All Access

All-Access Weekly Digest

Standard

Houston

Houston Alerts

Alert

blue

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Houston.

Axios Houston

A picture of the Houston skyline with the letters IAH

Axios Houston Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Houston Members

Membership

Biden, Bibi agree Saudi mega-deal must include steps to keep two-state solution alive

World

President <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Biden" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/joe-biden" data-vars-content-id="fba751f5-b084-46e8-aaa6-9671e50ed206" data-vars-headline="Biden, Bibi agree Saudi mega-deal must include steps to keep two-state solution alive" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/joe-biden" target="_self">Biden</a> and Israeli Prime Minister <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Benjamin Netanyahu" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/18/biden-netahyahu-call-invitation-saudi-judicial-overhaul" data-vars-content-id="fba751f5-b084-46e8-aaa6-9671e50ed206" data-vars-headline="Biden, Bibi agree Saudi mega-deal must include steps to keep two-state solution alive" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/18/biden-netahyahu-call-invitation-saudi-judicial-overhaul" target="_self">Benjamin Netanyahu</a> agreed last week that the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mega-deal with Saudi Arabia" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/25/israel-saudi-normalization-megadeal-concessions-palestinians" data-vars-content-id="fba751f5-b084-46e8-aaa6-9671e50ed206" data-vars-headline="Biden, Bibi agree Saudi mega-deal must include steps to keep two-state solution alive" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/25/israel-saudi-normalization-megadeal-concessions-palestinians" target="_self">mega-deal with Saudi Arabia</a> should be based on the principle of preserving the prospect for an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal in the future, an Israeli official and a source briefed on the meeting told Axios. But the specifics must still be worked out.Why it matters: The Biden administration is pushing to get a mega-deal with Saudi Arabia and Israel before the 2024 presidential campaign consumes Biden&#x27;s agenda.

Trump halts plans to request Georgia case move to federal court

The move is a reversal for the former president, who had indicated he'd ask to move his prosecution.

Politics & Policy

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Former President Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="bf8d8395-4ffb-48ea-a68b-378167b32b6d" data-vars-headline="Trump halts plans to request Georgia case move to federal court" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">Former President Trump</a> is no longer seeking to move his Georgia racketeering case to federal court, per a Thursday court filing.The big picture: The move is a reversal for the former president, who had <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="indicated" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/07/trump-georgia-may-move-federal-court" data-vars-content-id="bf8d8395-4ffb-48ea-a68b-378167b32b6d" data-vars-headline="Trump halts plans to request Georgia case move to federal court" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/07/trump-georgia-may-move-federal-court" target="_self">indicated</a> he&#x27;d ask to move his prosecution for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="criminal charges" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/15/trump-indictment-georgia-election-probe-latest-news" data-vars-content-id="bf8d8395-4ffb-48ea-a68b-378167b32b6d" data-vars-headline="Trump halts plans to request Georgia case move to federal court" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/15/trump-indictment-georgia-election-probe-latest-news" target="_self">criminal charges</a> related to his alleged efforts to subvert Georgia&#x27;s 2020 election results.

The hard-right Republicans pushing the U.S. toward a government shutdown

The shutdown is expected to begin on Oct. 1.

As the U.S careens toward its latest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="government shutdown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/27/government-shutdown-effects-food-stamps-benefits" data-vars-content-id="72ab89a9-2ec7-4b49-8e19-8800d835c376" data-vars-headline="The hard-right Republicans pushing the U.S. toward a government shutdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/27/government-shutdown-effects-food-stamps-benefits" target="_self">government shutdown</a>, infighting in the Republican-led House has been on display.Why it matters: A small group of House members refuses to back a short-term funding deal — in a blow to House Speaker Kevin McCarthy&#x27;s leadership that&#x27;s also leaving thousands of government employees to face delayed pay.

U.S.-India science ties deepen as both try to counter China

Science is a lever of power both are pulling to try to achieve their goals.

Science

The U.S. is expanding its long-standing scientific collaborations with India —as both countries prioritize strengthening their science and tech foundations and try to counter China&#x27;s ever-growing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="influence" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2021/06/17/china-global-influence-map-us-powerful" data-vars-content-id="4aa1e7f0-7b77-4d6b-a40a-bdb883a87957" data-vars-headline="U.S.-India science ties deepen as both try to counter China" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2021/06/17/china-global-influence-map-us-powerful" target="_self">influence</a>.Why it matters: The Biden administration is trying to build &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a stable base in the Indo-Pacific" data-vars-click-url="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2023/09/10/remarks-by-president-biden-in-a-press-conference-2/" data-vars-content-id="4aa1e7f0-7b77-4d6b-a40a-bdb883a87957" data-vars-headline="U.S.-India science ties deepen as both try to counter China" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2023/09/10/remarks-by-president-biden-in-a-press-conference-2/" target="_blank">a stable base in the Indo-Pacific</a>.&quot; India is challenging China to become the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="voice of the Global South" data-vars-click-url="https://apnews.com/article/what-is-global-south-19fa68cf8c60061e88d69f6f2270d98b" data-vars-content-id="4aa1e7f0-7b77-4d6b-a40a-bdb883a87957" data-vars-headline="U.S.-India science ties deepen as both try to counter China" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://apnews.com/article/what-is-global-south-19fa68cf8c60061e88d69f6f2270d98b" target="_blank">voice of the Global South</a>. Science is a lever of power both are pulling to try to achieve those goals.

Illustration of a collage of hands holding flasks and petri dishes, India's flag, and the US flag.

Peloton and Lululemon partnership seeks to solve each others' problems

Peloton has been struggling for paying subscribers and its apparel ambitions need a lift, while Lululemon's prior bet to crack the exercise market was still dragging on its bottom line.

Economy & Business

The new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Peloton" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/08/25/humbling-pelotons-brand-earnings-premium-mass-market" data-vars-content-id="8083301c-ed91-4ea0-9615-5a8d50cfc61f" data-vars-headline="Peloton and Lululemon partnership seeks to solve each others&#x27; problems" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/08/25/humbling-pelotons-brand-earnings-premium-mass-market" target="_self">Peloton</a>-Lululemon <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="partnership" data-vars-click-url="https://investor.onepeloton.com/news-releases/news-release-details/lululemon-and-peloton-announce-five-year-strategic-global" data-vars-content-id="8083301c-ed91-4ea0-9615-5a8d50cfc61f" data-vars-headline="Peloton and Lululemon partnership seeks to solve each others&#x27; problems" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://investor.onepeloton.com/news-releases/news-release-details/lululemon-and-peloton-announce-five-year-strategic-global" target="_blank">partnership</a> is a classic &quot;help me help you&quot; deal, as each company needed what the other could offer.Why it matters: Peloton needed more paying subscribers, while its apparel ambitions needed refinement. On the other side, Lululemon&#x27;s prior bet to crack the exercise market was still dragging on its bottom line.

Photo illustration of a Peloton stationary bike with the Lululemon logo as the front wheel.

Hermann Park's trees are showing signs of heat, drought stress

Leaves are wilting, roots are drying out and the ground around the trees is cracking.

News

Barbers Hill student suspended over locs

The move comes as the Texas CROWN Act took effect earlier this month.

Ike Dike's progress is slow 15 years after hurricane

Wednesday marks the anniversary of Hurricane Ike's landfall.

Houston sees rise in hate crimes

Houston's hate crimes surged last year to their highest levels since 2002, according to a new report.

Saint Arnold, True Anomaly, Karbach win Great American Beer Festival medals

Food and Drink

Three Houston brewers medaled at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Great American Beer Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.greatamericanbeerfestival.com/the-competition/2023-winners/" data-vars-content-id="21607de7-0b4b-4ed7-a11d-ce2a593d6c3c" data-vars-headline="Saint Arnold, True Anomaly, Karbach win Great American Beer Festival medals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.greatamericanbeerfestival.com/the-competition/2023-winners/" target="_blank">Great American Beer Festival</a> in Denver last weekend.Why it matters: This is the premier U.S. beer contest, and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="competition for the best brews has gotten stiff" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2022/09/30/texas-craft-beer-production-increasing-after-2020" data-vars-content-id="21607de7-0b4b-4ed7-a11d-ce2a593d6c3c" data-vars-headline="Saint Arnold, True Anomaly, Karbach win Great American Beer Festival medals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2022/09/30/texas-craft-beer-production-increasing-after-2020" target="_self">competition for the best brews has gotten stiff</a>.

Workers at True Anomaly Brewing hold a flag while celebrating their win at the Great American Beer Festival

Budget Bites: Dinette offers a crunch in every bite

Our most recent search for a budget bite found us at Dinette, a casual Vietnamese fusion restaurant that opened last year in the Heights.Our experience: The lobster and salted-egg fried rice might be the menu&#x27;s Instagram star, but there are some delicious smaller plates that won&#x27;t break the bank.

Houston buyers don't want fixer-uppers

Houses that stay on the market for more than a month are usually overpriced or in need of major work.

Real Estate

The sale of Houston-area homes continued to decline in August, per a new Houston Association of Realtors report.What&#x27;s happening: Single-family homes are staying on the market longer, for 42 days compared to 32 last year, according to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.har.com/content/department/mls?y=2023&amp;m=09" data-vars-content-id="d16d555d-d5b1-4d61-b7ed-08095b3d56c9" data-vars-headline="Houston buyers don&#x27;t want fixer-uppers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.har.com/content/department/mls?y=2023&amp;m=09" target="_blank">report</a>.

Illustration of two hammers forming an "X" shape. 

How "golden handcuffs" are pinching Houston's housing market

Current mortgage holders likely can't move without spending a lot more cash.

Roughly 57% of homeowners with mortgages in Texas had a rate below 4% as of late last year, locking homeowners in place and leaving buyers with fewer homes to choose from, per Redfin data shared with Axios.Why it matters: Mortgage holders are experiencing the &quot;golden handcuffs&quot; phenomenon, writes Axios&#x27; Brianna Crane.

Houston mayoral candidates compare street improvement visions

Nine of 14 candidates spoke at a forum Saturday.

Transit

Houston&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mayoral candidates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2023/08/23/mayoral-candidates-november-election-houston" data-vars-content-id="af6c4715-df74-488c-81ce-264b89dc6932" data-vars-headline="Houston mayoral candidates compare street improvement visions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2023/08/23/mayoral-candidates-november-election-houston" target="_self">mayoral candidates</a> are offering a range of visions for how best to improve the Bayou City&#x27;s streets.Driving the news: Nine of 14 candidates spoke at a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="forum" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/LINKHouston/videos/348621337517556" data-vars-content-id="af6c4715-df74-488c-81ce-264b89dc6932" data-vars-headline="Houston mayoral candidates compare street improvement visions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/LINKHouston/videos/348621337517556" target="_blank">forum</a> on the topic organized by nonprofit LINK Houston on Saturday.

Nearly 200 people listen to Houston mayoral candidates 

Houston could have two bike share programs soon

Metro is trying to build out a fleet of 140 e-bikes as BCycle continues to struggle.

Houston could see a brand-new bike share system within the next six months.Why it matters: The Bayou City is now on track to have two competing bike share programs unless city leaders can see eye to eye about the future of bike share in Houston.

Texans kick off this weekend

The Texans spent the last three seasons cycling through coaches and quarterbacks.

Sports

The Texans spent the last three seasons cycling through coaches and quarterbacks — the NFL equivalent of throwing spaghetti at the wall. That instability led to a grand total of 11 wins and one of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="worst offenses" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/nfl/stats/team/_/table/passing/sort/totalPointsPerGame/dir/asc" data-vars-content-id="6c1ff412-edc6-4d0f-9cd8-01fb41c6aebf" data-vars-headline="Texans kick off this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/stats/team/_/table/passing/sort/totalPointsPerGame/dir/asc" target="_blank">worst offenses</a> in the league, Axios&#x27; Everett Cook writes.Why it matters: After taking <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="quarterback C.J. Stroud" data-vars-click-url="https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2023/08/25/texans-rookie-cj-stroud-praised-for-pinpoint-accuracy-the-ball-will-go-where-he-wants-it-to/" data-vars-content-id="6c1ff412-edc6-4d0f-9cd8-01fb41c6aebf" data-vars-headline="Texans kick off this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2023/08/25/texans-rookie-cj-stroud-praised-for-pinpoint-accuracy-the-ball-will-go-where-he-wants-it-to/" target="_blank">quarterback C.J. Stroud</a> with the No. 2 overall pick in this year&#x27;s NFL Draft and bringing former All-Pro linebacker DeMeco Ryans back to Houston as head coach, the Texans finally seem to have committed to their future.

Nico Collins #12 celebrates with C.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans after a touchdown during the preseason game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on August 27, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Texans defeated the Saints 17-13. 

Vote for the best college game day traditions in Axios Local bracket

Live mascots, fight songs and marching bands, college football has it all.

Live mascots, fight songs and marching bands — college football has it all. State of play: The game day experience often starts hours before kickoff. With the season starting Saturday, we want to know which school does it best.

Oktoberfest, Monarch butterflies and more things to do in Houston this weekend

There's plenty to keep you busy in the Bayou City this weekend.

Things to Do

There&#x27;s plenty to keep you busy in the Bayou City this weekend.

Illustration of lit marquee letters spelling "WEEKEND" sitting in a row of theater seats.

Houston City Council approves new BCycle lifeline

The service is back from the dead — for now.

Houston BCycle is back from the dead — for now.Why it matters: Houston Bike Share, the nonprofit that runs the citywide bike share system, is in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dire financial straits" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2023/09/19/houston-bcycle-bike-share" data-vars-content-id="4dab68f9-4e88-458c-9549-c2a43895c6b5" data-vars-headline="Houston City Council approves new BCycle lifeline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2023/09/19/houston-bcycle-bike-share" target="_self">dire financial straits</a> and recently threatened to close its remaining stations within two months without intervention.

Several bright red bicycles sit at a BCycle station in downtown Houston 

Remote workers decline in Houston

Houston had the smallest share of remote workers compared to the largest cities in the state and country.

Business

The Houston area has a below-average percentage of remote workers, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.Driving the news: Last year, 13% of Houstonians worked from home, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="down from 15.6% in 2021" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2022/09/19/houstonians-working-from-home-us-census-survey" data-vars-content-id="fe3935e8-6ec8-4cc9-abb6-587333b3bd86" data-vars-headline="Remote workers decline in Houston" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2022/09/19/houstonians-working-from-home-us-census-survey" target="_self">down from 15.6% in 2021</a>.

Banned Wagon to distribute banned books in Houston

The Banned Wagon is road-tripping through the south to hand out books in affected states.

The Banned Wagon is coming to Houston to give out free copies of banned books.What&#x27;s happening: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Penguin Random House" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cxnh3RMMky5/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-vars-content-id="4e0dae8e-fdeb-49b6-b708-135da79e6fe9" data-vars-headline="Banned Wagon to distribute banned books in Houston" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cxnh3RMMky5/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" target="_blank">Penguin Random House</a> — in partnership with the Freedom to Read Foundation, PEN America, the Free Little Library and local bookstores — is road-tripping through the south to hand out banned books in affected states.

Scoop: Driverless Cruise cars are already on Houston streets

The company had not previously publicly announced this phase of testing.

Cruise is testing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="autonomous vehicles" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/29/cities-testing-self-driving-driverless-taxis-robotaxi-waymo" data-vars-content-id="0e41ee88-70f0-4963-a3fa-0c03f49df253" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Driverless Cruise cars are already on Houston streets" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/29/cities-testing-self-driving-driverless-taxis-robotaxi-waymo" target="_self">autonomous vehicles</a> without safety drivers in Houston ahead of a planned expansion into commercial nighttime service by the end of the year. Driving the news: A spokesperson for the autonomous vehicle company confirmed to Axios Tuesday it is offering driverless ride-hailing service to employees and their friends and family, one of the final steps in its testing process before full commercial service.

Assault weapon mass shootings on the rise in Texas

Assault weapons weren't used in Texas mass shootings prior to 2016.

Assault weapons are playing a bigger role in Texas mass shootings, per a new national <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="database." data-vars-click-url="https://smokinggun.org/guns-used-in-the-deadliest-u-s-mass-shooting/" data-vars-content-id="75f697bb-bb50-49ff-9e37-71bd3ec2db57" data-vars-headline="Assault weapon mass shootings on the rise in Texas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://smokinggun.org/guns-used-in-the-deadliest-u-s-mass-shooting/" target="_blank">database.</a>Why it matters: More than twice as many people are killed in mass shootings involving assault weapons and high-capacity magazines than shootings involving other types of guns, according to The Smoking Gun database by Everytown, a group co-founded by former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg that advocates for gun restrictions.

FTC sues private equity firm Welsh Carson

This could be the tip of an antitrust spear aimed at private equity, after decades of avoidance.

The Federal Trade Commission on Thursday filed suit against private equity firm Welsh Carson Anderson &amp; Stowe, accusing it of suppressing competition and driving up prices for anesthesiology services in Texas.Why it matters: This could be the tip of an antitrust spear aimed at private equity, after decades of avoidance.

Katy ISD bans more books as Texas leads nation in ban attempts

Katy ISD has banned 14 additional books so far this school year.

Texas saw the most attempts to restrict or ban books of any state in the country in 2022, according to a recent report from the<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" American Library Association" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/by-the-numbers" data-vars-content-id="a7347b07-6821-44f2-af60-8fcb253cb6ec" data-vars-headline="Katy ISD bans more books as Texas leads nation in ban attempts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/by-the-numbers" target="_blank"> American Library Association</a>.Driving the news: There were 93 attempts to restrict access to 2,349 book titles in Texas last year.

Illustration of a stack of books with barbed wire wrapped around them. 

Houston BCycle will soon shutter with lack of funding

BCycle's infrastructure will remain in the field until further notice.

Houston BCycle will soon go under.Why it matters: BCycle, the city&#x27;s only <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bike share program" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2023/01/18/houston-bcycle-bikes" data-vars-content-id="14e4d5ff-1778-47dc-91b4-6c9cc055da2c" data-vars-headline="Houston BCycle will soon shutter with lack of funding" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2023/01/18/houston-bcycle-bikes" target="_self">bike share program</a>, is relied on by riders throughout the city for essential trips around the neighborhood, leisurely rides and everything in between.

Houston metro sees household income decline

The Houston metro area saw the largest dip compared to other Texas metros.

The median household income across the Houston metro area fell 6.4% between 2019 and 2022, per new U.S. Census Bureau data.<ul><li>The Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metro&#x27;s median income was $74,863 in 2022, compared to $79,986 in 2019, adjusted for inflation.</li></ul>

Bird Week, Pink and more things to do in Houston this week

Bird week, Mariachi, new art installation, P!nk and more

It&#x27;s the first week of autumn, and there&#x27;s a lot to do in Houston.

Illustration of a sun listening to headphones and smiling. 

Lynn Wyatt Square in Theater District to open

The square, formerly known as Jones Plaza, is described as Houston's Theater District's "front lawn."

The long-awaited Lynn Wyatt Square for the Performing Arts is opening to the public Friday.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="square" data-vars-click-url="https://lynnwyattsquare.com/" data-vars-content-id="99a32b19-4859-4822-8750-8e4b8a9da230" data-vars-headline="Lynn Wyatt Square in Theater District to open" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://lynnwyattsquare.com/" target="_blank">square</a>, formerly known as Jones Plaza, is described as Houston&#x27;s Theater District&#x27;s &quot;front lawn&quot; and establishes a gateway to the city&#x27;s renowned theaters.

Weekender Guide: Beyoncé’s homecoming edition

Didn't get tickets for Beyoncé Renaissance Tour? Here's how to celebrate anyway.

Didn&#x27;t get tickets for Beyoncé&#x27;s Renaissance Tour and don&#x27;t want to shell out for last-minute $400 nosebleed tickets? Here are other events celebrating Queen Bey this weekend:✨ Dress up in your best Renaissance-themed outfit for the POST Houston&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Queen Bey Ball" data-vars-click-url="https://www.posthtx.com/event/beyonce-night-on-the-roof" data-vars-content-id="0c21fce6-cb35-475b-be5f-9bb54b3d1ea0" data-vars-headline="Weekender Guide: Beyoncé’s homecoming edition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.posthtx.com/event/beyonce-night-on-the-roof" target="_blank">Queen Bey Ball</a> tomorrow.

Photo of Beyonce on a disco horse mid-air. 

Weekender Guide: Sept. 15-17

Jazz, Creole festival, art studio, portrait drawing, and more.

Celebrate the city&#x27;s jazz scene at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Houston Jazz Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://houstonjazzfestival.org/#venue" data-vars-content-id="95444086-458c-438d-b6b6-cfea8acd808a" data-vars-headline="Weekender Guide: Sept. 15-17" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://houstonjazzfestival.org/#venue" target="_blank">Houston Jazz Festival</a>.<ul><li>The Houston Jazz Collective will perform at 8pm Saturday at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Miller Outdoor Theatre" data-vars-click-url="https://www.milleroutdoortheatre.com/performance/the-houston-jazz-festival-produced-by-houston-jazz-collective/" data-vars-content-id="95444086-458c-438d-b6b6-cfea8acd808a" data-vars-headline="Weekender Guide: Sept. 15-17" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.milleroutdoortheatre.com/performance/the-houston-jazz-festival-produced-by-houston-jazz-collective/" target="_blank">Miller Outdoor Theatre</a>.</li></ul>

Illustration of famous paintings riding the subway. The destination says "weekend." 

New farmers market in downtown Houston

The Market Square Park Farmers Market aligns with the push to increase foot traffic in Downtown.

A new farmers market is opening in downtown Houston.Driving the news: Downtown District and Central City Co-Op are piloting a weekly Saturday farmers market starting Saturday and running through Nov. 18 at Market Square Park.

Weekender Guide: Sept. 8-10

Art exhibit openings, Y2K party, mariachis and  live jazz.

Here&#x27;s what you can do around Houston this weekend.Head to an opening reception at some of the new art exhibits.

U.S. trucker shortage impacts Texas

The country faced a shortage of 78,000 qualified drivers in 2022.

The U.S. is in the middle of a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="freight recession" data-vars-click-url="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/07/31/truck-drivers-freight-industry-downturn/" data-vars-content-id="81ef59cc-e821-4368-ae49-287a1f950404" data-vars-headline="U.S. trucker shortage impacts Texas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/07/31/truck-drivers-freight-industry-downturn/" target="_blank">freight recession</a>, and Texas, which sits in the middle of many routes, is feeling the hit.Why it matters: Texas and California have more trucks on their roads than other states, according to the Texas Trucking Association.

Illustration of an outline of a man holding a CB radio mic and steering wheel.

Houston business activity remains healthy despite application decline

Houston ranked 24th among large metro areas for new applications.

About 18.6 new business applications per 1,000 residents were filed across the Houston metro area in 2022, totaling more than 135,000 applications, per new Census Bureau and IRS data.<ul><li>That&#x27;s a 10% drop from 2021, when there were 20.6 applications per 1,000 residents, but Houston still ranked 24th among large metro areas for new applications.</li></ul>

Texas part of national GDP's shift from the Northeast to the South

Americans are spreading out — and Texas has been a key beneficiary.

Texas is among the six fast-growing Southern states that now add more to the national GDP than the Northeast, which has been the perennial powerhouse, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bloomberg reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2023-06-29/millions-move-to-the-south-as-us-economy-favors-its-wealth-job-opportunities?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axiosam&amp;stream=top&amp;sref=yLCixKPR" data-vars-content-id="8e3f438b-e806-48c7-92e5-c0285d5ff776" data-vars-headline="Texas part of national GDP&#x27;s shift from the Northeast to the South" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2023-06-29/millions-move-to-the-south-as-us-economy-favors-its-wealth-job-opportunities?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axiosam&amp;stream=top&amp;sref=yLCixKPR" target="_blank">Bloomberg reports</a>.Why it matters: Americans are spreading out physically and economically — and Texas has been a key beneficiary of the change.

Houston weddings have gotten more expensive

The average cost of a wedding in the Houston area went up 5.7% between 2019 and 2022.

After a pandemic-induced backup and pent-up demand, wedding season in Houston is roaring back with bigger budgets, longer guest lists and grander ideas.State of play: Nearly every aspect of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="planning, hosting and attending weddings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/29/weddings-planning-hosting-cost?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=sendto_localnewslettertest&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="e139f9e9-030d-47d3-b66c-d4122e36165a" data-vars-headline="Houston weddings have gotten more expensive" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/29/weddings-planning-hosting-cost?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=sendto_localnewslettertest&amp;stream=top" target="_self">planning, hosting and attending weddings</a> is getting pricier thanks to inflation and high demand, Axios’ Erica Pandey and Carly Mallenbaum write.

Illustration of coins falling into a cake as if it were a piggy bank.

Houston companies stand out in Fortune 500

The energy sector dominated the state’s economy.

Houston has 22 companies in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="latest Fortune 500 ranking" data-vars-click-url="https://fortune.com/ranking/fortune500/" data-vars-content-id="f4a6f49c-2ece-40d3-9add-ca4124ef5505" data-vars-headline="Houston companies stand out in Fortune 500" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://fortune.com/ranking/fortune500/" target="_blank">latest Fortune 500 ranking</a> of the biggest U.S. companies by revenue.Driving the news: The energy sector dominated the state&#x27;s economy, comprising 26 of the 55 Texas-based companies on the list and pulling in a total $1.4 trillion in revenue.

Illustration of an oil rig on top of a stack of cash. 

Houston holds "tallest city in Texas" title — for now

Another Texas city is expected to snatch that title by 2026.

Houston has a ton of tall skyscrapers — so many that other Texas cities can&#x27;t compare.Driving the news: Combined, Houston&#x27;s skyscrapers measure 30,498 feet — more than any other Texas city&#x27;s, according to a new study by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Texas Real Estate Source" data-vars-click-url="https://www.texasrealestatesource.com/" data-vars-content-id="ed6d1383-d802-4aa9-b1c8-ac0b5a430646" data-vars-headline="Houston holds &quot;tallest city in Texas&quot; title — for now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.texasrealestatesource.com/" target="_blank">Texas Real Estate Source</a>.

Illustration of the JP Morgan Chase Tower in Houston being measured by a pair of giant hands with a measuring tape

Subscribe to Axios Houston

Oktoberfest, Monarch butterflies and more things to do in Houston this weekend

Houston City Council approves new BCycle lifeline

Remote workers decline in Houston

Banned Wagon to distribute banned books in Houston

Houston reporter picks

News 🗞

Things to Do 🗓

Business 🏦

Food and Drink 🍽

Real Estate 🏠

Transit 🚗

Sports 🏅

Axios' 5 big things