Transportation
METRO partners with B-Cycle with consideration to take over program long-term
Posted on · Metro will spend up to $500,000 over the next 6-9 months to help B-Cycle and determine if it should eventually take the program over.
Infrastructure
New Houston ordinance allows property owners to opt out of building sidewalk, but must pay a fee instead
Posted on · Mayor Sylvester Turner said the new fee will prevent what the city calls “sidewalks to nowhere” from continuing to develop in the city.
Transportation
METRO to add shuttle to Lone Star College-Fallbrook from three locations
Posted on · The shuttle was created after a student shared his experience trying to get to campus by foot.
Politics
Local, state officials condemn proposed bill that forbids people, businesses from certain countries from owning Texas land
Posted on · The bill would forbid governments, businesses, and individuals with ties China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia from buying property in Texas.
Politics
Sheila Jackson Lee says anti-white supremacy bill pushback due to ‘misinformation’
Posted on · The bill is also proposing penalties for individuals who post materials online that lead to the planning and development of someone committing a hate crime.
Health & Science
Houston clinic receives $1.6 million in federal funds to expand mental health services
Posted on · According to local and state leaders, Texas is ranked the lowest nationally for mental health funding.
Housing
Houston residential buffering code changes considered by city council
Posted on · Under the city’s current ordinance, buildings taller than 75 feet only require a distance of 30 to 40 feet from single family homes on larger lots.
Transportation
United Airlines opens its largest training facility at Bush Intercontinental Airport
Posted on · The training facility incorporates mock seats, an auditorium room with over 400 seats, a public address room for flight attendants to practice their onboarding announcements, and a 125,000-gallon pool for flight attendants to practice safe evacuation in the event of a water landing.
Education
Fifth grader wins Houston ISD’s 2023 MLK Oratory Speech Competition
Posted on · First place winner received a prize of $1,000.
Arts & Culture
Houston Public Library to become a “fine free” system by discontinuing overdue fees
Posted on · HPL is also hosting an amnesty period between January 17 and February 18. Users can visit any library location in Houston to return overdue books and check account statuses for any fees accumulated from lost or damaged items to be removed.
City of Houston
Houston violent crime decreased, property crime increased in 2022
Posted on · According to HPD, the latest crime analysis for last year shows overall violent crime was down 8% and the murder rate was down 9% compared to 2021. There were 435 murders last year, compared to 477 the year before.
Education
Houston Community College reveals first two bachelor’s degree programs
Posted on · Students can obtain a four-year degree in Applied Technology in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics and Applied Science in Healthcare Management.
Airports
Houston’s Hobby Airport to get 10 new restaurants in coming years
Posted on · The new concession agreement is expected to bring in almost $74 million for the Houston airport system and close to 300 jobs.
City of Houston
In his last year as Houston mayor, Turner announces 2023 project plans for the city
Posted on · From affordable housing to public safety, parks, and street infrastructure, Turner said he's making it a priority to finish what he started.
Houston
Houston PD provides meals, blankets, heaters to seniors ahead of chilly holiday weekend
Posted on · With freezing temperatures in Houston over the next few days, seniors were given blankets, space heaters, and other household essentials to help them get through the cold safely.