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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 Art Car Parade, premier bike ride are this weekend

Festivities will draw thousands from across the region to downtown starting Friday.

Things to Do

Downtown will be popping this weekend with a pair of distinctly Houston events.Why it matters: Festivities surrounding the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Art Car Parade" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/04/10/art-cart-parade-houston-2025" data-vars-content-id="ca8986ed-8687-41f6-9fdf-26bf63420a18" data-vars-headline="Houston Art Car Parade, premier bike ride are this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/04/10/art-cart-parade-houston-2025" target="_self">Art Car Parade</a> and Tour de Houston will draw thousands from across the region to downtown starting Friday.

What to know about Houston's 2026-27 theater season

Local stages are set for a mix of classic titles, new work, comedy and drama.

Houston&#x27;s theater companies are unveiling their lineups for next season — a mix of classics, experimental works, comedies and dramas.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Season announcements" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/03/28/what-to-know-about-the-2025-2026-theater-season" data-vars-content-id="36da78e9-6df6-42df-b31e-17845755273e" data-vars-headline="What to know about Houston&#x27;s 2026-27 theater season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/03/28/what-to-know-about-the-2025-2026-theater-season" target="_self">Season announcements</a> double as a sales push, helping theaters secure subscribers and steady revenue ahead of the fall, while giving audiences a way to lock in tickets and preferred seating.

Houston's Buffalo Bayou Cistern turns 100 this year

The cistern was built in 1926 to store drinking water for the growing city.

The Buffalo Bayou Cistern turns 100 this year.Why it matters: Houston&#x27;s historic underground reservoir is lively as ever with new investments restoring the space for decades to come.

Your guide to the 2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

The annual event becomes the center of the Houston universe for three weeks.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/01/09/houston-rodeo-concert-2026-lineup" data-vars-content-id="3d9e7204-03d9-4382-9c79-8165f001d71f" data-vars-headline="Your guide to the 2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/01/09/houston-rodeo-concert-2026-lineup" target="_self">2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo</a> kicks off Monday.Why it matters: The annual event becomes the center of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Houston" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston" data-vars-content-id="3d9e7204-03d9-4382-9c79-8165f001d71f" data-vars-headline="Your guide to the 2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo" 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> universe for three weeks.

Houston's premiere barbecue cook-off is happening now

It's the ultimate pregame to rodeo season.

Food and Drink

The World&#x27;s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest is happening now ahead of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rodeo Houston" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/01/09/houston-rodeo-concert-2026-lineup" data-vars-content-id="4860b792-b94b-4280-a447-b2055ebdc3ec" data-vars-headline="Houston&#x27;s premiere barbecue cook-off is happening now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/01/09/houston-rodeo-concert-2026-lineup" target="_self">Rodeo Houston</a>. Why it matters: It&#x27;s the ultimate pregame to rodeo season.

Tender and funny, "English" at the Alley hits close to home

"English" shows what many non-native English speakers — or anyone learning a new language — wrestle with.

Alley Theatre is running the Pulitzer Prize-winning play &quot;English&quot; for the next couple of weeks — and it&#x27;s beautiful, funny at times and both heartwarming and heartbreaking.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="play" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/03/28/what-to-know-about-the-2025-2026-theater-season" data-vars-content-id="db69e910-dd58-4bad-9aa7-71ad9afcee53" data-vars-headline="Tender and funny, &quot;English&quot; at the Alley hits close to home" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/03/28/what-to-know-about-the-2025-2026-theater-season" target="_self">play</a> delves into the core of what many non-native <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="English speakers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/28/trump-executive-order-english-official-language" data-vars-content-id="db69e910-dd58-4bad-9aa7-71ad9afcee53" data-vars-headline="Tender and funny, &quot;English&quot; at the Alley hits close to home" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/28/trump-executive-order-english-official-language" target="_self">English speakers</a> — or anyone learning a new language — wrestle with: the cost of shifting identities and living between two tongues.

Free pop-up weddings this Valentine's Day

From bookshelves to City Hall steps, Houston couples are making Valentine's Day their wedding day.

Culture

This Valentine&#x27;s Day, many Houston-area couples are saying the big &quot;I do&quot; at free pop-up weddings.Why it matters: As <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="microweddings continue to gain traction" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/29/small-wedding-price-benefits" data-vars-content-id="8203252d-8d27-47a1-b09a-c7b6558fefb8" data-vars-headline="Free pop-up weddings this Valentine&#x27;s Day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/29/small-wedding-price-benefits" target="_self">microweddings continue to gain traction</a>, these one-day elopement venues offer an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="affordable" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2023/06/12/houston-weddings-price" data-vars-content-id="8203252d-8d27-47a1-b09a-c7b6558fefb8" data-vars-headline="Free pop-up weddings this Valentine&#x27;s Day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2023/06/12/houston-weddings-price" target="_self">affordable</a>, lower-stress way to get married, keeping weddings light and fun.

Name a cockroach after your ex

This Houston museum turns heartbreak into a hissing cockroach.

Heartbroken? The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Houston Museum of Natural Science" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2024/01/30/houston-museum-of-natural-science-free-admission" data-vars-content-id="8e243ee5-660a-4417-8572-c109d090b9a8" data-vars-headline="Name a cockroach after your ex" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2024/01/30/houston-museum-of-natural-science-free-admission" target="_self">Houston Museum of Natural Science</a> offers a humorous form of catharsis: Name a hissing cockroach after your ex. The big picture: HMNS&#x27; annual &quot;Endless Love&quot; runs through Feb. 14, inviting visitors to name a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cockroach" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/02/09/san-antonio-zoo-roaches-valentines-day" data-vars-content-id="8e243ee5-660a-4417-8572-c109d090b9a8" data-vars-headline="Name a cockroach after your ex" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/02/09/san-antonio-zoo-roaches-valentines-day" target="_self">cockroach</a> housed at the Heartbreak Motel — because, as the museum puts it, &quot;nothing makes a heartbeat faster than a roach.&quot;

Where to watch Oscar-nominated films in Houston

The River Oaks Theatre and the Museum of Fine Arts are among the venues screening the nominated films.

Want to see an Oscar-nominated film on the big screen? Here&#x27;s when and where to see them in Houston. Why it matters: Awards season hits differently on a big screen.

Meet the Houston chef on Season 23 of "Top Chef"

Known for modern Indian cooking that plays with global classics, he's already a "Chopped" winner.

Acclaimed Houston chef and restaurateur Jaspratap &quot;Jassi&quot; Bindra will be on the newest season of &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Top Chef" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/01/29/top-chef-north-carolina-chefs" data-vars-content-id="54d2e7a8-e87f-4ce5-a441-b4510f6ffe53" data-vars-headline="Meet the Houston chef on Season 23 of &quot;Top Chef&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/01/29/top-chef-north-carolina-chefs" target="_self">Top Chef</a>,&quot; premiering March 9.How it works: 15 chefs compete for a grand prize of $250,000, plus other perks like the opportunity to host a dinner at the historic James Beard House and present at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="awards ceremony" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/01/21/2026-james-beard-semifinalists" data-vars-content-id="54d2e7a8-e87f-4ce5-a441-b4510f6ffe53" data-vars-headline="Meet the Houston chef on Season 23 of &quot;Top Chef&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/01/21/2026-james-beard-semifinalists" target="_self">awards ceremony</a> in Chicago.

Things to Do 🗓

Houston Art Car Parade, premier bike ride are this weekend

Things to do in Houston for the weekend of April 10-12

Explore local bookstores during the third annual Houston Bookstore Crawl

Stop at this desert deli during your next trip to Marfa

Things to do in Houston this weekend April 3-5