Shafaq Patel

1 week ago | axios.com | Shafaq Patel

Illustration: Aïda Amer/AxiosFrom pro sports to theme parks, Houston residents are hungry for more ways to spend their free time, per a new survey by the University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs. Why it matters: When it comes to things to do, the city trails the Dallas-Fort Worth area, which already has both Women's National Basketball Association and National Hockey League teams — plus two major theme parks. Houston has none. "Houstonians want to see that change," says Mark P.

1 week ago | axios.com | Jay Jordan |Shafaq Patel

🦢 Enjoy "Swan Lake," with dancers of the Ukrainian National Opera and Ballet Theater, at the Stafford Centre. 7pm tonight. Tickets start at $25. 🧁 See the musical "Waitress" at The Hobby Center this weekend. Friday's 8pm show starts at $50. 🤘 Rock out to Bon Jovi hits at a tribute night at Katy's Central Green Park. 7-9pm Saturday. Free. 🪁 Fly a kite, or admire the scene, at the International District Kite Festival at Alief Nature Center. 10am to 1pm Saturday. Free.

1 week ago | axios.com | Shafaq Patel |April Rubin

Texas is America's top exporter to China, and Houston's 38th Congressional District led all U.S. districts in goods exports to China in 2023, according to the U.S.-China Business Council. Why it matters: Those trade ties are now caught in a fast-escalating trade war, with billions of dollars and thousands of jobs at stake.

1 week ago | axios.com | Shafaq Patel

Illustration: Brendan Lynch/AxiosA majority of Houstonians rate the city's quality of life as good in a new University of Houston survey, but a significant share expressed concern with long-standing issues like crime, traffic and infrastructure. The big picture: While most (59%) said they feel Houston is headed in the wrong direction, a majority still back local leaders like Mayor John Whitmire and County Judge Lina Hidalgo, per the Hobby School of Public Affairs survey.

1 week ago | axios.com | Jay Jordan |Shafaq Patel

🍱 Watch "Frozen Section," a post-apocalyptic comedic play with a side of existential dread, at Catastrophic Theatre. 7:30pm Monday. Pay-what-you-can, with a suggested $40 price. 🎤 Honor Selena for what would have been her 54th birthday at the River Oaks Theatre, where there'll be a screening of the 1997 biopic and a live band playing tribute music 7pm Wednesday. $30. 🕺Dance to J Balvin in concert at the Toyota Center for his "Back to the Rayo" Tour. 8pm Thursday. Tickets start at $46.