Houston

Houston Alerts

Alert

blue

Get smarter, faster on what matters in Houston with Jay R. Jordan and Shafaq Patel.

Axios Houston

Standard

Axios Houston Partners

Axios Houston Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Houston Members

Membership

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.

Astros return for 2026 Opening Day

The Astros face the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday in Daikin Park.

The Astros are back in action Thursday. Why it matters: Houston is aiming to bounce back in 2026 after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="missing the postseason" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/09/29/houston-astros-postseason" data-vars-content-id="10d6fb2c-f7fd-412a-a1f0-1c586f06c243" data-vars-headline="Astros return for 2026 Opening Day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/09/29/houston-astros-postseason" target="_self">missing the postseason</a> last year for the first time since 2016.

Cougars set for Sweet 16 matchup in Houston

Houston could advance to the Final Four in front of a hometown crowd.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="University of Houston men&#x27;s basketball team" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/03/18/houston-cougars-march-madness-2026" data-vars-content-id="a116c660-9886-4da9-8322-4d48ee36197e" data-vars-headline="Cougars set for Sweet 16 matchup 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/2026/03/18/houston-cougars-march-madness-2026" target="_self">University of Houston men&#x27;s basketball team</a> has a chance to advance to the Final Four in front of a hometown crowd this week.Why it matters: The Cougars&#x27; road to the Final Four runs through <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Houston" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston" data-vars-content-id="a116c660-9886-4da9-8322-4d48ee36197e" data-vars-headline="Cougars set for Sweet 16 matchup 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>.

Houston Cougars tip off March Madness play

Houston will face the Idaho Vandals in the first round on Thursday.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Houston" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston" data-vars-content-id="a5e3d31f-f304-4d04-8247-7423bf5aaa1e" data-vars-headline="Houston Cougars tip off March Madness play" 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> Cougars men&#x27;s basketball team is ready for a chance at redemption. Why it matters: After last year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bitter loss" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/04/08/houston-cougars-basketball-championship-winner" data-vars-content-id="a5e3d31f-f304-4d04-8247-7423bf5aaa1e" data-vars-headline="Houston Cougars tip off March Madness play" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/04/08/houston-cougars-basketball-championship-winner" target="_self">bitter loss</a> to the Florida Gators in the championship game, the Coogs are ready to turn the page and make another deep run in the NCAA tournament.

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.

How to see the World Cup trophy in Houston

The 18-karat gold trophy will stop in Houston May 2–3 at Helix Park.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="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="57c7e980-6a6c-484f-bd05-9f761a6f6e9e" data-vars-headline="How to see the World Cup trophy 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/2025/12/06/fifa-2026-world-cup-houston-schedule-matches" target="_self">FIFA World Cup</a> trophy will make a pit stop in Houston before the matches begin.Why it matters: This is your <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="chance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/23/2026-world-cup-parking-transit-road-trips" data-vars-content-id="57c7e980-6a6c-484f-bd05-9f761a6f6e9e" data-vars-headline="How to see the World Cup trophy in Houston" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/23/2026-world-cup-parking-transit-road-trips" target="_self">chance</a>, especially if you didn&#x27;t score tickets, to be part of the tournament and get close to one of the most recognizable prizes in sports.

A Pasadena native heads to the Winter Olympics

It's Emily Chan's first time qualifying for the Olympics, where she will represent Team USA in the pairs competition.

It&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Winter Olympics" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/30/2026-winter-olympics-ski-mountaineering-womens-events" data-vars-content-id="ca9e71b5-1aa6-42e5-9a87-1a09b9e60331" data-vars-headline="A Pasadena native heads to the Winter Olympics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/30/2026-winter-olympics-ski-mountaineering-womens-events" target="_self">Winter Olympics</a> time — and there&#x27;s a local to root for.State of the rink: Emily Chan, born in Pasadena, Texas, is competing for Team USA in the pairs competition with partner Spencer Akira Howe.

American racer sets Houston Marathon course record

Zouhair Talbi, 30, won the men's race and set a course record with a time of 2:05:45.

Houston&#x27;s marathon race weekend drew more than 30,000 participants and thousands more onlookers Sunday.Why it matters: Serious runners use the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Houston" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston" data-vars-content-id="beb3c815-6378-4a4e-99d1-4aed6bafd157" data-vars-headline="American racer sets Houston Marathon course record" 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> race to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="secure a qualifying time" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chevronhoustonmarathon.com/participants/faq/" data-vars-content-id="beb3c815-6378-4a4e-99d1-4aed6bafd157" data-vars-headline="American racer sets Houston Marathon course record" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chevronhoustonmarathon.com/participants/faq/" target="_blank">secure a qualifying time</a> for bigger races, like the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Boston Marathon" data-vars-click-url="https://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon/qualify/" data-vars-content-id="beb3c815-6378-4a4e-99d1-4aed6bafd157" data-vars-headline="American racer sets Houston Marathon course record" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon/qualify/" target="_blank">Boston Marathon</a>.

Catch up quick on the Houston Texans in the playoffs

Houston is vying for its first-ever Super Bowl bid.

The Houston Texans are one of the hottest teams in the NFL entering the playoffs, hoping to ride their winning streak all the way to the Super Bowl.Why it matters: Houston must first battle the Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7) on Monday in a win-or-go-home matchup in Pennsylvania.

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.

Sports 🏅

Final round of FIFA tickets opens April 1

The Houston Comets are coming back after nearly 20 years

Astros return for 2026 Opening Day

Cougars set for Sweet 16 matchup in Houston

Houston Cougars tip off March Madness play