburb had the highest apartment rent prices in June. Apartment rent prices in June were more expensive in Sugar Land than anywhere else in Houston, according to the latest monthly rent report from Zumper.

    5. Houston influencer opens an antiques-filled boutique hotel in Montrose. 109 Stratford Street in Historic East Avondale has recently opened as a nine-room boutique hotel, The Marlene Inn, from owner and Instagram influencer Lily Barfield.

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