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Trump reverses ICE traffic stop suspension

DHS had suspended all officer-initiated vehicle stops after two fatal shootings.

News

President Trump said ICE should continue using traffic stops to arrest immigrants after a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recent directive" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/07/14/ice-suspend-vehicle-stops-shootings-houston-maine" data-vars-content-id="86c7e086-01c4-4f44-a712-ecf580ce5525" data-vars-headline="Trump reverses ICE traffic stop suspension" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/07/14/ice-suspend-vehicle-stops-shootings-houston-maine" target="_self">recent directive</a> suspended the tactic after two fatal shootings in Texas and Maine within a week.The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="86c7e086-01c4-4f44-a712-ecf580ce5525" data-vars-headline="Trump reverses ICE traffic stop suspension" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">Trump </a>wrote in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Truth Social post" data-vars-click-url="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/116923585931908111" data-vars-content-id="86c7e086-01c4-4f44-a712-ecf580ce5525" data-vars-headline="Trump reverses ICE traffic stop suspension" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/116923585931908111" target="_blank">Truth Social post</a> on Wednesday, &quot;we CANNOT give up one of I.C.E.&#x27;s most important and effective Crime Fighting tools, THE TRAFFIC STOP!&quot;

UH joins Texas' nuclear energy push

Houston is eyeing the next energy technology boom.

The University of Houston is joining a statewide campaign to turn Texas into a hub for next-generation nuclear power as electricity demand from data centers, manufacturing and population growth strains the grid.Why it matters: Houston built its energy dominance around oil and gas, but UH&#x27;s entry into the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Texas Nuclear Alliance" data-vars-click-url="https://texasnuclearalliance.org/about-us/" data-vars-content-id="512d6499-d2d8-4957-b7ad-f7ffc9a89ad7" data-vars-headline="UH joins Texas&#x27; nuclear energy push" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://texasnuclearalliance.org/about-us/" target="_blank">Texas Nuclear Alliance</a> could help the region compete for research funding, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="school announced Monday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.uh.edu/news-events/stories/2026/july/07202026-uh-nuclear-alliance.php" data-vars-content-id="512d6499-d2d8-4957-b7ad-f7ffc9a89ad7" data-vars-headline="UH joins Texas&#x27; nuclear energy push" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.uh.edu/news-events/stories/2026/july/07202026-uh-nuclear-alliance.php" target="_blank">school announced Monday</a>.

Houston's first 100-degree day may be here soon

Parts of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Houston metro" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/01/13/houston-heat-record-2024-climate-change" data-vars-content-id="71eb21a1-eb35-4899-99b5-3c011164c4ae" data-vars-headline="Houston&#x27;s first 100-degree day may be here soon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/01/13/houston-heat-record-2024-climate-change" target="_self">Houston metro</a> could hit 100 degrees Tuesday for the first time this summer. Why it matters: Triple-digit temperatures <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="can be deadly" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/07/29/houston-heat-health-ems-calls" data-vars-content-id="71eb21a1-eb35-4899-99b5-3c011164c4ae" data-vars-headline="Houston&#x27;s first 100-degree day may be here soon" 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">can be deadly</a>, especially for vulnerable people like the elderly and those experiencing homelessness.

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.

Things to Do

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.

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.

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.

Transit 🚗

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

Waymo nearly doubles Houston service area before World Cup