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Houston City College officially took on its new name June 18—after 54 years as Houston Community College—reflecting the growth of the institution.

The name change comes after the college launched its first two baccalaureate degree programs focusing on artificial intelligence and robotics, as well as health care management, Community Impact reported.

What's happening: Now, following the success of the programs, the college is bringing in three new four-year programs in computer information systems, business and nursing—with the first two expected to launch in spring 2027 and the latter in 2028, said Miguel Ramos, vice chancellor for instructional services at HCC.

Zooming in: While the new AI program will be stationed at HCC’s Southwest College—located inside the 610 loop—students have already made an impact in Fort Bend County, HCC Southwest College President Michael Webster said.

Zooming out: Over at UH’s campus, Teresa Acosta, UH director for faculty and departmental instructional support, said the university hopes to see core courses implement AI in some way, whether it be rubrics, grading, helping with research or learning AI literacy.

MilkShake Factory soft opened a new location Feb. 9 in Elyson Town Center, a staff member confirmed with Community Impact.

On the menu: The dessert shop offers a variety of gourmet handspun milkshakes, with flavors including Campfire S'mores, Bananas Foster and Caramel Toffee Cappuccino as well as classics like chocolate and vanilla, per its website.

The menu also features several non-dairy milkshakes and other dessert options, such as fresh fruit cups with molten chocolate.

Zooming out: Several business and medical offices are also coming soon to Elyson Town Center, a 17.5-acre mixed use development near the Elyson master-planned community in Katy, including Haraz Coffee House, Coco Crepes & Coffee and Memorial Hermann. 

Stay tuned: MilkShake Factory Elyson plans to hold a grand opening celebration March 7, the staff member said.

• 7040 Elyson Exchange Way, Ste. 100, Cypress

• March 7, 7-10 p.m. 
• Cost TBD 
• 904 Avenue C, Katy 

• March 14, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 
• Cost TBD
• 904 Avenue C, Katy

• March 26-28, times vary
• Prices vary
• 555 Katy Fort Bend Road, Katy

Two Republican candidates are running for Fort Bend County district attorney in the upcoming March primary election.

The position is currently held by Brian Middleton, who is running unopposed in the Democratic primary.

The details: Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.

Here's what we asked them: 

• Why are you running for Fort Bend County district attorney?
• What are your qualifications for why you’d be a strong candidate in this role?
• If elected, what will be your top priorities?
• What should the county's budgeting priorities be?
• How do you plan to continue preparing for population growth as the county nears one million residents?

More Houston-area residents were able to attain a home at the end of 2025 as mortgage rates and home prices eased, according to a report from the Houston Association of Realtors.

The gist: According to HAR’s housing attainability report, 44% of households in the Greater Houston area could afford a median-priced home in the fourth quarter of 2025, compared to 40% in 2024.

The median home price declined to $337,200, with a monthly mortgage payment being $2,280, compared to $2,490 in 2024. To afford a median-priced home in Houston, households needed to earn at least $91,200 annually, states the report.

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