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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.

Sugar Land and Missouri City residents can partake in early voting for the March 3 election from Feb. 17-27.

What residents need to know: Residents can cast their votes at any of the 30 early voting locations countywide, which are open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Feb. 17-21 and Feb. 23-27, according to Fort Bend County’s election website.

On the ballot: The March 3 primary election will include federal, state and county elections including:

• Fort Bend County judge (Democratic and Republican races)
• Fort Bend County district clerk (Democratic and Republican races)
• Fort Bend County clerk (Democratic and Republican races)
• Fort Bend County treasurer
• Fort Bend County district attorney
• Fort Bend County Precinct 2 commissioner

Early in-person voting in Texas’ primary elections begins Feb. 17 and lasts until Feb. 27.

How it works: Texas has an open primary system, where voters decide at the polling place whether to cast ballots in the Democratic or Republican primary. Voters may not participate in both primaries.

What to expect: Voters will be given a ballot with a slate of statewide seats and other races determined by the voting precinct they live in. During early voting, registered voters can visit any polling location in their county.

Candidates who win their primaries will advance to the Nov. 3 midterm election.

Why it matters: Early voting gives registered voters the opportunity to cast their ballots before primary election day March 3.

Voter advocacy groups and experts told Community Impact that a vote in the March primaries is “the most impactful vote” Texans can cast, due to consistently low voter turnout and competition in certain races. Over 18 million Texans are registered to vote, although about one-fifth of registered voters participated in recent primary elections.

Texans will see candidates for 18 statewide positions on the March primary ballot, including one state railroad commissioner, the state land commissioner and the state agriculture commissioner.

The overview: Despite its name, the Railroad Commission of Texas does not govern the state’s railroads. So what do railroad commissioners and the leaders of other Texas agencies do?

Community Impact compiled information about various state agencies to help inform Texans before they head to the polls for the March primary elections.

At the polls: Early voting runs from Feb. 17-27, and primary election day is March 3.