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Austin Street project cost more than expected — and it's behind schedule

The undertaking is $1.6 million over its initial estimate.

News

A year after the city of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Houston" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston" data-vars-content-id="e1d39c11-3dc5-4222-b1c5-77b57885e79e" data-vars-headline="Austin Street project cost more than expected — and it&#x27;s behind schedule" 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> began ripping up and reshaping Midtown&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Austin Street" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/08/12/houston-bike-lane-closure-update-austin-street" data-vars-content-id="e1d39c11-3dc5-4222-b1c5-77b57885e79e" data-vars-headline="Austin Street project cost more than expected — and it&#x27;s behind schedule" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/08/12/houston-bike-lane-closure-update-austin-street" target="_self">Austin Street</a> for a drainage project, workers have not yet finished the job. Why it matters: The undertaking is already $1.6 million over its initial estimate, according to the city.

Rising mortgage rates hit U.S. — but Houston has a buffer

Mortgage rates are ticking up as global tensions rise — but Houston's housing market may be better insulated than most.

Politics

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mortgage rates are inching up" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/25/mortgage-rates-iran-war-housing-market" data-vars-content-id="0cf0adb0-3fa0-4465-92ee-75aabe910602" data-vars-headline="Rising mortgage rates hit U.S. — but Houston has a buffer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/25/mortgage-rates-iran-war-housing-market" target="_self">Mortgage rates are inching up</a> as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tensions escalate in Iran" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/world" data-vars-content-id="0cf0adb0-3fa0-4465-92ee-75aabe910602" data-vars-headline="Rising mortgage rates hit U.S. — but Houston has a buffer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/world" target="_self">tensions escalate in Iran</a> — but Houston&#x27;s housing market is better positioned than most to absorb the shock.Why it matters: While national headlines tie rising rates to geopolitical instability, Houston&#x27;s economy has an energy sector and general affordability buffer that could keep <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homebuying relatively steady." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/01/20/what-2026-could-hold-for-houstons-housing-market" data-vars-content-id="0cf0adb0-3fa0-4465-92ee-75aabe910602" data-vars-headline="Rising mortgage rates hit U.S. — but Houston has a buffer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/01/20/what-2026-could-hold-for-houstons-housing-market" target="_self">homebuying relatively steady.</a>

Texas hemp companies sue state over new rules on smokeable THC

The groups say the state exceeded its legal authority in how it regulates THC.

Texas hemp businesses on Tuesday sued the state, aiming to reverse <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new rules that ban pre-rolled joints" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/03/30/texas-hemp-ban-thc" data-vars-content-id="e966f141-1348-42b5-814f-08f0c0227b9b" data-vars-headline="Texas hemp companies sue state over new rules on smokeable THC" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/03/30/texas-hemp-ban-thc" target="_self">new rules that ban pre-rolled joints</a> and other smokeable THC products made legal under a 2019 state law. Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="lawsuit" data-vars-click-url="https://texashempbusinesscouncil.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026.04.07-THBC-Original-Petition-and-Application-for-TRO-Injunction-FILED.pdf" data-vars-content-id="e966f141-1348-42b5-814f-08f0c0227b9b" data-vars-headline="Texas hemp companies sue state over new rules on smokeable THC" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://texashempbusinesscouncil.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026.04.07-THBC-Original-Petition-and-Application-for-TRO-Injunction-FILED.pdf" target="_blank">lawsuit</a> is the latest battle over hemp-derived THC in Texas&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="multibillion-dollar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/04/10/thc-hemp-ban-texas-legislature" data-vars-content-id="e966f141-1348-42b5-814f-08f0c0227b9b" data-vars-headline="Texas hemp companies sue state over new rules on smokeable THC" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/04/10/thc-hemp-ban-texas-legislature" target="_self">multibillion-dollar</a> industry.

Houston limits police interactions with ICE

The change limits how long police officers can hold people for immigration reasons.

New rules will dictate how <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Houston Police Department officers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/03/20/houston-police-ice-immigration-warrants-city-council" data-vars-content-id="5ea916a1-9fdd-453b-9e77-66dbc61a9865" data-vars-headline="Houston limits police interactions with ICE" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/03/20/houston-police-ice-immigration-warrants-city-council" target="_self">Houston Police Department officers</a> can interact with ICE agents after City Council passed a measure Wednesday that curbs cooperation with the federal agency. Why it matters: The change limits how long <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Houston" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston" data-vars-content-id="5ea916a1-9fdd-453b-9e77-66dbc61a9865" data-vars-headline="Houston limits police interactions with ICE" 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> police officers can hold people for immigration reasons, but council members who proposed the new rules say the fight is far from over.

Arthouse Houston aims to save Garden Oaks Theater

A 1947 Houston theater is on the brink of demolition — unless a nonprofit can raise millions in time.

Business

A local nonprofit is racing to save a nearly 80-year-old Houston theater from demolition, with plans to turn it into a neighborhood arts hub.Why it matters: The Garden Oaks Theater could become another loss in a city with a track record of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tearing down its historic buildings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/02/27/1915-red-book-reveals-about-black-houston" data-vars-content-id="f25f1616-150f-4354-aa81-399192e7b091" data-vars-headline="Arthouse Houston aims to save Garden Oaks Theater" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/02/27/1915-red-book-reveals-about-black-houston" target="_self">tearing down its historic buildings</a>, Ian Druke, the assistant director at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Arthouse Houston" data-vars-click-url="https://arthousehtx.org/garden-oaks-theater" data-vars-content-id="f25f1616-150f-4354-aa81-399192e7b091" data-vars-headline="Arthouse Houston aims to save Garden Oaks Theater" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://arthousehtx.org/garden-oaks-theater" target="_blank">Arthouse Houston</a>, tells Axios.

6 Houston chefs and restaurants named 2026 James Beard finalists

Maximo, Agnes and Sherman and ChòpnBlọk are among the finalists.

Food and Drink

Six Houston-area restaurants and chefs on Tuesday were named <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="finalists for this year&#x27;s James Beard Awards" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/01/21/2026-james-beard-semifinalists" data-vars-content-id="1010e1d1-b0aa-46a2-9659-5cdc25a8cc78" data-vars-headline="6 Houston chefs and restaurants named 2026 James Beard finalists" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/01/21/2026-james-beard-semifinalists" target="_self">finalists for this year&#x27;s James Beard Awards</a>.Why it matters: Being nominated is one of the dining industry&#x27;s highest honors.

The Houston Comets are coming back after nearly 20 years

Houston is getting a WNBA team again, with the Comets set to return for the 2027 season.

Sports

The Houston Comets are expected to come back to Bayou City after nearly 20 years after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rockets" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/12/04/rockets-astros-first-direct-to-consumer-streaming-app-schn" data-vars-content-id="27178f59-e91d-4373-826f-659e6ddc22bc" data-vars-headline="The Houston Comets are coming back after nearly 20 years" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/12/04/rockets-astros-first-direct-to-consumer-streaming-app-schn" target="_self">Rockets</a> owner Fertitta Entertainment reached a deal to buy, relocate and rename the Connecticut Sun.Why it matters: Houston hasn&#x27;t had a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="WNBA team" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/07/16/wnba-expansion-cleveland-detroit-philadelphia-league" data-vars-content-id="27178f59-e91d-4373-826f-659e6ddc22bc" data-vars-headline="The Houston Comets are coming back after nearly 20 years" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/07/16/wnba-expansion-cleveland-detroit-philadelphia-league" target="_self">WNBA team</a> since the dynastic <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Comets ceased operations in 2008" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/03/sports/basketball/03wnba.html" data-vars-content-id="27178f59-e91d-4373-826f-659e6ddc22bc" data-vars-headline="The Houston Comets are coming back after nearly 20 years" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/03/sports/basketball/03wnba.html" target="_blank">Comets ceased operations in 2008</a> — leaving a gap in a city that once set the standard for women&#x27;s pro basketball.

Houston Audubon acquires 128-acre sanctuary in Montgomery County

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

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>.

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.

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.

Apple brings Mac Mini production to Houston in AI-fueled manufacturing push

The move doubles Apple's Houston footprint.

Apple is accelerating its manufacturing footprint in Houston — bringing production of its Mac Mini to the U.S. for the first time, the tech giant announced Tuesday. Why it matters: The move doubles <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Apple&#x27;s Houston footprint" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/02/24/apple-investment-trump-tim-cook-texas" data-vars-content-id="1f4dd05a-ff4c-4eee-bcbc-0fde16ff9366" data-vars-headline="Apple brings Mac Mini production to Houston in AI-fueled manufacturing push" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/02/24/apple-investment-trump-tim-cook-texas" target="_self">Apple&#x27;s Houston footprint</a> and is expected to create thousands of jobs.

UHD to guarantee admission to eligible HISD students

Eligible HISD seniors with a 2.5 GPA will receive guaranteed admission to UHD under a first-of-its-kind agreement.

The University of Houston-Downtown will guarantee admission to eligible Houston ISD seniors under a new agreement signed Tuesday, creating the first program of its kind between the two institutions. Why it matters: The partnership ensures a path to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="four-year degree" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/11/20/college-degrees-still-give-houstonians-a-major-earnings-edge" data-vars-content-id="f2679f5b-5e77-4201-90cc-05406f4484f7" data-vars-headline="UHD to guarantee admission to eligible HISD students" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/11/20/college-degrees-still-give-houstonians-a-major-earnings-edge" target="_self">four-year degree</a> for thousands of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="HISD students" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/08/05/hisd-reports-no-f-rated-schools-tea-accountability-score" data-vars-content-id="f2679f5b-5e77-4201-90cc-05406f4484f7" data-vars-headline="UHD to guarantee admission to eligible HISD students" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/08/05/hisd-reports-no-f-rated-schools-tea-accountability-score" target="_self">HISD students</a> while keeping more Houston talent in the local workforce.

The "Heated Rivalry" obsession lives on in Houston

Houston fans find community in "Heated Rivalry" rewatch parties.

The viral hockey romance show that aired a couple of months ago still has fans swooning.Why it matters: &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Heated Rivalry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-houston-85fec44c-31da-4600-a198-b33fd76f7b67#story4" data-vars-content-id="c3df6e2a-450b-479d-8c7e-7cceb7799538" data-vars-headline="The &quot;Heated Rivalry&quot; obsession lives on in Houston" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-houston-85fec44c-31da-4600-a198-b33fd76f7b67#story4" target="_self">Heated Rivalry</a>,&quot; the book series turned TV hit on HBO, has sparked real-life connections — and Houstonians are showing up for it.

These are Houston's 2026 James Beard semifinalists

A James Beard semifinalist spot signals prestige in a closely watched industry race.

A dozen Houston-area chefs and restaurants are among this year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="James Beard Foundation semifinalists" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/01/22/james-beard-award-2025-semifinalists-houston" data-vars-content-id="d16ee08b-e94b-44aa-b1d5-d0306de61015" data-vars-headline="These are Houston&#x27;s 2026 James Beard semifinalists" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/01/22/james-beard-award-2025-semifinalists-houston" target="_self">James Beard Foundation semifinalists</a>.Why it matters: A James Beard semifinalist spot signals prestige in a closely watched industry race.

Business 🏦

Rising mortgage rates hit U.S. — but Houston has a buffer

Arthouse Houston aims to save Garden Oaks Theater

6 Houston chefs and restaurants named 2026 James Beard finalists

The Houston Comets are coming back after nearly 20 years

Brace for pricier Houston flights — and how to find deals