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Houston to use AI to help with traffic signal sensors

Houston will expand a program that uses artificial intelligence for traffic sensors and signal timing.

Houston City Council approved over $715,000 to deploy the No Traffic Autonomous Traffic Management Platform at various intersections throughout the city.

How it works: City officials said the program, which is a cloud-based system, uses AI sensors and makes real-time signal timing adjustments by monitoring the traffic flows, instead of a fixed, timed signal. It also makes adjustments and exceptions for emergency vehicles.

Council member Sallie Alcorn said at the April 8 meeting that using AI at the city helps in many ways.

“Save money, make traffic flow better,” she said. “This is the way of the future: real-time traffic considerations can be done by AI, and I hope this works out and we expand it.”

 
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CI Business
Filipino kitchen and bar shutters in the Heights

Officials with Be More Pacific, a Filipino kitchen and bar in the Heights, announced March 31 the restaurant's immediate closure.

What happened: In a Facebook post, company officials said that shuttering the restaurant wasn't an easy decision, "but it's the right one for our team and our future." The post did not state the reason for the closure. However, the owners thanked the community for its support of the restaurant over the last several years.

Some background: Be More Pacific started a food truck in 2012 and opened it's first brick-and-mortar location in Austin in 2017, followed by the Houston opening in 2020.

The restaurant offered Filipino dishes that utilized adobo chicken, marinated beef, fried fish and barbecue, along with specialty cocktails and desserts like flan and Filipino ice cream.

  • 506 Yale St., Ste. E., Houston
 

Your Weekend To-Do List

Check out these weekend events across the metro area.

The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival

Katy Spring Market

April 10-12, times vary
The Woodlands

April 11-12, times vary
Katy

Learn more.

Learn more.

 

Houston Barbecue Festival

Resonance & Repair

April 12, 1-4 p.m.
Humble

April 12, 4-6 p.m.
Houston

Learn more.

Learn more.

 
To submit your own event, click here.

Around Town
8 places with outdoor dining around the Heights, River Oaks and Montrose

With spring bringing milder temperatures and longer days to Houston, many local establishments are opening their patios to diners looking to spend more time outdoors.

Check out these eight places to visit for outdoor dining in the Heights, River Oaks and Montrose.

Johnny Ritas Cocina y Cantina: The Mexican restaurant offers a patio where guests can indulge in margaritas, tequila cocktails and classic dishes like fajitas, tacos and nachos. 

  • 5602 Fulton St., Houston

Brasserie 19: Nestled in the heart of River Oaks Shopping Center, Brasserie 19's patio hosts monthly events like Le Brunch de Funk on the last Sunday of the month, themed brunches including its Aperol Spritz brunch and Rosé Day.

  • 1962 W. Gray St., Houston

Long Weekend: Newly opened in the Heights, the restaurant offers more than 20,000 square feet of outdoor amenities and a large outdoor play area. The expansive patio features a playground, an active stream with fish, TVs for sports viewing and live entertainment.

  • 2044 E. T C Jester Blvd., Houston
 
Stay In The Know
Vonlane adds new luxury motor coach route in The Woodlands, connecting Houston metro and Austin

The luxury motor coach service Vonlane announced April 8 that its newest route will connect the Houston metro to Austin with a departure point in The Woodlands starting May 4. The route is the 12th for the company.

Vonlane launched a route between The Woodlands and Dallas last year. 

What to expect: Vonlane will offer services between The Woodlands and Austin seven days a week at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center, 1601 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands, and DoubleTree by Hilton Austin-University Area, 1617 N. I-35, Austin.

More details: The introductory rate through Aug. 31 will be $99. The motor coach provides amenities such as Starlink Wi-Fi, meals, snacks, beverages and no baggage or change fees, according to the news release.

 

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Cassie Jenkins
Editor

Chloe Mathis
General Manager

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