Proposed state rules would raise retail hemp fees from $150 to $20,000 and could force out small shops across Texas.

Da’s Thai Cuisine is opening a Hutto outpost in the former Elsie’s Egg Rolls space; owners say it will seat about 40 and mirror the Round Rock menu. No official opening date yet.

The Texas Comptroller moved certification power away from Austin and retooled the state's HUB program as VetHUB, narrowing eligibility to service‑disabled veterans.

Central Austin posted a January sales uptick — 141 closings and a roughly $715,000 median — led by a dramatic jump in ZIP code 78756 and more $900k+ sales.

Gusty winds and upper‑80s heat bring critical fire danger to the Hill Country midday into the evening.

Eanes ISD trustees heard recommendations for a sweeping bond that could total about $900 million and reshape several campuses, with officials mapping tax‑rate scenarios.

Texas DPS has launched a two‑year Rapid DNA pilot at booking stations to speed DNA matches for violent crimes and will report findings to the Legislature by Jan. 1, 2028.

Zatka Bites opened a drive‑thru in Round Rock in January, serving Mumbai‑style vada pav, boxed meals and chai from a pickup window.

A Texas court directed Xcel to replace deteriorated utility poles in wildfire-prone Panhandle areas after the Smokehouse Creek blaze, setting tight inspection and replacement timelines.

Austin activist Del Bigtree told The Atlantic he wants his children to catch measles and polio as outbreaks surge nationwide.

Sunny and breezy today with highs near 88°F. Fire danger increases into Thursday; check local burn rules.

Sesajal is planning a $26M food‑grade oil refinery and packaging warehouse in Temple, with work scheduled from March 2026 to June 2027.

A new wave of walk-in sushi bars — Shokunin, Konbini and TORA — is meeting omakase fatigue with Toyosu-sourced fish and counter seats instead of months‑long waits.