☔ Good morning, Houston. There’s a lot inside today, starting with FEMA’s new flood maps that could affect insurance for many homeowners. We’ve also got our Listing of the Week in Westbury South, a look at falling rents, updates from Texas Southern, and news from MD Anderson. Take a few minutes to get caught up and stay on top of what’s happening around you. Being informed just makes life a little easier.

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In This Edition of Houstonicity:

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Friday: 75F | 66F | 🌦️ | 37% Precipitation | SE 13 MPH Winds
Saturday: 75F | 46F | 🌤️ | 24% Precipitation | NNW 18 MPH Winds
Sunday: 66F | 41F | ☀️ | 0% Precipitation | N 15 MPH Winds
Monday: 64F | 41F | 🌤️ | 0% Precipitation | NNE 7 MPH Winds
Tuesday: 72F | 59F | 🌤️ | 2% Precipitation | S 17 MPH Winds

Link for more weather information.

After years of waiting, FEMA has released draft flood maps that could reshape how much of Harris County is considered at risk. The early numbers are eye-opening. More than 420,000 properties could move into higher risk zones, and the number of homes inside the 100-year floodplain may more than double. For many families with federally backed mortgages, that could mean being required to carry flood insurance.

Some areas like Greenspoint and Kashmere Gardens may see larger expansions of flood zones, while parts of Meyerland reflect improvements from past flood control projects. Officials stress that flood risk cannot be eliminated anywhere in the county. It may be worth taking a few minutes to check your address and see where you stand.

Click, Scroll Down, And Enter Your Address At The Map.

If you are renting in Houston, this trend may feel like a small win. Rents have now fallen for 29 straight months compared to the year before. In January, the local median asking rent dropped to $1,345, down 2.3%. There are simply more units available, and that gives renters more options.

With vacancy rates at 11.4%, Houston remains renter-friendly for the second year in a row. Renting is still the cheaper monthly choice compared to buying for many households. For now, renters have a little more room to breathe.

Check Out Realtor.com’s Latest Rental Report.

Texas Southern University is taking careful steps after a tough state audit. This week, the Board of Regents approved about $2.7 million in contracts, but only after making sure they did not break Governor Greg Abbott’s order pausing certain state spending. Every contract now goes through President James W. Crawford III, and the Texas Rangers are investigating possible fraud or waste.

School leaders say daily operations have not stopped. TSU has agreed to fix the problems found in the audit and is updating its financial and contract systems. With thousands of students and staff depending on the university, leaders say the goal is simple: correct the issues and move forward responsibly.

Watch This Video About TSU’s Previous Audit Findings.

Colorectal cancer is being diagnosed more often across the country, and doctors say the numbers are rising each year. In response, MD Anderson in Houston is opening a new colorectal center next week. The goal is simple. Bring specialists together in one place so patients can move through appointments with less stress and more support.

The new 22,000 square foot center includes 29 exam rooms, procedure space, and areas designed to feel modern and welcoming. Even the artwork is meant to help patients breathe a little easier. If you have symptoms or risk factors, doctors encourage talking with your provider about screening and available support services.

Watch This Video On The Risk Of Colorectal Cancer.

12319 Renwick Dr, Houston, TX 77035

Key Details

This week’s Listing of the Week is 12319 Renwick Dr in Westbury South, priced at $335,000. It is a one-story, 3 BR, 2 bath home with 1,777 square feet sitting on a 10,400 square foot corner lot. Built in 1960, it has no mandatory HOA and is not in a flood zone.

Highlights

This home was taken down to the studs and rebuilt. Major updates include new PEX plumbing, new electrical wiring and panel, a new roof with decking, added insulation, and double-pane windows. Inside, you get a remodeled kitchen with granite counters, updated bathrooms, high ceilings, and walk-in closets in every bedroom. There is both a living room and a separate den, giving you flexible space.

Watch This Awesome Video About This Home.

What Buyers Will Love

The oversized corner lot really sets this one apart. The backyard is fully fenced with a tiled patio and two storage sheds. There is also ample parking for up to 10 vehicles with a circle driveway and attached carport. For buyers looking for a fully updated home with room to spread out in 77035, this one checks a lot of boxes.

Don’t Miss This Listing On HAR.

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Houston has always been where big energy projects get done. Oil and gas built the foundation, and now newer energy technologies are growing right alongside it. This is not about replacing the past. It is about building on it. Leaders say what makes Houston different is its ability to turn ideas into real, working projects.

From Downtown to Uptown and the Energy Corridor, companies cluster together so talent, partners, and capital are close by. That tight network helps projects move faster from planning to execution. As energy systems evolve, Houston is showing it still knows how to scale big ideas into real impact.

The Greater Heights Area Chamber just welcomed a new member, and it is one many local businesses may want to know about. Signarama Houston Heights specializes in custom signs and branding, from storefront signs and window graphics to vehicle wraps and banners.

Their team handles the full process, including design, production, and installation. Customer reviews often mention patience, fast turnaround, and fair pricing. Whether you are opening a new location or giving your space a fresh look, they aim to make your brand stand out in a way people remember.

You do not need an alarm overhaul to feel more secure at home. Most of the time, it is the small, everyday things that matter. Take two minutes this evening and do a quick walk around.

It is simple stuff. But simple habits, done regularly, are what keep small problems from turning into bigger ones.

Check Out This Video On Home Security Tips.

🛟 Thanks for being part of Houstonicity. I appreciate you reading, sharing, and supporting local stories. Have a great weekend, and I’ll see you next week. – O.B.

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