what we googled in 2019
Google reveals the 10 most popular Houston searches for 2019

Few things reveal our interests like what’s typed in the ubiquitous Google search bar. With that in mind, Google has announced its annual “Year in Search” lists, which analyze the most top-trending, highest-traffic queries across news, politics, film, entertainment, sports, and more throughout 2019.
The theme for this year is apparently heroism, according to the Google blog. Americans looked for heroes at the box office, where Avengers: Endgame was the top-trending movie around the world.
“Hero” was searched three times more than “villain” globally this year. With news of myriad mass shootings and natural disasters, Americans were inspired: searches for “how to become a first responder” hit an all-time high.
Folks cheered for heroes on the field, where Megan Rapinoe was one of the top trending athletes globally, according to Google. Searches for “sheroes” increased by 150 percent, while the “first female spacewalk” (go, ladies!) became a worldwide breakout trend.
Here in Houston, our hometown heroes in orange and blue led our Google searches. Here’s our top 10 Bayou City queries for 2019.
Astros vs. Yankees
The Houston Astros made quick work of the boys in pinstripes, but the series was marred by classless behavior by a small group of Yankees fans, who doused beer and profanities on visiting Astros fans. Speaking of heroes, Astros fan favorite Lance McCullers, Jr. gifted those brave and bullied Astros fans with tickets to the World Series.
Astros vs. Nationals
Little wonder that the Astros’ World Series run against the Washington Nationals ranks this high in Houston’s searches. The series featured lopsided games, with the Astros eventually falling to the Nats 4-3 in the best-of-seven championship contest.
Nipsey Hussle
In March, the rapper, entrepreneur, and activist was fatally shot outside his store, Marathon Clothing, in Los Angeles.
Cameron Boyce
The popular Disney star died in July at the age of 20 due to complications of epilepsy.
Antonio Brown
The free agent NFL wide receiver confounded sports fans with his off-the-field antics, which cost him lucrative positions with the Oakland Raiders and New England Patriots.
irs.gov refund
Houstonians — like most Americans — eagerly anticipated their annual tax refunds.
Disney Plus
Baby Yoda has taken the world by The Force and abject cuteness. His presence on The Mandalorian has clearly fueled searches for Disney’s streaming content channel.
iPhone 11
That camera! Lovers of low-light photography and all things Apple have flocked to the latest phone.
Avengers Endgame
(Spoiler alert) Tony Stark’s loss was the movie’s gain, making it the highest-grossing film of all time.
Luke Perry
The beloved 90210 star passed away in March; his death deeply resonated with fans and Gen-Xers everywhere.