Houston

• McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston launched the Center for Innovation in Congenital Heart Disease, a multidisciplinary center bringing together experts in medicine, science, and engineering to transform understanding and treatment of the condition. • A major research focus involves recreating early human heart development using stem cells and bioprinted structures to study how congenital defects form. • The center bridges discovery and clinical care by advancing research, developing technologies, and translating innovations into patient treatment solutions across a lifetime of care.

• On March 10, the University of Houston announced researchers at its Texas Center for Superconductivity broke the ambient-pressure temperature record for superconductivity, potentially enabling more efficient energy generation, transmission, and storage. • Superconductivity is a quantum phenomenon where materials exhibit zero electrical resistance and expel magnetic fields when cooled below a critical temperature threshold. • This breakthrough represents a major advancement in materials science that could have significant implications for energy infrastructure and technology development.

• Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta agreed to purchase the WNBA's Connecticut Sun and will relocate the franchise to Houston, as announced by the team on March 30, 2026. • The move expands Fertitta's sports portfolio and brings a WNBA team to Houston for the first time, tapping into the city's growing basketball market. • This relocation could boost WNBA visibility in the South, with Fertitta's resources likely accelerating arena and fanbase development for the team.

• Third-seeded Illinois beat Houston 65-55 in the South Region semifinals of the NCAA Tournament on March 26, 2026, in Houston. • David Mirkovic led Illinois with 14 points and 10 rebounds, as the team showcased strong defense to eliminate last year's national runner-up. • The win advances Illinois (27-8) to its 11th Elite Eight, facing ninth-seeded Iowa on Saturday to determine a Final Four participant.

• Houston Cougars, the No. 2 seed in the South Region, defeated Texas A&M 88-57 on March 22 in Oklahoma City to reach the Sweet 16 for the seventh straight year. • Emanuel Sharp scored 18 points, Chris Cenac Jr. added 17 points and nine rebounds, while Milos Uzan contributed 15 points in the decisive victory. • The win highlights Houston's continued dominance in March Madness, setting up a matchup in the Houston regional on March 26.

Nasa confirms meteor after residents reported hearing thunder-like noises about the time the fireball was visibleA suspected meteorite crashed into a home in suburban Houston on Saturday night, according to local residents and officials.Speaking to the local news outlet KHOU11 over the weekend, Spring area resident Sherrie James recalled the incident, saying: “My grandson went to check and said there was a hole in the ceiling … then I saw the rock, and I thought, ‘That looks like a meteor.’” Continue reading...

• Arizona Wildcats defeated Houston Cougars to claim the Big 12 tournament championship on March 15, 2026, reshaping the NCAA Tournament seeding landscape. • The victory positions Arizona as a projected No. 1 seed alongside Duke, Michigan, and Florida in mock brackets. • This outcome shakes up the bubble, with SEC teams like Missouri, Texas, Oklahoma, and Auburn now fighting for limited at-large bids amid a shrinking pool.