ICYMI: 5 Things That Mattered Last Week

HOUSTON, TX — More action-packed topics headlined the news in Houston last week. Though there are so many to choose from, Patch whittled it down to five stories that mattered last week. And for once, the weather didn't dominate the news.

1. Houston unveils plans for high-speed rail station

The city and developers from Texas Central announced the Northwest Mall will be the future home of the proposed rail station for the high-speed train. Then twice last week, there were meetings held by Texas Central where they saw residents flock there to voice their opposition to the project in whole.

2. Houston ISD announces upcoming $208 million shortfall

Citing Hurricane Harvey's impact and cost of recovery, and coupled with dwindling school population that would result in lost state funding, HISD said it will suffer a big financial setback for the 2018-19 school year. That will also lead to dirtier classrooms, reduced staff and longer bus rides to and from school.

3. Houstonian competing in 2018 Winter Games

Jonathan Garcia, 31, is in PyeongChang, South Korea competing in the bobsled at the Olympics. "It was a feeling that I can't even begin to put into words," Garcia told Patch this week via email from PyeongChang. "It was one of the best moments of my life. It was a close second to walking into to Olympic opening ceremonies [in 2014] with Team USA."

4. Paul Simon's farewell tour coming to Houston

Singer-songwriter Paul Simon announced his "Homeward Bound Tour," and includes a stop in Houston in early June.

5. Rick Edelman's son, R.J., killed in auto accident

Former Houston Rockets assistant coach R.J. Edelman succumbed to his injuries from being struck by a car.

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