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Scoop: Din Tai Fung plans Houston Galleria location

The popular Taiwanese restaurant is known for its soup dumplings.

Food and Drink

Popular Taiwanese restaurant chain <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Din Tai Fung" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/06/08/din-tai-fung-review-worth-wait" data-vars-content-id="dc931afd-ee3c-4575-9177-27f3183cba18" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Din Tai Fung plans Houston Galleria location" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/06/08/din-tai-fung-review-worth-wait" target="_self">Din Tai Fung</a> appears to be headed to Houston&#x27;s Galleria, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new state filing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/TABS/Search/Project/TABS2027004326" data-vars-content-id="dc931afd-ee3c-4575-9177-27f3183cba18" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Din Tai Fung plans Houston Galleria location" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/TABS/Search/Project/TABS2027004326" target="_blank">new state filing</a>.Why it matters: The arrival would mark Din Tai Fung&#x27;s first Texas location, bringing the chain&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="famous soup dumplings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wsj.com/real-estate/commercial/americas-most-successful-restaurant-chain-feeds-a-dumpling-frenzy-a9a94bde" data-vars-content-id="dc931afd-ee3c-4575-9177-27f3183cba18" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Din Tai Fung plans Houston Galleria location" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wsj.com/real-estate/commercial/americas-most-successful-restaurant-chain-feeds-a-dumpling-frenzy-a9a94bde" target="_blank">famous soup dumplings</a> to Houston.

Marvel superheroes are taking over Houston's science museum

The exhibit will feature more than 150 original artifacts.

News

Superhero fans, assemble! Spider-Man, Black Panther and other Marvel superheroes are taking over the Houston Museum of Natural Science this winter.The big picture: The &quot;Marvel: The Exhibition — Universe of Super Heroes&quot; will bring more than 150 original artifacts, including costumes, movie props and comic book art, to Houston starting Dec. 19.

United opens new Terminal B concourse at Houston's Bush Airport

Terminal B North Concourse features 22 gates and the largest airline lounge in the Americas.

United Airlines opens its new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Terminal B North Concourse" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2023/12/01/united-airlines-terminal-renovation-plan" data-vars-content-id="40501917-65eb-472a-b19b-732aa8961f09" data-vars-headline="United opens new Terminal B concourse at Houston&#x27;s Bush Airport" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2023/12/01/united-airlines-terminal-renovation-plan" target="_self">Terminal B North Concourse</a> at Houston&#x27;s Bush Airport on Thursday, wrapping up a major phase of the $2.6 billion redevelopment.Why it matters: After roughly two years of construction, the new concourse replaces decades-old facilities and gates and adds modern amenities and more space for travelers.

Houston Rockets open NBA season with hopes of longer playoff run

After two consecutive first-round playoff exits, the Rockets are looking to make a deeper run this season.

Sports

The Houston Rockets open their 2026-27 season Wednesday against the Dallas Mavericks at Toyota Center.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Rockets" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/04/23/houston-rockets-los-angeles-lakers-nba-playoffs" data-vars-content-id="c7861b3e-5f9c-4f3a-88e0-f8a74908e088" data-vars-headline="Houston Rockets open NBA season with hopes of longer playoff run" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/04/23/houston-rockets-los-angeles-lakers-nba-playoffs" target="_self">The Rockets</a> enter the season with high expectations after making the playoffs the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="past two years" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/10/21/houston-rockets-kevin-durant-2025-26-season" data-vars-content-id="c7861b3e-5f9c-4f3a-88e0-f8a74908e088" data-vars-headline="Houston Rockets open NBA season with hopes of longer playoff run" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/10/21/houston-rockets-kevin-durant-2025-26-season" target="_self">past two years</a> but losing in the first round both times.

Rice University launches master's degree in artificial intelligence

Rice will begin accepting applications this fall for the three-semester graduate degree.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rice University" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/09/22/rice-university-us-news-college-rankings-2027" data-vars-content-id="de147882-c153-4d3b-bf36-cc5c955cc87c" data-vars-headline="Rice University launches master&#x27;s degree in artificial intelligence" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/09/22/rice-university-us-news-college-rankings-2027" target="_self">Rice University</a> will offer a master of artificial intelligence, or MAI, degree starting in fall 2027. Why it matters: As <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AI reshapes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/15/college-major-ai-skills-job-search" data-vars-content-id="de147882-c153-4d3b-bf36-cc5c955cc87c" data-vars-headline="Rice University launches master&#x27;s degree in artificial intelligence" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/15/college-major-ai-skills-job-search" target="_self">AI reshapes</a> industries and the workforce, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="universities are expanding programs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/08/03/rice-university-expands-free-tuition-program" data-vars-content-id="de147882-c153-4d3b-bf36-cc5c955cc87c" data-vars-headline="Rice University launches master&#x27;s degree in artificial intelligence" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/08/03/rice-university-expands-free-tuition-program" target="_self">universities are expanding programs</a> to train students to build and deploy the technology.

Rice University moves up in 2027 U.S. News Best Colleges rankings

Rice moved up, University of Houston dropped.

Education

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rice University" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/04/21/rice-university-enrollement-increase" data-vars-content-id="78fcce34-fb40-47ec-9e3b-40a1023b951f" data-vars-headline="Rice University moves up in 2027 U.S. News Best Colleges rankings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/04/21/rice-university-enrollement-increase" target="_self">Rice University</a> moved up one spot to No. 16 in U.S. News &amp; World Report&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2027 Best Colleges rankings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges?src=usn_pr" data-vars-content-id="78fcce34-fb40-47ec-9e3b-40a1023b951f" data-vars-headline="Rice University moves up in 2027 U.S. News Best Colleges rankings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges?src=usn_pr" target="_blank">2027 Best Colleges rankings</a>, released Tuesday.Why it matters: Despite perennial debate over college rankings, U.S. News remains one of the most prominent measures used to compare colleges and universities nationwide.

Texas universities tumble in free speech ranking

Texas universities generally scored poorly.

Texas A&amp;M University plummeted in a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="campus free speech" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/10/free-speech-collge-student-censorship" data-vars-content-id="f1d1b048-171e-485a-91b6-7a5d06d3d0ef" data-vars-headline="Texas universities tumble in free speech ranking" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/10/free-speech-collge-student-censorship" target="_self">campus free speech</a> ranking.State of play: Texas colleges overall lost ground in the latest national ranking from the civil liberties group <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fire.org/news/2027-college-free-speech-rankings-kirk-murder-adds-another-difficult-topic-dismal-climate" data-vars-content-id="f1d1b048-171e-485a-91b6-7a5d06d3d0ef" data-vars-headline="Texas universities tumble in free speech ranking" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fire.org/news/2027-college-free-speech-rankings-kirk-murder-adds-another-difficult-topic-dismal-climate" target="_blank">Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression</a> (FIRE), though results varied widely by campus.

Tesla wins tax break for potential Fort Bend County solar plant

Tesla is deciding between Fort Bend County and an undisclosed location outside Texas for the project..

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tesla" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/22/tesla-earnings-ai-robotics-spending" data-vars-content-id="0d41dd9e-c153-48bd-96a3-8b37ab9335e4" data-vars-headline="Tesla wins tax break for potential Fort Bend County solar plant" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/22/tesla-earnings-ai-robotics-spending" target="_self">Tesla</a> is considering Fort Bend County for a $10.1 billion solar manufacturing plant — and a local school district just sweetened the deal with a property tax break.Why it matters: Project Crystal Sun would significantly expand <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tesla&#x27;s manufacturing footprint" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/07/28/central-texas-car-and-chip-nexus" data-vars-content-id="0d41dd9e-c153-48bd-96a3-8b37ab9335e4" data-vars-headline="Tesla wins tax break for potential Fort Bend County solar plant" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/07/28/central-texas-car-and-chip-nexus" target="_self">Tesla&#x27;s manufacturing footprint</a> in Texas.<ul><li>And the effort would be a massive investment in the fast-growing county, eventually employing nearly 10,000 people.</li></ul>

How many Houston-area students are getting voucher money

Over 3,000 students who live within Houston ISD boundaries are getting vouchers.

Families living within Houston ISD boundaries make up the largest share of participants in Texas&#x27; new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="private school voucher program" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/04/23/texas-voucher-tefa-teachers-entrepreneur-vendors" data-vars-content-id="94a75811-3b1e-4d5d-9008-dbd46e1ae417" data-vars-headline="How many Houston-area students are getting voucher money" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/04/23/texas-voucher-tefa-teachers-entrepreneur-vendors" target="_self">private school voucher program</a>, per a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recent state report" data-vars-click-url="https://educationfreedom.texas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/TEFA-Annual-Demographic-Report.pdf" data-vars-content-id="94a75811-3b1e-4d5d-9008-dbd46e1ae417" data-vars-headline="How many Houston-area students are getting voucher money" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://educationfreedom.texas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/TEFA-Annual-Demographic-Report.pdf" target="_blank">recent state report</a>.Why it matters: Public school advocates warn the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vouchers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/05/03/texas-school-vouchers-greg-abbott-signs-law" data-vars-content-id="94a75811-3b1e-4d5d-9008-dbd46e1ae417" data-vars-headline="How many Houston-area students are getting voucher money" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/05/03/texas-school-vouchers-greg-abbott-signs-law" target="_self">vouchers</a> will <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="harm public schools" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2025/02/20/texas-legislature-school-vouchers-public-education" data-vars-content-id="94a75811-3b1e-4d5d-9008-dbd46e1ae417" data-vars-headline="How many Houston-area students are getting voucher money" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2025/02/20/texas-legislature-school-vouchers-public-education" target="_self">harm public schools</a>, while supporters argue parents shouldn&#x27;t have to send their kids to underperforming public schools.

The biggest back-to-school changes across Houston-area districts

From school closures to new fall breaks, here's what Houston-area families should know before classes begin.

It&#x27;s almost time for students to return to school, with many local school districts reopening next week. Why it matters: Families will navigate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new state laws" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/03/02/tefa-vouchers-san-antonio-archdiocese-catholic-schools" data-vars-content-id="b9406271-347c-45c8-86f3-d904d2badaa7" data-vars-headline="The biggest back-to-school changes across Houston-area districts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/03/02/tefa-vouchers-san-antonio-archdiocese-catholic-schools" target="_self">new state laws</a>, district policy changes, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="school changes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/02/24/hisd-school-closure-consolidation-board-vote" data-vars-content-id="b9406271-347c-45c8-86f3-d904d2badaa7" data-vars-headline="The biggest back-to-school changes across Houston-area districts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/02/24/hisd-school-closure-consolidation-board-vote" target="_self">school changes</a> and updated school calendars this year.

Rice University expands free tuition program

Students from families earning less than $100,000 will also get free room and board.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rice University" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/04/21/rice-university-enrollement-increase" data-vars-content-id="8c5f5f9a-bd33-4893-bc2b-412552c15891" data-vars-headline="Rice University expands free tuition program" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/04/21/rice-university-enrollement-increase" target="_self">Rice University</a> announced Monday it will offer free tuition to students from families earning up to $200,000 annually.Why it matters: Rice joins a growing number of prestigious universities raising income thresholds for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="free tuition" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/07/college-university-financial-aid" data-vars-content-id="8c5f5f9a-bd33-4893-bc2b-412552c15891" data-vars-headline="Rice University expands free tuition program" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/07/college-university-financial-aid" target="_self">free tuition</a>, making the university more affordable for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="middle-income families" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/middle-class-income-salary-21943806.php" data-vars-content-id="8c5f5f9a-bd33-4893-bc2b-412552c15891" data-vars-headline="Rice University expands free tuition program" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/middle-class-income-salary-21943806.php" target="_blank">middle-income families</a> and keeping that competitive advantage.

Beyoncé boosts TSU's Ocean of Soul

The hometown investment turns a star-studded performance into scholarships and long-term support for students.

Beyoncé&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="BeyGOOD Foundation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tsu.edu/press-releases/beygood-donates-to-ocean.php" data-vars-content-id="1528fe57-2b24-4970-bbf0-0083861d220c" data-vars-headline="Beyoncé boosts TSU&#x27;s Ocean of Soul" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tsu.edu/press-releases/beygood-donates-to-ocean.php" target="_blank">BeyGOOD Foundation</a> has awarded Texas Southern University&#x27;s Ocean of Soul Marching Band $100,000 after more than 200 of its musicians joined her nationally televised <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;Beyoncé Bowl&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://texassouthernnews.com/beyonce-makes-emmy-history-while-texas-southern-university-celebrates-four-nominations/" data-vars-content-id="1528fe57-2b24-4970-bbf0-0083861d220c" data-vars-headline="Beyoncé boosts TSU&#x27;s Ocean of Soul" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://texassouthernnews.com/beyonce-makes-emmy-history-while-texas-southern-university-celebrates-four-nominations/" target="_blank">&quot;Beyoncé Bowl&quot;</a> performance.Why it matters: The hometown investment turns a star-studded performance into scholarships and long-term support for students at one of Houston&#x27;s most prominent historically Black universities.

UH joins Texas' nuclear energy push

Houston is eyeing the next energy technology boom.

The University of Houston is joining a statewide campaign to turn Texas into a hub for next-generation nuclear power as electricity demand from data centers, manufacturing and population growth strains the grid.Why it matters: Houston built its energy dominance around oil and gas, but UH&#x27;s entry into the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Texas Nuclear Alliance" data-vars-click-url="https://texasnuclearalliance.org/about-us/" data-vars-content-id="512d6499-d2d8-4957-b7ad-f7ffc9a89ad7" data-vars-headline="UH joins Texas&#x27; nuclear energy push" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://texasnuclearalliance.org/about-us/" target="_blank">Texas Nuclear Alliance</a> could help the region compete for research funding, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="school announced Monday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.uh.edu/news-events/stories/2026/july/07202026-uh-nuclear-alliance.php" data-vars-content-id="512d6499-d2d8-4957-b7ad-f7ffc9a89ad7" data-vars-headline="UH joins Texas&#x27; nuclear energy push" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.uh.edu/news-events/stories/2026/july/07202026-uh-nuclear-alliance.php" target="_blank">school announced Monday</a>.

Texas Southern expands aviation program with new Houston Spaceport hangar

A new TSU hangar at Houston Spaceport aims to grow Houston's aviation workforce.

Texas Southern University opened a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new aviation facility" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2023/05/08/tsu-flight-training-facility-houston-texas" data-vars-content-id="057f78e9-ead4-4b2c-b2b9-c6fc24951f60" data-vars-headline="Texas Southern expands aviation program with new Houston Spaceport hangar" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2023/05/08/tsu-flight-training-facility-houston-texas" target="_self">new aviation facility</a> near Ellington Airport this weekend.Why it matters: The project signals Houston&#x27;s expanding footprint in aviation and strengthens TSU&#x27;s role in training a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more diverse pipeline" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2021/06/24/aviation-industry-war-on-sexism" data-vars-content-id="057f78e9-ead4-4b2c-b2b9-c6fc24951f60" data-vars-headline="Texas Southern expands aviation program with new Houston Spaceport hangar" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2021/06/24/aviation-industry-war-on-sexism" target="_self">more diverse pipeline</a> of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pilots and industry professionals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2022/05/05/pilot-shortage-texas-travel-airports" data-vars-content-id="057f78e9-ead4-4b2c-b2b9-c6fc24951f60" data-vars-headline="Texas Southern expands aviation program with new Houston Spaceport hangar" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2022/05/05/pilot-shortage-texas-travel-airports" target="_self">pilots and industry professionals</a>, the university&#x27;s president says.

Education 📚

Texas leads the U.S. in school book bans

Rice University launches master's degree in artificial intelligence

Rice University moves up in 2027 U.S. News Best Colleges rankings

Texas universities tumble in free speech ranking

Tesla wins tax break for potential Fort Bend County solar plant