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Whitmire counters Abbott's airport funding threat

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport canceled plans for an ablution facility.

News

After Gov. Greg Abbott threatened to withhold grant funding for Dallas and Houston airports over <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="religious washing facilities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2024/02/22/ritual-washing-and-prayer-rooms-iah" data-vars-content-id="837bc31d-ecc6-4acf-8e9c-ad62bc86f278" data-vars-headline="Whitmire counters Abbott&#x27;s airport funding threat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2024/02/22/ritual-washing-and-prayer-rooms-iah" target="_self">religious washing facilities</a> used by Muslim travelers, Mayor John Whitmire said Monday that the ablution room at George Bush Intercontinental Airport was built without city taxpayer dollars.Why it matters: The airport dispute is the latest example of Abbott using the threat of withholding state funds to push Texas cities to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="change local policies and procedures" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/04/22/houston-police-ice-ordinance-whitmire-abbott" data-vars-content-id="837bc31d-ecc6-4acf-8e9c-ad62bc86f278" data-vars-headline="Whitmire counters Abbott&#x27;s airport funding threat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/04/22/houston-police-ice-ordinance-whitmire-abbott" target="_self">change local policies and procedures</a>.

Violent crime continues to fall in Houston

Violent crime also declined in Houston, continuing an improvement the city has seen in the past couple of years

Homicides and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="other violent crimes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/11/big-city-homicides-decline-2026" data-vars-content-id="a0aa482f-39ea-4ff3-908c-f7ca49a01ea0" data-vars-headline="Violent crime continues to fall in Houston" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/11/big-city-homicides-decline-2026" target="_self">other violent crimes</a> fell across the country and in Houston through the first half of this year, according to preliminary data reviewed by Axios.The big picture: Homicides are down by a sharp 38% in Houston, according to data compiled by the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA)" data-vars-click-url="https://majorcitieschiefs.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/MCCA-Violent-Crime-Report-2026-and-2025-Midyear.pdf" data-vars-content-id="a0aa482f-39ea-4ff3-908c-f7ca49a01ea0" data-vars-headline="Violent crime continues to fall in Houston" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://majorcitieschiefs.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/MCCA-Violent-Crime-Report-2026-and-2025-Midyear.pdf" target="_blank">Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA)</a>. Houston recorded 95 homicides in the first half of 2026, down from 154 during the same period last year.

Houston's first LGBTQ+ emergency shelter for teens to open

The shelter will give queer homeless and runaway teens ages 15 to 17 a temporary place to stay.

Houston is opening its first LGBTQ+-affirming emergency shelter for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homeless" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/02/26/houston-begins-2026-annual-homeless-count" data-vars-content-id="f0f2a53f-b100-47b5-b8be-7a4e82a31635" data-vars-headline="Houston&#x27;s first LGBTQ+ emergency shelter for teens to open" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/02/26/houston-begins-2026-annual-homeless-count" target="_self">homeless</a> teens to stay temporarily. Why it matters: Teens have few shelter options, especially <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="queer-friendly" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2026/07/09/leaving-texas-isn-t-so-simple-for-lgbtq-residents" data-vars-content-id="f0f2a53f-b100-47b5-b8be-7a4e82a31635" data-vars-headline="Houston&#x27;s first LGBTQ+ emergency shelter for teens to open" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2026/07/09/leaving-texas-isn-t-so-simple-for-lgbtq-residents" target="_self">queer-friendly</a> ones, when they leave or are kicked out of an unsafe home, Grace Place executive director Courtney Sellers tells Axios.

Houston's hot August continues

Houston&#x27;s August <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="heat" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/07/20/houston-weather-100-degrees" data-vars-content-id="83cb3f1e-042e-4034-b514-3a687385f71f" data-vars-headline="Houston&#x27;s hot August continues" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/07/20/houston-weather-100-degrees" target="_self">heat</a> isn&#x27;t letting up.The big picture: The month has been a bit warmer than normal, and highs are nearing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="100 degrees" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/07/29/houston-heat-health-ems-calls" data-vars-content-id="83cb3f1e-042e-4034-b514-3a687385f71f" data-vars-headline="Houston&#x27;s hot August continues" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/07/29/houston-heat-health-ems-calls" target="_self">100 degrees</a> this week, with triple-digit heat indexes expected through the weekend.

Houston events lineup: Aug. 24-27

Things to Do

Here&#x27;s what&#x27;s happening in Houston this week.🛶 Play with bumper boats at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Discovery Green" data-vars-click-url="https://www.discoverygreen.com/signature-experiences/boats/" data-vars-content-id="c547cc89-354f-4b86-81d4-23b49f73a57c" data-vars-headline="Houston events lineup: Aug. 24-27" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.discoverygreen.com/signature-experiences/boats/" target="_blank">Discovery Green</a>.

BOGO Houston Theater Week returns

See ballets, plays and concerts, including "Romeo and Juliet" and Disney's "The Little Mermaid."

Houston Theater Week starts Monday, offering buy-one-get-one-free ticket deals to nearly 400 shows during the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2026-27 theater season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/03/27/houston-2026-2027-theater-season" data-vars-content-id="a4f8e3e7-ad66-4e24-83f5-0de9cec30503" data-vars-headline="BOGO Houston Theater Week returns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/03/27/houston-2026-2027-theater-season" target="_self">2026-27 theater season</a>. Why it matters: The fifth annual weeklong event gives Houstonians discounted access to 21 organizations — from major productions at Performing Arts Houston to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="local shows" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/08/05/aerial-roots-theatre-houston-south-asian-stories-nice-indian-boy" data-vars-content-id="a4f8e3e7-ad66-4e24-83f5-0de9cec30503" data-vars-headline="BOGO Houston Theater Week returns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/08/05/aerial-roots-theatre-houston-south-asian-stories-nice-indian-boy" target="_self">local shows</a> at 4th Wall Theatre Company — showcasing theater, opera, dance, music and more across the city.

Things to do in Houston from Aug. 20-23

Bat bike ride, "Heated Rivalry" and "Twilight" dance party and art openings.

🧺 Bring your picnic blanket and play Bingo Thursday night at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Market Square Park" data-vars-click-url="https://downtownhouston.org/do/blanket-bingo" data-vars-content-id="4079fdb8-f7c6-4214-8e62-57237c8d582d" data-vars-headline="Things to do in Houston from Aug. 20-23" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://downtownhouston.org/do/blanket-bingo" target="_blank">Market Square Park</a>.<ul><li>6-9pm. $10.</li></ul>

Where to find local produce in Houston amid cyclosporiasis outbreak

The outbreak is straining Americans' trust in the food safety system.

Some shoppers are trying to get locally grown food as a preventive measure amid the ongoing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cyclosporiasis outbreak" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/07/10/cyclosporiasis-cases-confirmed-in-houston" data-vars-content-id="9a2e1eaf-d885-469a-bffa-9c519f0f240f" data-vars-headline="Where to find local produce in Houston amid cyclosporiasis outbreak" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/07/10/cyclosporiasis-cases-confirmed-in-houston" target="_self">cyclosporiasis outbreak</a>.Why it matters: The outbreak is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="straining Americans&#x27; trust" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/29/cyclospora-lettuce-outbreak-food-safety-threat" data-vars-content-id="9a2e1eaf-d885-469a-bffa-9c519f0f240f" data-vars-headline="Where to find local produce in Houston amid cyclosporiasis outbreak" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/29/cyclospora-lettuce-outbreak-food-safety-threat" target="_self">straining Americans&#x27; trust</a> in the food safety system, leading to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="downturn in sales and a reputation hit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/17/taco-bell-diarrhea-outbreak-lettuce-cyclosporiasis" data-vars-content-id="9a2e1eaf-d885-469a-bffa-9c519f0f240f" data-vars-headline="Where to find local produce in Houston amid cyclosporiasis outbreak" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/17/taco-bell-diarrhea-outbreak-lettuce-cyclosporiasis" target="_self">downturn in sales and a reputation hit</a> for big businesses and farms. But knowing where your produce comes from can <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reduce your risk of infection" data-vars-click-url="https://clay.ces.ncsu.edu/news/more-reasons-to-grow-your-own-food-or-buy-local/" data-vars-content-id="9a2e1eaf-d885-469a-bffa-9c519f0f240f" data-vars-headline="Where to find local produce in Houston amid cyclosporiasis outbreak" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://clay.ces.ncsu.edu/news/more-reasons-to-grow-your-own-food-or-buy-local/" target="_blank">reduce your risk of infection</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="experts say" data-vars-click-url="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2026/07/16/vegetables-fruit-farmers-market-gardens-cyclosporiasis-risk/90928457007/" data-vars-content-id="9a2e1eaf-d885-469a-bffa-9c519f0f240f" data-vars-headline="Where to find local produce in Houston amid cyclosporiasis outbreak" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2026/07/16/vegetables-fruit-farmers-market-gardens-cyclosporiasis-risk/90928457007/" target="_blank">experts say</a> — even if it&#x27;s not guaranteed.

Houston Restaurant Weeks is here

Hundreds of participating restaurants will have fixed menu prices: $25 for brunch or lunch and $39 or $55 for dinner.

Houston Restaurant Weeks kicked off this weekend, providing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="meal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/food-and-drink" data-vars-content-id="d5d5a6e4-e937-4022-95d0-c8cede3ff0be" data-vars-headline="Houston Restaurant Weeks is here" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/food-and-drink" target="_self">meal</a> deals and an opportunity to give back amidst the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="city&#x27;s growing food insecurity" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/08/05/food-insecurity-climbs-across-the-houston-region" data-vars-content-id="d5d5a6e4-e937-4022-95d0-c8cede3ff0be" data-vars-headline="Houston Restaurant Weeks is here" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/08/05/food-insecurity-climbs-across-the-houston-region" target="_self">city&#x27;s growing food insecurity</a>.Why it matters: It&#x27;s the largest fundraiser for the Houston Food Bank.

Purple martin watch parties are here

Thousands of purple martins are swirling over Houston before their migration to South America.

Grab your binoculars — and umbrellas. Purple martins are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="back in Houston" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2023/08/02/purple-martins-bird-migration-houston" data-vars-content-id="9e1c089a-468d-4408-a99b-a8e20ed9431b" data-vars-headline="Purple martin watch parties are here" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2023/08/02/purple-martins-bird-migration-houston" target="_self">back in Houston</a> for their fall migration.Why it matters: Each summer, the swallows spend time in the Houston area as they prepare to migrate to South America. Flocks of bird enthusiasts regularly gather to watch the birds&#x27; swirling dance in the sky before they settle into their roost at dusk.

Memorial City ice rink closure delayed as Houston nonprofit plans replacement

Memorial City Ice Rink will stay open through Dec. 14, giving a nonprofit time to pursue a new community rink.

A newly formed nonprofit says it finally has some breathing room to pursue its goal of building a year-round community <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ice rink" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2023/07/14/houston-ice-skating-rinks" data-vars-content-id="3b8c7b21-9f6d-43e6-8492-5c6e70cf8a4b" data-vars-headline="Memorial City ice rink closure delayed as Houston nonprofit plans replacement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2023/07/14/houston-ice-skating-rinks" target="_self">ice rink</a> for Houston.Why it matters: After months of pushback from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="skaters and hockey players" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/27/team-usa-2026-winter-olympics-milano-cortina" data-vars-content-id="3b8c7b21-9f6d-43e6-8492-5c6e70cf8a4b" data-vars-headline="Memorial City ice rink closure delayed as Houston nonprofit plans replacement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/27/team-usa-2026-winter-olympics-milano-cortina" target="_self">skaters and hockey players</a>, MetroNational is delaying the closure of the ice rink at Memorial City Mall from July 31 to Dec. 14.

New $50M Houston park will honor victims of racial terror

The park will include gardens, public art, an amphitheater, historical exhibits and gathering spaces along the bayou.

A new $50 million downtown park will honor victims of racial terror and tell the city&#x27;s history of enslavement.Driving the news: Plans for Remembrance Park, a three-block public space along Buffalo Bayou, were unveiled last month.

How well do you know 713?

Can you claim 713 as your identity? Take our quiz and find out.

The 713 area code has grown into a symbol of Houston itself, so much so that we celebrate it on July 13. Why it matters: 713 is a point of pride, thanks to hometown artists like<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" Lil&#x27; Keke " data-vars-click-url="https://www.houstoniamag.com/news-and-city-life/2025/07/houston-713-day-lil-keke-hip-hop-event" data-vars-content-id="066bf3e6-6d6c-4555-856b-934f4ae1c3d3" data-vars-headline="How well do you know 713?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.houstoniamag.com/news-and-city-life/2025/07/houston-713-day-lil-keke-hip-hop-event" target="_blank"> Lil&#x27; Keke </a>who helped cement that identity, making the numbers synonymous with H-Town.

Houston's guide to America's 250th anniversary weekend

Here are our favorite shows, celebrations and giveaways.

Houston is gearing up for a lively July Fourth as America celebrates its 250th anniversary.The big picture: From a World Cup knockout match to Freedom Over Texas, with its spectacular fireworks display, here are our favorite shows, celebrations and giveaways.

Things to Do 🗓

Houston events lineup: Aug. 24-27

BOGO Houston Theater Week returns

Things to do in Houston from Aug. 20-23

What to do in Houston from Aug. 17-21

Where to find local produce in Houston amid cyclosporiasis outbreak