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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.

Houston law enforcement say they're ready for the World Cup

Houston expects roughly 500,000 visitors for seven matches at NRG Stadium.

Houston has secured $64.7 million in federal funds for<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" 2026 FIFA World Cup " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/12/06/fifa-2026-world-cup-houston-schedule-matches" data-vars-content-id="cef4a5d7-8044-430b-9ea7-a8ecfac56df3" data-vars-headline="Houston law enforcement say they&#x27;re ready for the World Cup" 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"> 2026 FIFA World Cup </a>security plans, and local officials say the city is ready and confident with the security measures that will be in place.Why it matters: Houston expects roughly 500,000 visitors for seven matches at NRG Stadium, plus a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="39-day Fan Fest in East Downtown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fwc26houston.com/fifafanfestivalhou" data-vars-content-id="cef4a5d7-8044-430b-9ea7-a8ecfac56df3" data-vars-headline="Houston law enforcement say they&#x27;re ready for the World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fwc26houston.com/fifafanfestivalhou" target="_blank">39-day Fan Fest in East Downtown</a>, all starting in about two months.

Houston's energy industry looks to benefit from Iran war

Yes, but: The higher crude oil prices are hurting consumers at the pump.

Houston&#x27;s energy industry is poised to benefit from the war in Iran amid supply chain disruptions, a Rice University economist tells <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston" data-vars-content-id="ecb71111-7089-4201-aba3-f4e979a69c72" data-vars-headline="Houston&#x27;s energy industry looks to benefit from Iran war" 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">Axios</a>, even as Houston-area consumers face pain at the pump. Why it matters: The region&#x27;s engineering and logistics expertise &quot;is set up to be able to flex ... and capitalize where possible on those shifts,&quot; says Kenneth Medlock, energy and resource economist at Rice&#x27;s Baker Institute. &quot;It&#x27;s why this region, economically, has been so vibrant for such a long time.&quot;

Menefee and Green headed for a runoff in Houston's 18th Congressional District

Green ran in a new district after his district was redrawn to favor Republicans.

Politics & Policy

U.S. Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Christian Menefee" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/02/02/christian-menefee-congress-primary-al-green" data-vars-content-id="2c017b05-b183-43c9-98a2-51bedff581f7" data-vars-headline="Menefee and Green headed for a runoff in Houston&#x27;s 18th Congressional District" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/02/02/christian-menefee-congress-primary-al-green" target="_self">Christian Menefee</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rep. Al Green" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/26/al-green-censure-state-of-the-union-protest" data-vars-content-id="2c017b05-b183-43c9-98a2-51bedff581f7" data-vars-headline="Menefee and Green headed for a runoff in Houston&#x27;s 18th Congressional District" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/26/al-green-censure-state-of-the-union-protest" target="_self">Rep. Al Green</a> are headed for a runoff in the Democratic primary in a redrawn Houston-area district, the Associated Press projects. The big picture: With no candidate topping 50%, the race is headed to a May runoff — setting up a high-stakes showdown between Menefee and Green. For Green, who was first elected in 2004, the stakes are steep after he decided to run in the 18th District when lawmakers redrew his old seat to tilt Republican.

No clear winners in Harris County judge primaries

Both parties will head to May runoffs to decide their nominees for Harris County judge, based on unofficial election results.

The top two finishers in the Democratic and Republican primary for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Harris County judge" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/02/17/the-harris-county-judge-races-crowded-field" data-vars-content-id="ece538b1-11f3-4e8f-870a-1e98402ac8b0" data-vars-headline="No clear winners in Harris County judge primaries" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/02/17/the-harris-county-judge-races-crowded-field" target="_self">Harris County judge</a> are headed for May runoffs after no candidate passed the 50% threshold, according to unofficial election results on Wednesday. Why it matters: The race will determine who succeeds Judge Lina Hidalgo, as Republicans push to reclaim control of the nation&#x27;s third-largest county.

Democrats have cast more ballots than Republicans in Harris County primaries

More than 192,400 Harris County voters had cast ballots in person or via mail during early voting as of Tuesday.

More <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Harris County voters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/02/17/the-harris-county-judge-races-crowded-field" data-vars-content-id="3dfd922e-d99f-489e-9fb9-f2fc2b68d8f1" data-vars-headline="Democrats have cast more ballots than Republicans in Harris County primaries" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/02/17/the-harris-county-judge-races-crowded-field" target="_self">Harris County voters</a> have cast ballots in the Democratic primary than in the Republican primary during early voting.Why it matters: High Democratic <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="turnout" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/11/06/stat-du-jour-november-2025-voter-turnout" data-vars-content-id="3dfd922e-d99f-489e-9fb9-f2fc2b68d8f1" data-vars-headline="Democrats have cast more ballots than Republicans in Harris County primaries" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/11/06/stat-du-jour-november-2025-voter-turnout" target="_self">turnout</a> in March could signal greater Democratic turnout in the November midterm election.

Parker, Sanchez lead in Harris County judge primaries, per UH poll

Voters started casting ballots Tuesday for the Republican and Democratic primaries.

A new poll by the University of Houston indicates a majority of Republican primary voters (54%) are still undecided on who to pick for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Harris County judge" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/02/17/the-harris-county-judge-races-crowded-field" data-vars-content-id="5cb9f23f-5422-4e91-b246-a624436fb6fd" data-vars-headline="Parker, Sanchez lead in Harris County judge primaries, per UH poll" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/02/17/the-harris-county-judge-races-crowded-field" target="_self">Harris County judge</a>. Why it matters: Voters started casting ballots Tuesday for the March Republican and Democratic primaries.

The Harris County judge race's crowded field

With no incumbent on the ballot, both parties see an opening in a county that was previously Republican for decades.

The race for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Harris County" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/07/25/harris-county-voters-crime-roads-county-judge-poll" data-vars-content-id="7e35fbc8-09d1-4441-88a2-1429fd202021" data-vars-headline="The Harris County judge race&#x27;s crowded field" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/07/25/harris-county-voters-crime-roads-county-judge-poll" target="_self">Harris County</a> judge is wide open, with a crowded field from both parties vying to lead county government.Why it matters: After eight years under Judge Lina Hidalgo — who flipped the seat in 2018 and led the county through hurricanes and COVID — voters will choose who runs the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nation&#x27;s third-largest county" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/03/13/harris-county-second-largest-county-by-population-houston-migration-boom" data-vars-content-id="7e35fbc8-09d1-4441-88a2-1429fd202021" data-vars-headline="The Harris County judge race&#x27;s crowded field" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/03/13/harris-county-second-largest-county-by-population-houston-migration-boom" target="_self">nation&#x27;s third-largest county</a>, overseeing a multibillion-dollar budget, disaster response and core public services.

9 Republicans hope to cash in on Houston's redrawn House seat

Six <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Democrats" data-vars-click-url="https://hctxdnnstg.blob.core.windows.net/harrisvotes/prd/SampleBallot/2026/1-31/0326_DEM_Yellow%20Sample%20Ballot_ENG_SPA%20for%20Website%20Posting.pdf?sv=2017-04-17&amp;sr=b&amp;si=DNNFileManagerPolicy&amp;sig=Rq2eq7WtsZG2msKbTuSWK7wiw9dOfDh%2BqmpUwhF9MLM%3D" data-vars-content-id="77b56eab-4b7b-4c34-a7e8-47c66f73c1de" data-vars-headline="9 Republicans hope to cash in on Houston&#x27;s redrawn House seat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://hctxdnnstg.blob.core.windows.net/harrisvotes/prd/SampleBallot/2026/1-31/0326_DEM_Yellow%20Sample%20Ballot_ENG_SPA%20for%20Website%20Posting.pdf?sv=2017-04-17&amp;sr=b&amp;si=DNNFileManagerPolicy&amp;sig=Rq2eq7WtsZG2msKbTuSWK7wiw9dOfDh%2BqmpUwhF9MLM%3D" target="_blank">Democrats</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nine Republicans" data-vars-click-url="https://hctxdnnstg.blob.core.windows.net/harrisvotes/prd/SampleBallot/2026/1-31/0326_REP_Yellow%20Sample%20Ballot_ENG_SPA%20for%20Website%20Posting.pdf?sv=2017-04-17&amp;sr=b&amp;si=DNNFileManagerPolicy&amp;sig=W6e2%2BSkNdCuW2DuWpvD3V3Hxx1OFRVSIi0Z0k0g3o6I%3D" data-vars-content-id="77b56eab-4b7b-4c34-a7e8-47c66f73c1de" data-vars-headline="9 Republicans hope to cash in on Houston&#x27;s redrawn House seat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://hctxdnnstg.blob.core.windows.net/harrisvotes/prd/SampleBallot/2026/1-31/0326_REP_Yellow%20Sample%20Ballot_ENG_SPA%20for%20Website%20Posting.pdf?sv=2017-04-17&amp;sr=b&amp;si=DNNFileManagerPolicy&amp;sig=W6e2%2BSkNdCuW2DuWpvD3V3Hxx1OFRVSIi0Z0k0g3o6I%3D" target="_blank">nine Republicans</a> are vying for a Houston congressional seat that may go to the GOP for the first time in 30 years.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Harris County residents" data-vars-click-url="https://www.harrisvotes.com/" data-vars-content-id="77b56eab-4b7b-4c34-a7e8-47c66f73c1de" data-vars-headline="9 Republicans hope to cash in on Houston&#x27;s redrawn House seat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.harrisvotes.com/" target="_blank">Harris County residents</a> on Tuesday will start casting votes to determine the candidates on the November midterm ballot for Houston&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="9th Congressional District" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/08/27/texas-redistricting-black-latino-vote-representation-lawsuits" data-vars-content-id="77b56eab-4b7b-4c34-a7e8-47c66f73c1de" data-vars-headline="9 Republicans hope to cash in on Houston&#x27;s redrawn House seat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/08/27/texas-redistricting-black-latino-vote-representation-lawsuits" target="_self">9th Congressional District</a>, which is currently represented by Democrat Al Green.

Menefee elected to Congress as eyes shift to midterm primary

Houstonians have gone without representation in Washington for nearly a year.

Democrat Christian Menefee is ready to hit the ground running as Houston&#x27;s newest congressman after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="winning" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/01/mike-johnson-texas-special-election-menefee" data-vars-content-id="dad70abe-3100-4c71-b55f-f3ccd0fe0c69" data-vars-headline="Menefee elected to Congress as eyes shift to midterm primary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/01/mike-johnson-texas-special-election-menefee" target="_self">winning</a> Saturday&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="special election" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/01/21/houston-special-election-sylvester-turner" data-vars-content-id="dad70abe-3100-4c71-b55f-f3ccd0fe0c69" data-vars-headline="Menefee elected to Congress as eyes shift to midterm primary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/01/21/houston-special-election-sylvester-turner" target="_self">special election</a>. Why it matters: Menefee&#x27;s swearing-in is now up to House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana).

Politics 🇺🇸

Houston law enforcement say they're ready for the World Cup

Rising mortgage rates hit U.S. — but Houston has a buffer

James Talarico's Austin church beefs up security

Texas primaries test GOP redistricting strategy

Houston's energy industry looks to benefit from Iran war