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$1.4B secured, Houston's convention center renovation plows ahead

Once complete, it will be an even bigger boon for Houston's visitor economy, leaders say.

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With more than $1 billion in funding secured, Houston&#x27;s massive <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="convention center expansion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/03/17/houston-first-polk-street-closure-convention-expansion" data-vars-content-id="1ba5648c-2419-44d3-a36a-8e373a3127f8" data-vars-headline="$1.4B secured, Houston&#x27;s convention center renovation plows ahead" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/03/17/houston-first-polk-street-closure-convention-expansion" target="_self">convention center expansion</a> is steaming ahead. Why it matters: Once complete, the new George R. Brown Convention Center will be an even bigger boon for Houston&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="visitor economy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/03/30/houston-hotel-booking-rmarch-ecord" data-vars-content-id="1ba5648c-2419-44d3-a36a-8e373a3127f8" data-vars-headline="$1.4B secured, Houston&#x27;s convention center renovation plows ahead" 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">visitor economy</a>, city tourism leaders say.

Menefee outraises Green in Houston's congressional runoff

Each had a little over $250,000 on hand heading into April.

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="2c06005b-a231-4bc6-9cdc-b134c82d09d6" data-vars-headline="Menefee outraises Green in Houston&#x27;s congressional runoff" 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> out-raised Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="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="2c06005b-a231-4bc6-9cdc-b134c82d09d6" data-vars-headline="Menefee outraises Green in Houston&#x27;s congressional runoff" 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">Al Green</a> in the first quarter of 2026 as the two face off in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Democratic runoff" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/03/04/al-green-christian-menefee-primary-election-results-2026" data-vars-content-id="2c06005b-a231-4bc6-9cdc-b134c82d09d6" data-vars-headline="Menefee outraises Green in Houston&#x27;s congressional runoff" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/03/04/al-green-christian-menefee-primary-election-results-2026" target="_self">Democratic runoff</a> for Houston&#x27;s 18th Congressional District. Why it matters: The numbers show momentum for Menefee ahead of the May election as he looks to unseat Green, who&#x27;s been in Congress since 2004.

Houston fuels Texas high-dollar art sales

The art boom is a byproduct of Texas' growing population and more ultra-wealthy families moving in.

The art market is thriving in Texas, with an increasing number of transactions over $1 million, per a report by Bank of America and ArtTactic.Why it matters: The state&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="art boom" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/01/15/inside-mfahs-frida-kahlo-exhibition-making-of-an-icon" data-vars-content-id="989d4eae-0509-4e0e-960a-897a2fd53925" data-vars-headline="Houston fuels Texas high-dollar art sales" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/01/15/inside-mfahs-frida-kahlo-exhibition-making-of-an-icon" target="_self">art boom</a> is a byproduct of its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="growing population " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/04/02/houston-harris-population-growth-2025-census-immigration-policy" data-vars-content-id="989d4eae-0509-4e0e-960a-897a2fd53925" data-vars-headline="Houston fuels Texas high-dollar art sales" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/04/02/houston-harris-population-growth-2025-census-immigration-policy" target="_self">growing population </a>and more ultra-wealthy families moving to the state, Bank of America Dallas president Jennifer Chandler tells Axios.

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.

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.

Houston neighborhood restores decades-old street pillars

The Southampton residents will be recognized with a preservation award.

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.

Rescheduled Houston Bike Fest is this weekend

It's a day celebrating life on two (or three) wheels.

Bayou City bicycle advocates hope to make a splash at this weekend&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Houston Bike Fest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bikehouston.org/events/bike-fest-2025" data-vars-content-id="754e2e46-12da-41aa-ac67-02cf18878b82" data-vars-headline="Rescheduled Houston Bike Fest is this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bikehouston.org/events/bike-fest-2025" target="_blank">Houston Bike Fest</a>.Why it matters: This year&#x27;s iteration will bring cyclists, vendors and like-minded folks together for a day celebrating Houston life on two (or three) wheels.

What's going on with those Houston highway typos

Typos on signs along a busy Houston highway corridor identified by Axios are poised to be corrected soon.

A series of typos on signage along a busy Houston highway corridor identified by Axios are poised to be corrected soon.Why it matters: The corrections underscore the importance of transportation authorities getting it right ahead of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FIFA World Cup in Houston this summer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/12/06/fifa-2026-world-cup-houston-schedule-matches" data-vars-content-id="5c98ca2f-b04a-401d-866b-d2669af787be" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s going on with those Houston highway typos" 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 in Houston this summer</a>.

Houston erects stop sign a year after counterfeit was installed

The move shows a different tone from Mayor John Whitmire's administration.

More than a year after an anonymous urbanist <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="installed a pair of bandit stop signs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2024/06/13/binz-stop-sign-tactical-urbanism-museum-district" data-vars-content-id="f1491ee6-c8a9-4c6c-8e4a-a47007960fdc" data-vars-headline="Houston erects stop sign a year after counterfeit was installed" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2024/06/13/binz-stop-sign-tactical-urbanism-museum-district" target="_self">installed a pair of bandit stop signs</a> at a Museum District intersection, the city of Houston finished the job.Why it matters: The move shows a willingness by Mayor John Whitmire&#x27;s administration to install pedestrian safety infrastructure despite past <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="policy decisions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2024/02/05/whitmire-houston-avenue-pedestrian-safety" data-vars-content-id="f1491ee6-c8a9-4c6c-8e4a-a47007960fdc" data-vars-headline="Houston erects stop sign a year after counterfeit was installed" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2024/02/05/whitmire-houston-avenue-pedestrian-safety" target="_self">policy decisions</a> that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="favor commuters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/08/12/houston-bike-lane-closure-update-austin-street" data-vars-content-id="f1491ee6-c8a9-4c6c-8e4a-a47007960fdc" data-vars-headline="Houston erects stop sign a year after counterfeit was installed" 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">favor commuters</a>.

Houston adds new direct route to Rome

IAH will offer nonstop service to Rome for the first time.

Houstonians will soon be able to fly nonstop to Rome for the first time. State of play: ITA Airways is launching direct flights between George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Rome Fiumicino Airport starting May 1, 2026.

Buckle up for busy Thanksgiving travel

AAA says a record 5.8 million Texans will travel for Thanksgiving — part of the busiest holiday rush ever.

A record-breaking 5.8 million Texans are expected to travel this week for Thanksgiving, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per AAA" data-vars-click-url="http://tx-aaa.iprsoftware.com/news/aaa-texas-forecasts-record-breaking-thanksgiving-travel-5-8-million-texans-expected-to-hit-the-road" data-vars-content-id="34379069-852e-493e-ad6f-883cc936d9ed" data-vars-headline="Buckle up for busy Thanksgiving travel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://tx-aaa.iprsoftware.com/news/aaa-texas-forecasts-record-breaking-thanksgiving-travel-5-8-million-texans-expected-to-hit-the-road" target="_blank">per AAA</a>.Why it matters: Thanksgiving is still the busiest travel holiday of the year. AAA expects 81.8 million Americans to travel — the highest on record and 1.6 million more than in 2024.

Transit 🚗

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

Whitmire's Senate successor decries West Alabama plan

Free car washes for Houston's dirtiest car

Waymo introduces autonomous rides in Houston

METRO expands direct service to Hobby Airport