Convenience Big Store: Why Elon Musk's Houston flood tunnel comment is misleading

September 12, 2025

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Good morning, Houston.

Here's what you should know to start your day:

Need to know: Vigils were held at the University of Houston and Texas A&M a day after the murder of Charlie Kirk.

Top of the chart: The most-read story yesterday was about a Goose Creek CISD teacher facing public scrutiny for comments she made on social media after Kirk's death.

Now, the rest of the news.

1

Elon Musk, founder of SpaceX, speaks during a Starship news conference in 2022 at a SpaceX facility in Boca Chica.

Photo by: Jon Shapley, Staff Photographer

Fact check: Why Elon Musk's remarks about Houston flood tunnels are misleading

Billionaire Elon Musk has challenged a recent investigation by the Houston Chronicle and The Texas Newsroom into a flood tunnel project proposed by his company, The Boring Co.

The investigation raised concerns about the project's effectiveness in addressing Houston's flooding problems.

Musk responded only via a social media post, claiming the tunnels would work and cost less than 10% of existing alternatives — a claim experts say is exaggerated and unsupported by data.

Engineers noted that Boring's proposed 12-foot-wide tunnels are significantly smaller than the 30- to 40-foot tunnels studied by Harris County and would carry far less water. While some local officials are open to smaller tunnels in limited applications, experts warned that Musk's approach lacks detail, raises long-term cost and infrastructure concerns, and may not deliver the flood mitigation needed for a Hurricane Harvey-scale storm.

Texas is running out of water — and Corpus Christi is the first warning sign.

The state is staring down a water crisis, and Corpus Christi is ground zero — where politicians cater to global corporations while billionaires look to cash in on scarcity, writes columnist Chris Tomlinson.

Commissioners approve raising salaries for Harris County constables.

Commissioners handed eight elected constables raises that will see their salaries increase to around $260,000, changing course on an earlier decision.

Houston swim coach faces federal child exploitation indictment.

Nathan Blake Bernier was already charged with sexually assaulting a Klein High School student and now has been indicted for multiple felonies in federal court.

'AK Guy' Brandon Herrera doubles down in GOP rematch against Tony Gonzales.

The Youtuber came within just a few hundred votes of unseating the San Antonio Republican in a bruising GOP primary in 2024.

Lawmakers launch Commission for the State Takeover for HISD families.

Houston leaders including Sen. Molly Cook, Texas Rep. Lauren Ashley Simmons and several scholars launched the new commission to gather data and experiences from families.

CyraCom's Houston location to layoff more than 300 employees.

CyraCom is a language services company that provides interpretation and translation services to thousands of organizations.

Number of the Day

21.2%

This is how much of Houston's population lived below the poverty line last year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data released Thursday.

⚾️ Sports

Astros: The offense was blanked in Toronto as Houston's AL West lead is slipping away. The club has 15 games remaining to get it turned around. 📬 Sign up for Inside Pitch with Matt Kawahara.
Texans: Players remain confident in new offensive coordinator Nick Caley even after a dud of a season opener. Plus: C.J. Stroud's message to the critics and an injury report from Thursday's practice. 📬 Sign up for Texans Insider with Jonathan M. Alexander.
Rockets: Kevin Durant's message to his new coach and teammates is to use him wherever necessary. Plus: Houston's season tickets are up 25% after the addition of KD.
Cougars: The pressure is on the offense in UH's Big 12 opener against Colorado. Plus: Will TDECU Stadium be full as Houston faces Coach Prime? Look ahead: The betting odds and an availability report ahead of tonight's game.
SaberCats: Houston's pro rugby team will not compete in Major League Rugby in 2026.

🗣️ Opinion

A professor and two administrators have been fired at Texas A&M after the latest social media-fueled controversy over gender ideology. Demanding the university enact policy based on the outrage of the day is immensely counterproductive, writes guest columnist Garion Frankel.
There's much to like in the governor's executive order on THC, but Texans should question the wisdom of unilateral action, writes the Houston Chronicle Editorial Board.
Radioactive imported shrimp? Texas senators need to fight that, says commercial fisherman Scott Hickman in a guest op-ed.
World Naked Bike Ride Houston will protest unsafe streets Saturday. Evan Mintz says it's unserious. Lisa Gray says that's why it matters.

Things to Do this Weekend

Attend Dogfest, Galveston Sandcastle Festival, Trucktoberfest and more.
Experience Lea Salonga's free show at Miller Outdoor Theatre.
Enjoy any of these new movies.
Watch "Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale." Or read this review of it.
Check out the trailer Netflix dropped for one of Richard Linklater's new films.

Houston-area companies that make instant cocktail bombs, Vietnamese meat products, luxury soaps and a device for pulling out crawfish flesh are among the 10 finalists in H-E-B's annual "Quest for Texas Best."

The winner of the competition will earn a place on H-E-B's shelves.

Aviva Bechky has details on the four local companies.

Which one are you pulling for?