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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>.

Our favorite Astros giveaways this season

While Houston is off to a rocky start this season, being an Astros fan still has its perks.

We&#x27;ve compiled our favorite <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Astros giveaways" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mlb.com/astros/tickets/promotions/2026" data-vars-content-id="45a7f885-d9c6-4798-82cb-2a01f4015e33" data-vars-headline="Our favorite Astros giveaways this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mlb.com/astros/tickets/promotions/2026" target="_blank">Astros giveaways</a> you can cop at Daikin Park this year. Why it matters: While <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Houston" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston" data-vars-content-id="45a7f885-d9c6-4798-82cb-2a01f4015e33" data-vars-headline="Our favorite Astros giveaways this 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> is off to a rocky start this season, being an Astros fan still has its (free) perks.

Camera Roll: Freedom Plane lands at HOU

Houston is one of eight cities to land the historic document tour.

Things to Do

Nine of the United States&#x27; founding documents are in Houston for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Freedom Plane Tour" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/05/01/houston-freedom-plane-tour-america-historic-documents" data-vars-content-id="f27ad2a3-022b-4e17-b712-ca1d15a9e427" data-vars-headline="Camera Roll: Freedom Plane lands at HOU" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/05/01/houston-freedom-plane-tour-america-historic-documents" target="_self">Freedom Plane Tour</a>.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Houston" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston" data-vars-content-id="f27ad2a3-022b-4e17-b712-ca1d15a9e427" data-vars-headline="Camera Roll: Freedom Plane lands at HOU" 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 one of eight cities to land the National Archives Foundation&#x27;s historic artifact tour celebrating the nation&#x27;s 250th anniversary.

Asia Society Texas Center is offering free admission this month

It's the first time the Asia Society is having free admission for the entire heritage month.

Asia Society Texas Center is offering <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="free admission" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/things-to-do" data-vars-content-id="17ef7571-2482-42e2-bdfb-463cff2eca02" data-vars-headline="Asia Society Texas Center is offering free admission this month" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/things-to-do" target="_self">free admission</a> all of May in celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.Why it matters: It&#x27;s the first time <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the museum" data-vars-click-url="https://asiasociety.org/" data-vars-content-id="17ef7571-2482-42e2-bdfb-463cff2eca02" data-vars-headline="Asia Society Texas Center is offering free admission this month" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://asiasociety.org/" target="_blank">the museum</a> has been free for the entire <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="heritage month" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2023/05/18/what-to-watch-aapi-heritage-month" data-vars-content-id="17ef7571-2482-42e2-bdfb-463cff2eca02" data-vars-headline="Asia Society Texas Center is offering free admission this month" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2023/05/18/what-to-watch-aapi-heritage-month" target="_self">heritage month</a>, after previously only offering more limited free promotions, Stephanie Todd-Wong, vice president of communications, tells Axios.

Houston lands Freedom Plane Tour of America's founding documents

Houston is one of eight cities selected to showcase the rare original documents.

Some of America&#x27;s most precious founding documents will be on display in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Houston" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston" data-vars-content-id="c323b3f8-dab9-4534-acd7-00cb483c35f2" data-vars-headline="Houston lands Freedom Plane Tour of America&#x27;s founding documents" 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> this month to celebrate the country&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="250th anniversary" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/07/black-history-250-who-decides" data-vars-content-id="c323b3f8-dab9-4534-acd7-00cb483c35f2" data-vars-headline="Houston lands Freedom Plane Tour of America&#x27;s founding documents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/07/black-history-250-who-decides" target="_self">250th anniversary</a>. Why it matters: For some folks, this could be the only chance to see such historic documents in person.

HGO's "Barber of Seville" leans into cartoonish fun

Houston Grand Opera's production feels like a  live-action cartoon

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Houston Grand Opera" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/03/27/houston-2026-2027-theater-season" data-vars-content-id="50ebc84e-73bd-4e49-a0d7-f3514cfb4f7d" data-vars-headline="HGO&#x27;s &quot;Barber of Seville&quot; leans into cartoonish fun" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/03/27/houston-2026-2027-theater-season" target="_self">The Houston Grand Opera</a> is presenting the comedic, mischievous &quot;Barber of Seville&quot; through May 10.State of the opera: Rossini&#x27;s classic follows Figaro, a quick-thinking barber who helps a count win over a young woman kept under the watch of her possessive guardian.

Houston's new "Undercurrents" exhibit is worth the trip underground

The exhibit gives visitors a unique opportunity to engage with the historic space.

The Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern&#x27;s &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Undercurrents" data-vars-click-url="https://buffalobayou.org/2026-undercurrents/" data-vars-content-id="879c0672-2fc2-4980-ab0d-434626756c0c" data-vars-headline="Houston&#x27;s new &quot;Undercurrents&quot; exhibit is worth the trip underground" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://buffalobayou.org/2026-undercurrents/" target="_blank">Undercurrents</a>&quot; is Houston&#x27;s coolest new interactive art installation.Why it matters: The exhibit gives Houstonians a unique opportunity to engage with the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="historic space&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/03/27/houston-buffalo-bayou-cistern-100" data-vars-content-id="879c0672-2fc2-4980-ab0d-434626756c0c" data-vars-headline="Houston&#x27;s new &quot;Undercurrents&quot; exhibit is worth the trip underground" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/03/27/houston-buffalo-bayou-cistern-100" target="_self">historic space&#x27;s</a> haunting acoustics and breathtaking views.

Houston Art Car Parade, premier bike ride are this weekend

Festivities will draw thousands from across the region to downtown starting Friday.

Downtown will be popping this weekend with a pair of distinctly Houston events.Why it matters: Festivities surrounding the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Art Car Parade" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/04/10/art-cart-parade-houston-2025" data-vars-content-id="ca8986ed-8687-41f6-9fdf-26bf63420a18" data-vars-headline="Houston Art Car Parade, premier bike ride are this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/04/10/art-cart-parade-houston-2025" target="_self">Art Car Parade</a> and Tour de Houston will draw thousands from across the region to downtown starting Friday.

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.

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.

Houston's Buffalo Bayou Cistern turns 100 this year

The cistern was built in 1926 to store drinking water for the growing city.

News

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.

Your guide to the 2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

The annual event becomes the center of the Houston universe for three weeks.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/01/09/houston-rodeo-concert-2026-lineup" data-vars-content-id="3d9e7204-03d9-4382-9c79-8165f001d71f" data-vars-headline="Your guide to the 2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/01/09/houston-rodeo-concert-2026-lineup" target="_self">2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo</a> kicks off Monday.Why it matters: The annual event becomes the center of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Houston" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston" data-vars-content-id="3d9e7204-03d9-4382-9c79-8165f001d71f" data-vars-headline="Your guide to the 2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo" 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> universe for three weeks.

Things to Do 🗓

What we're watching: "Thrash"

World Cup murals are popping up across Houston

Miller Outdoor Theatre unveils shorter 2026 season amid renovations

Houston's Social Calendar for May 11-May 15

Our favorite Astros giveaways this season