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Houston Audubon has secured 128 acres in Montgomery County as protected habitat as development surges north of Houston.

The big picture: The Peach Creek Woods Nature Sanctuary along Peach Creek marks Houston Audubon's 18th sanctuary. The mixed pine and hardwood forest area by the San Jacinto River watershed provides critical habitat for migratory and resident birds.

Between the lines:  The sanctuary sits in a region that has experienced significant population growth over the last decade. 

Context: The sanctuary was made possible through a land bequest from the late Thomas Lee Maddux, an educator and naturalist who spent his life teaching others about conservation.

What they're saying: "Protecting habitat for birds and providing nature experiences for people is more important than ever," Pete Deichmann,  Houston Audubon's land conservation director, said in the announcement last week.

"Peach Creek Woods serves as a testament to the impact one individual can have on the future of our ecosystem."

By the numbers: With this addition, Houston Audubon now manages more than 4,300 acres across the Upper Texas Coast.

What's next: Houston Audubon plans to make improvements for safe, sustainable public access before welcoming visitors in early 2027.

critical habitat for migratory and resident birds

Houston Audubon acquires 128-acre sanctuary in Montgomery County

The Peach Creek Woods Nature Sanctuary along Peach Creek marks Houston Audubon's 18th sanctuary.

Dense green forest with tall trees and a grassy clearing in the center. Branches and foliage surround the area, creating a natural, peaceful woodland scene.

Houston Audubon's 18th sanctuary protects vital stopover habitat for migratory birds traveling the Central Flyway. Photo: Courtesy of Houston Audubon. 

Houston Audubon has secured 128 acres in Montgomery County as protected habitat as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="development surges" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/01/08/houston-suburbs-continue-to-boom" data-vars-content-id="14d64f85-4174-4e4b-b669-24d880c1143d" data-vars-headline="Houston Audubon acquires 128-acre sanctuary in Montgomery County" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/01/08/houston-suburbs-continue-to-boom" target="_self">development surges</a> north of Houston.The big picture: The Peach Creek Woods Nature Sanctuary along Peach Creek marks Houston Audubon&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="18th sanctuary" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/01/26/bolivar-flats-fully-protected-houston-audubon-land-purchase" data-vars-content-id="14d64f85-4174-4e4b-b669-24d880c1143d" data-vars-headline="Houston Audubon acquires 128-acre sanctuary in Montgomery County" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/01/26/bolivar-flats-fully-protected-houston-audubon-land-purchase" target="_self">18th sanctuary</a>. The mixed pine and hardwood forest area by the San Jacinto River watershed provides <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="critical habitat for migratory and resident birds" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/10/10/lights-out-it-s-peak-fall-migration-season-in-houston" data-vars-content-id="14d64f85-4174-4e4b-b669-24d880c1143d" data-vars-headline="Houston Audubon acquires 128-acre sanctuary in Montgomery County" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/10/10/lights-out-it-s-peak-fall-migration-season-in-houston" target="_self">critical habitat for migratory and resident birds</a>.

News

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

Business

U.S. Rep. Christian Menefee and Rep. Al Green are headed for a runoff in the Democratic primary in a redrawn Houston-area district, the Associated Press projects.  

The big picture: With no candidate topping 50%, the race is headed to a May runoff — setting up a high-stakes showdown between Menefee and Green. For Green, who was first elected in 2004, the stakes are steep after he decided to run in the 18th District when lawmakers redrew his old seat to tilt Republican.

The race has also highlighted the generational battles among older and younger members of the party. Menefee is 37 years old, while Green is 79. 

By the numbers: With 99% of the vote counted, Menefee was leading with 46% (43,595 votes) over Green's 44.2% (41,818 votes) as of 10:30am, per the AP.

Amanda Edwards, who ended her campaign after the filing deadline, has 7.7% (7,318 votes), and political newcomer Gretchen Brown has 2% (1,936 votes).

Ronald Whitfield won the Republican primary, per AP, with 55.1% (5,257 votes) over Elizabeth Vences with 44.9% (4,282 votes).

Catch up quick: This was Menefee's second run for Congress this year. He was sworn into the House in February, following a special election to fill the seat left vacant by Rep. Sylvester Turner's death in 2025.

But that term ends next year, meaning Menefee had to run again to keep the seat for the 2027 congressional cycle.

What they're saying: Menefee spoke to supporters Tuesday night, accusing Green of running a "negative" campaign. "Congressman, you can talk all your trash about me," Menefee said. "I'm going to keep being focused on integrity, on standing firm, on doing the right thing and on serving my communities."

Flashback: In a now-deleted YouTube video from last month, the Congressman called out Menefee for completing a questionnaire from a crypto Super PAC and said Menefee's support from the crypto industry was a "deal with the devil" that aligned him with "Trump crypto cronies."

Zoom out: Green is known for his vocal opposition to President Trump — he filed three failed articles of impeachment during Trump's first term. 

He was also booted from the president's annual State of the Union address last week, and Trump's speech to a joint session of Congress last year. On Monday, he called on Congress to reconvene and address Trump's military action in Iran. 

The intrigue: Menefee would use a different approach in Congress but similar ideology as Green, University of Houston political scientist Brandon Rottinghaus told Axios before the primary. 

"Rep. Green brings seniority and national prominence, especially on progressive matters, and Rep. Menefee's profile is more legal advocacy and local problem-solving," Rottinghaus said. 

"They both get to the same place but by different means."

What's next: The runoff election is May 26. 

Editor's note: This story has been corrected to reflect that in 2025, Green was kicked out of Trump's speech to a joint session of Congress (not his State of the Union address).

National

Menefee and Green headed for a runoff in Houston's 18th Congressional District

Green ran in a new district after his district was redrawn to favor Republicans.

Two side by side photos, one on the side showing U.S. Rep. Christian Menefee and U.S. Rep. Al Green. 

Reps. Christian Menefee (left) and Al Green. Photos: Heather Diehl/Getty Images, Kenny Holston/The New York Times/Bloomberg via Getty Images

U.S. Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Christian Menefee" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/02/02/christian-menefee-congress-primary-al-green" data-vars-content-id="2c017b05-b183-43c9-98a2-51bedff581f7" data-vars-headline="Menefee and Green headed for a runoff in Houston&#x27;s 18th Congressional District" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/02/02/christian-menefee-congress-primary-al-green" target="_self">Christian Menefee</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rep. Al Green" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/26/al-green-censure-state-of-the-union-protest" data-vars-content-id="2c017b05-b183-43c9-98a2-51bedff581f7" data-vars-headline="Menefee and Green headed for a runoff in Houston&#x27;s 18th Congressional District" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/26/al-green-censure-state-of-the-union-protest" target="_self">Rep. Al Green</a> are headed for a runoff in the Democratic primary in a redrawn Houston-area district, the Associated Press projects. The big picture: With no candidate topping 50%, the race is headed to a May runoff — setting up a high-stakes showdown between Menefee and Green. For Green, who was first elected in 2004, the stakes are steep after he decided to run in the 18th District when lawmakers redrew his old seat to tilt Republican.

2024 will be an election year like no other, as President Biden seeks re-election amid economic uncertainty, two wars and questions about his age. His likely foe, former President Trump, faces felony charges and vows revenge on his political enemies. Meanwhile, Americans generally are dissatisfied with those choices and are divided over immigration, race, education and more.

Politics & Policy

Politics

The Houston Texans, Harris County and Howard Hughes Communities this week revealed plans for Toro District, an 83-acre sports and entertainment development in northwest Harris County.

Why it matters: The project, slated for completion in Cypress in 2029, will feature a new Texans headquarters that will consolidate football and business operations. It's projected to generate $34 billion in long-term economic impact and more than 17,000 jobs.

Zoom in: The nearly 2 million-square-foot, walkable district will include office space, retail, restaurants, health care and sports medicine practices and hotels and apartments.

The complex will include an indoor field with seating for nearly 16,000 that can double as a public event venue, along with three outdoor NFL practice fields. Adjacent flag football fields and space for up to 21 volleyball courts are also planned.

Aerial night view of a large sports complex with illuminated football fields, parking lots on rooftops, and modern buildings surrounded by trees and city lights.

Toro District field house area. Rendering: Courtesy of The Houston Texans

Plans also call for six parks and 5,000 parking spaces. Students from Cy-Fair ISD, Waller ISD and Lone Star College are expected to have access to internships and career pathway programs tied to the facility.

What they're saying: "Toro District will be a world-class environment for everyone connected to our organization," Cal McNair, chair and CEO of the Texans, said in the announcement. 

 "This facility will give our players and coaches a true competitive advantage and position them for sustained success."

Aerial view of a modern urban complex at dusk, featuring glass office buildings with illuminated windows, rooftop parking, green trees, lit streets, and people walking in a plaza.

Toro District medical area. Rendering: Courtesy of The Houston Texans

Houston Texans reveal details for new HQ and training facilities

The Texans unveiled plans for Toro District, an 83-acre sports and entertainment development in Cypress.

Aerial night view of a lively urban plaza with many people, green spaces, and modern buildings lit with warm lights, under a dark blue sky with a full moon.

A proposed new 175,000-square-foot Texans headquarters. Rendering: Courtesy of The Houston Texans

The Houston Texans, Harris County and Howard Hughes Communities this week <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="revealed plans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.houstontexans.com/news/houston-texans-howard-hughes-communities-and-harris-county-reveal-plans-for-toro-district-in-bridgeland" data-vars-content-id="755edccb-b26e-4084-915a-d90d1348b903" data-vars-headline="Houston Texans reveal details for new HQ and training facilities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.houstontexans.com/news/houston-texans-howard-hughes-communities-and-harris-county-reveal-plans-for-toro-district-in-bridgeland" target="_blank">revealed plans</a> for Toro District, an 83-acre sports and entertainment development in northwest Harris County.Why it matters: The project, slated for completion in Cypress in 2029, will feature a new Texans headquarters that will consolidate football and business operations. It&#x27;s projected to generate $34 billion in long-term economic impact and more than 17,000 jobs.

Sports

More than a century ago, Black Houstonians documented what they built in "The Red Book of Houston," which is still used today to trace family histories and understand how Black communities helped shape Bayou City.

Why it matters: The "Red Book of Houston" is a rare, detailed snapshot of Black Houston in 1915 — told through the people who lived it, and what they wanted others to know about them, researchers and archivists tell Axios. 

It includes who owned businesses, led churches and schools, and where families lived and what mattered to them, showing the "who's who" of Black Houston, Rice University history professor Fay Yarbrough says. 

What they're saying: "It's letting you see what they think is important, what they want to portray about themselves . . . They're clearly wanting to show you all that they've achieved in the 50 years since [emancipation]," Yarbrough says.

"So 50 years out, after people have made all kinds of racist assumptions about what Black people can't do, they're letting you see all the achievement and all of the things that they have done." 

Driving the news: The Houston Public Library is hosting "The New Red Book Exhibit: Historic Black Communities and Cultural Sites in Houston," which moves through Black Houston history from emancipation to the People's Party II and maps neighborhoods across the city, including Third Ward, Fifth Ward and Freedmen's Town.

Woman in a red dress speaking in front of a wall exhibit titled "The New Red Book: Historic Black Communities and Cultural Sites in Houston" with a detailed timeline on nearby wall.

A presentation by Lindsay Gary, author of "The New Red Book" and curator of the library exhibit. Photo: Shafaq Patel/Axios

Flashback: The original Red Book of Houston was compiled by local editors and community leaders. It features photographs and short biographies, according to archivist Norie Guthrie, who helped launch Rice University's Red Book project.

The book also includes addresses that can still be traced on a map today, offering a geographic snapshot of Black communities in Houston from more than a century ago.

Follow the money: The book sold for $3.50 at the time — roughly $100 today.

"The pages are much fancier than you think they're going to be," Guthrie says, adding that she suspects many of the well-to-do families connected to the book likely owned copies. 

Some families still have copies that have been passed down through generations.

Zoom in: Guthrie says one of the takeaways from the book was how many women ran their own businesses — often restaurants operated out of their homes. 

The book also underscores how central education was to Black Houstonians in 1915, from teachers to neighborhood schools woven into daily life.

Guthrie and her students have been sifting through old records to decode unfamiliar job titles, such as "bell ringer," and what they reveal about everyday Black work in early 20th-century Houston.

Threat level: Only two homes connected to people in the Red Book are believed to still stand: the Rev. Ned P. Pullum and Alexander Z. Hester and Julia C. Thomas Hester residences, Guthrie says. 

It's notable because of what areas Houston decides to develop in, Yarbrough says, pointing to highways and redevelopment that continue to reshape historically Black neighborhoods.

Earlier this month, construction workers for a private developer improperly removed more than 120 historic bricks in Freedmen's Town. 

The latest: Rice University has a digital archive of the 1915 Red Book of Houston, including a high-resolution scan, mapped addresses and biographies of the people and families listed inside.

Students are continuing to add to it — tracing descendants, digging through old newspapers and piecing together fuller life stories. 

The bottom line: History isn't that far removed. For some Houstonians, a grandparent or great-grandparent's name appears in its pages.

Alexander Z. Hester and Julia C. Thomas Hester residences

What the 1915 Red Book reveals about Houston's Black history

The book is still used today to trace family histories and understand how Black communities helped shape Bayou City.

Cover of "The Red Book of Houston," a beige page listing it as a compendium on Houston's colored population, priced $3.50, alongside a black-and-white photo of a large house with a porch and a white picket fence.

The "Red Book of Houston" and Rev. Ned P. Pullum residence, one of  only two remaining homes from the book.  Photos: Fondren Library Woodson Research Center Special Collections and Archives. 

More than a century ago, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Black Houstonians" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2023/02/27/remembering-forgotten-black-towns" data-vars-content-id="762d053e-b5b6-4c6e-b12c-8b3b79b8ad50" data-vars-headline="What the 1915 Red Book reveals about Houston&#x27;s Black history" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2023/02/27/remembering-forgotten-black-towns" target="_self">Black Houstonians</a> documented what they built in &quot;The Red Book of Houston,&quot; which is still used today to trace family histories and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="understand how Black communities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2023/02/28/green-book-sites-houston" data-vars-content-id="762d053e-b5b6-4c6e-b12c-8b3b79b8ad50" data-vars-headline="What the 1915 Red Book reveals about Houston&#x27;s Black history" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2023/02/28/green-book-sites-houston" target="_self">understand how Black communities</a> helped <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shape Bayou City" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/04/29/houston-memorial-park-memorial-grove-ww1-camp-logan" data-vars-content-id="762d053e-b5b6-4c6e-b12c-8b3b79b8ad50" data-vars-headline="What the 1915 Red Book reveals about Houston&#x27;s Black history" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/04/29/houston-memorial-park-memorial-grove-ww1-camp-logan" target="_self">shape Bayou City</a>.Why it matters: The &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Red Book of Houston" data-vars-click-url="https://digitalcollections.rice.edu/Documents/Detail/the-red-book-of-houston-a-compendium-of-social-professional-religious-educational-and-industrial-interest-of-houstons-colored-population/372740" data-vars-content-id="762d053e-b5b6-4c6e-b12c-8b3b79b8ad50" data-vars-headline="What the 1915 Red Book reveals about Houston&#x27;s Black history" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://digitalcollections.rice.edu/Documents/Detail/the-red-book-of-houston-a-compendium-of-social-professional-religious-educational-and-industrial-interest-of-houstons-colored-population/372740" target="_blank">Red Book of Houston</a>&quot; is a rare, detailed snapshot of Black Houston in 1915 — told through the people who lived it, and what they wanted others to know about them, researchers and archivists tell Axios.

Culture

The top two finishers in the Democratic and Republican primary for Harris County judge are headed for May runoffs after no candidate passed the 50% threshold, according to unofficial election results on Wednesday. 

Why it matters: The race will determine who succeeds Judge Lina Hidalgo, as Republicans push to reclaim control of the nation's third-largest county.

State of play: On the Democratic side, former Houston mayor Annise Parker will face off against former at-large Houston City Council Member Letitia Plummer. 

On the Republican side, former Harris County treasurer Orlando Sanchez and business owner Warren Howell advanced to a runoff.

By the numbers: Parker led with 46.62% of the Democratic vote, compared with 37.29%  for Plummer. Political newcomer Matt Salazar garnared 16.09%, per the Harris County Clerk's Office unofficial results released Wednesday morning.

For Republicans, Sanchez led with 26.46%, followed by Howell with 20.79%. Marty Lancton had 20.57% and Aliza Dutt had 18.64%, as of Wednesday morning. 

Catch up quick: Sanchez leaned on deep local name recognition to emerge from the crowded, splintered field. Howell edged out firefighters union president Lancton, who raised the most money and had Gov. Greg Abbott's endorsement, by a few hundred votes.

No clear winners in Harris County judge primaries

Both parties will head to May runoffs to decide their nominees for Harris County judge, based on unofficial election results.

The top two finishers in the Democratic and Republican primary for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Harris County judge" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/02/17/the-harris-county-judge-races-crowded-field" data-vars-content-id="ece538b1-11f3-4e8f-870a-1e98402ac8b0" data-vars-headline="No clear winners in Harris County judge primaries" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/02/17/the-harris-county-judge-races-crowded-field" target="_self">Harris County judge</a> are headed for May runoffs after no candidate passed the 50% threshold, according to unofficial election results on Wednesday. Why it matters: The race will determine who succeeds Judge Lina Hidalgo, as Republicans push to reclaim control of the nation&#x27;s third-largest county.

Shafaq Patel

Featured stories

Menefee and Green headed for a runoff in Houston's 18th Congressional District

No clear winners in Harris County judge primaries

Houston Audubon acquires 128-acre sanctuary in Montgomery County

What the 1915 Red Book reveals about Houston's Black history

Houston Texans reveal details for new HQ and training facilities