Dallas’s $1.7 billion plan to sink I-345 below street level just cleared its environmental review, but there’s one tiny problem: TxDOT is still missing about a billion dollars, which tends to slow things down. Officials say they’re confident the money will eventually materialize through gas taxes and state propositions - optimism that would make even a startup founder blush. But construction can’t begin until the years-long I-30 “Canyon Project” wraps up, meaning I-345 work won’t actually start until 2029 at the earliest. TxDOT insists traffic won’t be a daytime nightmare thanks to off-peak construction, though Dallas drivers may choose not to hold their breath. Long-term plans even include decking over the new sunken highway, assuming the city can agree on what to build - and can pay for it.

Dillard’s is quietly trimming its footprint again, announcing that its 240,000-square-foot store at The Shops at Willow Bend in Plano will shut down right after the holidays - not because the company is sinking, but because the mall itself is headed for demolition. The closure marks the third straight year Dillard’s has axed a location, shrinking from its ’90s peak of 342 stores to 272 today. Willow Bend’s owner is bulldozing much of the aging mall to build apartments, restaurants, and a “modern retail mix,” forcing out more than 60 tenants, including Neiman Marcus. Ironically, Dillard’s is actually doing fine, posting a $1.4 billion quarter thanks to strong sales in women’s shoes, lingerie, and accessories - proof you can be profitable and still get evicted. Meanwhile, the broader mall landscape continues to crumble as familiar names like JCPenney, Saks Off Fifth, Torrid, and Claire’s keep shuttering stores in what feels like a never-ending retail disappearing act.

Lubbock Ballet brought a sprinkle of holiday magic to Covenant Children’s Hospital, giving young patients an exclusive sneak peek of The Nutcracker - because if you can’t go to the theater, the theater might as well come to you. The tradition has been running for over a decade, charming kids who could use a little escape from medical routines. Hospital care manager Christine Neugebauer says the mini-performance helps patients feel “seen and special,” which is basically the pediatric-care version of a standing ovation. The full production hits Buddy Holly Hall from December 111-4, offering the rest of Lubbock a chance to wander through the Land of the Sweets - no hospital wristbands required.

Waymo is ramping up fast, rolling out fully driverless rides in five more cities, including Miami and Dallas. The company already operates autonomously in Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Atlanta and Austin - and now has its sights set on Las Vegas, Detroit, London and even Tokyo. Despite a few headline-making crashes, Waymo insists its cars are still safer than your average driver juggling texts and lattes. At this pace, by 2026 hopping into a robotaxi may feel as normal as complaining about Uber prices.

Parents in Laredo are worried that Salvador Garcia Middle School might get “consolidated” - the gentler, bureaucratic cousin of “closed” - after the campus’ state rating plunged from 77 to 57 in a single year. The district insists the recent meeting was only about reviewing performance and gathering feedback, not shuttering schools… at least for now. Officials say they’re still evaluating enrollment, staffing, and operating costs across the entire district before making any decisions. In other words, nothing is happening yet - but parents aren’t wrong to keep an eye on the fine print.

Austin ISD is gearing up to close 10 schools and shuffle nearly 4,000 students around next fall-a kind of academic musical chairs nobody asked for. District leaders say the closures are needed thanks to shrinking enrollment and budget headaches, all while they crank out two dozen state-mandated turnaround plans. Experts politely note that consolidation and turnaround plans are totally different things, even if they’re being mixed together like a rushed group project. Some students may land in better-performing schools with more experienced teachers, though the transition could be overwhelming-because who doesn’t love reinventing your entire routine overnight? Meanwhile, teachers and families are left hoping the receiving campuses actually get the resources they’ve been promised.

Austin’s beloved Paramount and State Theatres are getting a glow-up, courtesy of a renovation project charmingly titled “Shine On”-because apparently even century-old institutions need a facelift. The upgrades promise modern sound, lighting, bigger restrooms, and more seats, all while trying very hard not to mess with the historic magic everyone swears they’ll preserve. Filmmaker Robert Rodriguez chimed in to remind us that these theatres are basically sacred ground where people “live the art,” which is a poetic way of saying the vibes are good. The Paramount will shut its doors in June 2026 for up to nine months, while the State’s makeover will take even longer-because beauty, especially Art Deco beauty, takes time. In short: Austin’s iconic theatres are about to get fancier, shinier, and hopefully still recognizably themselves.

Maison Chinoise has finally landed in Houston, trading its lone Dallas address for a prime spot inside River Oaks’ luxury high-rise-because dim sum apparently deserves a view. The restaurant rolls out brunch, lunch, dinner, and even tea service, offering everything from Peking duck to dan dan noodles to dim sum so fancy it practically introduces itself. Desserts go all-in on drama too, with ube Nutella bao and banana spring rolls that sound like they should come with their own fan club. And of course, the cocktail list is ready to impress, featuring drinks with enough ingredients to qualify as short stories. In short: if you’re hungry, curious, or just like saying “Mandarin fields” out loud, Maison Chinoise has you covered.

Houston’s weekend food scene is basically daring you to show up hungry, starting with Sandoitchi’s final pop-up at Norigami, where lobster rolls and Wagyu sandos sell out faster than your patience in a brunch line. Axelrad’s Radfest promises an all-day mashup of live music, tacos, beer, and good deeds-because nothing says “rock on” like raising money for the Houston Food Bank. Tapas fans can head to EaDo for a $105 “laid-back” tasting event, which proves that relaxation apparently pairs well with premium cocktails. Tikila’s is hosting a Friendsgiving with championship-level barbecue and a community fundraiser, making it the rare party where you can eat ribs and feel morally superior. And Traveler’s Cart has officially gone full-service with a globe-trotting menu, meaning you can now sit down properly before demolishing their Cha Ca and Baja Shrimp Tacos.

Austin-Bergstrom is heading into the holidays with record crowds, construction walls, and enough travel tips to fill a novella. After a brief government-shutdown meltdown, operations are back to “normal,” meaning you should still arrive absurdly early-2.5 hours for domestic flights, three for international, and even more if you enjoy standing in lines. Travelers are warned to navigate parking like a strategic sport, remember that Allegiant and Frontier fly out of the far-flung South Terminal, and prep for security with the usual 3.4-ounce nonsense. Accessibility services, from ADA shuttles to the Sunflower Program, are available for those who need extra support. And inside the terminal, an interactive map will help you find everything from tacos to your gate-assuming you haven’t aged out of your travel plans by the time you get there.

Taz Indian Cuisine marked a major milestone in Bryan, Texas, celebrating 15 years in business with a ribbon-cutting ceremony surrounded by community members and Chamber of Commerce representatives. Owner Tirumala Kudumula and his family thanked longtime supporters, with daughter Divya calling the moment “extremely humbling” after years of challenges and growth. The celebration honored customers who’ve been with them since day one, as the family reflected on their journey and their commitment to serving the community for years to come. Taz Indian Cuisine now operates three locations across College Station, Temple, and Waco.

Thanksgiving dinner may hit your wallet harder this year, with turkey prices soaring 70% above last year as disease outbreaks and reduced production tighten supply. Economists say the true cost of groceries comes from the long journey food takes through the supply chain - from farms to factories to distribution centers to retailers - with every step adding labor, fuel, and handling expenses. Even technologies used to keep food fresh add to the bill, causing prices to rise quickly and fall slowly. Retailers try to keep costs down by ordering full truckloads and offering multiple product varieties, and many lock in turkey prices months in advance to avoid market spikes. Still, by the time your bird reaches the store, those shipping and handling miles show up in the price tag - a reminder that getting food from farm to fork is a lot more complicated than it looks.

If you need cold meds, a last-minute prescription, or just remembered you’re out of allergy pills on Thanksgiving, your options in Texas are… limited. Walgreens is giving its workers the day off, with only a handful of 24-hour locations staying open. CVS, meanwhile, is keeping most stores open with regular hours, though holiday tweaks may apply - because nothing says “festive spirit” like double-checking your pharmacy’s schedule. In short: CVS is your best bet, Walgreens mostly won’t help you, and planning ahead is still the best medicine.

Dallas brunch culture has officially left “eggs and a mimosa” in the dust, evolving into a full-blown weekend sport where pancakes can be blue, cocktails come in clay cups, and soup absolutely counts as brunch if you slurp it with confidence. The city’s best spots push boundaries with mezcal-spiked espressos, empanada Benedicts, Amalfi platters big enough to count as a personality trait, and Argentine sausages sizzling in cast iron. Classic staples are still thriving, too - from banana-praline pancakes that belong in a museum to Cajun shrimp and grits that feel like a warm hug from New Orleans. And for the rule-breakers, Dallas offers dim sum feasts, bun rieu bowls, and even a place serving a chicken sandwich “from that famous spot” - on Sundays. In short: brunch in Dallas isn’t just a meal - it’s a choose-your-own-adventure that rewards hunger, curiosity, and a slightly excessive love of carbs.

Grapevine, Texas is gearing up for its signature holiday season as Santa’s North Pole Express returns on November 28, complete with 1920s railcars, caroling, cheerful elves, and plenty of Santa time. The Christmas Capital of Texas has a packed lineup, from Christmas Wine Trains and classic films at the Palace Theatre to kids’ cartoons, crafts, museum adventures, and festive events at Historic Nash Farm. Visitors can also enjoy holiday exhibits, citywide decorations, and views from the Grapevine Observation Tower. After being named the Best Christmas Town in the U.S. by Newsweek readers last year, the city is leaning fully into its title. Travelers are encouraged to book early and keep an eye on ChristmasCapitalofTexas.com for updates - holiday magic tends to sell out quickly.

Houston may be comically huge - big enough to make you consider a drink just getting from one side to the other - but at least Total Wine & More has planted enough stores across the sprawl to keep everyone hydrated. With more than a dozen locations within 100 miles, the chain wins Best Liquor Store not just for sheer volume but for actually knowing what it’s doing. These mega-shops offer massive selections, smart staff, cigar humidors, and more giftable glassware than your bar cart can handle. Basically, if someone is ranting about Houston’s size again, there’s definitely a Total Wine nearby where you can pick up something to help them calm down. In 2025, convenience - and a good bottle - are never far away.

Conchas Cafe Bakery in Humble is serving up more than just pan dulce - it’s serving a whole slice of home, thanks to owners Marisol and Jorge Cuevas and their kids, who bake together every morning like a real-life, cinnamon-scented family sitcom. Since opening in July 2024, they’ve been turning out about 1,200 pastries a day, with conchas (naturally) disappearing first, followed closely by Nutella- or cajeta-stuffed borregos and savory bolillo rellenos. The coffee menu is just as tempting, featuring iced horchata lattes, strawberry matcha, and Choco Abuelita for anyone who needs nostalgia in cup form. With self-serve pastries priced from 80 cents to $2, plus seasonal goodies like champurrado on the way, the shop has quickly become a local staple. And as they gear up to expand their dining space, it’s clear Humble’s new favorite bakery isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

With holiday shopping in full swing, Amazon is once again reminding everyone that porch pirates are basically the Grinches of modern life-and they’re not picky about whose gifts they swipe. Spokesperson Jesse Garcia says security starts with knowing what real Amazon drivers don’t do: they won’t knock or ask for a signature unless you requested it, so anyone doing that might be auditioning for a crime show. To keep packages out of sight (and out of thieves’ hands), Amazon suggests using lockers, pickup locations, or scheduling deliveries for times you’re actually home. For die-hard home-delivery fans, Garcia recommends using Ring cameras to chat with drivers and tell them where to hide your gifts like you're running a covert operation-behind the stairs, under a planter, anywhere but in plain view. He also urges shoppers to track packages, use neighbors for backup, leave lights on for drivers, and report thefts quickly to both police and Amazon.

Texas is lighting up the holidays-literally-with The Light Park, the state’s top drive-thru light show featuring millions of synchronized, over-the-top, holiday-themed LEDs blasting along to tracks from the North Pole’s alleged #1 radio station, K-GLO. This mile-long spectacle promises a glowing tunnel so long it borders on bragging rights, all synced to DJ Polar Ice’s “electric mix,” because why wouldn’t Santa have a resident DJ? Tickets are priced per car, so the more people you can cram in safely, the merrier-and the better your group looks in those Instagram Reels. For anyone wanting bright lights, loud music, and holiday chaos minus the cold, The Light Park might be the most Texas holiday celebration imaginable.

Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy just landed the biggest individual donation in its 32-year history-roof that sometimes public policy can inspire someone to open their wallet wide. The university hasn’t spilled all the details yet, but the record-setting gift signals major confidence in the institute’s research, influence, and future ambitions. For an organization built on studying big problems, this kind of funding boost is about as welcome as it gets

Marshall, Texas has flipped the switch on its 38th annual Wonderland of Lights, turning the historic courthouse into a glowing Christmas beacon visible from, presumably, several counties away. Organizers expect up to 25,000 visitors, many lured in by hot chocolate, a century-old carousel, and the kind of small-town charm you can’t bottle-though Budweiser is sending in its famous Clydesdales next month to try. Locals say the festival puts Marshall on the map, which is handy, because otherwise most people only pass through on the way to somewhere else. The event runs Thursday through Sunday evenings, free to enter-but yes, you still have to pay if you want to spin on the antique carousel or wobble around the skating rink.