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Texas hemp industry eyes challenge to ban on smokable THC

The new rules are another blow to the multibillion-dollar industry and its consumers.

News

Pre-rolled joints and other <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="smokable THC products" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2021/10/15/demand-legal-weed-texas" data-vars-content-id="806193ee-77c7-4792-9404-731060b84bbb" data-vars-headline="Texas hemp industry eyes challenge to ban on smokable THC" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2021/10/15/demand-legal-weed-texas" target="_self">smokable THC products</a> will no longer be sold in Texas starting Tuesday.Why it matters: Hemp advocates say they plan on suing after yet another blow to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="multibillion-dollar industry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/04/10/thc-hemp-ban-texas-legislature" data-vars-content-id="806193ee-77c7-4792-9404-731060b84bbb" data-vars-headline="Texas hemp industry eyes challenge to ban on smokable 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 industry</a> and its consumers.

The Houston Comets are coming back after nearly 20 years

Houston is getting a WNBA team again, with the Comets set to return for the 2027 season.

Sports

The Houston Comets are expected to come back to Bayou City after nearly 20 years after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rockets" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/12/04/rockets-astros-first-direct-to-consumer-streaming-app-schn" data-vars-content-id="27178f59-e91d-4373-826f-659e6ddc22bc" data-vars-headline="The Houston Comets are coming back after nearly 20 years" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/12/04/rockets-astros-first-direct-to-consumer-streaming-app-schn" target="_self">Rockets</a> owner Fertitta Entertainment reached a deal to buy, relocate and rename the Connecticut Sun.Why it matters: Houston hasn&#x27;t had a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="WNBA team" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/07/16/wnba-expansion-cleveland-detroit-philadelphia-league" data-vars-content-id="27178f59-e91d-4373-826f-659e6ddc22bc" data-vars-headline="The Houston Comets are coming back after nearly 20 years" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/07/16/wnba-expansion-cleveland-detroit-philadelphia-league" target="_self">WNBA team</a> since the dynastic <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Comets ceased operations in 2008" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/03/sports/basketball/03wnba.html" data-vars-content-id="27178f59-e91d-4373-826f-659e6ddc22bc" data-vars-headline="The Houston Comets are coming back after nearly 20 years" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/03/sports/basketball/03wnba.html" target="_blank">Comets ceased operations in 2008</a> — leaving a gap in a city that once set the standard for women&#x27;s pro basketball.

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.

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.

Things to Do

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.

6 Houston chefs and restaurants named 2026 James Beard finalists

Maximo, Agnes and Sherman and ChòpnBlọk are among the finalists.

Food and Drink

Six Houston-area restaurants and chefs on Tuesday were named <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="finalists for this year&#x27;s James Beard Awards" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/01/21/2026-james-beard-semifinalists" data-vars-content-id="1010e1d1-b0aa-46a2-9659-5cdc25a8cc78" data-vars-headline="6 Houston chefs and restaurants named 2026 James Beard finalists" 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">finalists for this year&#x27;s James Beard Awards</a>.Why it matters: Being nominated is one of the dining industry&#x27;s highest honors.

Houston Audubon acquires 128-acre sanctuary in Montgomery County

The Peach Creek Woods Nature Sanctuary along Peach Creek marks Houston Audubon's 18th sanctuary.

Houston Audubon has secured 128 acres in Montgomery County as protected habitat as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="development surges" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/01/08/houston-suburbs-continue-to-boom" data-vars-content-id="14d64f85-4174-4e4b-b669-24d880c1143d" data-vars-headline="Houston Audubon acquires 128-acre sanctuary in Montgomery County" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/01/08/houston-suburbs-continue-to-boom" target="_self">development surges</a> north of Houston.The big picture: The Peach Creek Woods Nature Sanctuary along Peach Creek marks Houston Audubon&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="18th sanctuary" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/01/26/bolivar-flats-fully-protected-houston-audubon-land-purchase" data-vars-content-id="14d64f85-4174-4e4b-b669-24d880c1143d" data-vars-headline="Houston Audubon acquires 128-acre sanctuary in Montgomery County" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/01/26/bolivar-flats-fully-protected-houston-audubon-land-purchase" target="_self">18th sanctuary</a>. The mixed pine and hardwood forest area by the San Jacinto River watershed provides <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="critical habitat for migratory and resident birds" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/10/10/lights-out-it-s-peak-fall-migration-season-in-houston" data-vars-content-id="14d64f85-4174-4e4b-b669-24d880c1143d" data-vars-headline="Houston Audubon acquires 128-acre sanctuary in Montgomery County" 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/lights-out-it-s-peak-fall-migration-season-in-houston" target="_self">critical habitat for migratory and resident birds</a>.

Houston Texans reveal details for new HQ and training facilities

The Texans unveiled plans for Toro District, an 83-acre sports and entertainment development in Cypress.

The Houston Texans, Harris County and Howard Hughes Communities this week <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="revealed plans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.houstontexans.com/news/houston-texans-howard-hughes-communities-and-harris-county-reveal-plans-for-toro-district-in-bridgeland" data-vars-content-id="755edccb-b26e-4084-915a-d90d1348b903" data-vars-headline="Houston Texans reveal details for new HQ and training facilities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.houstontexans.com/news/houston-texans-howard-hughes-communities-and-harris-county-reveal-plans-for-toro-district-in-bridgeland" target="_blank">revealed plans</a> for Toro District, an 83-acre sports and entertainment development in northwest Harris County.Why it matters: The project, slated for completion in Cypress in 2029, will feature a new Texans headquarters that will consolidate football and business operations. It&#x27;s projected to generate $34 billion in long-term economic impact and more than 17,000 jobs.

Apple brings Mac Mini production to Houston in AI-fueled manufacturing push

The move doubles Apple's Houston footprint.

Business

Apple is accelerating its manufacturing footprint in Houston — bringing production of its Mac Mini to the U.S. for the first time, the tech giant announced Tuesday. Why it matters: The move doubles <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Apple&#x27;s Houston footprint" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/02/24/apple-investment-trump-tim-cook-texas" data-vars-content-id="1f4dd05a-ff4c-4eee-bcbc-0fde16ff9366" data-vars-headline="Apple brings Mac Mini production to Houston in AI-fueled manufacturing push" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/02/24/apple-investment-trump-tim-cook-texas" target="_self">Apple&#x27;s Houston footprint</a> and is expected to create thousands of jobs.

UHD to guarantee admission to eligible HISD students

Eligible HISD seniors with a 2.5 GPA will receive guaranteed admission to UHD under a first-of-its-kind agreement.

The University of Houston-Downtown will guarantee admission to eligible Houston ISD seniors under a new agreement signed Tuesday, creating the first program of its kind between the two institutions. Why it matters: The partnership ensures a path to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="four-year degree" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/11/20/college-degrees-still-give-houstonians-a-major-earnings-edge" data-vars-content-id="f2679f5b-5e77-4201-90cc-05406f4484f7" data-vars-headline="UHD to guarantee admission to eligible HISD students" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/11/20/college-degrees-still-give-houstonians-a-major-earnings-edge" target="_self">four-year degree</a> for thousands of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="HISD students" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/08/05/hisd-reports-no-f-rated-schools-tea-accountability-score" data-vars-content-id="f2679f5b-5e77-4201-90cc-05406f4484f7" data-vars-headline="UHD to guarantee admission to eligible HISD students" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/08/05/hisd-reports-no-f-rated-schools-tea-accountability-score" target="_self">HISD students</a> while keeping more Houston talent in the local workforce.

The "Heated Rivalry" obsession lives on in Houston

Houston fans find community in "Heated Rivalry" rewatch parties.

The viral hockey romance show that aired a couple of months ago still has fans swooning.Why it matters: &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Heated Rivalry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-houston-85fec44c-31da-4600-a198-b33fd76f7b67#story4" data-vars-content-id="c3df6e2a-450b-479d-8c7e-7cceb7799538" data-vars-headline="The &quot;Heated Rivalry&quot; obsession lives on in Houston" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-houston-85fec44c-31da-4600-a198-b33fd76f7b67#story4" target="_self">Heated Rivalry</a>,&quot; the book series turned TV hit on HBO, has sparked real-life connections — and Houstonians are showing up for it.

These are Houston's 2026 James Beard semifinalists

A James Beard semifinalist spot signals prestige in a closely watched industry race.

A dozen Houston-area chefs and restaurants are among this year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="James Beard Foundation semifinalists" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/01/22/james-beard-award-2025-semifinalists-houston" data-vars-content-id="d16ee08b-e94b-44aa-b1d5-d0306de61015" data-vars-headline="These are Houston&#x27;s 2026 James Beard semifinalists" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/01/22/james-beard-award-2025-semifinalists-houston" target="_self">James Beard Foundation semifinalists</a>.Why it matters: A James Beard semifinalist spot signals prestige in a closely watched industry race.

How to Airbnb your Houston home for the 2026 World Cup

Airbnb hosts could see a World Cup payday in Houston

Airbnb is expecting a World Cup boom — and Houston homeowners could cash in. Why it matters: Houston is hosting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="seven matches" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/12/06/fifa-2026-world-cup-houston-schedule-matches" data-vars-content-id="d0584cfc-75fd-4be2-990b-b3f5c09b51c7" data-vars-headline="How to Airbnb your Houston home for the 2026 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">seven matches</a>, drawing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="visitors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/12/11/fifa-world-cup-2026-single-match-tickets" data-vars-content-id="d0584cfc-75fd-4be2-990b-b3f5c09b51c7" data-vars-headline="How to Airbnb your Houston home for the 2026 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/2025/12/11/fifa-world-cup-2026-single-match-tickets" target="_self">visitors</a> from across the globe and pumping money into the local economy.

Miller Outdoor Theatre kicks off centennial campaign upgrades

The new plaza, the venue's first major project tied to its centennial campaign, will serve as the official entrance.

Miller Outdoor Theatre has started construction on a new Gateway Plaza, the venue&#x27;s first major project tied to its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="centennial campaign" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2023/03/15/miller-centennial-celebrations" data-vars-content-id="72250db7-6f90-447c-bf33-31e360ead349" data-vars-headline="Miller Outdoor Theatre kicks off centennial campaign upgrades" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2023/03/15/miller-centennial-celebrations" target="_self">centennial campaign</a>. Why it matters: The historic public theater&#x27;s revitalized plaza in the northeast corner of the property will serve as its entrance, improve accessibility and drainage, and better connect the venue to Hermann Park.

Business 🏦

6 Houston chefs and restaurants named 2026 James Beard finalists

The Houston Comets are coming back after nearly 20 years

Brace for pricier Houston flights — and how to find deals

Instability rocks Houston energy summit

Houston Audubon acquires 128-acre sanctuary in Montgomery County