For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) living in Texas, obtaining a driver’s license is a vital step towards settling down and gaining mobility. Whether you have just moved to the state or are planning to drive as a resident, understanding the process of acquiring a Texas driver’s license is essential. While the procedure can seem complex for NRIs, it is fairly simple once you know the steps and gather the required documents. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you through the proces

A last-minute veto from Governor Greg Abbott has spared Texas’ growing hemp industry from a sweeping ban on THC products, prompting celebration from businesses across the state including in Cedar Park. At J Heart CBD, store manager Lizzie Taylor said the team was in disbelief on Sunday night as the news broke. “My coworker and I started screaming,” said Taylor. “We thought we were going to los

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

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

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

Tarrant County’s proposed redistricting plan, spearheaded by County Judge Tim O’Hare, is drawing intense opposition from Arlington Mayor Jim Ross and a coalition of other city leaders. The redrawn district map, set for a vote on June 3, could split Arlington into three separate precincts foa move critics argue is being rushed without sufficient public input or legal clarity. Mayor Ross, who initiated a formal letter of opposition signed by nine other Tarrant County mayor

Six Central Texas cities have earned high praise in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings of the Best Places to Live in the United States for 2025-2026. Based on a comprehensive evaluation of affordability, job market strength, quality of life, and population migration trends, Leander, Pflugerville, Cedar Park, Round Rock, New Braunfels, and Georgetown all secured positions in the prestigious top 150. Leander led the Central Texas representation at number 8, foll

The Dallas and Texas A&M communities are mourning the tragic and unexpected death of Brian Williams, a former standout safety for the Texas A&M Aggies football team. Williams, just 24 years old, died after suffering a severe heatstroke while participating in a weekend half marathon, according to family reports. Williams, who was raised in the Oak Cliff area of Dallas, graduated from Bishop Dunne Catholic High School, where he was a standout on the football field. His talent,

Austin state Representative Vikki Goodwin, a Democrat, has officially entered the 2026 race for Texas lieutenant governor, setting up a high-stakes political showdown with Republican incumbent Dan Patrick. The announcement, made Tuesday, introduces Goodwin as a challenger willing to confront long-standing Republican control in Texas with a platform centered on public service, transparency, and essential policy reforms. Goodwin, who has served four terms in the Texas House representi

In a significant move toward strengthening child protection laws in the state, the Texas House has tentatively approved House Bill 168, a proposal aimed at closing legal loopholes that currently allow for child marriages under certain conditions. The bill, authored by Rep. Jon Rosenthal, a Democrat from Houston, passed with a vote of 83-51 and is scheduled for a final vote later this week. If it clears that hurdle, the legislation will advance to the Senate. House Bill 168 would pro

A criminal investigation has been launched into EPIC City, a proposed Dallas-area development centered around a mosque in Josephine, Texas. Senator John Cornyn announced that the Department of Justice (DOJ) is investigating the community project due to growing concerns about its potential to enforce Sharia law and discriminate based on faith. Senator Cornyn requested the investigation after multiple Texas officials raised alarms about the project, which some claim could result in the creation

Austin’s own Devon Walker, best known for his rising presence on “Saturday Night Live,” is making waves outside late-night TV with his brand-new comedy podcast, “My Favorite Lyrics.” Known for his wit, relatable charm, and offbeat humor, Walker now brings that same energy to the podcast world but with a twist. Walker, a native of Pflugerville and Texas State University graduate, launched the show just two weeks ago. The premise? A lovingly absurd breakd

As Central Texas braces for another round of early May storms, experts warn that the region’s most dangerous weather is yet to come. While May is traditionally known as the peak of severe weather season bringing thunderstorms, hail, and tornadoes flash flood season officially reaches its height in June, according to data from the National Weather Service (NWS). Between 1996 and 2020, South Central Texas reported 498 flash flood incidents in May, 506 in June, and 430 in July. T

Houston residents are being urged to stay weather-aware this week as a series of scattered thunderstorms and heavy rainfall is forecast to begin Monday evening and intensify through Tuesday. Has declared Tuesday a Storm Alert Day for the entire Houston region due to the significant threat of severe weather, including heavy downpours, possible hail, and damaging winds. The day began clear and cool across the city, but cloud cover increased rapidly through the afternoon. Monday’s high temper

A late-night house party in southeast Houston turned deadly early Sunday morning, leaving at least one person dead and several others critically injured in a mass shooting incident. Authorities from the Houston Police Department (HPD) responded to reports of gunfire at approximately 12:50 a.m. on the 6000 block of Cherry Hill, according to HPD Assistant Chief Patricia Cantu. Cantu stated during a press briefing that multiple 911 calls alerted law enforcement to the scene, where officers arriv

In a closely watched local election, Amir Omar has been elected the new Mayor of Richardson, securing 55 percent of the vote and defeating incumbent Bob Dubey, who received 42 percent, according to unofficial results released Sunday evening. The victory marks a significant political comeback for Omar, who previously ran for the mayoral position in 2012 but was defeated. His election in 2025 signals a new chapter for Richardson’s city leadership, with voters opting for change amid evolvi

In a sweeping move to address growing concerns over the mental health impact of social media on young people, the Texas House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bill that would ban individuals under 18 from using social media platforms. The bill, known as House Bill 186, passed with a 116-25 vote and now heads to the Texas Senate for further consideration. The bill, authored by Rep. Jared Patterson (R-Frisco), would require social media companies to verify the age of users upo

A proposed constitutional amendment backed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott is reigniting debate over how the state handles bail for violent offenders. Abbott says the reform would save lives, while critics warn it could exacerbate jail overcrowding and undermine due process rights. Speaking at a press conference in Houston, Abbott cited a troubling trend in the region: over 200 cases where individuals released on bond for violent charges allegedly killed Texans while awaiting trial. “For

More than 7.2 million Americans are now living with Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2025 Facts and Figures report released Tuesday. Of those, over 459,000 live in Texas, placing the state among the hardest hit by this debilitating illness. The new data underscores not only the growing burden of Alzheimer’s, but also the unrecognized labor and emotional toll carried by over 1 million unpaid caregivers in Texas alone. The disease, which ca

In a sweeping multi-agency operation on Monday, law enforcement officials from Kaufman and Dallas counties, in coordination with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), seized an estimated $4.8 million in cash, along with firearms, vehicles, and jewelry, as part of an ongoing investigation into the illegal distribution of controlled substances. The investigation centers around multiple businesses operating under the names Sky Rise and ZRD Smoke Shops, with locations spread across Mesquit