In partnership with Port Houston, the city of Seabrook announced that the Federal Railroad Administration, or FRA, has approved a quiet zone near the intersection of Hwy. 146 and Red Bluff Road, according to a Feb. 18 news release from the city.

The designation, effective Feb. 11, suspends the routine use of train horns in the area, as long as all federally required safety measures are maintained.

Going forward: While routine horn use is no longer required, train horns will still sound in specific safety situations, such as emergencies, when trains start moving from a stop or during maintenance.

Clear Creek ISD high school students will have expanded access to the district’s culinary arts program with the addition of a second program located at the Learner Support Center called Feather and Fork, according to a Feb. 18 news release from the district.

What you need to know: Previously offered only at Clear Springs High School, the culinary arts program will now be available to students at Clear Lake High School through the district’s Career and Technical Education program, as previously reported by Community Impact.

Also of note: Applications for the culinary arts program, along with other CTE programs, are now open. The priority deadline to apply is Feb. 20, but applications will continue to be accepted after that date, according to the news release.

Houston-area renters opened 2026 with more choices and slightly lower prices, according to the Houston Association of Realtors’ January Rental Market Update released Feb. 18. 

A closer look: The average lease price for a single-family rental fell 3.3% from a year earlier to $2,214, which HAR officials said is the lowest level since December 2023. 

Even with prices easing, demand didn’t disappear. Leased listings rose 11% year over year to 3,447 homes, while new listings climbed 16.4% to 6,499 properties, giving renters more inventory to work with, according to the report.