Houston Independent School District confirms laying off at least 150 employees, including maintenance and custodial staff, due to budget constraints and the end of federal emergency aid.

Houston ISD reports lower SAT and ACT scores, increases AP pass rates, and faces controversy over principal evaluations and legal dispute with the Houston Chronicle.

Texas A&M University has hired three experienced journalists to strengthen its journalism program, aiming to enhance real-world reporting skills and ethical standards.

Houston's Third Ward will see increased police patrols in response to a surge in violence, as announced by Police Chief Troy Finner. Residents have expressed concerns about crime and the justice system at a recent town hall meeting.

Houston is ranked as the fourth most diverse city in the U.S., with Rice University affirming the benefits of diversity for problem-solving and economic growth.

Houston's BARC shelter is expanding Sunday stray animal intake without appointments to manage the growing stray pet crisis, while promoting urgent adoptions and rescues.

The Houston Health Department and Ibn Sina Foundation will host a free community health fair at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church with vaccines, screenings, and benefit sign-ups.

Houston reports a significant drop in homicides during the first quarter of 2024, with cities nationwide experiencing similar declines in violent crime.

A single ticket won the $95 million Lotto Texas jackpot, ending a seven-month drought. The winner, Rook TX from New Jersey, also claimed numerous second prizes, suggesting a strategy of buying many number combinations.

The Houston Chronicle reports that Texas has 210 megachurches, with Houston alone having 37, including the largest, Lakewood Church. These nondenominational and denominationally affiliated churches are centers of worship and community life.

Houston parents are protesting HISD's removal of local zoning at two sought-after dual-language schools, impacting children's enrollment and possibly property values.

The University of Houston and Houston Community College are the top college choices for Houston high school graduates, with Texas A&M and UT Austin also popular, according to a Houston Chronicle analysis.

Rice University contests a "D" rating from the ADL on handling antisemitism, planning to provide additional information to reflect the campus's Jewish life and efforts against hate.