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2026 Michelin Guide Texas: Houston restaurants win 5 new Bib Gourmands

Houston didn't earn any new Michelin stars in 2026, but five local restaurants earned Bib Gourmand awards.

News

Houston didn&#x27;t earn any new Michelin stars this year, but the region claimed five of the six new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bib Gourmand" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/10/29/michelin-restaurant-winners-bib-gourmand-houston-2025" data-vars-content-id="a9068ba4-a11e-4322-94bf-9a5aa9ca2815" data-vars-headline="2026 Michelin Guide Texas: Houston restaurants win 5 new Bib Gourmands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/10/29/michelin-restaurant-winners-bib-gourmand-houston-2025" target="_self">Bib Gourmand</a> awards across Texas.Why it matters: The distinctions underscore Houston&#x27;s reputation for high-quality dining that doesn&#x27;t have to break the bank.

Volvo and Waabi launch autonomous freight runs between Houston and Dallas

For now, there is still a human observer in the driver's seat.

Transit

Another autonomous trucking company is hauling commercial freight between Dallas and Houston. Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="That route" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/23/texas-driverless-trucks" data-vars-content-id="3b85bfaf-b244-417f-8acc-294d3ffe575c" data-vars-headline="Volvo and Waabi launch autonomous freight runs between Houston and Dallas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/23/texas-driverless-trucks" target="_self">That route</a> continues to be a testing ground for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="self-driving trucks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/06/autonomous-trucks-av-freight" data-vars-content-id="3b85bfaf-b244-417f-8acc-294d3ffe575c" data-vars-headline="Volvo and Waabi launch autonomous freight runs between Houston and Dallas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/06/autonomous-trucks-av-freight" target="_self">self-driving trucks</a>.

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.

Houston launches $48M homelessness initiative

The initiative will expand assistance for people who may not need or qualify for long-term supportive housing.

Local officials and philanthropic leaders unveiled a $48 million initiative Wednesday aimed at getting people out of homelessness faster across the Houston region.Why it matters: Houston has been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="lauded nationally" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/14/headway/houston-homeless-people.html" data-vars-content-id="edf886a9-5cb6-4f82-8010-47ebce6bd635" data-vars-headline="Houston launches $48M homelessness initiative" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/14/headway/houston-homeless-people.html" target="_blank">lauded nationally</a> for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reducing homelessness" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2024/05/09/houston-homeless-housing-first-documentary" data-vars-content-id="edf886a9-5cb6-4f82-8010-47ebce6bd635" data-vars-headline="Houston launches $48M homelessness initiative" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2024/05/09/houston-homeless-housing-first-documentary" target="_self">reducing homelessness</a>, but the city still has work to do, prompting local leaders to launch the three-year initiative called Pathways to Independence.

Former Houston state Rep. Garnet Coleman dies

Garnet Coleman, a Houston Democrat, championed expanded health care access.

Former state Rep. Garnet Coleman, a Houston Democrat from the Third Ward who served more than 30 years in the Legislature, died Wednesday at 65.What they&#x27;re saying: Coleman&#x27;s family, who said he died of natural causes, asked that he be remembered for &quot;his service, dedication to his family, and never-ending passion for uplifting all Texans.&quot;

Whitmire counters Abbott's airport funding threat

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport canceled plans for an ablution facility.

After Gov. Greg Abbott threatened to withhold grant funding for Dallas and Houston airports over <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="religious washing facilities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2024/02/22/ritual-washing-and-prayer-rooms-iah" data-vars-content-id="837bc31d-ecc6-4acf-8e9c-ad62bc86f278" data-vars-headline="Whitmire counters Abbott&#x27;s airport funding threat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2024/02/22/ritual-washing-and-prayer-rooms-iah" target="_self">religious washing facilities</a> used by Muslim travelers, Mayor John Whitmire said Monday that the ablution room at George Bush Intercontinental Airport was built without city taxpayer dollars.Why it matters: The airport dispute is the latest example of Abbott using the threat of withholding state funds to push Texas cities to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="change local policies and procedures" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/04/22/houston-police-ice-ordinance-whitmire-abbott" data-vars-content-id="837bc31d-ecc6-4acf-8e9c-ad62bc86f278" data-vars-headline="Whitmire counters Abbott&#x27;s airport funding threat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/04/22/houston-police-ice-ordinance-whitmire-abbott" target="_self">change local policies and procedures</a>.

Trump reverses ICE traffic stop suspension

DHS had suspended all officer-initiated vehicle stops after two fatal shootings.

President Trump said ICE should continue using traffic stops to arrest immigrants after a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recent directive" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/07/14/ice-suspend-vehicle-stops-shootings-houston-maine" data-vars-content-id="86c7e086-01c4-4f44-a712-ecf580ce5525" data-vars-headline="Trump reverses ICE traffic stop suspension" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/07/14/ice-suspend-vehicle-stops-shootings-houston-maine" target="_self">recent directive</a> suspended the tactic after two fatal shootings in Texas and Maine within a week.The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="86c7e086-01c4-4f44-a712-ecf580ce5525" data-vars-headline="Trump reverses ICE traffic stop suspension" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">Trump </a>wrote in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Truth Social post" data-vars-click-url="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/116923585931908111" data-vars-content-id="86c7e086-01c4-4f44-a712-ecf580ce5525" data-vars-headline="Trump reverses ICE traffic stop suspension" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/116923585931908111" target="_blank">Truth Social post</a> on Wednesday, &quot;we CANNOT give up one of I.C.E.&#x27;s most important and effective Crime Fighting tools, THE TRAFFIC STOP!&quot;

Houston Public Library appoints first diplomat in residence

Former U.S. Ambassador Chase Untermeyer will help build relationships with consular corps and international communities.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Houston Public Library " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2023/01/12/fine-free-library-system" data-vars-content-id="3df93b23-3d6b-465b-b45c-5962bf23a31d" data-vars-headline="Houston Public Library appoints first diplomat in residence" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2023/01/12/fine-free-library-system" target="_self">Houston Public Library </a>announced it is hosting a diplomat in residence, a role library officials say is believed to be the first of its kind at a public library system in the country. Why it matters: In the new role, former U.S. Ambassador Chase Untermeyer will help build relationships between the library, Houston&#x27;s consular corps and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="international communities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/04/02/houston-harris-population-growth-2025-census-immigration-policy" data-vars-content-id="3df93b23-3d6b-465b-b45c-5962bf23a31d" data-vars-headline="Houston Public Library appoints first diplomat in residence" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/04/02/houston-harris-population-growth-2025-census-immigration-policy" target="_self">international communities</a> and organizations, Nicholas Sawicki, executive director of the Houston Public Library Foundation, tells Axios.

Letitia Plummer wins Democratic nomination for Harris County judge

She will face Republican Orlando Sanchez in November.

Politics

Letitia Plummer narrowly defeated Annise Parker in the Democratic runoff for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Harris County judge" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/03/04/harris-county-judge-election-results-primaries-dem-gop" data-vars-content-id="76171db5-aafd-43c7-ae1f-10f332dd9f58" data-vars-headline="Letitia Plummer wins Democratic nomination for Harris County judge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/03/04/harris-county-judge-election-results-primaries-dem-gop" target="_self">Harris County judge</a>, according to unofficial results. Why it matters: The race came down to a couple thousand votes, with Plummer, a former Houston City Council member, edging out Parker, a former Houston mayor who had been seen as the frontrunner.

Mealer wins GOP nomination for Houston's redrawn House seat

Mealer beat state Rep. Briscoe Cain to be on the November ticket.

Alexandra Mealer defeated state Rep. Briscoe Cain on Tuesday in the Republican runoff for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Houston" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston" data-vars-content-id="f0cb1a20-de26-47fb-83c4-dff22101ca29" data-vars-headline="Mealer wins GOP nomination for Houston&#x27;s redrawn House seat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston" target="_self">Houston</a>-area U.S. House seat redrawn to favor the GOP.Why it matters: With <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="President Trump&#x27;s endorsement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/election/2026/article/trump-endorses-alex-mealer-texas-9th-21359115.php" data-vars-content-id="f0cb1a20-de26-47fb-83c4-dff22101ca29" data-vars-headline="Mealer wins GOP nomination for Houston&#x27;s redrawn House seat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/election/2026/article/trump-endorses-alex-mealer-texas-9th-21359115.php" target="_blank">President Trump&#x27;s endorsement</a>, Mealer now heads into a closely watched November race against Democrat Leticia Gutierrez and independent Roy Morales.

Menefee wins Democratic nomination for Houston's redrawn House seat

Al Green loses primary to Christian Menefee after Houston House seat redrawn

Menefee's victory is set to end Green's two-decade run in Congress.

Politics & Policy

U.S. Rep. Christian Menefee defeated U.S. Rep. Al Green on Tuesday in the Democratic <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="runoff" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/05/18/houston-elections-why-so-many" data-vars-content-id="f48d64c7-8e06-47ef-9fda-100a89f39722" data-vars-headline="Menefee wins Democratic nomination for Houston&#x27;s redrawn House seat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/05/18/houston-elections-why-so-many" target="_self">runoff</a> for Houston&#x27;s newly redrawn 18th Congressional District.Why it matters: Menefee&#x27;s victory is set to end <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Green&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/25/al-green-state-of-the-union-sign-trump-protest" data-vars-content-id="f48d64c7-8e06-47ef-9fda-100a89f39722" data-vars-headline="Menefee wins Democratic nomination for Houston&#x27;s redrawn House seat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/25/al-green-state-of-the-union-sign-trump-protest" target="_self">Green&#x27;s</a> two-decade run in Congress.

Texas Children's must open country's first "detransition clinic"

The settlement resolves an investigation launched in 2023 after Texas banned gender-affirming medical care for minors.

Texas Children&#x27;s Hospital must open what is believed to be the country&#x27;s first &quot;detransition clinic&quot; and pay the state $10 million as part of a settlement over <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="transgender care" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/04/22/texas-legislature-anti-trans-bills" data-vars-content-id="3b555db9-453d-444a-b108-8504352d71a4" data-vars-headline="Texas Children&#x27;s must open country&#x27;s first &quot;detransition clinic&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/04/22/texas-legislature-anti-trans-bills" target="_self">transgender care</a> for minors, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Attorney General Ken Paxton" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/04/cornyn-paxton-runoff-texas-republican-senate-primary" data-vars-content-id="3b555db9-453d-444a-b108-8504352d71a4" data-vars-headline="Texas Children&#x27;s must open country&#x27;s first &quot;detransition clinic&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/04/cornyn-paxton-runoff-texas-republican-senate-primary" target="_self">Attorney General Ken Paxton</a> announced Friday.Why it matters: The settlement marks the latest move by Texas Republicans to restrict transgender rights as the state has enacted some of the nation&#x27;s toughest policies targeting trans people, including limits on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gender-affirming care for minors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2024/06/28/gender-affirming-care-ban-texas-transgender" data-vars-content-id="3b555db9-453d-444a-b108-8504352d71a4" data-vars-headline="Texas Children&#x27;s must open country&#x27;s first &quot;detransition clinic&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2024/06/28/gender-affirming-care-ban-texas-transgender" target="_self">gender-affirming care for minors</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sports participation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2021/10/25/texas-trans-youth-sports" data-vars-content-id="3b555db9-453d-444a-b108-8504352d71a4" data-vars-headline="Texas Children&#x27;s must open country&#x27;s first &quot;detransition clinic&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2021/10/25/texas-trans-youth-sports" target="_self">sports participation</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bathroom access" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/09/22/abbott-signs-bathroom-bill-into-law" data-vars-content-id="3b555db9-453d-444a-b108-8504352d71a4" data-vars-headline="Texas Children&#x27;s must open country&#x27;s first &quot;detransition clinic&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/09/22/abbott-signs-bathroom-bill-into-law" target="_self">bathroom access</a>.

UH Poll: Menefee leads in Green in Democratic runoff

UH poll shows Menefee leading Green in CD18 Democratic runoff.

U.S. Rep. Christian Menefee is leading U.S. Rep. Al Green heading into the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Democratic primary runoff" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/03/04/al-green-christian-menefee-primary-election-results-2026" data-vars-content-id="0d00c6cb-c0c8-4bd3-adc3-5dc5a7633f29" data-vars-headline="UH Poll: Menefee leads in Green in Democratic runoff" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/03/04/al-green-christian-menefee-primary-election-results-2026" target="_self">Democratic primary runoff</a> for Texas&#x27; 18th Congressional District, per a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs survey" data-vars-click-url="https://www.uh.edu/hobby/runoffs/runoffs.pdf" data-vars-content-id="0d00c6cb-c0c8-4bd3-adc3-5dc5a7633f29" data-vars-headline="UH Poll: Menefee leads in Green in Democratic runoff" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.uh.edu/hobby/runoffs/runoffs.pdf" target="_blank">new University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs survey</a>.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="runoff" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/04/al-green-christian-menefee-texas-primary-houston" data-vars-content-id="0d00c6cb-c0c8-4bd3-adc3-5dc5a7633f29" data-vars-headline="UH Poll: Menefee leads in Green in Democratic runoff" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/04/al-green-christian-menefee-texas-primary-houston" target="_self">runoff</a> will determine who represents the recently redrawn district after Texas lawmakers <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shuffled Houston-area seats" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/04/27/texas-redistricting-map-ruling-supreme-court" data-vars-content-id="0d00c6cb-c0c8-4bd3-adc3-5dc5a7633f29" data-vars-headline="UH Poll: Menefee leads in Green in Democratic runoff" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/04/27/texas-redistricting-map-ruling-supreme-court" target="_self">shuffled Houston-area seats</a>, forcing Menefee and Green into the same race.

Houston law enforcement say they're ready for the World Cup

Houston expects roughly 500,000 visitors for seven matches at NRG Stadium.

Houston has secured $64.7 million in federal funds for<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" 2026 FIFA World Cup " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/12/06/fifa-2026-world-cup-houston-schedule-matches" data-vars-content-id="cef4a5d7-8044-430b-9ea7-a8ecfac56df3" data-vars-headline="Houston law enforcement say they&#x27;re ready for the World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/12/06/fifa-2026-world-cup-houston-schedule-matches" target="_self"> 2026 FIFA World Cup </a>security plans, and local officials say the city is ready and confident with the security measures that will be in place.Why it matters: Houston expects roughly 500,000 visitors for seven matches at NRG Stadium, plus a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="39-day Fan Fest in East Downtown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fwc26houston.com/fifafanfestivalhou" data-vars-content-id="cef4a5d7-8044-430b-9ea7-a8ecfac56df3" data-vars-headline="Houston law enforcement say they&#x27;re ready for the World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fwc26houston.com/fifafanfestivalhou" target="_blank">39-day Fan Fest in East Downtown</a>, all starting in about two months.

Politics 🇺🇸

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Former Houston state Rep. Garnet Coleman dies

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