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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.

What to know about HISD's plan to close or consolidate 12 schools

Education

Houston ISD&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="state-appointed board" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2023/08/22/catch-up-on-hisds-overhaul" data-vars-content-id="9c8016d8-5b08-4a9e-b0fb-2e3fa38bdae5" data-vars-headline="What to know about HISD&#x27;s plan to close or consolidate 12 schools" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2023/08/22/catch-up-on-hisds-overhaul" target="_self">state-appointed board</a> is set to vote Thursday on Superintendent Mike Miles&#x27; proposal to close or consolidate 12 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="schools" 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="9c8016d8-5b08-4a9e-b0fb-2e3fa38bdae5" data-vars-headline="What to know about HISD&#x27;s plan to close or consolidate 12 schools" 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">schools</a> for the next school year. Why it matters: The proposal comes as the district grapples with steep enrollment declines and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="aging, underused buildings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2024/06/04/hisd-bond-largest-texas-4-billion" data-vars-content-id="9c8016d8-5b08-4a9e-b0fb-2e3fa38bdae5" data-vars-headline="What to know about HISD&#x27;s plan to close or consolidate 12 schools" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2024/06/04/hisd-bond-largest-texas-4-billion" target="_self">aging, underused buildings</a>, Miles says.

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.

Abbott orders Texas agencies, public universities to freeze new H-1B visas

The order will affect hiring at major research institutions in the state.

Gov. Greg Abbott is directing Texas state agencies and public universities to stop filing new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="H-1B visa" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/04/trump-h1b-visa-immigration-147" data-vars-content-id="a6adcab4-3018-4fee-9ba9-971edf52fc33" data-vars-headline="Abbott orders Texas agencies, public universities to freeze new H-1B visas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/04/trump-h1b-visa-immigration-147" target="_self">H-1B visa</a> petitions and is launching an investigation into how the visas are being used.Why it matters: H-1B is a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="federal program" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/immigration" data-vars-content-id="a6adcab4-3018-4fee-9ba9-971edf52fc33" data-vars-headline="Abbott orders Texas agencies, public universities to freeze new H-1B visas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/immigration" target="_self">federal program</a> that allows employers to hire foreign professionals for specialized jobs. The freeze could disrupt hiring at state agencies and public universities, particularly in education, medicine and research.

Rice University launches Brain Institute to advance research

The Rice Brain Institute will bring together engineers, scientists and social researchers to understand the human brain better.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rice University" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/04/21/rice-university-enrollement-increase" data-vars-content-id="04dce8fb-d70a-4ef6-8d45-869b786133a8" data-vars-headline="Rice University launches Brain Institute to advance research" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/04/21/rice-university-enrollement-increase" target="_self">Rice University</a> has launched an institute to accelerate discoveries in brain science and health.Why it matters: As rates of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Alzheimer&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/06/alzheimers-report-americans-dementia-symptoms" data-vars-content-id="04dce8fb-d70a-4ef6-8d45-869b786133a8" data-vars-headline="Rice University launches Brain Institute to advance research" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/06/alzheimers-report-americans-dementia-symptoms" target="_self">Alzheimer&#x27;s</a>, Parkinson&#x27;s and other neurological disorders rise globally, Rice leaders say universities must take the lead in finding solutions that protect memory, movement and mental health.

Where Houston kids have the most and least opportunity

Where children grow up shapes their health, education and future.

A new national analysis of quality-of-life factors underscores a hard truth: Kids in Houston&#x27;s poorest neighborhoods face daunting odds on multiple levels compared to their counterparts in wealthier areas.Why it matters: Where children grow up often shapes their health, education and future.

University of Houston jumps in U.S. News college rankings

Rice remains the top-ranked Texas university.

The University of Houston climbed 12 spots in the U.S. News &amp; World Report <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2026 Best Colleges rankings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges" data-vars-content-id="4ada14cf-81ed-4b98-b685-976647abb530" data-vars-headline="University of Houston jumps in U.S. News college rankings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges" target="_blank">2026 Best Colleges rankings</a> released Tuesday.The big picture: The annual Best Colleges report is one of the most influential (and most <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="controversial" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/education/2024/09/25/why-the-u-s-news-college-rankings-have-sparked-controversy-criticism/75375117007/" data-vars-content-id="4ada14cf-81ed-4b98-b685-976647abb530" data-vars-headline="University of Houston jumps in U.S. News college rankings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/education/2024/09/25/why-the-u-s-news-college-rankings-have-sparked-controversy-criticism/75375117007/" target="_blank">controversial</a>) rankings of colleges and universities nationwide.

Houston parents face pricey back-to-school season

Houston families are expected to spend an average of $808 per child this year.

Houston families are paying more this back-to-school season than the national average, according to a recent survey from consulting giant Deloitte.Why it matters: The sticker shock comes as families are already feeling the pinch from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rising inflation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/01/trump-tariffs-inflation-jobs-report" data-vars-content-id="a94baabf-5bdb-4571-8df2-ce2a7cfc900b" data-vars-headline="Houston parents face pricey back-to-school season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/01/trump-tariffs-inflation-jobs-report" target="_self">rising inflation</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="weakening economic signals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/31/trump-economy" data-vars-content-id="a94baabf-5bdb-4571-8df2-ce2a7cfc900b" data-vars-headline="Houston parents face pricey back-to-school season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/31/trump-economy" target="_self">weakening economic signals</a>, forcing them to shop smarter.

HISD reports no F-rated schools for 1st time

74% of the 273 HISD campuses are now rated A or B, up from 35% before the state takeover in 2023

Two years after the state <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="took control of Houston ISD" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2023/08/22/catch-up-on-hisds-overhaul" data-vars-content-id="3ecf3615-d81c-40ee-bf59-224938771870" data-vars-headline="HISD reports no F-rated schools for 1st time" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2023/08/22/catch-up-on-hisds-overhaul" target="_self">took control of Houston ISD</a>, the district says no student in the district is attending an F-rated school — a first since Texas introduced A–F <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="accountability ratings" data-vars-click-url="https://tea.texas.gov/about-tea/news-and-multimedia/news-releases/news-2025/tea-releases-2023-a-f-accountability-ratings-restoring-public-access-to-school-performance-data" data-vars-content-id="3ecf3615-d81c-40ee-bf59-224938771870" data-vars-headline="HISD reports no F-rated schools for 1st time" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tea.texas.gov/about-tea/news-and-multimedia/news-releases/news-2025/tea-releases-2023-a-f-accountability-ratings-restoring-public-access-to-school-performance-data" target="_blank">accountability ratings</a> in 2018.Why it matters: More students in the state&#x27;s largest district, which has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="about 175,000" data-vars-click-url="https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/education/hisd/article/hisd-student-enrollment-loss-data-20187692.php" data-vars-content-id="3ecf3615-d81c-40ee-bf59-224938771870" data-vars-headline="HISD reports no F-rated schools for 1st time" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/education/hisd/article/hisd-student-enrollment-loss-data-20187692.php" target="_blank">about 175,000</a> pupils, are attending higher-rated schools, including in historically under-resourced neighborhoods.

Rice University expands enrollment and financial aid

Rice University is launching its largest enrollment expansion to date and is investing more than $1.5 billion in financial aid over the next five years.

Rice University is launching its largest enrollment expansion to date, aiming to grow its undergraduate population again and invest more than $1.5 billion in financial aid over the next five years.Why it matters: The move signals a broader push by the elite private university to redefine what it means to be &quot;selective,&quot; prioritizing access and affordability without sacrificing academic rigor or its campus culture.

Feds revoke visas of Texas A&M, UT and Texas Tech students

University officials said they are not aware of any political activism by the students.

U.S. immigration authorities have revoked the visas of roughly 90 international students at several Texas universities.The big picture: The Trump administration has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="revoked the visas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/08/student-visas-revoked-dartmouth-emerson-harvard" data-vars-content-id="6e08aa13-487a-41ad-8ca8-34b19fba10fe" data-vars-headline="Feds revoke visas of Texas A&amp;M, UT and Texas Tech students" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/08/student-visas-revoked-dartmouth-emerson-harvard" target="_self">revoked the visas</a> of nearly 400 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="international students" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/09/mahmoud-khalil-student-visa-revocations" data-vars-content-id="6e08aa13-487a-41ad-8ca8-34b19fba10fe" data-vars-headline="Feds revoke visas of Texas A&amp;M, UT and Texas Tech students" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/09/mahmoud-khalil-student-visa-revocations" target="_self">international students</a> across the country in the last three weeks, linking the effort to the students&#x27; alleged <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="involvement in pro-Palestinian protests last year." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/27/trump-palestinian-hamas-purge-colleges-protests" data-vars-content-id="6e08aa13-487a-41ad-8ca8-34b19fba10fe" data-vars-headline="Feds revoke visas of Texas A&amp;M, UT and Texas Tech students" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/27/trump-palestinian-hamas-purge-colleges-protests" target="_self">involvement in pro-Palestinian protests last year.</a>

Education 📚

Fort Bend ISD offers take-home meals for students observing Ramadan

What to know about HISD's plan to close or consolidate 12 schools

University of Houston-Downtown opens free professional-clothing “Gator Shop”

UHD to guarantee admission to eligible HISD students

Abbott orders Texas agencies, public universities to freeze new H-1B visas