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Texas Children's must open country's first "detransition clinic"

The settlement resolves an investigation launched in 2023 after Texas banned gender-affirming medical care for minors.

Politics & Policy

Texas Children&#x27;s Hospital must open what is believed to be the country&#x27;s first &quot;detransition clinic&quot; and pay the state $10 million as part of a settlement over <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="transgender care" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/04/22/texas-legislature-anti-trans-bills" data-vars-content-id="3b555db9-453d-444a-b108-8504352d71a4" data-vars-headline="Texas Children&#x27;s must open country&#x27;s first &quot;detransition clinic&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/04/22/texas-legislature-anti-trans-bills" target="_self">transgender care</a> for minors, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Attorney General Ken Paxton" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/04/cornyn-paxton-runoff-texas-republican-senate-primary" data-vars-content-id="3b555db9-453d-444a-b108-8504352d71a4" data-vars-headline="Texas Children&#x27;s must open country&#x27;s first &quot;detransition clinic&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/04/cornyn-paxton-runoff-texas-republican-senate-primary" target="_self">Attorney General Ken Paxton</a> announced Friday.Why it matters: The settlement marks the latest move by Texas Republicans to restrict transgender rights as the state has enacted some of the nation&#x27;s toughest policies targeting trans people, including limits on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gender-affirming care for minors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2024/06/28/gender-affirming-care-ban-texas-transgender" data-vars-content-id="3b555db9-453d-444a-b108-8504352d71a4" data-vars-headline="Texas Children&#x27;s must open country&#x27;s first &quot;detransition clinic&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2024/06/28/gender-affirming-care-ban-texas-transgender" target="_self">gender-affirming care for minors</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sports participation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2021/10/25/texas-trans-youth-sports" data-vars-content-id="3b555db9-453d-444a-b108-8504352d71a4" data-vars-headline="Texas Children&#x27;s must open country&#x27;s first &quot;detransition clinic&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2021/10/25/texas-trans-youth-sports" target="_self">sports participation</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bathroom access" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/09/22/abbott-signs-bathroom-bill-into-law" data-vars-content-id="3b555db9-453d-444a-b108-8504352d71a4" data-vars-headline="Texas Children&#x27;s must open country&#x27;s first &quot;detransition clinic&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/09/22/abbott-signs-bathroom-bill-into-law" target="_self">bathroom access</a>.

Scoop: Feds won't focus immigration enforcement at Houston's World Cup

Mixed messaging from the Trump administration has led to confusion on ICE's role during the tournament.

Sports

ICE&#x27;s role providing security 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="8c495abd-3e55-4679-8c02-17156b9b95cb" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Feds won&#x27;t focus immigration enforcement at Houston&#x27;s 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> in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Houston" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston" data-vars-content-id="8c495abd-3e55-4679-8c02-17156b9b95cb" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Feds won&#x27;t focus immigration enforcement at Houston&#x27;s 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" target="_self">Houston</a> will not focus on immigration enforcement, the city host committee&#x27;s security chief told Axios on Monday.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mixed and unclear messaging" data-vars-click-url="https://www.forbes.com/sites/suzannerowankelleher/2026/05/08/trump-officials-confusion-ice-world-cup/" data-vars-content-id="8c495abd-3e55-4679-8c02-17156b9b95cb" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Feds won&#x27;t focus immigration enforcement at Houston&#x27;s World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/suzannerowankelleher/2026/05/08/trump-officials-confusion-ice-world-cup/" target="_blank">Mixed and unclear messaging</a> from the Trump administration has led to confusion on ICE&#x27;s role during the tournament, which will take place in Houston and 10 other cities nationwide come June.

Houston Dynamo spend $20.9M on player salaries

Forward Ezequiel Ponce remains Houston's most expensive player.

The Houston Dynamo have four players making at least $1 million each this season, per the 2026 MLS <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="player salary guide" data-vars-click-url="https://mlsplayers.org/resources/salary-guide" data-vars-content-id="6829e011-34ec-4972-827e-fb281d6c50b1" data-vars-headline="Houston Dynamo spend $20.9M on player salaries" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mlsplayers.org/resources/salary-guide" target="_blank">player salary guide</a> released Tuesday by the Players Association. The big picture: Forward Ezequiel Ponce, who joined the squad in 2024, remains Houston&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most expensive player" data-vars-click-url="https://www.houstondynamofc.com/news/houston-dynamo-fc-sign-forward-ezequiel-ponce-from-aek-athens-on-club-record-transfer-fee" data-vars-content-id="6829e011-34ec-4972-827e-fb281d6c50b1" data-vars-headline="Houston Dynamo spend $20.9M on player salaries" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.houstondynamofc.com/news/houston-dynamo-fc-sign-forward-ezequiel-ponce-from-aek-athens-on-club-record-transfer-fee" target="_blank">most expensive player</a>, with a guaranteed compensation of $3 million.

Houston's mad dash to lay World Cup grass

The grass for Houston's World Cup matches has been growing in Colorado for 18 months.

Twenty-five refrigerated trucks are hauling valuable grass from Colorado that will soon cover NRG Stadium ahead of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Houston&#x27;s World Cup matches" 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="a7304f07-be34-401d-9d48-d24e3923807a" data-vars-headline="Houston&#x27;s mad dash to lay World Cup grass" 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">Houston&#x27;s World Cup matches</a>. Why it matters: This isn&#x27;t ordinary turf. The FIFA-spec grass has been growing near Denver for the past 18 months and will soon host world-renowned players kicking, passing and scoring through <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="seven Houston 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="a7304f07-be34-401d-9d48-d24e3923807a" data-vars-headline="Houston&#x27;s mad dash to lay World Cup grass" 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 Houston matches</a>.

Tips for Houston's impending mosquito season

Mosquitoes are not only a hard-to-avoid nuisance — they can pose public health risks.

News

Warmer temperatures mean mosquitoes in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Houston" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston" data-vars-content-id="7de14fb3-a836-416a-ad84-ef8574ddee66" data-vars-headline="Tips for Houston&#x27;s impending mosquito season" 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>, and we&#x27;ve got tips for repelling the pests. Why it matters: Mosquitoes are not only a hard-to-avoid nuisance — they can pose <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="public health risks" data-vars-click-url="https://publichealth.harriscountytx.gov/Divisions-Offices/Divisions/Mosquito-Vector-Control-Division" data-vars-content-id="7de14fb3-a836-416a-ad84-ef8574ddee66" data-vars-headline="Tips for Houston&#x27;s impending mosquito season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://publichealth.harriscountytx.gov/Divisions-Offices/Divisions/Mosquito-Vector-Control-Division" target="_blank">public health risks</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>.

UH Poll: Menefee leads in Green in Democratic runoff

UH poll shows Menefee leading Green in CD18 Democratic runoff.

U.S. Rep. Christian Menefee is leading U.S. Rep. Al Green heading into the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Democratic primary 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="0d00c6cb-c0c8-4bd3-adc3-5dc5a7633f29" data-vars-headline="UH Poll: Menefee leads in Green in Democratic 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 primary runoff</a> for Texas&#x27; 18th Congressional District, per a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs survey" data-vars-click-url="https://www.uh.edu/hobby/runoffs/runoffs.pdf" data-vars-content-id="0d00c6cb-c0c8-4bd3-adc3-5dc5a7633f29" data-vars-headline="UH Poll: Menefee leads in Green in Democratic runoff" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.uh.edu/hobby/runoffs/runoffs.pdf" target="_blank">new University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs survey</a>.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="runoff" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/04/al-green-christian-menefee-texas-primary-houston" data-vars-content-id="0d00c6cb-c0c8-4bd3-adc3-5dc5a7633f29" data-vars-headline="UH Poll: Menefee leads in Green in Democratic runoff" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/04/al-green-christian-menefee-texas-primary-houston" target="_self">runoff</a> will determine who represents the recently redrawn district after Texas lawmakers <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shuffled Houston-area seats" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/04/27/texas-redistricting-map-ruling-supreme-court" data-vars-content-id="0d00c6cb-c0c8-4bd3-adc3-5dc5a7633f29" data-vars-headline="UH Poll: Menefee leads in Green in Democratic runoff" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/04/27/texas-redistricting-map-ruling-supreme-court" target="_self">shuffled Houston-area seats</a>, forcing Menefee and Green into the same race.

Why Houston is perfect for backyard bat boxes

Once your winged guests are settled, the benefits abound.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Houston" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston" data-vars-content-id="afbc39ee-4564-423a-87d2-0bb4ad0360c3" data-vars-headline="Why Houston is perfect for backyard bat boxes" 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> is a great place for backyard bat boxes and now is a good time to install one, a regional bat expert tells Axios. Why it matters: Giving <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bats" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/04/24/bat-boxes-houses-backyard-mosquitos" data-vars-content-id="afbc39ee-4564-423a-87d2-0bb4ad0360c3" data-vars-headline="Why Houston is perfect for backyard bat boxes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/04/24/bat-boxes-houses-backyard-mosquitos" target="_self">bats</a> a safe place to roost helps protect these nocturnal MVPs.

Gas prices hit $4. Here's what a gas tax holiday would do

Houston gas prices hit $4 a gallon Wednesday, reigniting political calls to suspend state and federal gas taxes.

The average gas prices in Houston — and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in Texas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/04/14/gas-prices-up-texas-not-cheapest-why" data-vars-content-id="fff913e8-9534-4223-9986-4e69464b7268" data-vars-headline="Gas prices hit $4. Here&#x27;s what a gas tax holiday would do" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/04/14/gas-prices-up-texas-not-cheapest-why" target="_self">in Texas</a> — hit $4 Wednesday, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per AAA" data-vars-click-url="https://gasprices.aaa.com/?state=TX" data-vars-content-id="fff913e8-9534-4223-9986-4e69464b7268" data-vars-headline="Gas prices hit $4. Here&#x27;s what a gas tax holiday would do" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://gasprices.aaa.com/?state=TX" target="_blank">per AAA</a>. The big picture: Gas prices <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="have been climbing for weeks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/04/14/how-to-save-gas-money-tips" data-vars-content-id="fff913e8-9534-4223-9986-4e69464b7268" data-vars-headline="Gas prices hit $4. Here&#x27;s what a gas tax holiday would do" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/04/14/how-to-save-gas-money-tips" target="_self">have been climbing for weeks</a>, tied to the Iran war, but hitting the $4 mark lands hard for consumers already squeezed by higher costs.

Houston eyes new $5 monthly trash fee

City Council will vote on the proposal in June.

Houston residents may soon start paying a monthly $5 fee for garbage service, part of City Hall&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="budget proposal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.houstontx.gov/budget/27budprop/index.html" data-vars-content-id="2743ca1c-9738-423b-8453-c69ec54c6dca" data-vars-headline="Houston eyes new $5 monthly trash fee" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.houstontx.gov/budget/27budprop/index.html" target="_blank">budget proposal</a> announced Tuesday.Why it matters: Mayor John Whitmire says the fee and other key components of the proposal would provide a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="path to financial security" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2024/01/03/mayor-john-whitmire-crime-public-safety-inauguration" data-vars-content-id="2743ca1c-9738-423b-8453-c69ec54c6dca" data-vars-headline="Houston eyes new $5 monthly trash fee" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2024/01/03/mayor-john-whitmire-crime-public-safety-inauguration" target="_self">path to financial security</a> for Houston.

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.

News 🗞

Texas Children's must open country's first "detransition clinic"

Tips for Houston's impending mosquito season

World Cup murals are popping up across Houston

Waymo nearly doubles Houston service area before World Cup

UH Poll: Menefee leads in Green in Democratic runoff