The numbers on gas station signs across Texas are rising fast—and for many drivers, so is the stress. What used to be a routine fill-up is now a moment of hesitation, as fuel costs eat deeper into already stretched budgets. High gas prices in Texas have surged in recent weeks, climbing from about $2.55 per gallon in early February to nearly $3.78. The sharp increase is being driven by global tensions that have disrupted oil supply routes, sending ripple effects through loca

Legacy Texas chocolatier begins winding down operations A historic Texas confectionery business, Lammes Candies, is closing its operations after more than a century in business, citing mounting economic pressures and changing market conditions. The Austin-based company confirmed it will begin an orderly wind-down process after evaluating long-term sustainability challenges affecting the retail and confectionery sectors in the United States. Store closures confirmed across Austin and nearby cities The company has already shut down its Round Rock location as of Thursday, April 24, though the year was not specified. Additional closures include stores in Hillside and Lakeline Mall. Its flagship store in Austin will remain open temporarily, but no official closing date has been announced, leaving customers uncertain about final operations. Economic pressures and market shifts drive decision Lammes Candies stated that “unprecedented economic pressures and current market conditions” led to the decision. The company emphasized that it had carefully assessed shifts in consumer behavior, rising operational costs, and broader challenges facing family-owned retail businesses before deciding to cease operations. A family legacy spanning generations Founded in 1878 by William Wirt Lamme as the Red Front Candy Factory in Austin, the business officially became Lammes Candies on Thursday, July 10, 1885. After a temporary loss of the company due to a gambling debt, founder David Turner Lamme Sr. reclaimed it, establishing a legacy that continued for five generations. The company became known for handcrafted sweets, including its signature Texas Chewie Pecan Praline introduced in 1892. Final operations and transition for employees The company said it will fulfill remaining orders while supporting employees during the transition period. Ownership described the decision as difficult, highlighting the brand’s deep connection to the local community and its long-standing customer base. Since 2004, the business has been operated by fifth-generation family members, marking the end of a significant chapter in Texas retail history.

United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement has confirmed the arrest of a 24-year-old Indian national in Texas in connection with an alleged assault involving a woman and her young daughter. The individual, identified as Atharva Vyas, was taken into custody on April 18 in San Antonio, according to a statement released by the agency. Officials from the Department of Homeland Security stated that Vyas entered the United States in August 2023 on an F-1 student visa. Authorities allege that the incident occurred in a public park, where local law enforcement reported that the suspect forcibly grabbed a woman, causing her child to fall. The child reportedly sustained injuries, including facial trauma. The case is currently under investigation, and formal legal proceedings are expected to follow. ICE officials also referenced a prior arrest in 2023 at the University of Texas campus, where Vyas was charged with felony assault. According to the statement, he was released at the time, and no immediate immigration enforcement action was taken. Authorities further noted that his student visa was later revoked in 2025 following the earlier incident. In its remarks, the agency criticized previous enforcement decisions related to the case, stating that earlier action could have altered the course of events. Officials emphasized the importance of immigration compliance and coordination between law enforcement agencies when addressing criminal allegations involving non-citizens. The arrest has drawn attention to broader issues surrounding immigration enforcement and visa oversight in the United States. Authorities have reiterated that the investigation remains ongoing and that all individuals are entitled to due process under the law as the case proceeds through the judicial system

ADDISON, Texas — Officials in Addison are exploring alternative ways to promote local businesses after discontinuing a long-running food and music festival that had been a staple community event for three decades. The annual festival, traditionally held at Addison Circle Park, had been scheduled for Friday, April 17 through Sunday, April 19, 2026. However, the event was canceled earlier this year following a review of its financial impact on the town. City leaders determi

The Fort Worth Art Fair is returning for its fifth year, bringing a multi-day celebration of visual art and live music to Sundance Square in Fort Worth. The open-air event will feature more than 100 artists alongside a lineup of musical performances, offering visitors a walkable and immersive cultural experience in the city’s downtown district. Organizers say the fair will run for four con

A 53-year-old Indian-origin woman, Meenu Batra, who has lived in the United States for more than three decades, has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while traveling for a professional assignment, raising concerns about the enforcement of longstanding deportation orders under current immigration policies. Batra was taken into custody on March 17, 2026, at Valley

AUSTIN, Texas — U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas is scheduled to deliver a public lecture at University of Texas at Austin on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, as part of a series of events marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. According to university

AUSTIN, Texas — City officials in Austin are evaluating new regulations that could limit the sale of e-cigarettes and synthetic nicotine products near schools and daycare centers, as part of an effort to reduce youth exposure to tobacco-related products. The proposal follows a 2025 City Council resolution directing city staff to explore policy options aimed at protecting minors. During a Public Health Committee meeting held in early 2026, Austin Public Health (APH) reported that approximately 600 retailers currently operate within 1,000 feet of schools or daycare facilities. The agency recommended a zoning ordinance change that would apply only to new businesses, allowing existing retailers to continue operating under a “grandfather” provision. City officials noted that state law requires compensation if an existing business loses its land-use rights, which influenced the recommendation to limit the policy’s scope to future establishments. The proposal would also exempt large food retailers exceeding 12,000 square feet to avoid creating gaps in access to essential goods in certain neighborhoods. APH further suggested expanding the ordinance to include all nicotine and tobacco products, rather than focusing solely on e-cigarettes or synthetic alternatives. Officials say this broader approach would help address emerging products and reduce regulatory loopholes over time. Local business owners have expressed concern about the potential impact on retail operations and expansion opportunities. Some argue that strict age verification practices are already in place and that specialty vape shops are not the primary source of underage access. Others point to challenges in finding commercial spaces that meet distance requirements from schools or childcare centers. City Council has not yet scheduled a final vote on the proposal. Additional public hearings and discussions are expected to take place in the fall of 2026 as officials gather input from stakeholders and evaluate the broader implications of the policy.

HOUSTON — More than 100 elaborately decorated vehicles traveled across Houston, Texas, on Thursday morning, April 10, 2026, as part of the 39th Annual Art Car Parade’s Main Street Drag, a community outreach initiative designed to bring the festival experience directly to residents unable to attend in person. The event began at 9:00 AM CDT at the Orange Show World Headquarters, located at 2334 Gulf Terminal Drive, with participating vehicles arriving on-site by 8:30 AM CDT. Organized by the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art, the program extends the reach of one of Houston’s most recognizable cultural events by delivering art and interaction to locations such as schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and developmental care facilities throughout the city. The Main Street Drag operates as a series of smaller, mobile parades, allowing artists to engage directly with audiences in more intimate settings. Participants not only showcased their uniquely designed vehicles but also shared insights into their creative process, inspirations, and construction techniques. These interactions provided educational value while fostering a sense of connection and accessibility, particularly for individuals with limited mobility or health constraints. As part of the broader Houston Art Car Festival, now in its 39th year, the initiative reflects the city’s commitment to public art and community inclusion. The festival itself has grown into a major cultural attraction, drawing artists and visitors from across the United States and beyond, but the Main Street Drag ensures that its impact extends beyond traditional parade routes. By bringing creativity directly into community spaces, the event highlights the role of art in enhancing well-being and civic engagement, reinforcing Houston’s reputation as a hub for innovative public art and cultural outreach.

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas — Thursday, April 10, 2026 — Researchers at Colorado State University (CSU) released their first major outlook for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season during the National Tropical Weather Conference held on South Padre Island, offering a cautiously optimistic forecast for the months ahead. According to CSU’s Department of Atmospheric Science, the upcoming season is expected to be slightly below average. The forecast projects 13 named storms, including six hurricanes and two major hurricanes classified as Category 3 or higher. By comparison, a typical Atlantic season produces approximately 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes. Forecasters attribute the subdued outlook largely to evolving global climate patterns. Current weak La Niña conditions are expected to transition into El Niño in the coming months, a shift that typically increases vertical wind shear across the tropical Atlantic. This atmospheric change can disrupt storm formation and limit the intensity of developing systems. In their analysis, CSU researchers emphasized that El Niño is likely to be the dominant influence during the peak of the season. Increased wind shear associated with this pattern generally reduces the likelihood of strong hurricanes forming and making landfall. As a result, the probability of major hurricane impacts along the continental United States coastline and across the Caribbean is expected to be lower than average. The report also highlights a reduced risk for the Gulf Coast region. CSU estimates a 20% chance of a hurricane making landfall between the Florida Panhandle and Brownsville, Texas, compared to the historical average of 27%. While this suggests a quieter season, researchers caution that even a below-average year can still produce significant and damaging storms. Phil Klotzbach, a senior research scientist at CSU and lead author of the forecast, noted that the projected 2026 season resembles patterns observed in past years such as 2006, 2009, 2015, and 2023. In those seasons, Texas experienced limited tropical activity, with no named storms in 2006 and 2009, and only minor systems recorded in 2015 and 2023. Despite the relatively lower forecast numbers, experts stress that preparedness remains critical, as hurricane activity can be unpredictable and even a single storm can have widespread impacts across coastal communities.

A significant policy decision is underway in Texas that could influence how millions of students are taught subjects such as slavery, religion, and broader American history. The Texas State Board of Education is currently revising the state’s social studies curriculum, formally known as the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), which outlines academic standards for students from elementary through high school. The TEKS framework determines the scope and structure of instructi

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Labor has recovered more than $85,000 in back wages for employees at a Texas coffee business following an investigation into violations of federal wage laws. Officials said the case involved improper handling of employee tips and misuse of a tip credit system under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The department’s Wage and Hour Division investigated Nate’s At the Buda Mill & Grain Inc, operating as Nate’s Coffee & Cocktails in Buda, Texas. The investigation found that the company allowed its general manager to participate in an employee tip pool while also claiming a tip credit, a practice prohibited under federal law. As a result, the employer is required to pay $85,197 in back wages to 36 affected workers. Federal regulations clearly state that managers and supervisors are not permitted to retain any portion of employee tips or share in tip pools when a tip credit is applied. Tips are considered the property of service workers who earn them directly from customers. Violations of these provisions can result in employers losing the ability to claim tip credits and being required to compensate workers at the full federal minimum wage. The FLSA allows employers to pay tipped employees a base wage as low as $2.13 per hour, provided that tips received bring total earnings up to at least the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. Employers may claim a tip credit of up to $5.12 per hour to meet this requirement. However, strict compliance rules govern how tips are distributed and who may participate in tip pools. Labor officials emphasized that employers must ensure tipped workers receive all earnings owed and comply fully with wage and hour laws. The department encourages both workers and employers to seek guidance to better understand their rights and responsibilities under federal regulations.

HOUSTON — An updated weather outlook indicates a more active and impactful pattern developing across the Houston area, with the most significant rain and storm activity now expected on Saturday, April 4, 2026, as conditions evolve into the Easter weekend period. Forecast models show a strengthening system moving through Southeast Texas, supported by moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and an approaching cold front. This combination is expected to produce multiple rounds of showers an

The Cedar Park Police Department is inviting families to take part in a community Easter egg hunt scheduled for 10:00 AM CDT on Saturday, April 4, 2026, in Cedar Park, Texas. The event, designed primarily for children, aims to combine outdoor activity with community engagement, offering a unique alternative to traditional Easter celebrations. Organizers say the initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and local residents while encour

AUSTIN, Texas — Texas’ first statewide school voucher-style initiative has drawn overwhelming interest, with more than 274,000 applications submitted for the Texas Education Freedom Accounts program by the deadline of Tuesday, March 31, 2026. The volume of applications significantly exceeds the program’s initial capacity of approximately 90,000 students, setting the stage for a highly competitive selection process. The TEFA program, established by the Texas Legislature in 2025,

​WASHINGTON — A surge in political spending tied to artificial intelligence interests is reshaping congressional races in Texas, highlighting the growing influence of the tech industry on U.S. elections and policy debates. In the lead-up to the March 2026 primary elections, Republican candidate Chris Gober was promoted in a television ad as a “Trump conservative” and “MAGA warrior,” though the messaging avoided direct references to artificial intelligence despite backing from AI-link

New restrictions on the use of Supplemental Nutrit

ADDISON, Texas — A new state rule banning certain products in CBD and vape shops is set to take effect on Tuesday, April 1, 2026, prompting immediate closures and raising concerns among retailers across the Dallas-Fort Worth region. The regulation eliminates smokable hemp products, significantly increases licensing fees, and introduces stricter compliance requirements for businesses operating in the sector. The impact is already being felt. A CBD retail store near Addison ceased operations on Monday, March 31, 2026, its final day before the rule takes effect. Store employees reported a steady stream of customers purchasing remaining inventory, as shelves were largely cleared in anticipation of the ban. For many retailers, smokable hemp products represent a substantial share of revenue, making the restriction particularly disruptive. Business operators say the timing of the regulation has compounded existing challenges. One retail manager noted that the store had been preparing to relocate, but the combined effect of losing a major product category and facing sharply higher licensing costs made continued operations unsustainable. Industry leaders argue that such restrictions could push consumers toward unregulated markets, raising broader concerns about product safety and oversight. The updated rule also increases annual licensing fees for CBD and vape retailers from just over $150 to $5,000, a steep rise that many small businesses say is difficult to absorb. Some operators estimate that prior restrictions, including a ban on disposable vape products introduced in September 2025, had already reduced revenues by as much as 25%, with the latest changes potentially doubling that impact. Despite the challenges, some businesses are choosing to remain open and adapt. Executives at one Dallas-based hemp company reported strong customer demand in the days leading up to the rule’s implementation, as consumers stocked up on affected products. However, they anticipate losing approximately 30% of their sales moving forward. In addition to product restrictions and fee increases, the regulation mandates child-resistant packaging, updated labeling standards, and raises the legal purchasing age to 21. Businesses that fail to comply risk losing their licenses and could face fines of up to $10,000 per day for violations.

GRAPEVINE, Texas — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton secured an endorsement from the Conservative Political Action Conference on Saturday, March 28, 2026 (CDT), following strong support during the conference held on Friday, March 27, 2026, strengthening his campaign to unseat incumbent U.S. Senator John Cornyn in an increasingly competitive Republican runoff race. Speaking at the conference, Paxton criticized Cornyn for not attending what he described as one of the largest grassro

The Dallas Police Department is preparing for a significant surge in international visitors as the city gears up to host multiple matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, supported by a substantial increase in federal funding aimed at strengthening security operations. City officials confirmed that Dallas has been awarded $51.5 million in federal assistance, with a large portion allocated directly to policing and safety measures. Police Chief David Comeaux said the department will re