The state is turning up the pressure on the city after Houston passed a new policy limiting how long police wait for ICE. State Attorney General Ken Paxton sued, and Abbott warned funding could be on the line. City leaders are already trying to walk parts of it back.

But that’s not the whole story this week.

Houston’s first-ever Fleet Week is underway, bringing ships, service members, and a packed lineup of events across the city. Think you’re as fit as a Marine? Try running alongside them Saturday morning at the Seymour Lieberman Trail. Good luck.

And if you’ve stepped outside lately, you’ve probably noticed: lovebug season is back. They’re annoying—but temporary—and they actually help break down organic matter, so consider them a short-term tradeoff (and maybe rinse your car sooner than later).

Alright, Houston, let’s take a look at the headlines.

Paula Solis
Deputy Director of Newsletters

🍽️ Houston’s most social media-famous restaurants are pulling crowds with more than just good lighting. Spots like Trill Burgers and ChòpnBlọk have gone viral—but locals keep showing up because the food actually delivers.

🏗️ Texas homebuilding is slowing as labor shortages, immigration enforcement, and rising material costs squeeze the industry. Builders warn policies tied to President Donald Trump are contributing to delays, higher prices, and fewer new homes—threatening a key driver of the state’s economy.

✈️ Boarding could get smoother—just not in Houston yet. American Airlines is rolling out electronic boarding gates at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, aiming to speed up lines and cut crowding. If successful, similar tech could eventually reach hubs like George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

By Katie Serrano

A coalition of educators from the American Association of University Professors and the American Federation of Teachers, along with Texas Democrats, has launched a new policy platform aimed at countering attacks on higher education and academic freedom.

The platform, which union members announced in Austin on Monday, is titled “A Blueprint for Strengthening and Transforming Higher Education” and encourages candidates in the 2026 midterm elections to fight for higher education, promoting it as a public good instead of a privilege.

 “What we’re seeing are deep, deep cuts to research funding, we’re seeing attacks on academic freedom and free speech,” AAUP President Todd Wolfson said.

“Here in Texas, hundreds of classes are canceled because of what teachers are putting on their syllabi. We’re seeing efforts to dismantle diversity and eliminate support from minority serving institutions, and we’re seeing growing interference in teaching and research.”

If you need another sign that you live in one of the greatest cities in the country, check out these events. There’s always something to do in the Bayou City.

Did our event list send you somewhere fun? Let us know! Send us a pic from the event, and we’ll share it in the next newsletter.

Fleet Week Welcome Celebrations
Friday, April 17
Saint Arnold, SpindleTap, and Bad Astronaut

Sunset Cinema: “The Lion King”
Friday, April 17
Memorial Park

Houston Astros vs. St. Louis Cardinals
Friday-Sunday, April 17-19
Downtown, Daikin Park

East End Street Fest
Saturday, April 18
Esplande on Navigation

San Jacinto Day Celebration
Saturday, April 18
San Jacinto Museum and Battleground

Neighborhood Community Day
Saturday, April 18
Museum District, Menil Campus

Record Store Day
Saturday, April 18
Various locations

Fleet Week Expo
Saturday-Sunday, April 18-19
Downtown, Post Houston

Naval Showcase Exhibition
Sunday, April 19
Sylvan Beach Park

Jazzy Sundays in the Park
Sunday, April 19
The Water Works, Buffalo Bayou Park

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Paula Solis with reporting by Katie Serrano. It was edited by Kimberly Lawson.

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