2024 recap: What happened in Houston
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Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
My golly, it's been a year. As we prepare to welcome 2025, let's take a moment to reflect on the year that had one too many unprecedented weeks.
The big picture: Each morning, we've delivered the news in your inbox, from the lighthearted to the tragic. And there's been loads of both.
Here's a look at 2024:
Hurricane Beryl and the May derecho left many of us without power for days, sparking public outrage and promises from politicians to hold CenterPoint Energy accountable.
- On a brighter note, we endured fewer 100-degree days compared with last year — a small but welcome relief.
In city leadership, newly elected Mayor John Whitmire made waves, from securing a firefighters contract to stirring up controversy with his remarks.
We had yet another election, during which Harris County had some extra eyes and Texas went right, despite the more-than-expected visits from Vice President Harris.
Houston ISD wrapped up its first full school year with state-appointed superintendent Mike Miles. A lack of trust in district leadership among voters led to the rejection of a $4.4 billion bond.
Houston saw a stark shift in transportation priorities after Whitmire rooted out "anti-car activists" from the city's payroll in his first months as mayor.
- Harris County faced scrutiny over its lackluster implementation of a 2021 Texas law aimed at decreasing pedestrian fatalities.
We cheered for our local Olympians and Paralympians. They made us proud, and Simone Biles remained the GOAT.
- The Texans, Rockets and Dynamo embarked on promising seasons in 2024. Sadly, the Astros fell short.
Houston's food scene thrived with new restaurant openings, Michelin Guide recognition, and plenty of opportunities to indulge in delicious dishes and sweets.
What we're watching: The upcoming state legislative session is expected to bring changes, and new people will be welcomed into office, including Harris County District Attorney-elect Sean Teare.
- Houstonians will grapple with the economy and financial challenges, shifting population trends, evolving sports dynamics and changing stadium names, and the ongoing impacts of climate change.
- And we'll be here to cover it all every morning.
One poem to go:
Beyoncé's country stirred the radio waves
We listened and crafted our own Radio Tave
A cloudy eclipse danced; we paused to stare
As migrating birds filled the skies, we pointed there
Protests rose in front of homes
Charges dropped; tensions found new tones
We mourned a renowned life now past
While a daughter continued the tradition steadfast
As storms tested our courage
And heat tried to discourage
Through even more, at the end of the day
Houston carried the year its way