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Houston is bracing for a bittersweet bout with a patch of Saharan dust early next week. 

Why it matters: The dust may create unhealthy air for sensitive groups Monday while also producing striking sunrise and sunset views.

Context: A few times each year, trade winds carry sand from the Sahara across the Atlantic Ocean into the Gulf and over Southeast Texas. 

Driving the news: A heavy plume is expected to reach Southeast Texas by Sunday and linger until early Wednesday, per the National Weather Service in Houston. 

Threat level: Houston's air quality is forecast to be unhealthy for sensitive groups Monday, per the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

Fine air pollutants like Saharan dust can reach deep into the lungs and have harmful long-term effects. Exposure to high concentrations can lead to aggravated asthma, an irregular heartbeat and other respiratory problems, the state agency says.

Officials urge sensitive groups to monitor the latest air quality forecasts.

Yes, but: The Saharan dust will also make dawn and dusk a sight to behold. 

Dust particles in the sky will reflect sunlight and showcase vibrant sunrises and sunsets, meteorologists say.

The bottom line: Did you snap an awesome sunrise or sunset picture and want to share? 

📬 Send it over to houston@axios.com, and we might feature it in an upcoming edition of our daily newsletter. 

Why Houston loves and loathes Saharan dust

A heavy plume is expected to reach Southeast Texas by Sunday.

A vibrant red, orange, yellow and blue sunset created by Saharan dust over Houston

A colorful Saharan dust sunset in Houston. Photo: Melissa Aguilar/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Houston" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston" data-vars-content-id="494e3632-3235-426c-a0d9-936e74e38b43" data-vars-headline="Why Houston loves and loathes Saharan dust" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston" target="_self">Houston</a> is bracing for a bittersweet bout with a patch of Saharan dust early next week. Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dust" data-vars-click-url="https://www.aentassociates.com/saharan-dust-in-houston-what-it-is/" data-vars-content-id="494e3632-3235-426c-a0d9-936e74e38b43" data-vars-headline="Why Houston loves and loathes Saharan dust" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.aentassociates.com/saharan-dust-in-houston-what-it-is/" target="_blank">dust</a> may create unhealthy air for sensitive groups Monday while also producing striking sunrise and sunset views.

News

Climate

Texas' legal weed market is bracing for a crackdown on smokeable hemp products after state authorities announced new enforcement efforts Friday. 

Why it matters: State and federal regulations are threatening the future of Texas' multibillion-dollar hemp industry, leaving businesses uncertain about whether key products will remain legal by year's end.

The big picture: Texas regulators have spent years trying to rein in the industry after after lawmakers legalized certain consumable hemp products in 2018 and opened the door to delta-8 THC's rapid growth.

Flashback: In 2021, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) added delta-8 to the state's list of controlled substances, effectively banning the sale of products containing the substance, a compound similar to the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. 

Hemp leaders filed a lawsuit that year challenging the rules and secured a temporary injunction that removed delta-8 from the list as the lawsuit plays out.

After Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed legislation banning THC last year, he directed DSHS to enhance regulations. 

That led the agency this year to implement rules effectively banning smokable hemp products. 

Industry leaders sued and secured a temporary court order blocking the rules, which were supposed to take effect March 30, but a Texas appeals court ordered this month that they could take effect.

The latest: In a bulletin Friday, DSHS consumable hemp branch manager Jessica Fierros said the department has begun enforcing the smokeable hemp ban.

"The expectation is that industry immediately take steps to become compliant," Fierros said in the update.

The intrigue: In the 2021 case, The Texas Supreme Court ruled last month that DSHS was permitted to add delta-8 back to the controlled substance list.

Texas hemp industry leaders say they're now waiting for DSHS to add delta-8 back to its controlled substance list. 

"Now that this decision has come down, our [legal team's] opinion on this is that DSHS has to redo their whole scheduling process," Texas Hemp Business Council president Cynthia Cabrera said on X after the higher court's ruling. 

When asked to confirm whether DSHS would have to reintroduce the delta-8 rules, agency spokesperson Lara Anton told Axios that "DSHS is still in the process of determining the next steps."

Zoom out: As Texas hemp industry leaders fight state agencies in court, a bigger shark is looming after President Trump signed a bill last year that included a federal ban on many hemp-derived THC products. The law takes effect in November. 

Industry leaders are hopeful the Trump administration will reverse course before then. Last month, his administration reclassified certain types of marijuana at the federal level. 

The bottom line: While the smokable hemp ban is in effect, all eyes are on how DSHS proceeds with delta-8 products.

Editor's note: This story has been updated throughout with new information.

Texas' confusing legal weed market, explained

Regulatory crackdowns are threatening the future of the state's multibillion-dollar hemp industry.

Illustration of a hand made from a marijuana leaf holding a magnifying glass. 

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Texas&#x27; legal weed market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2021/10/15/demand-legal-weed-texas" data-vars-content-id="70f08abd-e181-48e4-821e-479dbe4b2f22" data-vars-headline="Texas&#x27; confusing legal weed market, explained" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2021/10/15/demand-legal-weed-texas" target="_self">Texas&#x27; legal weed market</a> is bracing for a crackdown on smokeable hemp products after state authorities announced new enforcement efforts Friday. Why it matters: State and federal regulations are threatening the future of Texas&#x27; multibillion-dollar hemp industry, leaving businesses uncertain about whether key products will remain legal by year&#x27;s end.

The World Cup promised an economic boost for Houston, and while some businesses have cashed in, the payoff has been uneven.

Why it matters: Hosting seven World Cup games was a major investment, with city leaders and organizers expecting tourism and visitor spending to generate an estimated $1.5 billion in economic impact.

Yes, but: Many Houston restaurants haven't seen the surge in customers they expected, Michael Shine, executive director of the Texas Restaurant Association's Greater Houston chapter, tells Axios. 

The biggest winners have been restaurants near Fan Festival in East Downtown and sports bars that regularly draw soccer crowds, he says. 

Some restaurants featuring cuisines from the countries playing were also popular. 

Threat level: The disappointing turnout comes as many restaurants are still trying to recover from the pandemic. Shine says roughly 70% aren't making money given the increased costs of food, labor and rent. And 12 to 15 Houston restaurants close each month on average.

"We're all desperate to try to find a way to get back to what we think is normal, back prior to COVID," he says. 

What they're saying: "Like the Super Bowl, it just never really does what we think it's going to do except for, in our city, a handful of operations and a handful of people," Shine says. 

Case in point: Memorial Trail Ice House has been one of the exceptions, even though it's well outside the Fan Festival area. 

Owner Chris Allen tells Axios nearly 500 people packed the neighborhood bar for the Mexico vs. South Korea group-stage match — far more than on a typical day — even though he did little World Cup marketing or decorating because he didn't expect much spillover.

"It's a pleasant surprise, and we're just thankful that people found us and are coming over to watch the matches."

Bayou Heights Bier Garten has also benefited. Co-owner Andy Aweida says the business also got a boost from being included on lists of Houston's top places to watch matches and from its ties to soccer bar Pitch 25. 

Aweida says Bayou Heights Bier Garten stocked beers and spirits popular in countries with teams in the tournament and played music tied to each country after matches. He thinks the small details helped the place stand out. 

He adds that "with Fan Fest being free, that's probably taken away from some of the downtown areas."

Zoom out: A new Bank of America analysis suggests it's "not obvious" the World Cup has had a strong impact on job growth, with host and non-host cities posting similar gains.

estimated $1.5 billion in economic impact

World Cup's economic boost varies among Houston businesses

Businesses closest to the action have benefited the most.

Wide interior of a lively bar/restaurant at night: many tables filled with people, multiple screens showing a man on TV, warm hanging lights, exposed ceiling, and a railing in the foreground.

A packed watch party. Photo: Courtesy of Bayou Heights Bier Garten

The World Cup promised an economic boost for Houston, and while some businesses have cashed in, the payoff has been uneven.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hosting seven World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/07/06/world-cup-highlights-history-houston-host-city" data-vars-content-id="d64246cc-0308-44b4-a300-c48fea70110d" data-vars-headline="World Cup&#x27;s economic boost varies among Houston businesses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/07/06/world-cup-highlights-history-houston-host-city" target="_self">Hosting seven World Cup</a> games was a major investment, with city leaders and organizers expecting tourism and visitor spending to generate an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="estimated $1.5 billion in economic impact" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/04/25/houston-world-cup-2026-preparations-readiness-50-days" data-vars-content-id="d64246cc-0308-44b4-a300-c48fea70110d" data-vars-headline="World Cup&#x27;s economic boost varies among Houston businesses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/04/25/houston-world-cup-2026-preparations-readiness-50-days" target="_self">estimated $1.5 billion in economic impact</a>.

Latest news on Wall Street, Corporate America and financial regulation.

Business

Sports

Houston is gearing up for a lively July Fourth as America celebrates its 250th anniversary.

The big picture: From a World Cup knockout match to Freedom Over Texas, with its spectacular fireworks display, here are our favorite shows, celebrations and giveaways.

🌳 Snag a free tree for Independence Day at the Stella Roberts Recycling Center, courtesy of Keep Pearland Beautiful.

🦅 Celebrate with the Houston Zoo's Red, White and Zoo weekend of programming with animal feeding sessions, exclusive perks and more.

Ticket packages start at $99 for two and $199 for four. Friday through Sunday.

⚾️ See the Astros take on the Tampa Bay Rays during the July Fourth weekend, with giveaways, fireworks and $2.50 hot dogs.

Tickets start at $17.76 while supplies last. Friday through Sunday.

🐤 Head to the Baytown Sonic Drive-In to buy a red, white and blue slush and receive a free patriotic rubber duck while supplies last.

🏎️ Check out classic American cars at Houston Coffee and Cars' July Fourth showcase at Post Houston.

⚽️ Watch Houston's July Fourth World Cup knockout round match at FIFA's Fan Festival.

Free. Match is noon Saturday; Fan Fest is open 10:30am-6pm. 

🌭 Enjoy Independence Day festivities in Kingwood, including a hot dog-eating contest, drone show, family games and more.

🤘 Listen to Keith Urban, Collective Soul and Los Lonely Boys at Freedom Over Texas, the city of Houston's official July 4 celebration in Eleanor Tinsley Park.

Tickets are $15, kids 12 and under are free. 3-10pm Saturday.

🤠 Hang out at the Sugar Land Space Cowboys' Constellation Field for the Red, White and Boom festival, with music, inflatables, a fireworks show and more.

🎻 Hear the Houston Symphony play a selection of patriotic themes — including Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture — with a fireworks show at the Miller Outdoor Theatre's Star Spangled Salute.

The bottom line: There's plenty to do in Houston to celebrate America's 250th. 

Houston's guide to America's 250th anniversary weekend

Here are our favorite shows, celebrations and giveaways.

Illustration of an American flag printed on an admit one ticket. 

Houston is gearing up for a lively July Fourth as America celebrates its 250th anniversary.The big picture: From a World Cup knockout match to Freedom Over Texas, with its spectacular fireworks display, here are our favorite shows, celebrations and giveaways.

Things to Do

Houston's newest City Council member and transit advocates are urging the Metropolitan Transit Authority to make its expanded FIFA World Cup rail and bus service permanent after the tournament ends. 

Why it matters: Houston's World Cup transit upgrades could leave a lasting legacy if Metro keeps the enhanced service, though agency leaders say they'll wait for ridership and budget data before deciding.

Catch up quick: To move an estimated 500,000 World Cup visitors across Houston, Metro's rail and bus service have been running extended hours since June 7. 

Metro is running Red Line trains every six minutes during extended peak hours and every 12 minutes during off-peak hours, with service offered past 2am, when bars close. The Green and Purple lines are running every 12 minutes, also past 2am. 

Metro normally schedules the Red Line to run every six minutes in peak hours and every 12-18 minutes in off-peak hours; the Green and Purple lines are every 12-18 minutes regularly. The last train usually arrives at the end of each line around 1:30am. 

Houston's heaviest bus routes and park and rides are also running with increased frequency and extended hours. 

State of play: That enhanced service is set to end July 11, a week after Houston's final World Cup match.

Driving the news: Houston City Council member Joe Panzarella tells Axios this is an opportunity for Metro to capitalize. 

He asked Metro board members last week to consider continuing World Cup-level services after the tournament. 

What they're saying: "What we've seen with this World Cup is Metro's desire to provide more connectivity," Panzarella tells Axios. 

"We want Houstonians to grow into that and to expect that type of service," he added. "Maintaining it after the World Cup gives Houstonians an opportunity."

Zoom in: Metro chair Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock said during last week's meeting that the agency is working with transit advocacy group LINK Houston to identify areas where service can improve post-World Cup. 

LINK Houston director of policy and planning Peter Eccles tells Axios the group is committed to ensuring that "world-class service" lasts long after the tournament.

Zoom out: Metro spokesperson Kaila Contreras-Aradillas later told Axios in a statement the agency is also evaluating ridership data and "assessing operational and budget considerations."

"Until that work is complete, it's too early to speculate on potential service changes or associated costs," Contreras-Aradillas said. 

By the numbers: Metro received $9 million in federal funds for World Cup transit planning and operations. 

A Metro spokesperson did not respond to Axios' request to break down how those funds are being spent nor how much the agency is spending from its coffers to enhance service for the World Cup. 

A presentation to Metro board members in February estimated the enhanced services would cost at least $9.9 million. Metro's current annual budget, including operations, debt payments and other expenditures, exceeds $2 billion. 

The big picture: Metro's ridership has been increasing each year since 2021, when boardings plummeted to 45.4 million amid COVID-related restrictions, per Metro data.

Metro reported 74.7 million boardings in 2024 and 76 million in 2025. 

There were 303,000 more boardings through the end of May 2026 than during the same timeframe in 2025, showing system growth even before the World Cup spike.

Leaders want Metro's World Cup enhancements to stick

It's one way Houston can benefit long-term from hosting the World Cup.

Animated illustration of a bus with the Houston Metro logo moving from left to right on the next stop screen.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Houston&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston" data-vars-content-id="ee983b32-d8c9-4dd7-b330-4cbff058e3d8" data-vars-headline="Leaders want Metro&#x27;s World Cup enhancements to stick" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston" target="_self">Houston&#x27;s</a> newest City Council member and transit advocates are urging the Metropolitan Transit Authority to make its expanded <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FIFA World Cup rail" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/06/15/houston-world-cup-metro-train" data-vars-content-id="ee983b32-d8c9-4dd7-b330-4cbff058e3d8" data-vars-headline="Leaders want Metro&#x27;s World Cup enhancements to stick" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/06/15/houston-world-cup-metro-train" target="_self">FIFA World Cup rail</a> and bus service permanent after the tournament ends. Why it matters: Houston&#x27;s World Cup transit upgrades could leave a lasting legacy if Metro keeps the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="enhanced service" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/04/25/houston-world-cup-2026-preparations-readiness-50-days" data-vars-content-id="ee983b32-d8c9-4dd7-b330-4cbff058e3d8" data-vars-headline="Leaders want Metro&#x27;s World Cup enhancements to stick" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/04/25/houston-world-cup-2026-preparations-readiness-50-days" target="_self">enhanced service</a>, though agency leaders say they&#x27;ll wait for ridership and budget data before deciding.

Jay R. Jordan

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