Latest news with #Houstonians
Axios
22-07-2025
- Business
- Axios
Houston could ban scooters in downtown
Houston could soon ban the use of e-scooters in and around downtown. Why it matters: Transportation advocates argue the move furthers what critics say are Mayor John Whitmire's "cars over people" policies, while proponents say a ban would alleviate public safety concerns. Driving the news: A City Council committee will meet Thursday to discuss creating a "scooter-free zone" that includes downtown, Midtown and East Downtown. The proposal was drafted by Houston police and the city. The big picture: If the measure passes, Houston would likely become the first major U.S. city with an active e-scooter ban in its downtown. It would join international cities like Madrid, Toronto, Paris and Melbourne, Australia. Flashback: In 2021, the city banned scooters on sidewalks and prohibited vendors from using public right-of-way to rent them out. Since then, e-scooter rental companies have proliferated downtown. Zoom in: Whitmire says he is concerned with scooter riders operating dangerously around the city center. Twenty-three Houston crashes involved scooters in 2024, up from 20 in 2023, 10 in 2022 and three in 2021, according to the city. Riders died in three of those crashes, and at least one person died on an e-scooter in 2025. The other side: Michael Moritz, a Houston transportation advocate, says such a ban would limit downtown activity and hinder those who commute to work on e-scooters. "Mayor Whitmire has proven with his policies that he does not believe Houstonians should have the freedom to choose how they move," Moritz tells Axios. Some scooter rental vendors say a ban would be the "worst-case scenario" for business. What they're saying:"The vast majority of individuals using scooters in the area are not Houstonians but instead come here for joyriding, rather than using them for school or work," Whitmire said in a statement to Axios. "Many scooter users disregard traffic laws, putting themselves and others at risk," Whitmire said. "(Thursday's meeting is) part of the process, and I welcome public feedback."
Axios
18-07-2025
- Business
- Axios
Houston Public Media faces future without federal funding
Houston Public Media says that any loss of federal funding could affect its ability to continue delivering local news and information to Houstonians. Why it matters: HPM reaches more than 2.7 million people each month across its television, radio and digital platforms. Catch up quick: Congress on Friday voted to cut nearly $1.1 billion in federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) through 2026 and 2027, marking a devastating blow for PBS and NPR. Zoom in: For HPM — which operates NPR affiliate KUHF (88.7 FM) and PBS station KUHT (Channel 8) — federal funds make up $2.2 million annually, or nearly 10% of its yearly operating budget, per the organization. In response, the organization has launched the Resiliency Fund, a $4.4 million campaign to offset the losses over the next two years. The fund aims to safeguard the station's services, including local journalism, educational programming and emergency broadcast alerts. What they're saying:"Public media was created to serve communities first, and that hasn't changed," Lynne Cook, HPM's chief development officer, said in the fund announcement. "Whether it's early education content, live storm coverage or reporting on your local school board, the real impact of these cuts will be felt all across our region. We're asking the community to help preserve something they already own." The organization notes it "has always operated leanly," relying on a mix of community donations, underwriting and federal funding. Popular programming — such as "Morning Edition" and "Wait, Wait... Don't Tell Me!" on the radio, and "NOVA" and "Party Politics" on TV — is costly to license and produce, HPM says. Zoom out: For some vulnerable NPR affiliate stations, CPB funding can make up to 50% of their total budget. Without CPB funding, PBS estimates that roughly 15% of its stations will be unable to operate. The intrigue: While Republicans have made some efforts to defund public media in the past, support for NPR and PBS has historically been considered nonpartisan. The big picture: The cuts are part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to strip funding from public broadcasters.
Business Journals
07-07-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
Houston Public Library means business
Who doesn't love a $7 return for every $1 of investment? It's a no-brainer. Study after study has shown that for every $1 invested in public libraries, communities with access to those libraries see a $7 return in economic impact. But how is this possible? Tech resources, literacy offerings, job programs, meeting spaces, language and citizenship classes, entrepreneurial and banking courses — all free to the 2.2 million Houstonians that came through the doors of the Houston Public Library last year. These resources allow Houstonians to learn, to build, to grow and to develop skills and business opportunities for the benefit of their local communities. Let's explore what HPL offers that serves our business community. Literacy programs — especially focused on children and young adults — provide not only a literate workforce but prepare children to be dynamic thinkers and leaders in their communities. According to a study conducted by the University of Chicago, children with access to a library are significantly more likely to go into a professional career path and to make more non-wage income. As a result, they realize greater lifetime earning potential and tend to live longer and healthier lives. All of these effects have been directly correlated to early access to library services. A kid who can read can do anything. expand Courtesy photo Another resource HPL offers that have an unambiguous impact are the four TECHLinks — centers with free podcasting, video, and music studios, 3D printing, commercial scale printing, embroidery, design services, and so much else. And HPL is building more — 16 in total by the time the master plan is complete, ensuring all enterprising and creative Houstonians have access to the resources necessary to build their brand and their business. Through workshops with trained staff, nonprofits, businesses, and individuals alike have access to premiere media resources at no cost thanks to the Houston Public Library. It is a major annual investment made by the library system in the people, businesses and communities of Houston. Libraries throughout the nation continue to provide more job training activities and job fairs than the Department of Labor. Across the Houston Public Library system, you will find thousands of people preparing their resumes, applying for jobs through free internet access, taking courses, learning English, naturalizing as citizens, learning about banking and entrepreneurship, and partaking in nearly a dozen other programs that help individuals better themselves. Finally, a key asset that HPL offers to our community: space. Across the 43 physical locations, meeting rooms — many of them equipped with audio and video technology — offer prime locations for community gatherings, group projects, business meetings, and other collaborative efforts. Nearly every branch has a meeting space that can be easily reserved and used for free by any member of the public. The Houston Public Library is one of the largest and most dynamic metropolitan library systems in the United States. In addition to the numerous business and entrepreneurial resources it offers, the library circulates over 7 million items a year; provides STEM activities for teens and youth; offers social service access to those in need of assistance; preserves the legacy of Houston through its three public archival sites (including the letters of Sam Houston); brings library services to communities without a physical library through mobile units; and builds the necessary foundations for families to foster a lifelong love of learning in their children. expand Courtesy photo As the executive director of the Houston Public Library Foundation, I have the pleasure of seeing the results of our communal investment in the public library. But this vital work would not happen without the community — individuals, groups, businesses and corporate partners — stepping up to support the unique programs and services vital to a thriving Houston. It is only through private support that HPL is able to offer such meaningful and impactful programming. To learn more about how to partner with the Houston Public Library Foundation in order to support our public libraries, please visit The Houston Public Library Foundation supports the Houston Public Library by securing funding and community partnerships to enhance its impact. We invest in innovative programs, literacy initiatives, and technology access, ensuring all Houstonians benefit from free educational resources — empowering the library to inspire learning, bridge digital divides, and strengthen communities, fostering a stronger Houston through the transformative power of libraries. Nicholas D. Sawicki is the executive director of the Houston Public Library Foundation.
Eater
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Eater
An Eater's Guide to Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter Weekend
If there's one thing Texans know how to do, it's turn a Beyoncé appearance into a whole damn homecoming event. And there is maybe no better example of that phenomenon than the many events, parties, and restaurant and bar specials happening during what Houstonians (myself included) have dubbed 'Cowboy Carter Weekend,' when Bey visits H-Town for her Cowboy Carter and the Rodeo Chitlin' Circuit Tour on June 28 and June 29, which happens to overlap with the city's Pride festivities. From the best bar drinks (Cowgirl Colada, anyone?) and irreverent dishes to parties popping up all over town, here is Eater's ultimate guide to Cowboy Carter Weekend in Houston. On Saturday, June 28, and Sunday, June 29, Beyoncé will take the stage at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, for the hometown stint of her Cowboy Carter and the Rodeo Chitlin' Circuit Tour, which began in early April. Featuring music from her recently released album Act ii: Cowboy Carter, the concert series has made headlines domestically and internationally for celebrity guest appearances from her husband, Jay-Z; their daughters, Blue Ivy and Rumi Carter; and singer Miley Cyrus, as well as concertgoers' viral fashion statements, updated lyrics in classic songs, and even the American artist's political actions ahead of the French smoking ban. Prices for the remaining tickets have skyrocketed, running the gamut from $287 for seats in the stadium's upper tiers to $5,365 for a single ticket on the stadium floor. Although the concert rapidly approaches and tickets are dwindling, standard vendors and resellers alike are offering a fair number of chances for Beyoncé fans to see the queen during one of the two nights she's in town. For the best rates, consider comparing prices across the usual suspects of concertgoing: TicketMaster, StubHub, SeatGeek, etc. Hell, yes! In the time before the show formally starts, attendees with floor seats at recent tour stops have turned the sections closest to the stage into a communal fashion show accented with voguing, picture-taking, and general celebrations of fans' unbelievably creative custom outfits. So get there early to partake in the jovial tradition of gassing up your fellow guests. In true hometown fashion, Houstonians across the city have been celebrating the tour since its premiere in April, hosting drag brunches, themed line dancing events, bar specials, and more, with travel influencers flocking to TikTok to craft their own approaches to preemptively celebrating Beyoncé's homecoming. If you truly want to get a taste of Beyoncé's down-home tastes, visit one of the locations of the local fried chicken and soul food chain, Frenchy's Chicken. For a meatier, more substantial meal that stays open until 3 a.m. on Saturdays (er, Sunday mornings?), head to Burger Bodega, a locally owned and operated restaurant led by Houston rapper Bun B that specializes in smash burgers and next-level chopped cheeses that even New Yorkers have to respect. Need something a little more formal? Stop by B.B.'s Tex Orleans, Late August, or Gatlin's Fins and Feathers for a meal that blends precise Cajun and Creole cooking with the unwavering passion of communal soul food traditions. Looking for something a little less run of the mill? Check out these Cowboy Carter-themed food and drink deals around the city! For anyone hoping to stay close to NRG stadium, check out the Queen Bey-themed drink specials at the InterContinental Houston, including a riff on an Old Fashioned with burnt rosemary, peach, mezcal, and Sir Davis whiskey, called the Smoke Hour; the Black Bird, a citrusy sour with SirDavis whiskey, lemon, and Angostura bitters served in a rocks glass over ice; and finally, the Just for Fun, a grapefruit-and-thyme centric sipper spiked with lemon juice and topped with ginger beer. Need something with a bit more bite? Head over to the Original Ninfa's on Navigation for the $15 Sasha Sunrise, a limited-time cocktail with Sotol, charred orange and guajillo pepper cordial, lime juice, piloncillo syrup, and honey hibiscus agua fresca foam. Tucked inside the Heights Houston Hotel, the neighborhood bar Soluna will be doling out Cowgirl Coladas, a remix of the bar's staple Frozen Piña Colada with fresh strawberry puree, mezcal, and a Tajin-salt rim, for $13 or $10 for anyone wearing Beyoncé merch or showing a concert ticket stub. Meanwhile, at craft beer garden Axelrad, concertgoers and casual listeners alike can order a Sweet Honey Buckin' cocktail, made with tequila, honey, grapefruit, and lime, for $12 alongside their standard list of craft beers for the brew-inclined. Finally, top off your night with a free taco at La Calle Tacos after showing proof of one ticket for that night's performance on either Saturday or Sunday. Here are a few that have caught our attention. CREEW and choreographer Meika Powells of MoveLikeMeika will put on a high-energy, public line dance class from 7–9 p.m., inspired by the album, Black cowboy culture, and the Southern joy. In honor of National HIV Testing Day (and Beyoncé's long-established allyship of the LGBTQ community), local drag queens, DJs, and the Normal Initiative are partnering with Gilead Sciences to put on an event called Buckin: A Cowboy Carter Experience Celebrating National HIV Testing Day, a Pride event raffling off floor seats to the Cowboy Carter tour for all who get HIV and STI testing, offering carnival foods, drink specials, and a mechanical bull. Grooves of Houston, a clubstaurant specializing in breakfast and brunch staples and kickback vibes, is hosting hours of line dancing lessons, a mechanical bull, an Act II-themed costume competition, and happy hours on Friday afternoon at 4–6 p.m. and 12–2 a.m. Coinciding with the first day of the concert, Social Junkie Sports Bar and Kitchen will host a two-day brunch bash to celebrate the Cowboy Carter Weekend. On Saturday, the sports bar begins its party at 11, which they've aptly named, 'Boots, Bey, and Karaoke: Cowboy Carter Brunch & Day Party Concert Pre-Game.' During this all-day affair, the bar will offer themed food and drink specials, including 'Cuff It' biscuit sliders, 'Texas Hold 'Em' chicken and waffles, and Yeehaw French toast. Then, wash those dishes down with free mimosas and $4 cocktails, including the 'Single Ladies' sangria, Bey-hive margaritas, 'Lemonade' with a Twist, and the 'Run the World' rum punch. There will also be an official afterparty at Jolie Houston, a luxury nightclub downtown, Sunday night at 10 p.m., featuring performances by Antwon Keith Collier and more of Beyoncé's back-up dancers. The festivities at Social Junkie continue with the Cowboy Country Brunch Concert Pre-game & After-Party. Receive a complimentary mimosa when you first arrive, then fill up on $4 biscuit sliders (minimum two), $10 chicken and waffles, and $3 Lemon Drops, mimosas, and margaritas. If you're looking for the most affordable and efficient option that prioritizes easy entry and departure, consider booking one of the budget hotels flanking the stadium, like the DoubleTree at Greenway Plaza, which has rooms beginning around $107 per something with better amenities that's in the heart of the city's Pride and Beyoncé-themed action? Book a stay at Hotel ZaZa's Museum District location, which has rooms starting at $241 per night and is centrally located enough to be convenient without sticking you directly in the middle of the concert traffic and chaos. There are plenty of ways to get in and out of NRG efficiently, but manage your expectations; no amount of pragmatism or planning will negate the fact that it's a Beyoncé concert in her hometown. Traffic is going to be brutal. Here are a few ways to skip the worst of the masses:Look to the Metro, Houston's public transit system, to make things a little easier. For anyone comfortable with a bit of walking, take the MetroRail's Red line, which runs along Main Street through downtown Houston, to NRG Park at the Stadium Park / Astrodome station. Afterwards, take the Red line back up to your original boarding point. Prefer a bus? The NRG Park has three nearby bus stops for easy access: stop 14 Hiram Clarke, stop 60 Cambridge, and stop 84 Buffalo Speedway. Find the frequency of rail lines and buses, and more information about the Metro's NRG Park accessibility here. For any additional information, detailed parking instructions, stadium and parking lot maps, and more, consult the NRG Stadium guide for planning your visit. And of course, rideshare services will be in high demand, so either leave the show early or consider waiting out the crowds in order to secure more affordable rates. Want a deeper look? Check out these Redditors' tips from the queen's last H-Town concert. Like any Beyoncé event, you can expect the three Ps: Pyrotechnics, Passion, and PEOPLE! PEOPLE! PEOPLE! Obviously, the show is going to be stacked with visual features, so if you or someone you're attending the show with has sensitivities to bright lights, flashing sensations, or strobing effects, consider taking your medical care provider's advice to safely navigate the event. Past performances of the show have centered towering pillars of fire, glistening showers of sparkling star effects, and color-changing sets and backdrops, so be prepared to be thoroughly (over)stimulated. Along that same line of thought, be ready to be surrounded by music lovers who will be thrilled to see their idol in the flesh. That degree of fervor can lead a lot of people to get very, very excited, so try to give a little grace if people are a little annoying. Expect massive signs, rampant cell phone usage, and probably a few fans singing the lyrics verbatim. However, genuine enthusiasm and the very human mistake of getting a little caught up in the moment (or, lost in the sauce, let's be real) doesn't excuse poor live-music etiquette, so don't be afraid to advocate for yourself if another attendee is harshing your vibe, just remember to be respectful. We're all just people trying to have a good time. See More:
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Houston Ship Channel Expansion – Project 11 Funded to Completion
Allocation in President's FY26 Budget HOUSTON, June 18, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Port Houston is pleased the President's fiscal year (FY) 2026 budget has allocated $161 million for the Houston Ship Channel Expansion – Project 11. In addition, the President's FY26 Operation & Maintenance (O&M) budget allocated $53.6 million to the Houston Ship Channel, the nation's No. 1 ranked waterway. These funds are in addition to the $33 million for Project 11 construction and $98 million for O&M in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Workplan for FY25 that was released a few weeks ago. Port Houston Chairman Ric Campo extended congratulations and appreciation to all industry partners, stakeholders, Congressman Wesley Hunt, and the bipartisan delegation involved in this tremendous effort undertaken over the past several years. "This is a momentous achievement," said Chairman Campo. "We appreciate the Trump Administration for recognizing the criticality of this expansion and applaud Congressman Wesley Hunt and Congressman Brian Babin for their tremendous advocacy and unwavering leadership to bring home the millions of federal dollars needed to complete Project 11. This project will keep our economy moving forward and enable our port to continue delivering for not just Houstonians but the entire nation." "Since my swearing-in nearly three years ago, one of my biggest priorities has been to ensure that Project 11 in the Houston Ship Channel is fully funded and its construction completed. As the largest energy port in the entire world, Project 11's success is essential to maintaining Texas's and the United States' energy dominance," said Congressman Hunt. "I would also like to express my sincerest gratitude to President Trump for recognizing the importance of this project and his goal of ensuring America is once again a net exporter of energy." Project 11 Construction Progress Several portions of the channel expansion project are complete and already providing benefits. Daylight restrictions have been reduced by up to two hours in each direction, increasing time for two-way vessel traffic along the waterway and improving efficiency. Later this summer Port Houston will complete the remaining Port-led portion of Project 11 dredging, between Bayport Ship Channel and Barbours Cut Ship Channel, with USACE leading the remaining portions of Project 11 in Barbours Cut and the upper Turning Basin. Project 11 is scheduled to be complete by 2029. Project 11 is a testament to Port Houston's advocacy for the Houston Ship Channel and the region. It will provide a safer waterway for larger ships and vessels, further supporting economic development and jobs for the region and the state of Texas. See more details and updates about Houston Ship Channel Expansion – Project 11 here: About Port Houston For more than 100 years, Port Houston has owned and operated the public wharves and terminals along the Houston Ship Channel, including the area's largest breakbulk facility and two of the most efficient container terminals in the country. Port Houston is the advocate and a strategic leader for the Channel. The Houston Ship Channel complex and its more than 200 private and eight public terminals is the nation's largest port for waterborne tonnage and an essential economic engine for the Houston region, the state of Texas and the U.S. The Port of Houston supports the creation of nearly 1.5 million jobs in Texas and 3.37 million jobs nationwide, and economic activity totaling $439 billion in Texas and $906 billion in economic impact across the nation. For more information, visit the website at View source version on Contacts CONTACT: Lisa Ashley-Daniels, Director, Public Relations, Office: 713-670-2644; Mobile: 832-247-8179; E-mail: lashley@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
