A long and emotional journey has finally come to a joyful end for a Plano, Texas family. Kathleen and Jordan Smith were officially reunited with their 7-year-old adopted daughter, Esther Smith, after a daring rescue mission from gang-controlled Haiti. The Smiths began the adoption process in December 2023, but it was halted due to escalating violence and the shutdown of the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince. Esther&rsqu

A 71-year-old woman in Texas tragically died from a rare but deadly brain infection caused by a microscopic organism known as Naegleria fowleri. This fatal incident occurred after the woman performed a nasal rinse using unboiled tap water taken from her RV while staying at a campground. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed in a report that the contaminated water, which was inadequately disinfected, introduced the amoeba to her body through her nasal passages. The

A fatal pedestrian crash has claimed the life of a 59-year-old woman in Taylor, Texas, marking the city’s first deadly traffic incident of 2025. The tragic collision occurred on June 5 around 4:03 p.m. in the 3700 block of North Main Street. According to a preliminary report by the Taylor Police Department, a black 2013 Subaru driven by 22-year-old Brynn Trovinger of Jarrell failed to yield the right of way while entering the intersection and struck Ramo

Cedar Hill, TX – Cedar Hill Independent School District has announced Dr. Maria Gamell as the sole finalist for the position of superintendent following a comprehensive selection process. The announcement was made during a board meeting on Thursday, highlighting Gamell’s extensive experience and vision for educational leadership. With 24 years of service in the field of education, Dr. Gamell most recently

In a surprising move during the first week of Pride Month, the mayor of Taylor, Texas, Dwayne Ariola, declined to issue a proclamation recognizing Taylor Pride, sparking backlash from LGBTQIA advocates and local community members. According to Taylor Pride representatives, this marks the first time the city has refused the request since the proclamation tradition began in 2020. Community Reaction and Rising T

A 71-year-old woman from Texas has died after contracting a rare and almost always fatal brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, commonly known as a brain-eating amoeba. The woman reportedly used unboiled tap water from an RV water system to rinse her sinuses while staying at a campground. The infection, identified as primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), is caused when the amoeba enters the body through the nasal passages and travels to the

The growing use of automated license plate readers (ALPRs) is sparking significant public debate in Austin and San Marcos, with many residents and civil rights advocates raising red flags about surveillance, data access, and privacy rights. The controversy centers around Flock Safety cameras, already in use across both cities, which are designed to track stolen vehicles and wanted individuals but also collect vast amounts of data from everyday drivers.

Torrential rain brought chaos to North Texas late Tuesday night as heavy downpours led to dangerous flash flooding on key roadways, including a major stretch of I-35 East in Dallas. Vehicles were stranded in deep water just before midnight, with eyewitnesses reporting floodwaters reaching up to car windows in some areas. The heavy rainfall hit the region swiftly, prompting the National Weather Service to issue flash flood warnings for Dallas County and neighbo

As Houston eases into summer, the latest episode of "Hello Houston" serves a sizzling mix of political developments, barbecue bragging rights, and family-friendly activities. On June 2, hosts Ernie, Frank, and Celeste guided listeners through the biggest stories impacting the Bayou City. In the first hour, political analyst and University of Houston professor Jeronimo Cortina joined the program to break dow

The 2025 All-District 26-6A baseball team has been officially announced, highlighting the best high school baseball talent from the Austin area. Voted on by district coaches, the honors spotlight athletes who displayed exceptional performances throughout the season in one of Texas’ most competitive 6A baseball districts. Dripping Springs center fielder Taylor Tracey leads the list as the district’s Most V

A tragic accident in Fort Worth has left 33-year-old Daniel Lester on life support after he was struck by a car allegedly driven by his best friend, David Hall, who then fled the scene. The heartbreaking incident unfolded Saturday evening near Clifford Street and Western Trade Drive, sparking a police investigation and profound grief for the victim’s family. According to family members and Fort Worth police, th

As hurricane season officially begins, Houston residents are urged to revisit their storm preparedness plans. While many long-time Houstonians are familiar with the protocols, each year presents unique challenges, especially for new residents. Preparation is the key to staying safe when tropical storms or hurricanes hit the Gulf Coast. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help residents stay informed and protected.

In a terrifying incident at Benbrook Lake, Tarrant County, Texas, 14 people were injured after a bolt of lightning struck a canopy during a fast-moving storm on Sunday evening, June 1. According to Cresson Fire Chief Ron Becker, the group was attempting to hold down the canopy when the lightning hit, sending a shock through the structure and surrounding area. The storm swept through the region with high winds and hea

Texas softball delivered a statement win at the 2025 Women’s College World Series, defeating rival Oklahoma 4-2 at Devon Park in Oklahoma City. The victory not only ended a brutal 25-game losing streak for the Longhorns in the state of Oklahoma but also kept Texas unbeaten in the tournament and on pace for a second consecutive appearance in the WCWS championship series. Sophomore ace Teagan Kavan starred on the

As summer vacation begins and school cafeterias close, the Houston Food Bank is stepping in to ensure that children don’t go hungry during the break. Beginning June 2, the organization is launching its annual Summer Food Service Program, which provides free, nutritious meals to children across the Houston area. The program serves all children aged 18 and younger, as well as students with disabilities up to age 21. This initiative is vital for many families who rely on school m

The Austin Fire Department (AFD) was inundated with emergencies following a powerful storm that swept through the region on Wednesday. From rescuing people trapped in floodwaters to handling over 700 storm-related calls, AFD crews were on high alert as neighborhoods like Shoal Creek faced the brunt of the storm. As intense rain, gusty winds, and hail pounded the area, multiple swift water rescues were initiated across the city. Among the most serious incidents was a tragic rescue at

A 13-year-old student from Allen, Texas, has won national fame and a $50,000 cash prize after emerging victorious in the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee. Faizan Zaki, a seventh-grade student at C.M. Rice Middle School in Plano ISD, correctly spelled the challenging word “éclaircissement” to take the top spot during the final round held Thursday night. The word, which means “a clearing up of something obscure,” perfectly summed up Zaki’s commanding clari

Thunderstorms sweeping across the Houston area are expected to persist until at least Friday, bringing multiple rounds of heavy rainfall, hail, and potential flooding. The slow-moving weather system has already delivered up to 3–4 inches of rain in some parts of the region between Tuesday and Wednesday, according to the Harris County Flood Warning System. Meteorologist Hayley Adams with the National Weather Service’s Houston/Galveston office noted that while a brief paus

Texas Governor Greg Abbott is facing backlash after calling for the death penalty in the case of a fatal jet ski crash on Lake Grapevine, which killed 18-year-old Ava Moore. His remark, shared on social media, read, “Welcome to Texas. Here’s your death penalty,” and quickly gained viral traction, amassing over 35,000 likes and more than 1,300 replies. The suspect in the crash, Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez Gonzalez of Venezuela, has been charged with manslaughter af

Texas is one of the top 10 most affordable states for child care in the U.S., according to a nationwide 2024 study by ChildCare Aware of America. The average annual cost of child care for an infant in Texas is $11,349, nearly 14 percent below the national average of $13,128. This puts Texas in the top 20 percent of states for affordability. For many Texas families, especially married couples with a median income of $116,166, child care consumes about 10 percent of household earnings