Houston‑born The Rice Box is opening in East Austin with neon‑lit American‑Chinese takeout and late‑night favorites.

After a packed meeting in San Marcos, Crystal Clear SUD tabled a proposed water agreement for the Palomino Alpha data center amid fierce public concern over water use and local impacts.

Texas DPS named 19-year-old Victor Manuel Ramos Jr. its June featured fugitive and is offering up to $4,000 for tips. He’s wanted in Llano and Burnet counties on registration and probation warrants.

Austin police circulated photos of 28‑year‑old Jacoby Wayne Neal as part of a Wanted Wednesday bulletin; Crime Stoppers lists a warrant and offers up to $1,000 for tips.

We Can Now says it will open a North Austin hub in July to house about 70 people and provide on-site mental-health care, meals and clothing. The group is seeking partners to staff the site.

SmartAsset’s 2026 rankings put Georgetown at No. 1 after a five‑year surge in housing, jobs and retail — a win that’s already reshaping the north‑Austin suburb. Local openings and a new H‑E‑B show the momentum on the ground.

Austin police arrested Jacoby Duane Lacy after an alleged assault near Copperfield Park and are asking anyone who may have been a victim to contact investigators.

San Marcos will launch a city‑run EMS on Oct. 1, 2026, appointing Jill Rosales and budgeting about $9 million for the department’s first year. The phased plan prioritizes current SMHCEMS staff to keep coverage steady.

An Air Force firefighter was badly hurt in a South Austin hit-and-run; family and police are asking witnesses and dashcam owners to come forward.

Saudi Arabia has set up in Austin and watch parties are planned. City officials are coordinating health, safety and airspace restrictions.

A weekend spate of vehicle break-ins in Georgetown left seven guns missing; police are canvassing neighborhoods and asking residents for video and tips.

A Dallas Fed survey finds two-thirds of Texas companies use AI; a small share say it lowered their need for workers.

Texas has made major changes to trafficking penalties, sending stronger prison terms into law while local advocates push for enforcement and survivor services.