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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.

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.

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.

Houston Rodeo announces concert lineup for 2026

Music

With arms wide open, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/02/28/houston-livestock-show-and-rodeo-2025" data-vars-content-id="7c368801-4507-4fc0-a5f5-1222ec28b331" data-vars-headline="Houston Rodeo announces concert lineup for 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/02/28/houston-livestock-show-and-rodeo-2025" target="_self">Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo</a> will welcome visitors back March 2-22 — and here&#x27;s your first look at which musical talents will grace the Star Stage each night. Driving the news: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Houston" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston" data-vars-content-id="7c368801-4507-4fc0-a5f5-1222ec28b331" data-vars-headline="Houston Rodeo announces concert lineup for 2026" 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> Rodeo announced its slate of entertainers Thursday.

Spotify: Houston's top songs of 2025

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

Culture

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.

Bun B to perform Trill Unplugged anniversary show

The rapper will take the stage Oct. 18 at House of Blues.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Houston rapper Bun B" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2023/06/07/bun-b-trill-burgers-houston" data-vars-content-id="eeef80e1-c898-4175-9748-cf20d7a5073a" data-vars-headline="Bun B to perform Trill Unplugged anniversary show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2023/06/07/bun-b-trill-burgers-houston" target="_self">Houston rapper Bun B</a> will perform unplugged Oct. 18 at House of Blues to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his solo debut album.Why it matters: Trill Unplugged promises raw performances from the album and candid reflections from the rapper as he retraces the steps of his career since the album was released.

Why America plays a Russian tune on Independence Day

Enjoying the piece requires a little cognitive dissonance.

I&#x27;ve long been a fan of Tchaikovsky&#x27;s &quot;1812 Overture&quot; but was always intrigued about its relevance on America&#x27;s Independence Day.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a staple for Fourth of July celebrations nationwide despite its roots in a major Russian military victory.