💲Gas prices are climbing, and some big Houston stories are making waves today. Inside this edition you’ll also find The Craving, where we stop by Tostada Regia on Westheimer. Take charge of the day, knock out a few goals, and let’s get after it.

Follow The Houstonicity Facebook Page.

In This Edition of Houstonicity:

📣 We are currently talking with potential advertisers and starting with business owners who already read and subscribe to Houstonicity. We love working with local businesses that have strong reputations and solid reviews.

I would love to hop on a call or meet face-to-face and talk about how we can help you reach thousands of local Houston readers. To learn more, email:

[email protected]

Today: 82F | 69F |☁️| 18% Precipitation | SSE 14 MPH Winds
Thursday: 84F | 70F |🌤️| 20% Precipitation | SSE 15 MPH Winds
Friday: 84F | 72F |🌦️| 31% Precipitation | SSE 17 MPH Winds
Saturday: 83F | 68F |⛈️| 66% Precipitation | SSE 14 MPH Winds
Sunday: 76F | 69F |⛈️| 77% Precipitation | ESE 7 MPH Winds

Link for more weather information.

🚗 Texas drivers are seeing gas prices climb fast, and it may not be over yet. AAA says the statewide average for regular hit $2.817 on March 4, up from $2.736 the day before. In Houston, regular averaged $2.717, up about 9 cents overnight.

GasBuddy analyst Matt McClain says the market is reacting quickly to crude oil swings tied to rising political tensions in the Middle East and worries about key shipping lanes. GasBuddy now estimates a total jump of 20 to 55 cents per gallon, which could push Texas averages past $3 in the coming days or weeks.

See A Short Video About Gas And The Iran War.

🏢 Harris County apartment owners avoided about $119 million in property taxes in 2025 through special tax break deals, according to an analysis by Rice University’s Baker Institute. Add 2020 through 2024, and the total reaches $345 million. In return, landlords promised some “affordable” units, but most were not required to lower rents from normal levels.

The lost taxes hit schools and local services. The report says more than $25 million would have gone to HISD, and developers also avoided payments to Harris County, the City of Houston, and other districts. Analysts warn many deals can last 99 years, and the Baker Institute estimates the savings could reach $1.4 billion in Harris County within a decade.

🎤 Houston rapper Monaleo just canceled two tour stops after an unexpected emergency surgery. She told fans on Monday that the surgery went well, but she needs time to heal, so the Memphis and New Orleans shows are off.

Monaleo is on her Who Did the Body tour and has already finished 25 shows. She is still scheduled for a Houston show on Friday, March 6, plus dates in Austin, Dallas, and Corpus Christi. She said the rest of the tour will be day by day, and ticket buyers for the canceled shows can get full refunds.

12315 C. WESTHEIMER RD, HOUSTON, TX 77077

Tostada Regia on Westheimer delivered a satisfying and filling meal, starting with the Noreñitas. The dish came with three generously built tostadas, each starting with a toasted flat corn tortilla layered with refried beans and topped with shredded chicken, lettuce, tomato, queso fresco, onion, and crema.

Each one was piled high with toppings, so much so that I had to eat a little off the top with my fork before picking one up, which was a great problem to have. The tostadas had a nice crunch from the tortilla and a good balance of flavors from the beans, chicken, and fresh toppings.

The Noreñitas tasted even better with the salsas that came on the side, which added an extra kick and brought everything together. I also ordered a side of refried beans and rice. The refried beans were very good and paired nicely with the meal, while the rice was slightly overcooked but still tasty. The restaurant itself was clean, and the service was outstanding throughout the visit.  Overall Score: 7.9/10

Check Out Tostada Regia Westheimer’s Website.

Please reach out if you would like to be considered to be in Houstonicity.  This is something we do for free since we want to provide great content to our readers. If you are interested, please reach out to [email protected].

We are looking for:

🍣 A Walmart in East Houston is getting a quick food upgrade, including a new sushi kiosk and refrigerated grab-and-go cases. A permit filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation shows a $250,000 renovation planned for the store at 13700 East Fwy near Channelwood.

Work is expected to start in July and wrap up in early August, and the store will stay open during construction. Walmart says the changes are based on customer feedback and shopping patterns, and should make the in-store experience better.

☕ A new spot in Houston is trying to make outings with little kids feel easier. Happy Beans Play Cafe opens Saturday at 5001 North Shepherd Drive in the Northside. It pairs an upscale coffee shop with a Montessori inspired play area for babies and toddlers, so parents can sip coffee while kids play nearby.

It is not a daycare, so kids cannot be dropped off. Day passes are $13 per child, and an $80 monthly membership includes unlimited play, discounts on coffee and food, and free entry to planned music, yoga, and art classes. The menu is sourced locally, with coffee from Blackwater Coffee Roasters and pastries from Cake & Bacon.

🚙 Houston keeps moving, and so do we. Stay safe out there and keep pushing forward. See you tomorrow with more from around the city. – O.B.

Please Follow The Houstonicity Facebook Page.