Rice researchers explore if batteries can handle the AI energy demand
As polling shows Americans are growing concerned about data center development, researchers are exploring an option they believe could ease some power concerns....
The Woodlands
Business
Starbucks to shutter 250 stores in North America this week in 2nd wave of closings
Starbucks plans to close 250 North American stores later this week.
KFC opens a Texas restaurant to test ideas for reclaiming its fried chicken crown
KFC has been taking a licking from fried chicken rivals like Raising Cane’s. But the global fast-food chain has a plan to return to the top of the U.S. pecking order....
Sugar Land officials explore noise mitigation options for Imperial Sugar Char House
Sugar Land officials are looking for ways to soundproof the Imperial Sugar Char House as redevelopment conversations continue.
Rice University to offer Master of Artificial Intelligence degree program in 2027
The university, which also offers a bachelor of science in AI, says the new graduate program will focus on engineering, development, and research for artificial intelligence....
Man accused of filming woman undressing inside department store dressing room, Pasadena PD says
Pasadena PD posted surveillance footage of a man running from a woman, allegedly filmed in the dressing room at a store in the Fairmont area.
Judge blocks Trump’s White House ban on CNN, MS NOW, Politico
A federal judge blocked President Donald Trump’s move to bar three news organizations from the White House complex, ordering officials to immediately restore access to CNN, MS NOW and Politico....
Judge orders White House to restore access to news outlets Trump banned
A federal judge has ordered the Trump Administration to restore White House access to CNN, MS NOW and Politico.
At least 6 Houston-area collectibles stores burglarized in two weeks
A string of break-ins at collectibles stores across the Houston area has business owners on alert. Store owners say thieves are targeting Pokémon cards, other products and cash. At least six stores have been burglarized in the past two weeks across Houston, Cypress and Spring....
Reporters still blocked from White House despite orders to restore access to CNN, MS NOW and Politico
Some reporters are still blocked despite a federal judge temporarily blocking Trump’s ban of three news outlets from the White House.
Suspect caught running out of Old Navy after allegedly filming woman undressing, Pasadena PD says
Pasadena PD posted surveillance footage of the man running from the woman whom he allegedly filmed in the dressing room at a store in the Fairmont area....
Dolly Parton's estate granted temporary restraining order against singer's nephew, Bryan Seaver
Dolly Parton’s estate has accused the country music icon’s nephew, Bryan Seaver, of threatening violence and to destroy his aunt’s legacy and business empire....
Judge allows new Fort Bend County legal department, but blocks transfer of county attorney staff, resources
After Wednesday’s ruling, County Attorney Bridgette Smith-Lawson said the decision puts county business “in peril.”
Greenspoint Mall site to be redeveloped into $150M CityNorth Industrial Park
Demolition of the Greenspoint Mall will begin in October and the existing Fitness Connection will be incorporated into the new development, according to Lincoln....
The week in politics (Sept. 23, 2026)
On Wednesday's show: We discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup. And writer Ben Moser talks about his latest book, which explores the history of anti-Zionist sentiment within the Jewish community....
Dolly Parton's nephew confirms firing, calls move for a restraining order a 'publicity stunt'
Dolly Parton’s estate has accused the country music icon’s nephew of threatening violence and to destroy his aunt’s legacy and business empire.
Dolly Parton’s estate accuses her nephew of threatening violence and to destroy his aunt’s legacy
Dolly Parton’s estate has accused the country music icon’s nephew of threatening violence and to destroy his aunt’s legacy and business empire.
Middle East wars loom over UN General Assembly, and other Mideast developments
The president is also set to meet with Gulf leaders impacted by the war with Iran during his trip to New York City.
Gov. Abbott orders pause for all data centers until ERCOT audit is finished
Gov. Abbott says data centers cannot be approved until ERCOT, the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC), and the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) gather the information they need....
Nuclear energy in Texas (Sept. 21, 2026)
On Monday's show: Nearly $12 billion in Medicaid funding for Texas hosiptals has been restored. We find out why it was being withheld and what it means for hospitals and patients. And we discuss the role Greater Houston might play in nuclear energy....
Toys R Us makes major comeback with 120 new stores opening across US this holiday season
The expansion marks a major step for the brand, which shuttered all US stores in 2018 following its 2017 bankruptcy.
Telehealth companies keep exposing their customers' medical data. What should they do?
Government regulators are accusing telehealth companies of deceptive, unethical business practices, including disclosing their customers’ health data.
Houston's Housing and Community Development Department says program is temporarily out of money
The pause comes as homeowners across the region face rising costs to maintain and insure their homes.
Businesses in the Big Bend region team up to push back against border wall
The area relies heavily on tourism and locals worry the wall will disrupt their livelihoods. Source
Jaclyn Smith at 80: From 'Charlie's Angels' to building a business empire
Jaclyn Smith reflects on "Charlie's Angels," her business success, lifelong friendship with Farrah Fawcett and more in a new episode of "On the Red Carpet: ICONS."...
Scary good savings: Pet Halloween costumes discounted now at major stores
Find the cutest pet costumes this Halloween from Chewy, Walmart & Kohl's.
Houston ‘birth tourism’ center shut down following Texas AG filed lawsuit
A Houston-area business accused of participating in illegal "birth tourism" has officially been shut down after a lawsuit filed by the state of Texas.
West U approves funding for study to review city options for Rice Village development
West University Place officials approved funding for a study of the city’s eastern boundary as plans for Rice Village development proceed.
Anthropic says its model Claude is helping to build the next version of itself
Anthropic has announced that its AI model, Claude, is significantly aiding in the development of building its successor.
$12 billion in Medicaid funding restored to Texas hospitals
The federal government has agreed to restore nearly $12 billion in Medicaid funding to Texas hospitals, Gov. Greg Abbott said Thursday.
DoorDash and Uber Eats to offer delivery from US Costco stores
DoorDash and Uber Eats can now bring Costco to you, nationwide. DoorDash said Costco was among the most-searched retailers not yet on its U.S. platform, and it will now deliver groceries, household items, and electronics....
$12 billion in Medicaid funds restored to Texas hospitals, ending impasse with the feds
The announcement ends a nearly year-long dispute with the Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services over the funding to Texas hospitals, which were slated to lose $27 million a day. Source...
Texas to explore energy options on state land, including geothermal and small nuclear reactors
Texas is looking to “explore the development” of new energy sources on state land, according to the General Land Office.
What is 'zombie filler'? Doctors use donor fat to restore volume
Fat from human organ donors is being processed and marketed as a new injectable option for aesthetic procedures.
Toss up: Flower Mound artist's rice portraits last a split second, but captivate millions
With nearly 4 million followers on TikTok and over 2 million subscribers on YouTube, artist Alissa Teo has elevated this simple idea — throwing carefully arranged colored rice into the air to make shapes and images — into a full-blown business....
G20 Energy Summit wraps up in Houston with push for lower costs, regional power solutions
As the G20 Energy Abundance Ministerial Meeting concludes on Wednesday in Downtown Houston, international diplomats and federal energy officials are focusing their closing message squarely on consumer wallets....
Gov. Greg Abbott orders Texas water agency to penalize data centers that don’t report their water usage
Last year, less than 30% of data centers responded to a state-mandated water usage survey conducted by the Texas Water Development Board. Source
Supporting acts quit Ed Sheeran's tour after Macklemore is dropped over pro-Palestinian comments
Four supporting acts, including all scheduled opening acts, quit Ed Sheeran's tour on Tuesday after the rapper Macklemore was removed for pro-Palestinian comments onstage during a recent show....
The week in politics (Sept. 16, 2026)
On Wednesday's show: We discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup. And a new documentary delves into the life and career of Houston-native WNBA star Brittney Griner....
Red tide in Galveston could impact seafood prices and restaurants
Red tide has been detected along the Galveston coast, raising questions about what it could mean for local restaurants that rely on fresh Gulf seafood....
Jimmy Kimmel's Guillermo joins Joelle Garguilo for a salsa surprise at ABC News HQ
Not only is Guillermo part of the newest season of "Dancing with the Stars," but he also has a new line of salsas available for purchase in stores now....
Gov. Greg Abbott calls for data center penalties if not complying with state water laws
Gov. Greg Abbott issued another directive on data centers, calling on the Texas Water Development Board to penalize data centers that don't comply with state water laws....
Texas data centers could face penalties over water reporting
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered the state's water development board to start penalizing major water users if they haven't complied with water use reporting requirements....
Texas General Land Office to explore power plant development on state lands
The Texas General Land Office (GLO) leases state land for oil and gas development, farming, solar and wind farms and other commercial uses, allocating the money to fund state schools....
Costco raises prices of Kirkland motor oil, limits how much shoppers can purchase
Costco shoppers who buy the Kirkland Signature full-synthetic motor oil will now be paying more as the warehouse store has raised the price and placed limits on how much consumers can purchase....
Costco opening 10 new stores in the US and 4 in Canada as expansion continues - See where
Costco is continuing its expansion plans with 10 new locations in the U.S. and four in Canada opening over the next two months with more planned locations in the works....
Baby boomers crown their favorite casual dining chain as Gen Z chooses a different winner
A survey is revealing which restaurant brands are winning over Americans.
City of Houston housing department recommends approving millions in grants for homeless initiatives
On Monday, the City's Housing and Community Development Department made recommendations for amendments to current agreements, and recommendations for new contracts....
Galveston County commissioners approve plans to take over the health district
Some Galveston County Health District employees are anxiously awaiting what happens next after county commissioners approved an agreement that documents show will cut jobs....
Texas landowners ask a court to stop Trump’s Big Bend wall plans
Landowners, ranchers, and business owners in Texas are suing to stop the Trump administration's border wall plans in the Big Bend region.
OpenAI CEO calls for AI pacing as Trump insists he's not downplaying risk, saying there is a 'SICK conspiracy' against data centers
AI development is "walking a narrow middle path," OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said.
Beijing hits back at Anthropic CEO’s call to curb China's AI development
President Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping are expected to discuss AI governance, among other topics, at a meeting planned on Sept. 24.
Former Houston Oiler says he was victim of car break-in caught on camera
Former Houston Oilers running back Alonzo Highsmith said his rental car was broken into while he was at a restaurant during his visit home.
Trump downplays the need to check AI development and says he doesn't want to cede edge to China
President Donald Trump is playing down the need for his administration to check the development of artificial intelligence.
Former Ohio attorney convicted of trying to shoot ex-wife at restaurant
An Ohio man was convicted of trying to kill his ex-wife after prosecutors said he pointed a handgun at her head and pulled the trigger while she was dining with her parents....
Houston-area restaurant forced to add fees as inflation strains business, owner says
The owner of Lankford's, a staple Houston restaurant, said he has implemented a 3.5% surcharge on credit card purchases because of rising costs for goods and services....
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei says AI industry needs to give safety measures time to catch up
The CEO of Anthropic says the artificial-intelligence industry should slow its fast-moving development to give safety measures time to catch up.
New sidewalk improvement plan underway in the Heights
New sidewalks will be constructed in the Heights area as part of an $850,000 federal grant received by the Memorial Heights Redevelopment Authority.
Family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez files lawsuit against singer D4vd
The singer's family members and business associates are also named in the suit.
Over 2 million bottles of Ricky Joy Sour Crush candy recalled over choking risk
Consumer Product Safety Commission officials said the Ricky Joy Sour Crush Rolling Liquid Candy Bottles were sold at various stores including Walmart between January 2023 and May 2026....