Owned by Courtney Collins, Mahjong Rodeo opened a new location in Tomball on July 3. According to its website, Mahjong Rodeo is designed as a space for beginner and veteran mahjong players to gather together and enjoy the historical game.

Two-minute impact: Mahjong Rodeo hosts a wide variety of events aimed at both beginner and advanced mahjong players. These include Mahjong 101 and 102 classes as well as open play sessions with guided coaching from instructors.

According to its website, Mahjong Rodeo instructors “mix clear, patient coaching with playful themes, classic mahjong tips, and lively game nights that turn learning into an unforgettable social celebration.”

The business also expands past its current storefront location in Tomball. Mahjong Rodeo hosts player meet-ups across the Greater Houston area, including locations such as The Woodlands, Spring, Tomball, Kingwood and more. Mahjong Rodeo also offers league play on Tuesdays and Thursdays for experienced players to compete against other veteran mahjong players.

• 210 W. Main St., Tomball

A new Vietnamese and Chinese restaurant is now open in Magnolia, a representative confirmed. 

The big picture: Luc Lac Asian Cuisine offers a variety of Vietnamese food, including pho, vermicelli and coffee as well as Chinese dishes like dim sum, orange chicken and other stir-fries, the restaurant confirmed.

• 6875 FM 1488, Magnolia

Raised by a single mother along with her two younger sisters, Courtney Nguyen founded her own bakery, The Flour Petal Bakery, as a testament to her mother’s strength and the work ethic that she instilled in her from a young age. Founded over six years ago as a home-based bakery in March 2025, Nguyen opened a brick-and-mortar for her business in Magnolia.

Quote of note: “Food has always been big in my family gatherings and it's just how we connected with each other. We never grew up with a lot of money or anything like that. So being able to get together and cook together ... those are some of my favorite memories,” Nguyen said. 

What they offer: In addition to custom cakes, The Flour Petal Bakery is a walk-in bakery offering an array of scratch-made baked goods made daily. Pastries offered include croissants, cupcakes, cheesecakes and cookies, as well as macarons and homemade pop-tarts.

Gov. Greg Abbott named Robert S. Howden, one of his senior advisers and his office's legislative director, as Texas' 116th secretary of state effective July 18. Howden will succeed Secretary of State Jane Nelson, who resigned effective July 17 more than three years after she took office.

As the state's chief elections officer, Howden will be responsible for overseeing the application of Texas election laws and assisting local election officials. The secretary of state's office also manages business records, government rules and regulations, and other official duties.

Following Abbott's appointment, Howden must be confirmed for the position by at least two-thirds of the Texas Senate. The state Legislature's next regular session will begin in January.