Eviction filings in Houston have exceeded early pandemic levels, according to data compiled by the Eviction Lab at Princeton University.

Driving the news: Sweeping local and national eviction moratoriums helped keep many families in their homes through the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since those moratoriums have ended, many Americans are once again exposed to the threat of displacement.

• That's especially true as high rent prices have renters spending record shares of their paychecks on their monthly housing bills.
• The eviction crisis tends to disproportionately affect minority groups — particularly Black women, says Eviction Lab research specialist Jacob Haas.

By the numbers: On average this year, 1,627 evictions were filed weekly in Houston, per Eviction Lab data as of March 4.

• That's down 10% from the same time last year — but is 200% higher than the average of 538 when moratoriums were in place.

What's happening: In Houston, ballooning eviction dockets mean that cases are often considered in 90 seconds or less, per the Houston Chronicle.

• The news comes as Texas again opened — and quickly closed — applications for its rent relief program, which leverages $96 million to help residents with rent and utility bills, as well as those facing eviction.

What they're saying: "We've seen a return to or beyond pre-pandemic averages in a large number of areas where we've been tracking [eviction] data," Haas says.

• "To return to that is disappointing given all of the initiatives that were taken to prevent housing instability."

Thorndale's Stiles Patin, 17, is one happy rancher.

Driving the news: Patin's grand champion steer, King, sold for $550,000 at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's junior market steer auction Saturday.

Why it matters: The funds generated by the auction — the finale of the "livestock show" part of RodeoHouston — go toward scholarships for livestock and horticulture show participants.

• Since his steer was named grand champion, Patin is guaranteed $75,000.
• Patin said he plans on attending an agriculture and manufacturing school in Texas.
• "I was very, very blessed and fortunate to have a steer like that," Patin said. "It's been a thrill, a crazy, emotional ride."

What they're saying: "This is what Texas is all about," said Alan Kent, whose company J. Alan Kent Development won the bid for Patin's steer. "We want to give back to the kids and the community."

Flashback: Last year, grand champion steer Vanilla Ice went for $1 million — a RodeoHouston record.

Go deeper: Have you ever wondered what happens to the animals after the auction? Chron has the mildly depressing answer.

🏛 Houston GOP activist Steven Hotze was booted from a Texas Senate hearing after referring to trans rights supporters as "pedophiles." (Houston Chronicle)

⚾️ Astros second baseman Jose Altuve will undergo surgery on his hand after his thumb was fractured when he was hit by a pitch Saturday during the World Baseball Classic. (KHOU)

🐘 Former President Donald Trump will hold his first 2024 presidential campaign rally in Texas. (Texas Tribune)

The oldest animal at the Houston Zoo just became a father to three baby tortoises.

Driving the cuteness: Mr. Pickles, a 90-year-old radiated tortoise, and his partner, Mrs. Pickles, 53, are now the parents of Dill, Gherkin and Jalapeño.

Why it matters: Mr. Pickles is the most genetically valuable radiated tortoise in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival Plan, making his offspring an important contribution to the future of this critically endangered species.

• Plus: They're adorable.

Context: Radiated tortoises are known to produce few offspring.

Flashback: Mr. Pickles has been at the zoo for 36 years and has been with Mrs. Pickles since she arrived in 1996.

• The Pickles had had only one little Pickle previously, in 1997.

What they're saying: According to zoo officials, the hatchlings were a surprise. A herpetology keeper saw Mrs. Pickles as she was laying her eggs at closing time.

• "The soil in Houston isn't hospitable to the Madagascar native tortoises, and it's unlikely the eggs would have hatched on their own if the keeper hadn't been in the right place at the right time," per the Houston Zoo.

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🏋️ Work out in style with a free Zumba class Tuesday on the POST Houston Skylawn.

• The class kicks off at 6:30pm. If the weather is bad, the class will be moved inside.

😂 Yuck it up at the After Dark Comedy Show at The Brass Tap on Thursday.

• Drink specials, $1 wings and a local slate of comedians begin at 8pm.

🎻 Listen to the Pavel Haas Quartet at Rice University on Tuesday.

• The Prague-based ensemble performs at 7:30pm. Tickets start at $20.

🎥 Watch Italian film "Con Chi Viaggi" (Drive Me Crazy) at the monthly Italian Contemporary Film Series on Wednesday.

• Tickets are $15.

🗑 See the percussive, trash-can-banging performers of STOMP at Jones Hall.

• Shows are Thursday through Sunday. Tickets start at $39.