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Whitmire counters Abbott's airport funding threat

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport canceled plans for an ablution facility.

News

After Gov. Greg Abbott threatened to withhold grant funding for Dallas and Houston airports over <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="religious washing facilities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2024/02/22/ritual-washing-and-prayer-rooms-iah" data-vars-content-id="837bc31d-ecc6-4acf-8e9c-ad62bc86f278" data-vars-headline="Whitmire counters Abbott&#x27;s airport funding threat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2024/02/22/ritual-washing-and-prayer-rooms-iah" target="_self">religious washing facilities</a> used by Muslim travelers, Mayor John Whitmire said Monday that the ablution room at George Bush Intercontinental Airport was built without city taxpayer dollars.Why it matters: The airport dispute is the latest example of Abbott using the threat of withholding state funds to push Texas cities to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="change local policies and procedures" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/04/22/houston-police-ice-ordinance-whitmire-abbott" data-vars-content-id="837bc31d-ecc6-4acf-8e9c-ad62bc86f278" data-vars-headline="Whitmire counters Abbott&#x27;s airport funding threat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/04/22/houston-police-ice-ordinance-whitmire-abbott" target="_self">change local policies and procedures</a>.

Violent crime continues to fall in Houston

Violent crime also declined in Houston, continuing an improvement the city has seen in the past couple of years

Homicides and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="other violent crimes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/11/big-city-homicides-decline-2026" data-vars-content-id="a0aa482f-39ea-4ff3-908c-f7ca49a01ea0" data-vars-headline="Violent crime continues to fall in Houston" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/11/big-city-homicides-decline-2026" target="_self">other violent crimes</a> fell across the country and in Houston through the first half of this year, according to preliminary data reviewed by Axios.The big picture: Homicides are down by a sharp 38% in Houston, according to data compiled by the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA)" data-vars-click-url="https://majorcitieschiefs.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/MCCA-Violent-Crime-Report-2026-and-2025-Midyear.pdf" data-vars-content-id="a0aa482f-39ea-4ff3-908c-f7ca49a01ea0" data-vars-headline="Violent crime continues to fall in Houston" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://majorcitieschiefs.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/MCCA-Violent-Crime-Report-2026-and-2025-Midyear.pdf" target="_blank">Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA)</a>. Houston recorded 95 homicides in the first half of 2026, down from 154 during the same period last year.

Houston's first LGBTQ+ emergency shelter for teens to open

The shelter will give queer homeless and runaway teens ages 15 to 17 a temporary place to stay.

Houston is opening its first LGBTQ+-affirming emergency shelter for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homeless" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/02/26/houston-begins-2026-annual-homeless-count" data-vars-content-id="f0f2a53f-b100-47b5-b8be-7a4e82a31635" data-vars-headline="Houston&#x27;s first LGBTQ+ emergency shelter for teens to open" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/02/26/houston-begins-2026-annual-homeless-count" target="_self">homeless</a> teens to stay temporarily. Why it matters: Teens have few shelter options, especially <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="queer-friendly" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2026/07/09/leaving-texas-isn-t-so-simple-for-lgbtq-residents" data-vars-content-id="f0f2a53f-b100-47b5-b8be-7a4e82a31635" data-vars-headline="Houston&#x27;s first LGBTQ+ emergency shelter for teens to open" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2026/07/09/leaving-texas-isn-t-so-simple-for-lgbtq-residents" target="_self">queer-friendly</a> ones, when they leave or are kicked out of an unsafe home, Grace Place executive director Courtney Sellers tells Axios.

Houston's hot August continues

Houston&#x27;s August <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="heat" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/07/20/houston-weather-100-degrees" data-vars-content-id="83cb3f1e-042e-4034-b514-3a687385f71f" data-vars-headline="Houston&#x27;s hot August continues" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/07/20/houston-weather-100-degrees" target="_self">heat</a> isn&#x27;t letting up.The big picture: The month has been a bit warmer than normal, and highs are nearing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="100 degrees" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/07/29/houston-heat-health-ems-calls" data-vars-content-id="83cb3f1e-042e-4034-b514-3a687385f71f" data-vars-headline="Houston&#x27;s hot August continues" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/07/29/houston-heat-health-ems-calls" target="_self">100 degrees</a> this week, with triple-digit heat indexes expected through the weekend.

Sugar Land commits to life science

Sugar Land is betting on life science, landing two life sciences expansions this year.

Business

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sugar Land" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/05/21/sugar-land-world-cup-watch-parties-tourism-push" data-vars-content-id="d18a452e-6bef-4826-bc1e-1533ec08ac81" data-vars-headline="Sugar Land commits to life science" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/05/21/sugar-land-world-cup-watch-parties-tourism-push" target="_self">Sugar Land</a> is positioning itself to become a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="life science" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/science/biomedicine" data-vars-content-id="d18a452e-6bef-4826-bc1e-1533ec08ac81" data-vars-headline="Sugar Land commits to life science" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/science/biomedicine" target="_self">life science</a> hub. Why it matters: The growing suburb southwest of Houston is capitalizing on its proximity to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Texas Medical Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/07/29/houston-methodist-best-hospital-texas-us-news" data-vars-content-id="d18a452e-6bef-4826-bc1e-1533ec08ac81" data-vars-headline="Sugar Land commits to life science" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/07/29/houston-methodist-best-hospital-texas-us-news" target="_self">Texas Medical Center</a> by attracting pharmaceutical manufacturers and biotech firms with lower real estate costs and targeted incentives.

World Cup fans enjoyed Houston. Tourism leaders see it as a win.

Houston made its mark on World Cup fans. Word-of-mouth advertising could attract future visitors.

The World Cup gave Houston a chance to introduce itself to hundreds of thousands of visitors — and tourism leaders say the city made the most of it.Why it matters: Winning the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="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="4d78aded-8ca8-428c-9c09-72cd53d78dc6" data-vars-headline="World Cup fans enjoyed Houston. Tourism leaders see it as a win." 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">World Cup</a> bid was the start of the challenge. Pulling off one of the world&#x27;s biggest sporting events — and making it enjoyable for visitors — gave Houston a chance to strengthen its reputation on a global stage.

Exclusive: Switchyards expands to East End, Bellaire

For <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="remote workers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/29/remote-work-wfh-women" data-vars-content-id="04f02a52-cd62-48f9-b0b6-69652d7d457f" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Switchyards expands to East End, Bellaire" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/29/remote-work-wfh-women" target="_self">remote workers</a> craving a routine outside the house, Houston is about to get more places to lock in. The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Switchyards" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/09/24/switchyards-montrose-houston-coworking-club-opens" data-vars-content-id="04f02a52-cd62-48f9-b0b6-69652d7d457f" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Switchyards expands to East End, Bellaire" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/09/24/switchyards-montrose-houston-coworking-club-opens" target="_self">Switchyards</a> is expanding in Houston after its Montrose location sold out memberships last year, adding locations in the East End this August and Bellaire this fall, Switchyards founder and CEO Michael Tavani exclusively tells Axios.

World Cup's economic boost varies among Houston businesses

Businesses closest to the action have benefited the most.

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>.

Houston Rodeo announces $300M agricultural complex near Reliant Park

The new space will be about 5 miles away from Reliant Park.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/02/27/houston-rodeo-guide-2026" data-vars-content-id="59531299-9d8b-49ea-820f-0b1d89d141ad" data-vars-headline="Houston Rodeo announces $300M agricultural complex near Reliant Park" 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/houston-rodeo-guide-2026" target="_self">Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo</a> announced Wednesday it&#x27;s building a new $300 million agricultural complex for year-round programming.Why it matters: The 1 million-square-foot complex will extend the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rodeo&#x27;s footprint" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/03/20/houston-rodeo-auction-junior-market-record-2026" data-vars-content-id="59531299-9d8b-49ea-820f-0b1d89d141ad" data-vars-headline="Houston Rodeo announces $300M agricultural complex near Reliant Park" 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-rodeo-auction-junior-market-record-2026" target="_self">Rodeo&#x27;s footprint</a> beyond its longtime home, creating more space for livestock and horse competitions, youth agricultural programs and educational events.

NRG Energy opens first new power plant in a decade

The TH Wharton peaker plant can come online in about 30 minutes when demand spikes

A new natural gas plant in the Houston area is coming online for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Texas grid" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/02/04/texas-grid-gets-low-grades" data-vars-content-id="91bc5fe3-c299-4a00-806f-48a79c4fe357" data-vars-headline="NRG Energy opens first new power plant in a decade" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/02/04/texas-grid-gets-low-grades" target="_self">Texas grid</a> in time to meet the sweltering summer&#x27;s power demand, NRG announced this week.Why it matters: The TH Wharton peaker plant can come online in about 30 minutes when <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="demand spikes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2026/05/21/charted-texas-solar-is-surpassing-coal" data-vars-content-id="91bc5fe3-c299-4a00-806f-48a79c4fe357" data-vars-headline="NRG Energy opens first new power plant in a decade" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2026/05/21/charted-texas-solar-is-surpassing-coal" target="_self">demand spikes</a> and when ERCOT requests additional electricity during periods of grid stress — including extreme weather and hurricanes.

Texas Southern expands aviation program with new Houston Spaceport hangar

A new TSU hangar at Houston Spaceport aims to grow Houston's aviation workforce.

Education

Texas Southern University opened a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new aviation facility" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2023/05/08/tsu-flight-training-facility-houston-texas" data-vars-content-id="057f78e9-ead4-4b2c-b2b9-c6fc24951f60" data-vars-headline="Texas Southern expands aviation program with new Houston Spaceport hangar" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2023/05/08/tsu-flight-training-facility-houston-texas" target="_self">new aviation facility</a> near Ellington Airport this weekend.Why it matters: The project signals Houston&#x27;s expanding footprint in aviation and strengthens TSU&#x27;s role in training a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more diverse pipeline" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2021/06/24/aviation-industry-war-on-sexism" data-vars-content-id="057f78e9-ead4-4b2c-b2b9-c6fc24951f60" data-vars-headline="Texas Southern expands aviation program with new Houston Spaceport hangar" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2021/06/24/aviation-industry-war-on-sexism" target="_self">more diverse pipeline</a> of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pilots and industry professionals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2022/05/05/pilot-shortage-texas-travel-airports" data-vars-content-id="057f78e9-ead4-4b2c-b2b9-c6fc24951f60" data-vars-headline="Texas Southern expands aviation program with new Houston Spaceport hangar" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2022/05/05/pilot-shortage-texas-travel-airports" target="_self">pilots and industry professionals</a>, the university&#x27;s president says.

Houston's World Cup countdown: Transit, Fan Fest and security

Houston is just weeks away from its first World Cup match, which is expected to draw 500,000 visitors.

Just 50 days away from hosting its first <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup match" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/12/06/fifa-2026-world-cup-houston-schedule-matches" data-vars-content-id="b17c8ec7-41e4-4c9b-bfa0-6df906f4f71b" data-vars-headline="Houston&#x27;s World Cup countdown: Transit, Fan Fest and security" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/12/06/fifa-2026-world-cup-houston-schedule-matches" target="_self">World Cup match</a>, Houston is on track with preparations for transportation, cooling efforts, fan events and more. Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/04/10/houston-fifa-world-cup-security-funding-64-million" data-vars-content-id="b17c8ec7-41e4-4c9b-bfa0-6df906f4f71b" data-vars-headline="Houston&#x27;s World Cup countdown: Transit, Fan Fest and security" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/04/10/houston-fifa-world-cup-security-funding-64-million" target="_self">World Cup</a> is expected to draw 500,000 visitors to Houston and generate roughly $1.5 billion in economic impact, with the city hosting seven matches — five of them in the group stage.

Why Texas doesn't have the cheapest gas — despite producing so much

Despite Texas having the most refineries, Southern and Midwest states have the cheapest gas.

Texas <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="produces a lot of gasoline" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/03/11/houston-iran-war-oil-gas-energy" data-vars-content-id="626f01d0-c7ba-4455-a31a-f7d8620d74f1" data-vars-headline="Why Texas doesn&#x27;t have the cheapest gas — despite producing so much" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/03/11/houston-iran-war-oil-gas-energy" target="_self">produces a lot of gasoline</a>, but the state doesn&#x27;t have the lowest gas prices in the country. We asked an expert why.Why it matters: We&#x27;re all feeling the effects of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="soaring gas prices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/10/cpi-march-inflation-iran-trump" data-vars-content-id="626f01d0-c7ba-4455-a31a-f7d8620d74f1" data-vars-headline="Why Texas doesn&#x27;t have the cheapest gas — despite producing so much" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/10/cpi-march-inflation-iran-trump" target="_self">soaring gas prices</a>, which are contributing to the biggest monthly inflation spike in four years in March.

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>

Business 🏦

Report: Texas affordable housing shortage threatens growth

Houston-area companies on the Fortune Global 500 list

Sugar Land commits to life science

World Cup fans enjoyed Houston. Tourism leaders see it as a win.

Exclusive: Switchyards expands to East End, Bellaire