Houston

Houston Alerts

Alert

blue

Get smarter, faster on what matters in Houston with Jay R. Jordan and Shafaq Patel.

Axios Houston

Standard

Axios Houston Partners

Axios Houston Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Houston Members

Membership

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.

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.

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.

Tender and funny, "English" at the Alley hits close to home

"English" shows what many non-native English speakers — or anyone learning a new language — wrestle with.

Alley Theatre is running the Pulitzer Prize-winning play &quot;English&quot; for the next couple of weeks — and it&#x27;s beautiful, funny at times and both heartwarming and heartbreaking.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="play" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/03/28/what-to-know-about-the-2025-2026-theater-season" data-vars-content-id="db69e910-dd58-4bad-9aa7-71ad9afcee53" data-vars-headline="Tender and funny, &quot;English&quot; at the Alley hits close to home" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/03/28/what-to-know-about-the-2025-2026-theater-season" target="_self">play</a> delves into the core of what many non-native <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="English speakers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/28/trump-executive-order-english-official-language" data-vars-content-id="db69e910-dd58-4bad-9aa7-71ad9afcee53" data-vars-headline="Tender and funny, &quot;English&quot; at the Alley hits close to home" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/28/trump-executive-order-english-official-language" target="_self">English speakers</a> — or anyone learning a new language — wrestle with: the cost of shifting identities and living between two tongues.

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.

Free pop-up weddings this Valentine's Day

From bookshelves to City Hall steps, Houston couples are making Valentine's Day their wedding day.

Culture

This Valentine&#x27;s Day, many Houston-area couples are saying the big &quot;I do&quot; at free pop-up weddings.Why it matters: As <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="microweddings continue to gain traction" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/29/small-wedding-price-benefits" data-vars-content-id="8203252d-8d27-47a1-b09a-c7b6558fefb8" data-vars-headline="Free pop-up weddings this Valentine&#x27;s Day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/29/small-wedding-price-benefits" target="_self">microweddings continue to gain traction</a>, these one-day elopement venues offer an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="affordable" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2023/06/12/houston-weddings-price" data-vars-content-id="8203252d-8d27-47a1-b09a-c7b6558fefb8" data-vars-headline="Free pop-up weddings this Valentine&#x27;s Day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2023/06/12/houston-weddings-price" target="_self">affordable</a>, lower-stress way to get married, keeping weddings light and fun.

Longtime Brazos co-owners to renew vows on Valentine's Day

They've been married 44 years. This Valentine's Day, they're renewing their vows at a bookstore near and dear to them.

Brazos Bookstore co-owners Barbara Radnofsky and Ed Supkis are renewing their vows at the bookstore on Valentine&#x27;s Day — 44 years after getting married.Context: Brazos is turning into a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Vegas-style pop-up chapel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/02/10/pop-up-microweddings-free-elopement-sugar-land-brazos-bookstore" data-vars-content-id="cb69eb02-aff1-4dfb-a7b1-c375601fb989" data-vars-headline="Longtime Brazos co-owners to renew vows on Valentine&#x27;s Day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/02/10/pop-up-microweddings-free-elopement-sugar-land-brazos-bookstore" target="_self">Vegas-style pop-up chapel</a> on Valentine&#x27;s Day, joining a handful of venues across the Houston area offering couples a low-cost way to elope or renew vows.

Name a cockroach after your ex

This Houston museum turns heartbreak into a hissing cockroach.

Things to Do

Heartbroken? The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Houston Museum of Natural Science" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2024/01/30/houston-museum-of-natural-science-free-admission" data-vars-content-id="8e243ee5-660a-4417-8572-c109d090b9a8" data-vars-headline="Name a cockroach after your ex" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2024/01/30/houston-museum-of-natural-science-free-admission" target="_self">Houston Museum of Natural Science</a> offers a humorous form of catharsis: Name a hissing cockroach after your ex. The big picture: HMNS&#x27; annual &quot;Endless Love&quot; runs through Feb. 14, inviting visitors to name a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cockroach" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/02/09/san-antonio-zoo-roaches-valentines-day" data-vars-content-id="8e243ee5-660a-4417-8572-c109d090b9a8" data-vars-headline="Name a cockroach after your ex" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/02/09/san-antonio-zoo-roaches-valentines-day" target="_self">cockroach</a> housed at the Heartbreak Motel — because, as the museum puts it, &quot;nothing makes a heartbeat faster than a roach.&quot;

Houston-commissioned opera 'Intelligence' earns Grammy nod

It's the opera company's first Grammy nomination in more than 30 years.

The Houston Grand Opera is up for a Grammy this weekend — the first nomination in more than 30 years.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="HGO&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/03/28/what-to-know-about-the-2025-2026-theater-season" data-vars-content-id="ccde750f-3451-4464-a861-8a6f0e5b3322" data-vars-headline="Houston-commissioned opera &#x27;Intelligence&#x27; earns Grammy nod" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/03/28/what-to-know-about-the-2025-2026-theater-season" target="_self">HGO&#x27;s</a> nomination for Best Opera Recording for &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Intelligence" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2023/10/25/hgo-makes-history-with-its-new-world-premiere-of-intelligence" data-vars-content-id="ccde750f-3451-4464-a861-8a6f0e5b3322" data-vars-headline="Houston-commissioned opera &#x27;Intelligence&#x27; earns Grammy nod" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2023/10/25/hgo-makes-history-with-its-new-world-premiere-of-intelligence" target="_self">Intelligence</a>,&quot; a company-commissioned opera, highlights a piece that took creative risks and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="centered Black voices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/10/29/houston-grand-opera-porgy-and-bess" data-vars-content-id="ccde750f-3451-4464-a861-8a6f0e5b3322" data-vars-headline="Houston-commissioned opera &#x27;Intelligence&#x27; earns Grammy nod" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/10/29/houston-grand-opera-porgy-and-bess" target="_self">centered Black voices</a>.

"Coffee raves" are all the buzz in Houston

Houston's version adds its own flavor with vinyl cumbia, wellness and community spirit.

Forget late nights out — Houston&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new party scene" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/02/coffee-raves-daybreaker-soft-clubbing" data-vars-content-id="f89c9721-1e8f-46c0-88a1-b0463aa0de38" data-vars-headline="&quot;Coffee raves&quot; are all the buzz in Houston" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/02/coffee-raves-daybreaker-soft-clubbing" target="_self">new party scene</a> runs on espresso shots, matcha lattes and house beats. And it&#x27;s during the day.Why it matters: As the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;soft clubbing&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/03/13/newstand-coffee-dj-sets-sunrise-saturdays" data-vars-content-id="f89c9721-1e8f-46c0-88a1-b0463aa0de38" data-vars-headline="&quot;Coffee raves&quot; are all the buzz in Houston" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/03/13/newstand-coffee-dj-sets-sunrise-saturdays" target="_self">&quot;soft clubbing&quot;</a> trend spreads globally — showing high-energy parties don&#x27;t have to wait for nightfall — Houston&#x27;s version adds its own flavor with vinyl cumbia, wellness and community spirit.

Spotify: Houston's top songs of 2025

Kendrick Lamar's "Luther" with SZA took the top spot.

Kendrick Lamar&#x27;s &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Luther" data-vars-click-url="https://open.spotify.com/track/45J4avUb9Ni0bnETYaYFVJ" data-vars-content-id="638bc391-a004-4b3e-80b7-167a5e255747" data-vars-headline="Spotify: Houston&#x27;s top songs of 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/45J4avUb9Ni0bnETYaYFVJ" target="_blank">Luther</a>&quot; (with SZA) was the most-streamed song on Spotify in Houston this year.Why it matters: Houston&#x27;s Wrapped tracks closely with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. and global listening" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/03/spotify-wrapped-2025-bad-bunny-tops-global-artists" data-vars-content-id="638bc391-a004-4b3e-80b7-167a5e255747" data-vars-headline="Spotify: Houston&#x27;s top songs of 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/03/spotify-wrapped-2025-bad-bunny-tops-global-artists" target="_self">U.S. and global listening</a>, leaning into mainstream emotional pop and Latin chart-toppers.

Culture

Explore local bookstores during the third annual Houston Bookstore Crawl

Arthouse Houston aims to save Garden Oaks Theater

USPS honors lowrider culture with new stamp collection

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

Tender and funny, "English" at the Alley hits close to home