Latest details on the Texas bullet train

Plus: Houston council seeks greater say. Parent accuses HISD of 'power grab.' Cornfield cistern claims 3 people, dog.

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View in browser Summer Sale: ONLY 25¢! Dive into local news with Unlimited Digital Access. Subscribe Today. 🔍 Need to Know   Latest details on the Texas bullet train Texas Central just announced that it is working with Amtrak to begin the planning and analysis work on the Dallas-Houston high-speed rail project.   Houston council seeks greater say Voters may be asked to give the city more power on a regional planning board under a ballot measure pushed by the group Fair for Houston.   Parent accuses HISD of 'power grab' Despite public objections, the board of managers removed several limits to Superintendent Mike Miles' power.   Cornfield cistern claims 3 people, dog Three members of a hunting party from Florida died when they tried to rescue their dog from the hole in a Bastrop County field.   🗳️ Politics   Former council member jumps into mayor's race Republican Jack Christie enters the lineup Wednesday, vowing to be the "lone fiscal conservative" in an increasingly crowded race.   GOP members threaten funding Texas Republicans will block Border Patrol funding if Congress doesn't reimburse the state for Gov. Greg Abbott's $9.5 billion Operation Lone Star and stop the Biden administration's lawsuit over border buoys.   💼 Business   Exclusive social club coming to Houston There's a 6,500-person waitlist for the Dallas private social club Park House. Houstonians could get a chance to be a part of the club, too, with a new location opening in the first quarter.   NBA Store, Alo Yoga coming to the Galleria The mall will welcome several retailers in the coming months following the Wilson sporting goods store's opening, the first in the Houston market.   🖼️ Get Out   Hardy mallows beat the heat Althea, or rose of Sharon, is like other hibiscus relatives: Each flower lasts one day, but there are waves of blooms from late spring into fall.   Islamic Arts Society builds bridges The group's gala included an exhibit of calligraphy, painting, textile, glass and ceramic works, many of which were from a private family collection.    Gather for a purple martin watch party The birds are going to Brazil for the winter. They make a stopover in Houston before continuing their long flight south.   🏀 Sports   Texans defense sees stock rise in opener Rookie Tank Dell is on his way up while the offensive line's depth is a concern after the Texans' preseason win over the Patriots.   Stormy start for Texans rookie QB C.J. Stroud's first professional start in Houston's 20-9 win was indeed stormy, a turbulent two drives in which the No. 2 overall pick completed 2-of-4 passes for 13 yards and threw the first interception of his career.   Could the Astros reassess first base? José Abreu was not in the Astros' lineup for a second straight game Friday, with the team offering little clarity on how long lower back discomfort could sideline the first baseman.   Astros closer reflects on his first 10 years Ryan Pressly didn't pitch Wednesday but reached a cherished career milestone: Hitting 10 years of MLB service time, a mark not too many players experience.   📝 Opinion   Thumbs: Animals are taking over Just when the alligators seem to have calmed down, we've got snakes falling from the sky, armadillos cooling off with a swim and spider monkeys on the loose.    Miles should be librarians' partner It seems HISD Superindent Mike Miles' move-fast-and-break-things strategy has, well, broken things — including a lot of community members' trust.                 ONLY 25¢! Dive into local news with our Summer Sale. Unlimited Digital Access Act Now NO COMMITMENT | Cancel Anytime Unsubscribe  |  Manage Preferences  |  Privacy Notice Houston Chronicle 4747 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77027 © 2023 Hearst Communications