Convenience Big Store: Houston's spring break tourism delivered a stress test for World Cup

April 6, 2026

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Good morning, Houston.

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

Need to know: The Houston Art Car Parade is Saturday. Here’s what to know about the parade's history, this year's grand marshals and more.
Top of the chart: One of the most-read stories on our site yesterday was about a worship event in Manvel called "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus" that used thousands of drones to light up the night sky.
Where is Artemis II? Track the Orion spacecraft live during its journey to the moon and back.

Here's the rest of the news.

1

Construction continues on Main Street Promenade, the reenvisioning of Main Street to make it more pedestrian friendly, Friday, March 27, 2026, in Houston. The work is expected to be ready for the World Cup in early June and is one of many upgrades aimed at making the bars and downtown area more accommodating for the thousands expected during the event.

Houston was pushed to the brink with March's tourism stress test. Are we ready for the World Cup?

For Houston this spring, it’s been one event after another.

The rodeo, NCAA basketball, the World Baseball Classic, CERAWeek, the Houston Open and Astros’ Opening Day fueled a tourism boom. Spring break highlighted the city’s growing reputation as both a family-friendly destination and a nightlife hub.

But it did not come without hiccups. TSA lines at Houston’s airports stretched for hours at times and the rodeo had its moments of chaos. It begs the question: Is Houston ready for the World Cup?

Dug Begley examines Houston’s preparations ahead of the massive global event arriving in just a few months.

2

New East Texas LNG facility is launching at ‘the right time,’ as Iran war reshapes global gas markets.

Golden Pass LNG, owned by Exxon and QatarEnergy, launched last week in East Texas after a decade of development. Its timing with the Iran war gives it an edge.

Fact check: Does the U.S. produce more oil than it can consume?

3

Tony Gonzales sought sex from subordinate years before 2024 scandal, texts show.

Text messages show the married San Antonio congressman asked a subordinate for sex and nude photos years before his 2024 affair with Regina Santos-Aviles.

4

Swim school, furniture tycoon and dyslexia education: See the Houston vendors approved for vouchers.

From swim lessons to ABA therapy to furniture for homeschool classrooms and children with disabilities, here are the Houston-area vendors approved for Texas' voucher program.

Plus: See the list of Houston-area pre-Ks approved for vouchers.

5

Texas goes solo on psychedelic drug research due to private sector's skepticism.

Texas officials say they will "fully fund" the $100 million clinical trials on ibogaine, but they face a difficult path in winning approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

6

Inside the dysfunction at Texas Funeral Service Commission.

What should never happen allegedly did: At a Houston funeral home, families claim they encountered insect-covered, unrefrigerated bodies — a breakdown the state’s funeral watchdog is meant to prevent and address when things go wrong. The funeral home denies the allegations.

Instead, the Texas Funeral Service Commission is faltering, plagued by missing records, high turnover and mishandled complaints, as reports of lost ashes and unlicensed operators mount.

Our investigation examines how oversight has strained — and what that could mean for Texans relying on the system to prevent violations and enforce consequences.

7

New Edition, Boyz II Men, Toni Braxton close tour in Houston.

New Edition, Boyz II Men and Toni Braxton delivered a masterclass in Houston, capped by a Michael McCary reunion.

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#️⃣ Number of the Day

$6.7 billion

That's the market capitalization of Powell Industries, a company founded as a metal-working shop in Houston in 1947.

Today, Powell Industries is a manufacturing powerhouse with 3,000 employees worldwide. The company has been recognized by the Chronicle 100, its longtime CEO recently became a billionaire and its stock splits today three-for-one.

Erica Grieder has more on Powell Industries' rise.

🏈 Sports

UCLA players celebrate after defeating South Carolina in the women's National Championship Final Four NCAA college basketball tournament game, Sunday, April 5, 2026, in Phoenix.

Photo by: Ross D. Franklin, AP

March Madness: UCLA routed South Carolina on Sunday to win its first NCAA championship in women’s basketball.
Rockets: Houston squandered a double-digit lead before recovering in the final seconds to pull out a win against the Golden State Warriors.
Astros: Houston dropped a wild slugfest to the Athletics on a walk-off homer in the 10th inning. Plus: Hunter Brown was placed on the injured list, putting Houston's pitching depth to an immediate test.
Tennis: Tommy Paul pulled off his fifth ATP Tour title in dramatic fashion, saving three match points to win the U.S. Men's Clay Court Championship for the first time.
Texas Relays: Olympic champions Masai Russell and Gabby Thomas led wins on the final day of competition.

🗣️ Opinion

The absence of congressional oversight in wartime raises concerns about transparency and accountability, writes author Casey Michel in a guest column.
"The idea of data centers is not new. They are not inherently bad, and have been around for decades. As always, it is the way we use them that gives us grief," says Jeni German in a letter to the editor.
Reader responses: As the partial government shutdown drags on, we asked what you think of the people who represent you in Congress.
Tell us: Texas banned the sale of some smokable hemp products. How are you dealing with the change?

In Case You Missed It

Acres Homes held its annual "44 Day" celebration.
Riot Comedy Festival put the spotlight on young comedians from Houston-area private schools.
Academy Sports + Outdoors illegally sold guns to straw purchasers, according to a report.
Wolfsmiths is hosting a grand opening that will feature live music, comedy and a motorcycle giveaway.
Sprouts Farmers Market will open a new location in Kingwood this month.

Would you buy a 3D-printed house?

One of Houston’s first 3D-printed duplexes is under construction in the East End, with the 1,700-square-foot home expected to be completed by July. The property has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms, an attached two-car garage and a yard.

Maliya Ellis has more on the project and how it was built.