Convenience Big Store: Most Texas prisoners live without AC. Today's trial could change that.

March 30, 2026

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Good morning, Houston.

Here's what you should know to start your day:

Need to know: TSA lines at Houston airports were shorter than expected this weekend, staying under an hour despite the government shutdown.
Top of the chart: One of the most-read stories on our site yesterday tells how a Spring teenager's severe pain was dismissed as "in her head," until a doctor found a rare spinal condition.

Here's the rest of the news.

1

A mock prison cell was set up near the south steps of the Capitol in July 2023 as part of a campaign by Texas Prisons Community Advocates to raise awareness about the lack of air conditioning in Texas prisons.

Heat in Texas prisons has killed inmates. A landmark trial could force the use of AC.

Nearly 70% of Texas prisoners, or roughly 90,000 inmates, live without air conditioning. Inmates have died from heat-related causes, including at least three in 2023.

A trial that begins today could force Texas to install climate control in its prisons, with the case likely to hinge on how quickly and comprehensively changes must be made.

U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman, who is presiding over the case, has previously warned he may require TDCJ to install climate control in every cell.

"This case concerns the plainly unconstitutional treatment of some of the most vulnerable, marginalized members of our society," Pitman wrote in a 2025 ruling, noting the scorching-hot cells likely violate the Eighth Amendment.

Bayliss Wagner has more.

2

Meet the four astronauts who will fly around the moon on NASA's Artemis II mission.

The Artemis II crew consists of NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Hammock Koch and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen.

Plus: What life will be like for Artemis II moon mission crew aboard Orion.

3

Why NASA calls the human eye its "best science tool" on Artemis II.

The Artemis II mission provides a crucial opportunity to study the moon and how the human body responds to deep space.

4

Who are the Homietos? Inside Houston's latest biker gang case.

Who are the Homietos? Here's a closer look at the motorcycle gang at the center of Houston's latest federal biker gang indictment.

5

These Texas universities offer free tuition to low and middle-income students.

"Promise programs" pledge that low- and middle-income students can attend college without taking on heavy student debt.

6

Fact check: Has Trump ordered more military strikes than any modern president?

"In the modern era, no American president has ordered more military strikes against as many different countries as Donald Trump," Sen. Elizabeth Warren said.

7

More than 40% of Houston ZIP codes lack mental health providers. Find out where.

A study by University of Houston researchers mapped the city's "mental health deserts," where few or no providers were practicing within a ZIP code.

TX TAX - Texas Property Tax Protest Tool

Be the first to use our guided property tax protest tool

The Houston Chronicle is launching a smarter way to prepare your property tax protest. Sign up for early access to TX Tax, and get deadline reminders and helpful coverage throughout protest season.

#️⃣ Number of the Day

14,000

That's how many homes are planned for Austin Point, a Fort Bend County development that could grow to resemble a small city.

The 4,700-acre community features an ambitious master plan with front porches, rear garages and a focus on neighborhood interaction.

Marissa Luck gives an early look at the first phase of the development.

🏀 Sports

Houston Astros Cam Smith (11), Carlos Correa (1), Nick Allen (20) and Joey Loperfido (10) high five after a 9-7 win over the Los Angeles Angels in a Major League Baseball game at Daikin Park in Houston, Sunday, March 29, 2026.

Photo by: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

Astros: Houston's bats outslugged Los Angeles for the second consecutive day, overcoming a truncated start by Tatsuya Imai in his major-league debut.
Rockets: Houston rolled past the New Orleans Pelicans behind a big game from Alperen Şengün.
Houston Open: Gary Woodland, who led by just one stroke entering the final round, finished with a flourish to win comfortably.
March Madness: When the Longhorns put their name in the wrong place on the bracket after beating Kentucky, Michigan took offense ahead of their Elite Eight matchup in the NCAA women's tournament.
Tennis: At 19, Learner Tien comes to Houston for the U.S. Clay Court Championship as the next hope to end America's drought in major championships.

🗣️ Opinion

For decades, experts warned of catastrophic warming, rising seas and resource collapse. In reality, we should be optimistic about our fossil fuel future, writes Robert L. Bradley Jr. in a guest column.
Reader responses: Houstonians shared how rising costs are affecting their households.