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Weekender Guide: March 15-17
Here's what's happening in the Bayou City this weekend.π Snag a free fruit tree courtesy of Trees for Houston on Saturday.Trees are available on a first-come, first-served basis from 9am-noon outside Delmar Stadium.π Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with Houston's official parade in downtown Saturday.Festivities kick off at noon.βοΈ Join historian Michael Bludworth for a discussion on women in Houston's aviation history Saturday at the 1940 Air Terminal Museum.The free talk begins at 1pm.πΆ Enjoy a day of reggae at the Reggae in the Park Festival at Guadalupe Plaza Park on Saturday.Tickets are $8, and the event runs from 3pm-10pm.π Shop at the Shadow Alley Market on Sunday from 4pm-9pm.Entry is free.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Houston.
Rain chances increase for Houston
Houston has rain in store for the next few days as severe weather threatens communities north of the city.The big picture: The rainfall is welcome in the Houston area, which saw below-average precipitation in the latter half of 2023.Yes, but: Rainfall rates have been above average so far this year, bolstered by storms in mid-January and early February, according to the National Weather Service.Driving the news: Much of Southeast Texas can expect thunderstorms and rains starting Thursday afternoon, meteorologists say.Threat level: Most of the severe weather, including large hail and gusty winds, will remain well north of the city, according to meteorologists.Communities from College Station to Huntsville are under a marginal risk for severe weather, the first out of five in terms of severe weather threat.What's next: Showers could linger into Friday and the weekend, which has a 50% chance of thunderstorms through Sunday.Monday will likely be the first rain-free day in some time, with partly sunny skies and a projected high in the upper 60s.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Houston.
Report shows Houston areas where kids get hit by cars
A new report shows 21 children were hit by cars and killed while traveling on foot or by bike in a five-year span in Houston.What they found: Baker Institute researchers analyzed state crash data to find how many children were injured or killed on Houston streets from 2018-2023 while participating in active transportation like walking, biking or other non-car transportation.There were 629 such incidents in that time frame, according to the study.159 children suffered serious injuries.Of note: There were 640 fatal crashes involving pedestrians or cyclists overall in that time frame.Zoom in: Houston's four worst hot spots are located in...
The Cockrell Butterfly Center adds birds
The Cockrell Butterfly Center reopened Saturday after being closed for maintenance for two months.Why it matters: The center now has birds to add to the rainforest atmosphere, director Lauren Davidson said.Driving the news: The Cockrell Center, part of the Houston Museum of Natural Science, added about 10 birds, including small finches and an Alexandrine parakeet.It also still has its resident iguana and tortoises.Fun fact: The center has about 1,500 to 2,000 butterflies, with 60 species from tropical regions.Every day, the center releases 10 to 200 butterflies into the habitat.If you go: You can also release newly emerged butterflies into the conservatory as part of the museum's Flight School for an additional $15.The center is $12 on top of $25 general admission for adults. The museum has free admission hours on Tuesdays.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Houston.
Trader Joeβs to open first location in Sugar Land
Trader Joe's will open its first location in Sugar Land this year, marking its sixth Houston-area store.Why it matters: Known for its cult following, kind customer service and popular private-label products, Trader Joe's is one of the country's most popular grocers. And even though Houston has several locations, fans just can't get enough.Plus: It's been about eight years since there's been a new location, per the Houston Business Journal. Driving the news: The new store is set to open in the former Sprouts Farmers Market in University Commons Shopping Center at 13550 University Blvd., according to Trader Joe's website.Between the lines: Sugar Land is one of the fastest-growing suburbs, per SmartAsset.What's next: The opening date has yet to be announced.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Houston.
Here's how many Houstonians have hearing loss
Data: Sound Check; Map: Alice Feng/Axios VisualsNearly 8% of Harris County residents β more than 367,000 people β experience at least mild hearing loss, according to a recent study seeking to estimate the condition's prevalence.Why it matters: The findings have important implications for public health officials, policymakers and more.The big picture: More than 1 in 9 Americans experience at least mild hearing loss in both ears, and the condition is closely tied to age.An estimated 8.9% of Americans ages 35-64 experience hearing loss, compared with 72.7% of those age 75 or older.The findings come from a study from nonpartisan research...
Houston companies are renewing office leases, as opposed to finding new digs
Data: CBRE; Chart: Axios VisualsMore companies in Houston and nationally are staying put, as opposed to moving to new spaces.The big picture: Most of the biggest U.S. office leases got renewed last year, as companies continue to adjust to a workweek that's part remote and part in office, Sami Sparber reports based on a report first shared with Axios.By the numbers: 58 of the 100 largest office leases by square footage nationally in 2023 were renewals, per a report from CBRE, a commercial real estate firm.That's a big shift from 2019, when 68% of the top 100 were new leases...
What to do March 11-15: Moon 2 Mars Festival, movie night, pop culture comedy show
π Head to Space Center Houston for the annual Moon 2 Mars Festival. There will be space-themed activities and performances from bands like the All-American Rejects.The festival runs Wednesday through Saturday. Space Center general admission of $35 covers festival entry.π Take the kiddos on spring break to the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. There will be several craft activities throughout the week.$20 for ages 13-18; children under 12 get in free.π Watch "Miss Congeniality" at Axelrad Beer Garden for free Monday.The movie begins at sunset.π€ Learn line dancing for the rodeo season at Z Dance LLC on Wednesday.The lesson begins at 7pm. $10.π€£ Laugh about pop culture at the "What's Poppin'?" comedy show at The Secret Group.Wednesday, 10pm. $5.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Houston.
Singles need 17 years to save for a Houston starter home
Data: Point2; Note: Down payment calculated as the minimum amount needed to have an affordable mortgage (<30% of monthly income) for the median-priced starter home in each market, or at least 20% down; Chart: Axios VisualsIf you're single and saving for a starter home in Houston, it will likely take you close to two decades to save for a down payment β but a couple needs only a fraction of that time, a new study finds.Why it matters: While Houston generally ranks as one of the country's most affordable markets, it's harder if you're single.By the numbers: It takes individuals...
Galveston has a new efficient ferry
A new, $33 million, state-of-the-art Galveston Bay ferry launches service Friday.Why it matters: The Port Bolivar-to-Galveston ferry was made to reduce emissions and operational costs and enhance performance and passenger security, according to Siemens Energy, which designed the ferry technology.Plus: The boat is named Esperanza "Hope" Andrade after the first Latina Texas secretary of state and first female chair of the Texas Transportation Commission."With the christening of this vessel bearing her name, we pay homage not only to her remarkable accomplishments but also to the beacon of progress she embodies," TxDOT said.Between the lines: There are now seven boats, including Andrade, in the Galveston fleet.The ferries operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, weather permitting, and offer free rides to all passengers.What's next: The christening of the Andrade ferry is happening Friday at 11:30am.The boat will be put into service following the ceremony, just ahead of spring break season.Sign up for Axios Houston for free.
Houston ISD proposes teacher salary increase
Houston ISD plans to increase the salaries of most teachers working at campuses not included in its New Education System.Why it matters: HISD, which is being overhauled by state-appointed superintendent Mike Miles, aims to make its salaries among the most competitive in the state to attract and retain teachers.Driving the news: The change comes after the district added more days of class to the school year, so teachers will work 194 days next year compared with 187 days this year.Follow the money: HISD released its proposed compensation plan for the 2024-25 school year this week.It expects to spend about $114.2...
Houston ISD proposes teacher salary increase
Houston ISD plans to increase the salaries of most teachers working at campuses not included in its New Education System.Why it matters: HISD, which is being overhauled by state-appointed superintendent Mike Miles, aims to make its salaries among the most competitive in the state to attract and retain teachers.Driving the news: The change comes after the district added more days of class to the school year, so teachers will work 194 days next year compared with 187 days this year.Follow the money: HISD released its proposed compensation plan for the 2024-25 school year this week.It expects to spend about $114.2...
Things to do in Houston this weekend
Here's what's going on in the Bayou City this weekend.π Explore diverse books for children ages 3-10 at the free Little BIPOC Book Festival.Discovery Green. 10:30am-2:30pm Saturday.π©βπ¨ Get inspired by the exhibitions at Contemporary Arts Museum Houston and make some pipe cleaner art at its free drop-in experience.1pm-4pm Saturday.π· Have a picnic and enjoy live jazz at Emancipation Park on Sunday as part of Jazzy Sundays in the Park.5pm-7pm. Free.πΆ Groove to music curated by local DJs at the Department of Black Phenomena event Sunday.2pm-7pm.βοΈ Grab a book and read at Menil Park with fellow readers from 11:30am-1:30pm Sunday.Free. Houston Coffee Collective is selling coffee bottles for $5 if purchased in advance.Sign up for Axios Houston for free.
Things to do in Houston this weekend
Here's what's going on in the Bayou City this weekend.π Explore diverse books for children ages 3-10 at the free Little BIPOC Book Festival.Discovery Green. 10:30am-2:30pm Saturday.π©βπ¨ Get inspired by the exhibitions at Contemporary Arts Museum Houston and make some pipe cleaner art at its free drop-in experience.1pm-4pm Saturday.π· Have a picnic and enjoy live jazz at Emancipation Park on Sunday as part of Jazzy Sundays in the Park.5pm-7pm. Free.πΆ Groove to music curated by local DJs at the Department of Black Phenomena event Sunday.2pm-7pm.βοΈ Grab a book and read at Menil Park with fellow readers from 11:30am-1:30pm Sunday.Free. Houston Coffee Collective is selling coffee bottles for $5 if purchased in advance.Sign up for Axios Houston for free.
Wildflower forecast: A spectacular season coming
Get ready for a colorful spring. We're in for an impressive wildflower bloom, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center experts predict.State of play: The drought last summer coupled with the rain over the past few months made it so the climate factors were in the wildflowers' favor, said Amy Medley, the center's lead horticulturist.What they're saying: "On a scale from one to 10, this year looks like it could be an eight, for bluebonnets in particular, if not even better," said Andrea DeLong-Amaya, the center's director of horticulture.The intrigue: The warmer spring temperatures have prompted an earlier bloom for bluebonnets and other wildflowers.Experts call mid-April the "showiest time" for wildflowers at the center, but Houston wildflowers typically bloom and peak a bit earlier, per Medley. So don't wait too long to see the colorful fields.Fun fact: If you're new here, more than 5,000 species of wildflower and native grass line our state's roadsides through the Texas Department of Transportation's wildflower program.Lady Bird Johnson pushed for the Highway Beautification Act, which was signed in 1965, and the wildflower center works to support beautiful roadsides for pollinators and Texans to enjoy.Sign up for Axios Houston for free.
Harris County election results: DA Ogg concedes
Harris County voters headed to the polls Tuesday to cast ballots in the primary elections.The intrigue: With only early voting numbers in, incumbent Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg, a Democrat, conceded to challenger Sean Teare, a former prosecutor in Ogg's administration. "If doing my job cost me my job, then I leave with my head held high," Ogg told supporters. The Democratic nominee will face Republican Dan Simons, who ran undisputed. Below are unofficial results from key races with 475 of the county's 545 voting centers reporting as of 6am Wednesday.Click through the interactive data viz below to see...
Malala visits FBISD school named after her
Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai visited the Fort Bend ISD elementary school named after her this weekend.Why it matters: Malala Yousafzai Elementary, which opened in 2020, is reportedly the only school in the country named after the champion of education access, per the district.What happened: On Sunday, Yousafzai visited the school with her father and said she was "over the moon" to finally see the school.What she's saying: "I could stand here for hours and hours because I don't want to leave this school," Yousafzai told an audience of about 400 invited students, teachers, parents and community members. "I want to be a student again and learn with you all."Before leaving, she told the students, "I want you to believe in dreams, believe in yourself and see yourself as a change-maker of today and tomorrow. You can do it. I can't wait to visit this school again, and again, and again."Sign up for Axios Houston for free.
The genius of Houston Rodeo's doughnut chicken sandwich
Jay here! While Shafaq and I weren't busy at Rodeo Houston's Celebrity Goat Milking Competition on Saturday, I was able to chow down on the carnival's famed doughnut chicken sandwich.The intrigue: I had high expectations for such an indulgent entrΓ©e made with two of my favorites: glazed doughnuts and spicy fried chicken.The sandwich debuted in the 2022 season and is sold by vendors throughout the carnival grounds for $16.Dig in: I was immediately overtaken by the warm, sweet, gooey texture of the doughnut coupled with the crispy, savory offering from the chicken.From my first bite, I was hooked. The doughnuts...
Houston rock radio station KLOL documentary premieres
A documentary 14 years in the making detailing KLOL-FM's rise and fall as one of Houston's premier rock radio stations is finally here.Why it matters: "Runaway Radio" simultaneously brings a trip of nostalgia for native Houston rockers and a fresh look at one of the Bayou City's culture powerhouses of yesteryear for newcomers.The documentary features interviews with former DJs, several executives, and well-known musicians who were fans of the station, like Dusty Hill, Lyle Lovett, Sammy Hagar, Melissa Etheridge and others.Driving the news: The film premiered on streaming platforms last week and made its Houston-area debut over the weekend at...
Things to do in Houston this week: Swing dancing, Scottish music, short films
Here's what's going on in the Bayou City this week.π Learn how to swing dance at 7pm Monday at Z Dance. Open to beginners.$10.π₯ Enjoy Scottish music at the Smart Financial Centre in Sugar Land at 7:30pm Tuesday.Tickets start at $60.π΄ Get free grounds entry to the rodeo Wednesday as part of Community Day.Free admission to the park before noon.π€ Head to the Alley Theatre to watch "The Nerd," a play about an architect who invites the hero who saved his life to his home.Tickets for the 7:30pm Wednesday show start at $27.π Watch shorts with your friends Thursday at Brasil Houston.Free. Screenings begin at 8:30pm.Sign up for Axios Houston for free.
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