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Houston neighborhood restores decades-old street pillars

The Southampton residents will be recognized with a preservation award.

News

A group of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Houston" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston" data-vars-content-id="0f9d39ba-5a35-43bf-bce3-d19c624159fb" data-vars-headline="Houston neighborhood restores decades-old street pillars" 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> neighbors banded together to repair and replace <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="historic concrete street signs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2022/08/31/street-typo-houston-concrete-pillars" data-vars-content-id="0f9d39ba-5a35-43bf-bce3-d19c624159fb" data-vars-headline="Houston neighborhood restores decades-old street pillars" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2022/08/31/street-typo-houston-concrete-pillars" target="_self">historic concrete street signs</a> installed in their neighborhood more than 80 years ago. Why it matters: Their restoration efforts won them an award from the Bayou City&#x27;s premier preservation society.

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

The move doubles Apple's Houston footprint.

Business

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.

Houston families are opting for cremations over burials

By 2045, the cremation rate in Texas is projected to be 79%, per the NFDA.

Cremations are now twice as common as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="burials" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/10/29/gen-z-funeral-death-preferences-baby-boomers-cremation" data-vars-content-id="3d26a329-fecf-443b-8fd5-4b871609c523" data-vars-headline="Houston families are opting for cremations over burials" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/10/29/gen-z-funeral-death-preferences-baby-boomers-cremation" target="_self">burials</a> in the U.S., reversing a norm from two decades ago, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the National Funeral Directors Association" data-vars-click-url="https://nfda.org/news/media-center/nfda-news-releases/id/9786/nfda-releases-2025-cremation-burial-report-comprehensive-insights-to-guide-the-future-of-funeral-service" data-vars-content-id="3d26a329-fecf-443b-8fd5-4b871609c523" data-vars-headline="Houston families are opting for cremations over burials" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://nfda.org/news/media-center/nfda-news-releases/id/9786/nfda-releases-2025-cremation-burial-report-comprehensive-insights-to-guide-the-future-of-funeral-service" target="_blank">the National Funeral Directors Association</a>.Why it matters: Shifting attitudes around <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="religion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/05/religion-americans-spiritual-survey" data-vars-content-id="3d26a329-fecf-443b-8fd5-4b871609c523" data-vars-headline="Houston families are opting for cremations over burials" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/05/religion-americans-spiritual-survey" target="_self">religion</a>, cost and the environment are reshaping how Americans — and Houstonians — handle death.

Waymo introduces autonomous rides in Houston

Select riders who've downloaded the Waymo app will receive invitations.

Waymo&#x27;s driverless rides have arrived in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Houston" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston" data-vars-content-id="a5c04d8b-740e-4c55-979c-fbcf99210222" data-vars-headline="Waymo introduces autonomous rides in Houston" 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>, starting with a limited rollout.Why it matters: Waymo&#x27;s debut turns futuristic tech into a commuting option, moving the technology past its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="testing phase" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/11/18/houston-waymo-driverless-autonomous-robotaxi" data-vars-content-id="a5c04d8b-740e-4c55-979c-fbcf99210222" data-vars-headline="Waymo introduces autonomous rides in Houston" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/11/18/houston-waymo-driverless-autonomous-robotaxi" target="_self">testing phase</a> and into daily life.

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.

Sugar Land launches new social district ahead of World Cup 2026

Outdoor drinking is coming to Sugar Land. The new district aims to bring more foot traffic and a livelier street scene.

Sugar Land is opening a social district on Dec. 5 to create a livelier street scene, allowing people to sip alcoholic drinks outdoors while walking between bars, restaurants and shops in Town Square and First Colony Mall.Why it matters: This is part of a broader push to create more connected, walkable destinations before the region welcomes a global audience for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Houston Museum of Natural Science launches Indigenous relations office

The office will host events that let Indigenous communities share their heritage and stories.

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="4c0b279e-32e5-4679-a2f3-e0d72706664d" data-vars-headline="Houston Museum of Natural Science launches Indigenous relations office" 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> is aiming to deepen collaboration with Indigenous communities and ensure their voices are included in the museum&#x27;s work. Why it matters: The museum says the new Office of Indigenous Community Relations is a &quot;living promise to nurture and sustain vital relationships with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Indigenous communities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2022/10/07/indigenous-peoples-day-texas" data-vars-content-id="4c0b279e-32e5-4679-a2f3-e0d72706664d" data-vars-headline="Houston Museum of Natural Science launches Indigenous relations office" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2022/10/07/indigenous-peoples-day-texas" target="_self">Indigenous communities</a>.&quot; <ul><li>The initiative also supports HMNS&#x27;s responsibilities under the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nagpra/index.htm" data-vars-content-id="4c0b279e-32e5-4679-a2f3-e0d72706664d" data-vars-headline="Houston Museum of Natural Science launches Indigenous relations office" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nagpra/index.htm" target="_blank">Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act</a>. The office will work with tribal representatives to ensure consultations and repatriations are handled with respect and care.</li></ul>Zoom in: The new office will host events, lectures and demonstrations that let Indigenous communities share their heritage and stories with &quot;dignity, accuracy, and above all, respect.&quot; What they&#x27;re saying: Gabriela Truly, the inaugural director, said in the announcement that she views the initiative as a &quot;dedicated bridge to ensure that we listen, learn, and collaborate with our Indigenous friends.&quot; <ul><li>&quot;We&#x27;re committed to advancing this work together by building trust and fostering relationships that truly reflect this enduring collaboration with our Indigenous neighbors.&quot;</li></ul>The big picture: Museums across the country are rethinking how they represent Indigenous stories and handle sacred items.<ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Last year" data-vars-click-url="https://apnews.com/article/museums-native-american-exhibits-nyc-harvard-chicago-216a486a0d17b04699016513e47a0ad1" data-vars-content-id="4c0b279e-32e5-4679-a2f3-e0d72706664d" data-vars-headline="Houston Museum of Natural Science launches Indigenous relations office" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://apnews.com/article/museums-native-american-exhibits-nyc-harvard-chicago-216a486a0d17b04699016513e47a0ad1" target="_blank">Last year</a>, the American Museum of Natural History in New York closed two halls of Native American artifacts as part of a broader reassessment, while Harvard and the Field Museum in Chicago have also reviewed their collections and practices.</li></ul>