Rail line planned; could take thousands of trucks off I-35

A new $6 billion freight rail line stretching from North Texas to the Mexico border could be built in the next few years, according to a private proposal state leaders unveiled Wednesday. The rail line, which would be the largest built anywhere in the U.S. in decades, is part of the proposed Trans-Texas Corridor project, which would run roughly parallel to Interstate 35.—Tony Hartzel, The Dallas Morning News

Houston's engaging 'Flower Man' and the 'Shifting Sands' neighborhoods

Project Row Houses has expanded from its original block to five more (with an eye on 35). It attracts artist exhibits from across America to its shotgun house exhibit buildings. There's big emphasis on public art, greenspace, historic markers and artist live/studio space. An after-school program mentors young people; 60 have received full college scholarships. —Neal Peirce, Washington Post

Wal-Mart goes green?

Its shift toward organic products could shake up the retail universe.—Marcus Kabel, Associated Press, March 25, 2006