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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.

Tesla's Robotaxi footprint grows in Houston

The rocket-shaped service map includes Montrose, Midtown and East Downtown.

Transit

Tesla has expanded its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="robotaxi service" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/09/16/cybercab-tesla-autonomous-vehicle-austin" data-vars-content-id="99e336c4-a6fe-405d-a304-ca66cc627252" data-vars-headline="Tesla&#x27;s Robotaxi footprint grows in Houston" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/09/16/cybercab-tesla-autonomous-vehicle-austin" target="_self">robotaxi service</a> across more of Houston. The big picture: The cars previously operated in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="northwest Houston, near Jersey Village" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/04/21/houston-tesla-robotaxi-service-launch" data-vars-content-id="99e336c4-a6fe-405d-a304-ca66cc627252" data-vars-headline="Tesla&#x27;s Robotaxi footprint grows in Houston" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/04/21/houston-tesla-robotaxi-service-launch" target="_self">northwest Houston, near Jersey Village</a>. Now, riders can hail them throughout much of the 610 Loop and northwest Houston, including Montrose, Midtown and East Downtown.

Houston voter guide: Key local races and ballot measures

The Harris County judge race is on the ballot, plus precinct and congressional representation.

Politics

Houston-area voters can put their stamp on a series of local races on the ballot.Why it matters: Beyond <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the high-profile statewide races" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/10/19/texas-voter-guide-2026" data-vars-content-id="30a4114d-0698-4add-a210-bbf856522cca" data-vars-headline="Houston voter guide: Key local races and ballot measures" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/10/19/texas-voter-guide-2026" target="_self">the high-profile statewide races</a>, voters will decide who <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="leads Harris County" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/05/27/harris-county-judge-runoff-letitia-plummer" data-vars-content-id="30a4114d-0698-4add-a210-bbf856522cca" data-vars-headline="Houston voter guide: Key local races and ballot measures" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/05/27/harris-county-judge-runoff-letitia-plummer" target="_self">leads Harris County</a>, elect members of Congress and the state Legislature, and weigh in on local ballot measures.

Cold front to bring relief over the weekend

It's been a long, hot stretch. The weekend is expected to bring temperatures in the 50s.

It&#x27;s time for a weather update worth celebrating. A cold front this weekend is expected to bring some much-needed relief. Why it matters: It&#x27;s been a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="long, hot stretch" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/08/17/houston-hotter-than-average-august-tempertures" data-vars-content-id="362cb70e-7cb6-423a-a616-625456cc8faf" data-vars-headline="Cold front to bring relief over the weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/08/17/houston-hotter-than-average-august-tempertures" target="_self">long, hot stretch</a>, with afternoon highs that have stubbornly hovered near 90 degrees. But cool weather — at least for a few days — is on the way.

Talarico faces voters, but not Paxton, in CNN town hall

He answered questions on abortion, war, education and other issues directly from voters.

Texas Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico made his case to voters for 90 minutes Wednesday night in a CNN and Jubilee town hall.Why it matters: The event — often a dialogue with voters — amounted to free national airtime for Talarico amid an advertising blitz by his Republican opponent, Ken Paxton, who was invited <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="but did not participate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/25/debates-decline-2026-midterm-elections" data-vars-content-id="3dbe2636-f70b-4208-9961-2f41cea9355b" data-vars-headline="Talarico faces voters, but not Paxton, in CNN town hall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/25/debates-decline-2026-midterm-elections" target="_self">but did not participate</a>.

MacGregor Park's $75M makeover is underway

The project will bring tennis courts, walking trails, a playground and more by 2028.

MacGregor Park renovations began earlier this month, kicking off a $75 million project for the historic southeast Houston park.Why it matters: The project aims to modernize the 65-acre park in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Third Ward" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/10/08/emancipation-park-unveils-renovated-cultural-center" data-vars-content-id="72289680-2734-4ea4-8642-14ebb46dbafa" data-vars-headline="MacGregor Park&#x27;s $75M makeover is underway" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/10/08/emancipation-park-unveils-renovated-cultural-center" target="_self">Third Ward</a> while preserving its century-old legacy as a community gathering place.

New poll shows Plummer leading Harris County judge race

Democrat Letitia Plummer leads Republican Orlando Sanchez by 7 points, per the University of Houston poll.

Democrat Letitia Plummer leads Republican Orlando Sanchez by 7 percentage points in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the race for Harris County judge" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/05/27/harris-county-judge-runoff-letitia-plummer" data-vars-content-id="e932d2c6-1dc0-4a80-87c0-90d74f8714ab" data-vars-headline="New poll shows Plummer leading Harris County judge race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/05/27/harris-county-judge-runoff-letitia-plummer" target="_self">the race for Harris County judge</a>, according to a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="University of Houston Hobby School poll" data-vars-click-url="https://www.uh.edu/hobby/harris2026/" data-vars-content-id="e932d2c6-1dc0-4a80-87c0-90d74f8714ab" data-vars-headline="New poll shows Plummer leading Harris County judge race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.uh.edu/hobby/harris2026/" target="_blank">University of Houston Hobby School poll</a>.State of play: Plummer has support from 47% of likely voters, compared with 40% for Sanchez, with 13% undecided.

Houston's plan to become Texas' film capital

Houston wants a starring role in Texas' film industry. A new five-year plan aims to bring more productions.

Houston wants to become <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Texas&#x27; film capital" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/05/27/lawmakers-approve-texas-based-film-and-tv-incentives" data-vars-content-id="4e03f4d4-797e-4ecb-acfb-b61f5bf4d698" data-vars-headline="Houston&#x27;s plan to become Texas&#x27; film capital" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/05/27/lawmakers-approve-texas-based-film-and-tv-incentives" target="_self">Texas&#x27; film capital</a>, with a new five-year strategy to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="attract more movie and television productions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/10/10/movies-houston-incentive-hollywood" data-vars-content-id="4e03f4d4-797e-4ecb-acfb-b61f5bf4d698" data-vars-headline="Houston&#x27;s plan to become Texas&#x27; film capital" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/10/10/movies-houston-incentive-hollywood" target="_self">attract more movie and television productions</a> and develop a fully operational studio campus by 2030.Why it matters: The effort could bring more film projects, jobs and investment to Houston while strengthening the city&#x27;s creative economy.

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