State data show big differences across Texas campuses: UT Austin graduates borrow far less while some campuses — including HBCUs — still report much heavier loan use.

West Houston's Powder Keg will close May 9 after nearly seven years as a dog‑friendly beer garden. Puma Development says a new operator will take over the site.

A planned influencer meetup in northwest Harris County turned violent Tuesday when a driver shot a passenger near Bammel North Houston and Kleinbrook Drive; deputies say all parties were detained.

Tea Top is opening a new bubble‑tea shop on Sawdust Road in Spring near The Woodlands. The company lists the address but a grand opening date has not yet been announced.

Chachi’s House, a Puerto Rican–Caribbean shipping‑container vendor at The Food Zone Grand Texas in New Caney, announced its closure in a social post last Wednesday after a brief run.

Rents and supply costs are squeezing Lake Houston shops; owners are trimming orders, reworking budgets and exploring SBA-backed loans. Neighborhood growth and tight retail market rents are intensifying the pressure.

The Chaucer topped out this week in Rice Village, putting 33 luxury condos on track as a small but growing roster of high‑end projects moves forward in Houston. The tower is about 65% presold.

A suspect barricaded inside an apartment near Ashford Point and Synott prompted a heavy HPD response Tuesday. Officials have released few details so far.

A 34-year-old woman is accused of stealing a running BMW, firing shots and robbing people along FM 1960. Court records show nine felony counts and bond set at $420,000.

Public records show the mayor's podcast cost up to $60,000 in taxpayer funds. A local progressive group filed ethics complaints and City Hall says procurement followed rules.

A woman was shot in the leg aboard a south‑side METRO bus Monday; police say it followed a domestic dispute and the investigation is active.

Detectives with Harris County Precinct 4 raided a Veterans Memorial game room, seizing nearly 70 machines and over $5,700. The constable’s office charged the alleged operator and arrested a patron-guard.

Robbery detectives released surveillance images tied to a March 22 aggravated robbery on S. Lockwood Drive. Crime Stoppers may pay up to $5,000 for tips leading to an arrest.