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Garden Oaks Theater to be saved from demolition

The nearly 80-year-old theater had been slated for demolition.

News

Arthouse Houston says it is moving forward with purchasing the historic <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Garden Oaks Theater" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/04/03/garden-oaks-theater-arthouse-houston-fundraising-save-demolition" data-vars-content-id="2bfb9ada-23bb-448c-8644-794d1c28ff4f" data-vars-headline="Garden Oaks Theater to be saved from demolition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/04/03/garden-oaks-theater-arthouse-houston-fundraising-save-demolition" target="_self">Garden Oaks Theater</a> after Labor Day.Why it matters: The deal would preserve the nearly 80-year-old cinema and pave the way for a new arts and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="film" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/10/10/movies-houston-incentive-hollywood" data-vars-content-id="2bfb9ada-23bb-448c-8644-794d1c28ff4f" data-vars-headline="Garden Oaks Theater to be saved from demolition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/10/10/movies-houston-incentive-hollywood" target="_self">film</a> center.

Tropical storm heads toward Southeast Texas

Tropical Storm Edouard is expected to make landfall along the upper Texas coast Tuesday evening

Heavy rain from a tropical storm could bring flooding to parts of the Houston area Tuesday and Wednesday morning.The big picture: Tropical Storm Edouard is expected to make landfall along the upper Texas coast Tuesday evening, per the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="National Hurricane Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/refresh/MIATCPAT5+shtml/311751.shtml" data-vars-content-id="89da7a8d-1a1f-47cc-881f-6c0b7418e16b" data-vars-headline="Tropical storm heads toward Southeast Texas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/refresh/MIATCPAT5+shtml/311751.shtml" target="_blank">National Hurricane Center</a>.

Houston students pedal to school on bike bus

On Friday mornings, dozens of Poe Elementary families are getting to school on two wheels.

Culture

On Fridays, dozens of kids and parents at Poe Elementary School trade the school drop-off line for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bikes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/07/23/houston-ranks-low-for-walking-and-bike-travel-new-report-finds" data-vars-content-id="adfb3306-0ef3-4cf0-895d-4558017b4ece" data-vars-headline="Houston students pedal to school on bike bus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/07/23/houston-ranks-low-for-walking-and-bike-travel-new-report-finds" target="_self">bikes</a>, part of a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="growing &quot;bike bus&quot; movement across the country" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/08/06/chicago-bike-bus-school-commute-pickup-traffic-family-biking" data-vars-content-id="adfb3306-0ef3-4cf0-895d-4558017b4ece" data-vars-headline="Houston students pedal to school on bike bus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/08/06/chicago-bike-bus-school-commute-pickup-traffic-family-biking" target="_self">growing &quot;bike bus&quot; movement across the country</a>.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bike buses" data-vars-click-url="https://bikebus.world/" data-vars-content-id="adfb3306-0ef3-4cf0-895d-4558017b4ece" data-vars-headline="Houston students pedal to school on bike bus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bikebus.world/" target="_blank">Bike buses</a> — organized groups of children and adults who bike to school together — are bringing back a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="once-common way" data-vars-click-url="http://guide.saferoutesinfo.org/introduction/the_decline_of_walking_and_bicycling.cfm" data-vars-content-id="adfb3306-0ef3-4cf0-895d-4558017b4ece" data-vars-headline="Houston students pedal to school on bike bus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://guide.saferoutesinfo.org/introduction/the_decline_of_walking_and_bicycling.cfm" target="_blank">once-common way</a> of getting to school, while giving kids exercise, independence and a little fun before the first bell.

UH report: Texas is at the center of the U.S. electricity demand boom

What happens in Texas could preview how the rest of the country handles growing power needs.

After decades of relatively flat electricity demand, the U.S. is entering a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data-center-fueled power boom" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/23/greg-abbott-texas-data-centers-ai-backlash" data-vars-content-id="d05b8711-f6d5-415d-b512-69605c389f43" data-vars-headline="UH report: Texas is at the center of the U.S. electricity demand boom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/23/greg-abbott-texas-data-centers-ai-backlash" target="_self">data-center-fueled power boom</a> — and Texas is at the center of it, per a<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" new University of Houston report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.uh.edu/energy/_docs/_papers-reports/growing-the-us-electricity-system.pdf" data-vars-content-id="d05b8711-f6d5-415d-b512-69605c389f43" data-vars-headline="UH report: Texas is at the center of the U.S. electricity demand boom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.uh.edu/energy/_docs/_papers-reports/growing-the-us-electricity-system.pdf" target="_blank"> new University of Houston report</a>. Why it matters: What happens in Texas could offer an early look at how the rest of the country <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="adapts to the growing power needs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/19/ai-power-data-center-electricity-construction" data-vars-content-id="d05b8711-f6d5-415d-b512-69605c389f43" data-vars-headline="UH report: Texas is at the center of the U.S. electricity demand boom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/19/ai-power-data-center-electricity-construction" target="_self">adapts to the growing power needs</a> and challenges, says Greg Bean, executive director of the University of Houston&#x27;s Gutierrez Energy Management Institute.

Amazon's Zoox brings robotaxi testing to Houston

Houston will be Amazon-backed Zoox's 12th U.S. market.

Another autonomous vehicle company is coming to Houston.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Zoox" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/12/zoox-robotaxi-safety-framework" data-vars-content-id="e19ef1b5-e21a-45dd-901f-5078de21dddf" data-vars-headline="Amazon&#x27;s Zoox brings robotaxi testing to Houston" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/12/zoox-robotaxi-safety-framework" target="_self">Zoox</a>, Amazon&#x27;s robotaxi company, is joining Houston&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="growing autonomous vehicle" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/05/13/waymo-houston-expansion-world-cup-nrg-stadium" data-vars-content-id="e19ef1b5-e21a-45dd-901f-5078de21dddf" data-vars-headline="Amazon&#x27;s Zoox brings robotaxi testing to Houston" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/05/13/waymo-houston-expansion-world-cup-nrg-stadium" target="_self">growing autonomous vehicle</a> industry, as the city continues to serve as a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="testing ground" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/06/17/uber-nuro-lucid-bring-robotaxi-service-houston" data-vars-content-id="e19ef1b5-e21a-45dd-901f-5078de21dddf" data-vars-headline="Amazon&#x27;s Zoox brings robotaxi testing to Houston" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/06/17/uber-nuro-lucid-bring-robotaxi-service-houston" target="_self">testing ground</a> for self-driving technology.

Leaders want Metro's World Cup enhancements to stick

It's one way Houston can benefit long-term from hosting the World Cup.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Houston&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston" data-vars-content-id="ee983b32-d8c9-4dd7-b330-4cbff058e3d8" data-vars-headline="Leaders want Metro&#x27;s World Cup enhancements to stick" 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&#x27;s</a> newest City Council member and transit advocates are urging the Metropolitan Transit Authority to make its expanded <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FIFA World Cup rail" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/06/15/houston-world-cup-metro-train" data-vars-content-id="ee983b32-d8c9-4dd7-b330-4cbff058e3d8" data-vars-headline="Leaders want Metro&#x27;s World Cup enhancements to stick" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/06/15/houston-world-cup-metro-train" target="_self">FIFA World Cup rail</a> and bus service permanent after the tournament ends. Why it matters: Houston&#x27;s World Cup transit upgrades could leave a lasting legacy if Metro keeps the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="enhanced service" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/04/25/houston-world-cup-2026-preparations-readiness-50-days" data-vars-content-id="ee983b32-d8c9-4dd7-b330-4cbff058e3d8" data-vars-headline="Leaders want Metro&#x27;s World Cup enhancements to stick" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/04/25/houston-world-cup-2026-preparations-readiness-50-days" target="_self">enhanced service</a>, though agency leaders say they&#x27;ll wait for ridership and budget data before deciding.

Uber is bringing robotaxi service to Houston

The driverless taxis are expected to launch in Houston mid next year.

Houston is next in line for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Uber&#x27;s robotaxi service" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/11/uber-tesla-robotaxis-waymo" data-vars-content-id="b8fe7c5b-276a-433a-b73a-340b5ce7a568" data-vars-headline="Uber is bringing robotaxi service to Houston" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/11/uber-tesla-robotaxis-waymo" target="_self">Uber&#x27;s robotaxi service</a>, which is expected to be available to riders in mid-2027 through a partnership with autonomous driving company Nuro and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="electric vehicle maker Lucid" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/17/uber-robotaxi-lucid-nuro" data-vars-content-id="b8fe7c5b-276a-433a-b73a-340b5ce7a568" data-vars-headline="Uber is bringing robotaxi service to Houston" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/17/uber-robotaxi-lucid-nuro" target="_self">electric vehicle maker Lucid</a>.Why it matters: The new service adds to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="growing autonomous vehicle" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/05/13/waymo-houston-expansion-world-cup-nrg-stadium" data-vars-content-id="b8fe7c5b-276a-433a-b73a-340b5ce7a568" data-vars-headline="Uber is bringing robotaxi service to Houston" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/05/13/waymo-houston-expansion-world-cup-nrg-stadium" target="_self">growing autonomous vehicle</a> industry in Houston and to the city&#x27;s role as a testing ground for new technology.

What it's like taking Houston Metro to the World Cup

It's the sensible and obvious choice both for in- and out-of-town soccer fans.

Sports

Taking the Metropolitan Transit Authority&#x27;s Red Line to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Houston Stadium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/06/11/houston-stadium-world-cup" data-vars-content-id="a514c6df-3ae5-4f71-8756-72efd2f43eb5" data-vars-headline="What it&#x27;s like taking Houston Metro to 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/2026/06/11/houston-stadium-world-cup" target="_self">Houston Stadium</a> for the Germany-Curaçao World Cup game Sunday made me feel like I had won the match. Why it matters: Depending on your comfort level for being <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="packed like a sardine" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/jayrjordan/status/2066195422809395467" data-vars-content-id="a514c6df-3ae5-4f71-8756-72efd2f43eb5" data-vars-headline="What it&#x27;s like taking Houston Metro to the World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/jayrjordan/status/2066195422809395467" target="_blank">packed like a sardine</a>, the $1.25 ride each way is the sensible and obvious choice both for in- and out-of-town soccer fans and absolutely beats <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="paying $100+ for parking" data-vars-click-url="https://www.justpark.com/us/event-parking/fifa-world-cup-2026/houston-stadium/" data-vars-content-id="a514c6df-3ae5-4f71-8756-72efd2f43eb5" data-vars-headline="What it&#x27;s like taking Houston Metro to the World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.justpark.com/us/event-parking/fifa-world-cup-2026/houston-stadium/" target="_blank">paying $100+ for parking</a>.

Waymo nearly doubles Houston service area before World Cup

Riders will soon be able to access additional areas, including EaDo, the Texas Medical Center and northeast Houston.

Transit

Waymo is nearly doubling its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Houston service area" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/02/24/houston-waymo-autonomous-ride-hail-robotaxi" data-vars-content-id="9b3e9af9-0456-4a6c-abec-3847d04c52d3" data-vars-headline="Waymo nearly doubles Houston service area before 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/2026/02/24/houston-waymo-autonomous-ride-hail-robotaxi" target="_self">Houston service area</a> to 50 square miles ahead of the <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="9b3e9af9-0456-4a6c-abec-3847d04c52d3" data-vars-headline="Waymo nearly doubles Houston service area before 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>.Why it matters: The expansion strategically includes NRG Stadium and East Downtown, positioning Waymo to serve World Cup crowds heading to matches and fan events — all starting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="just a month from now" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/04/25/houston-world-cup-2026-preparations-readiness-50-days" data-vars-content-id="9b3e9af9-0456-4a6c-abec-3847d04c52d3" data-vars-headline="Waymo nearly doubles Houston service area before 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/2026/04/25/houston-world-cup-2026-preparations-readiness-50-days" target="_self">just a month from now</a>.

New rideshare app Empower lands in Houston

Empower, launched in April in Houston, pitches itself as a way for drivers to earn more.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rideshare app" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/10/10/empower-rideshare-dc-lawsuit-investigation" data-vars-content-id="70318195-d781-47cf-a739-44c67cbf70b3" data-vars-headline="New rideshare app Empower lands in Houston" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/10/10/empower-rideshare-dc-lawsuit-investigation" target="_self">Rideshare app</a> Empower launched in Houston in April. Why it matters: Riders have more ways to get around as new players (including <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Waymo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/11/18/houston-waymo-driverless-autonomous-robotaxi" data-vars-content-id="70318195-d781-47cf-a739-44c67cbf70b3" data-vars-headline="New rideshare app Empower lands 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">Waymo</a>) push into a market long dominated by Uber and Lyft.

Houston's highway construction will taper ahead of World Cup

With the world's gaze on the Bayou City this summer, Houston is getting its act together.

Crews will pump the brakes on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Houston&#x27;s highway construction" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2024/01/31/inner-loop-highway-expansion-htx-roads-i45" data-vars-content-id="241da9e9-3921-42ed-9ffd-d19b6f09db99" data-vars-headline="Houston&#x27;s highway construction will taper ahead of 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/2024/01/31/inner-loop-highway-expansion-htx-roads-i45" target="_self">Houston&#x27;s highway construction</a> to ease traffic congestion during the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/04/25/houston-world-cup-2026-preparations-readiness-50-days" data-vars-content-id="241da9e9-3921-42ed-9ffd-d19b6f09db99" data-vars-headline="Houston&#x27;s highway construction will taper ahead of 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/2026/04/25/houston-world-cup-2026-preparations-readiness-50-days" target="_self">World Cup</a>, officials tell Axios.Why it matters: The effort is part of a broader strategy to make <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Houston as attractive as possible" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/03/30/houston-hotel-booking-rmarch-ecord" data-vars-content-id="241da9e9-3921-42ed-9ffd-d19b6f09db99" data-vars-headline="Houston&#x27;s highway construction will taper ahead of 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/2026/03/30/houston-hotel-booking-rmarch-ecord" target="_self">Houston as attractive as possible</a> with the world&#x27;s gaze on the Bayou City this summer.

Tesla launches Robotaxi service in Houston, but there's a catch

Tesla's suburban rollout is a different approach from other autonomous ride-hailing companies.

Tesla began offering robotaxi rides in Houston this weekend in a service area nearly 14 miles northwest of downtown. Why it matters: Tesla&#x27;s suburban rollout is a different approach from other autonomous <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ride-hailing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/02/24/houston-waymo-autonomous-ride-hail-robotaxi" data-vars-content-id="abb1586f-3803-4164-a75b-0d3135cffe7d" data-vars-headline="Tesla launches Robotaxi service in Houston, but there&#x27;s a catch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/02/24/houston-waymo-autonomous-ride-hail-robotaxi" target="_self">ride-hailing</a> companies operating on Bayou City streets.

Whitmire's Senate successor decries West Alabama plan

Sen. Molly Cook said the $28.5 million project could be a "once-in-a-generation chance" to change the street.

Community leaders say a shift in priorities at City Hall is causing unnecessary dangers and delays to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$28.5 million West Alabama Street rebuild" data-vars-click-url="https://montrosehtx.org/projects/w-alabama-improvement-project/" data-vars-content-id="1549d753-15ed-48ac-b338-1302aa7e5566" data-vars-headline="Whitmire&#x27;s Senate successor decries West Alabama plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://montrosehtx.org/projects/w-alabama-improvement-project/" target="_blank">$28.5 million West Alabama Street rebuild</a>. Why it matters: Mayor John Whitmire&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unraveling of the previous administration&#x27;s transportation planning" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/08/12/houston-bike-lane-closure-update-austin-street" data-vars-content-id="1549d753-15ed-48ac-b338-1302aa7e5566" data-vars-headline="Whitmire&#x27;s Senate successor decries West Alabama plan" 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">unraveling of the previous administration&#x27;s transportation planning</a> continues to receive blowback, now from his successor in the Texas Senate, Molly Cook (D-Houston).

Free car washes for Houston's dirtiest car

Ocean Express is trying to get your mind on your car ahead of National Car Wash Day.

A Houston-area car wash chain is giving a year&#x27;s worth of free car washes to the owner of the region&#x27;s dirtiest car. Why it matters: Ocean Express is trying to get your mind on your car ahead of National Car Wash Day March 28.

Transit 🚗

Amazon's Zoox brings robotaxi testing to Houston

Leaders want Metro's World Cup enhancements to stick

Uber is bringing robotaxi service to Houston

What it's like taking Houston Metro to the World Cup

One cool thing: Rush hour makes its own clouds