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

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.

How to see the World Cup trophy in Houston

The 18-karat gold trophy will stop in Houston May 2–3 at Helix Park.

Sports

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="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="57c7e980-6a6c-484f-bd05-9f761a6f6e9e" data-vars-headline="How to see the World Cup trophy 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/2025/12/06/fifa-2026-world-cup-houston-schedule-matches" target="_self">FIFA World Cup</a> trophy will make a pit stop in Houston before the matches begin.Why it matters: This is your <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="chance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/23/2026-world-cup-parking-transit-road-trips" data-vars-content-id="57c7e980-6a6c-484f-bd05-9f761a6f6e9e" data-vars-headline="How to see the World Cup trophy in Houston" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/23/2026-world-cup-parking-transit-road-trips" target="_self">chance</a>, especially if you didn&#x27;t score tickets, to be part of the tournament and get close to one of the most recognizable prizes in sports.

A Pasadena native heads to the Winter Olympics

It's Emily Chan's first time qualifying for the Olympics, where she will represent Team USA in the pairs competition.

It&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Winter Olympics" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/30/2026-winter-olympics-ski-mountaineering-womens-events" data-vars-content-id="ca9e71b5-1aa6-42e5-9a87-1a09b9e60331" data-vars-headline="A Pasadena native heads to the Winter Olympics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/30/2026-winter-olympics-ski-mountaineering-womens-events" target="_self">Winter Olympics</a> time — and there&#x27;s a local to root for.State of the rink: Emily Chan, born in Pasadena, Texas, is competing for Team USA in the pairs competition with partner Spencer Akira Howe.

American racer sets Houston Marathon course record

Zouhair Talbi, 30, won the men's race and set a course record with a time of 2:05:45.

Houston&#x27;s marathon race weekend drew more than 30,000 participants and thousands more onlookers Sunday.Why it matters: Serious runners use the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Houston" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston" data-vars-content-id="beb3c815-6378-4a4e-99d1-4aed6bafd157" data-vars-headline="American racer sets Houston Marathon course record" 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> race to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="secure a qualifying time" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chevronhoustonmarathon.com/participants/faq/" data-vars-content-id="beb3c815-6378-4a4e-99d1-4aed6bafd157" data-vars-headline="American racer sets Houston Marathon course record" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chevronhoustonmarathon.com/participants/faq/" target="_blank">secure a qualifying time</a> for bigger races, like the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Boston Marathon" data-vars-click-url="https://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon/qualify/" data-vars-content-id="beb3c815-6378-4a4e-99d1-4aed6bafd157" data-vars-headline="American racer sets Houston Marathon course record" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon/qualify/" target="_blank">Boston Marathon</a>.

Catch up quick on the Houston Texans in the playoffs

Houston is vying for its first-ever Super Bowl bid.

The Houston Texans are one of the hottest teams in the NFL entering the playoffs, hoping to ride their winning streak all the way to the Super Bowl.Why it matters: Houston must first battle the Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7) on Monday in a win-or-go-home matchup in Pennsylvania.

How to Airbnb your Houston home for the 2026 World Cup

Airbnb hosts could see a World Cup payday in Houston

Airbnb is expecting a World Cup boom — and Houston homeowners could cash in. Why it matters: Houston is hosting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="seven matches" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/12/06/fifa-2026-world-cup-houston-schedule-matches" data-vars-content-id="d0584cfc-75fd-4be2-990b-b3f5c09b51c7" data-vars-headline="How to Airbnb your Houston home for the 2026 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">seven matches</a>, drawing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="visitors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/12/11/fifa-world-cup-2026-single-match-tickets" data-vars-content-id="d0584cfc-75fd-4be2-990b-b3f5c09b51c7" data-vars-headline="How to Airbnb your Houston home for the 2026 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/2025/12/11/fifa-world-cup-2026-single-match-tickets" target="_self">visitors</a> from across the globe and pumping money into the local economy.

How to get 2026 FIFA World Cup tickets

The draw is live through Jan. 13 at 10am CT.

FIFA has opened the Random Selection Draw ticketing phase for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup 2026" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/06/2026-fifa-world-cup-schedule" data-vars-content-id="c3ecb4b3-66c4-4e8f-9456-1181124de455" data-vars-headline="How to get 2026 FIFA World Cup tickets" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/06/2026-fifa-world-cup-schedule" target="_self">World Cup 2026</a>, live now through 10am CT on Jan. 13. Why it matters: This is the first time <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/23/2026-world-cup-parking-transit-road-trips" data-vars-content-id="c3ecb4b3-66c4-4e8f-9456-1181124de455" data-vars-headline="How to get 2026 FIFA World Cup tickets" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/23/2026-world-cup-parking-transit-road-trips" target="_self">fans</a> can apply for single-match tickets based on the finalized schedule — who&#x27;s playing, where and when.

2026 FIFA World Cup Houston schedule: Full list of matches and teams

Portugal with Ronaldo set to play at NRG Stadium for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is coming to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Houston" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston" data-vars-content-id="cb5664c2-ecd4-4de4-b30b-b0480e0f4fd9" data-vars-headline="2026 FIFA World Cup Houston schedule: Full list of matches and teams" 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> to play in two World Cup games, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="newly released matchups" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/06/2026-fifa-world-cup-schedule" data-vars-content-id="cb5664c2-ecd4-4de4-b30b-b0480e0f4fd9" data-vars-headline="2026 FIFA World Cup Houston schedule: Full list of matches and teams" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/06/2026-fifa-world-cup-schedule" target="_self">newly released matchups</a> for games to be played next summer across the U.S., Mexico and Canada.Why it matters: The reveal fuels fresh excitement across the city — and kicks off a logistical sprint in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="16 cities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/host-cities" data-vars-content-id="cb5664c2-ecd4-4de4-b30b-b0480e0f4fd9" data-vars-headline="2026 FIFA World Cup Houston schedule: Full list of matches and teams" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/host-cities" target="_blank">16 cities</a> as millions of fans line up flights, match tickets and places to stay.

Rockets and Astros debut first direct-to-consumer streaming app

SCHN+ gives Houston fans a new way to stream games.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Houston Rockets" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/10/21/houston-rockets-kevin-durant-2025-26-season" data-vars-content-id="13e019b2-7208-49b8-b962-98ef2616541d" data-vars-headline="Rockets and Astros debut first direct-to-consumer streaming app" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/10/21/houston-rockets-kevin-durant-2025-26-season" target="_self">Houston Rockets</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Astros" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/09/29/houston-astros-postseason" data-vars-content-id="13e019b2-7208-49b8-b962-98ef2616541d" data-vars-headline="Rockets and Astros debut first direct-to-consumer streaming app" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/09/29/houston-astros-postseason" target="_self">Astros</a> fans can, for the first time, stream games without cable or satellite subscriptions through the new Space City Home Network app, SCHN+.Why it matters: SCHN, the Rockets&#x27; and Astros&#x27; jointly owned regional sports network, was only available through larger cable and satellite providers like DirecTV, Comcast/Xfinity and FuboTV.

Houston in the running to host 2031 Women's World Cup

Houston's history of hosting women's soccer events was cited in the application.

Houston is among U.S. cities included in the U.S. Soccer Federation&#x27;s bid to host the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2031 FIFA Women&#x27;s World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/11/28/charlotte-2031-womens-world-cup-host-bid-fifa-bank-of-america-stadium" data-vars-content-id="f898f866-6a77-48ef-8b6e-6b3e6651d888" data-vars-headline="Houston in the running to host 2031 Women&#x27;s World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/11/28/charlotte-2031-womens-world-cup-host-bid-fifa-bank-of-america-stadium" target="_self">2031 FIFA Women&#x27;s World Cup</a>, per a recent announcement from FIFA.Why it matters: Being a host city for this major international tournament would boost the city&#x27;s economy while adding to Houston&#x27;s long track record of hosting major sporting events.

Texans' playoff hopes intact after Thursday night's victory

Don&#x27;t count the Houston Texans out just yet. Why it matters: After Thursday&#x27;s victory over the Buffalo Bills, Houston is one step closer to a playoff berth after a rocky start to the season.

Sports 🏅

World Cup tickets available for Capital One Venture X Visa cardholders

How to see the World Cup trophy in Houston

A Pasadena native heads to the Winter Olympics

American racer sets Houston Marathon course record

Catch up quick on the Houston Texans in the playoffs