Mountain View
Axios Houston
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.
Mosquito hawks aren't as helpful as we've been told
It's all been overblown. Mosquito hawks, also known as crane flies or skeeter eaters, don't actually eat mosquitoes.Why it matters: We no longer have to give them grace when they sneak into our homes and cars, writes Axios' Carlie Kollath Wells.Driving the news: Mosquito hawks β which look a little like winged daddy longlegs β are swarming in Houston.It's common this time of year to have a large emergence of adult mosquito hawks in Houston, says Lauren Davidson, an Entomologist at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.There are more mosquito hawks this year, thanks to the rain over the past...
Syphilis cases surge in Houston
Data: CDC; Map: Tory Lysik/Axios VisualsSyphilis is surging in the Houston area, and the city's public health department is treating the disease as an emergent outbreak issue.State of play: Syphilis cases in Texas have climbed, mirroring a national trend of cases rising to their highest levels since the 1950s, per federal data.Texas had 246.8 cases of congenital syphilis β when the infection passes from mother to child β per 100,000 births in 2022, the fourth-highest rate in the country.Context: The nation's long-running rise in syphilis cases worsened in 2022 and rates of other sexually transmitted infections remained elevated as the...
Houston woman becomes oldest person in America
The U.S.'s oldest resident is living well into her 110s in Houston.The big picture: Elizabeth Francis, 114, was born in 1909 and has held the record for oldest Texan since 2020.When 116-year-old California resident Edie Ceccarelli died on Feb. 22, Francis became the oldest person in America.Zoom in: While living in Houston in the 1970s, Francis ran the coffee shop inside KTRK-TV's headquarters, serving reporters, anchors and other staff members, according to the Gerontology Research Group.She has three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.She lives in Houston with her 94-year-old daughter Dorothy Williams and granddaughter Ethel Harrison, who takes care of the pair.Zoom out: Francis is also now the fifth-oldest person on Earth, according to the Gerontology Research Group.What they're saying: "If the good Lord gave it to you, use it," Francis told LongeviQuest researchers in July when asked for life advice. "Speak your mind, don't hold your tongue."Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Houston.
Houston's Weekender Guide for March 1-3
Here's what's going on in Houston this weekend. π₯ Join artist Anthony AlmendΓ‘rez for an opening reception for his "Hello, My Name Is ____" multichannel video and sound installation at MATCH on Friday.The free reception is from 6pm-8pm. The installation is in place on select days through March 16.π§β Practice yoga and enjoy the company of goats at Little Woodrow's EaDo on Saturday morning.General admission is $45. Tickets are available online for 10am and 11am.π Embark on a journey through Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens during Hearts in the Garden on Saturday from 4pm-7pm.Tickets are $25 for the public and $20 for Museum of Fine Arts, Houston members.π See "Barbie" at Discovery Green on Saturday.The free showing starts at 7pm.πΆ Sip beer with your pup (just don't share) at the Pup Crawl & Pet Expo at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center on Sunday.Tickets are $35 for those 21 and up and free for those 20 and under. Proceeds benefit the arboretum and Houston's Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Houston.
Not all Texas schools hiring armed guards, despite new law
Houston ISD is among the Texas school districts that haven't hired armed security officers at every campus, as required by a new state law, because of a lack of funding.Why it matters: After 19 students and two teachers were killed at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, the Republican-led Legislature passed new mental health and school safety standards last year.A key provision was posting an armed officer at every public school.Catch up quick: House Bill 3, which went into effect in September, expanded and reinforced existing school safety efforts, such as required mental health training.The law allocated $15,000 per campus and $10...
Harris County primary races to watch
Early voting is well underway for the March primary in Harris County, and we've got you covered if you haven't yet made it to the polls or are waiting until election day.Why it matters: Most districts are drawn to favor one party, and many counties tip heavily Democratic or Republican β making the primaries the de facto definitive election.By the numbers: More than 100,000 people have cast ballots since early voting kicked off Feb. 20.That includes about 49,000 Democratic ballots and 53,000 Republican ballots.For context, there are more than 2.6 million registered voters in Harris County.District AttorneyIncumbent Democrat Kim Ogg...
Things to do in Houston this week
πͺ Enjoy Mickle Maher's play "It Is Magic" at the Catastoptic Theatre on Monday.7:30pm. Pay-what-you-can tickets.πΌ Roller skate at the outdoor rink at Discovery Green. On Monday, skate for just $8, which includes the skate rental fee.5pm-10pm.π€ Hear live poetry at Write About Now's 10-year anniversary show. If you've been interested in getting to know Houston's poetry scene, Wednesday at 7:30pm is your chance.$10 tickets.βBust out your penchant for random facts at Little Woodrow's Heights on Wednesday.Trivia begins at 7pm.π Meet author Sarah Mughal Rana at Blue Willow Bookshop on Thursday for the launch of her new book, "Hope Ablaze."She'll be conversing with author Vaishnavi Patel at 7pm. $20, including the signed book.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Houston.
Guide to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
Shine your boots, Houston. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo officially kicks off Tuesday.Why it matters: The rodeo essentially becomes the center of the Houston universe for three weeks as millions flock to NRG for the rodeo's concerts, carnival and events.By the numbers: Last year, the overall attendance was nearly 2.5 million, generating nearly $193 million in operating revenue, per the RodeoHouston website.What to do: Aside from the main-event concert lineup, eating quintessential rodeo food, and carnival rides, there's plenty to do and see.At the AgVenture site, which will include pony rides and a petting zoo, children and adults can...
Scoop: Houston's transportation chief was forced out
Houston's former chief transportation planner, David Fields, was forced out of his job, city documents obtained by Axios show.The big picture: Fields' sudden departure came a month after Mayor John Whitmire took over City Hall with a different vision for Houston's transportation future from that of his predecessor, Sylvester Turner, who hired Fields in February 2020 to help usher the city away from car dependency.Driving the news: Axios obtained an interoffice memo from Planning and Development Department interim director Jennifer Ostlind that shows Fields resigned Feb. 5 "in lieu of termination of employment."When Fields resigned from his role in the...
Driver could be charged in fatal Houston crosswalk crash
Police are still determining whether criminal charges will be filed against a driver who hit and killed a woman in a downtown Houston crosswalk in late January.Why it matters: Advocates say the case could lead to Harris County's first prosecution under the Lisa Torry Smith Act, a 2021 Texas law that made it a felony for drivers to severely injure or kill someone lawfully using a crosswalk.While other Texas counties, including nearby Fort Bend County, have filed charges using the new law, Harris County has not.What happened: Patricia Martin, 64, was crossing Milam Street along Walker Street in the crosswalk...
Trial to begin in Houston-area CROWN Act case
A trial will begin Thursday to determine whether Barbers Hill ISD is violating Texas' CROWN Act after the district suspended a Black student over his hair, which is in dreadlocks.Catch up fast: Darryl George, a junior at Barbers Hill High School, has been in in-school suspension or at an off-site disciplinary program for most of the school year because of his refusal to change his hairstyle.The district, about 30 miles from Houston, said Darryl's hair violates a hair-length policy that says male students' hair cannot extend past the eyebrows or earlobes.What's happening: George's mother and the family's attorney have denied...
Bush Intercontinental Airport gets ritual washing and prayer rooms
George Bush Intercontinental Airport has opened an ablution room and a prayer room in Terminal D, which services international flights.Why it matters: IAH is among the first airports in the U.S. to offer a ritual washing space for passengers.Context: The ablution room, also known as a wudu or tayammum room, is connected to the prayer room and allows passengers to wash their hands, feet and face before prayer.The prayer and ablution rooms opened officially on Feb. 16.Details: The washing room is part of the planned renovation of Terminal D. There are strategically placed signs for passengers flying Qatar, Emirates and...
Bush Intercontinental Airport gets ritual washing and prayer rooms
George Bush Intercontinental Airport has opened an ablution room and a prayer room in Terminal D, which services international flights.Why it matters: IAH is among the first airports in the U.S. to offer a ritual washing space for passengers.Context: The ablution room, also known as a wudu or tayammum room, is connected to the prayer room and allows passengers to wash their hands, feet and face before prayer.The prayer and ablution rooms opened officially on Feb. 16.Details: The washing room is part of the planned renovation of Terminal D. There are strategically placed signs for passengers flying Qatar, Emirates and...
Things to do in Houston: Indian film fest, full moon hike
Here's what's going on in Houston this weekend.π₯ Watch Indian movies at the 15th Indian Film Festival of Houston at the Asia Society of Texas on Thursday and Friday.Films include "The Storyteller," "The Counterpart," "Women Beyond Bollywood" and more. Ticket prices and showtimes vary.π Join fellow Houston hockey heads at Saint Arnold Brewing on Saturday.The free event, featuring street hockey, giveaways and a Zamboni, kicks off at 11am.ποΈ Show off your ride at the Hot Rods and Hops auto show at Urban South HTX on Saturday.The event runs from 11:30am-1:30pm.πΆ Embark on the Full Moon Hike at Memorial Park with HTXoutdoors on Saturday.Walkers will meet up at 6pm. The event is free, although parking is $2.π² Embrace the Lunar New Year at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston's Winter Festival on Sunday.Arts and crafts, food, and music are free from 1pm-5pm.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Houston.
"Satanic" sculpture coming to Houston
A sculpture deemed "satanic" by one of Texas' largest anti-abortion lobbies will soon be on display at the University of Houston.Why it matters: Outcries from conservatives who say the piece is riddled with "satanic imagery to honor abortion" are following the art from New York to Houston.Catch up fast: Pakistani American artist Shahzia Sikander's 13-foot-tall "Witness" statue debuted in New York City's Madison Square Park in 2023.The sculpture depicts a golden woman with spiraling horns and a domed skirt adorned with mosaic tiles.It's one of several pieces in her exhibit "Havah...to breathe, air, life," which was co-commissioned by the Madison...
"Satanic" sculpture coming to Houston
A sculpture deemed "satanic" by one of Texas' largest anti-abortion lobbies will soon be on display at the University of Houston.Why it matters: Outcries from conservatives who say the piece is riddled with "satanic imagery to honor abortion" are following the art from New York to Houston.Catch up fast: Pakistani American artist Shahzia Sikander's 13-foot-tall "Witness" statue debuted in New York City's Madison Square Park in 2023.The sculpture depicts a golden woman with spiraling horns and a domed skirt adorned with mosaic tiles.It's one of several pieces in her exhibit "Havah...to breathe, air, life," which was co-commissioned by the Madison...
Sean Teare leads incumbent Kim Ogg in Harris County DA's primary race, new poll says
Longtime Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg is lagging behind her challenger Sean Teare by 38 percentage points in the March Democratic primary, per a new University of Houston poll obtained by Axios.Why it matters: Incumbent Ogg is seeking a third term, but she's at odds with her party, the Texas Tribune reported.What's happening: The county Democratic Party passed a resolution admonishing Ogg in December, accusing her of abusing her power, siding with Republicans, and failing to deliver on the party's criminal justice reform priorities.Several local Democrats have endorsed former prosecutor Teare, Ogg's former employee.What they found: In the DA...
Houston's social calendar for the week of Feb. 20
Here's what's going on in the Bayou City this week.π Hear bestselling romance writer Tia Williams talk about her new book on Tuesday at a Kindred Stories event.$35 tickets include a signed copy of "A Love Song for Ricki Wilde," while $20 tickets without a book are also available. 7pm at Stages.πΌ Watch the play "Laughs in Spanish," about an art gallery turned into an active crime scene, at Stages.$25. 7pm Wednesday.π΅ Attend a ReelAbilities musical performance, in which musicians and performers with disabilities showcase their talents.7:30pm Thursday. Free.πͺ© Catch a screening of "Dreamgirls" and then dance to silent disco, celebrating decades of music by Black artists, at the Rooftop Cinema Club Uptown.Doors open at 6pm Thursday. $40.βοΈ Play pickleball with new friends at the Coffee and Pickleball Social at a court near Memorial City Mall.8am-noon Friday. $5 open play.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Houston.
A weekend to celebrate local Black art
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and other local institutions are celebrating Black art this weekend with the citywide initiative Black Art Houston.Why it matters: This is the first time such a weekend of events has been put together. Various organizations have collaborated to host a weekend full of exhibitions, programs and open studios in celebration of local, contemporary Black art.What's happening: The events from Saturday to Monday coincide with the opening of the MFAH exhibition "Multiplicity: Blackness in Contemporary American Collage," which inspired this weekend's events, per the museum.Both "Multiplicity" and MFAH's "Kehinde Wiley: An Archaeology of Silence" will...
Axios Houston
985+
Posts
2M+
Views
Axios Houston is here to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news and developments unfolding in their own backyard.
Itβs essential to note our commitment to transparency:
Our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. As a platform hosting over 100,000 pieces of content published daily, we cannot pre-vet content, but we strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation.