Houston‑area families have driven a surge of applications for Texas’ new TEFA voucher program as the parent‑application window ends March 31; roughly 100,000 students may be funded. Award notices begin in April.

Cedar Park police say Mason Hidalgo pleaded guilty to aggravated sexual assault of a 4-year-old; DNA testing tied him to the case and he was given a 20-year sentence.

A Travis County judge handed down decades‑long prison terms after a jury convicted a 48‑year‑old man of sexually assaulting a child.

A Texas policy group says tablets may be hurting student learning; lawmakers are being pushed to review device rules and classroom screen time.

Neighbors and firefighters helped protect a Bastrop County family's dream home after a wildfire scorched nearby brush. The homeowners told KXAN they were grateful for the quick response.

A new brewing project is launching a Hi Sign residency with matcha and hibiscus beers and a free launch event next Saturday. The low-ABV botanical pours aim for floral and earthy balance.

Austin developer Stratus Properties approved a plan to liquidate and dissolve, putting dozens of local sites up for sale and estimating $29.73–$37.69 per share.

A veteran Travis County deputy was arrested after a woman reported being sexually harassed in a Cedar Park convenience-store parking lot. Surveillance video and an arrest affidavit are part of the investigation.

Five Austin councilmembers asked staff to study banning face coverings for officers in a March 13 memo that frames the step as a transparency and accountability move. Staff are due to report back by mid‑April.

Owners say faulty shower pans and misinstalled exterior materials soaked dozens of Highgrove apartments. The builder denies the claims as the fight moves to Business Court.

UT Austin’s FORTE system combines 3D‑printed soft fingers and air‑channel tactile sensors to pick up fragile items like potato chips in lab tests.

A Waco‑area man was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison after prosecutors said he possessed and shared child pornography. The U.S. Attorney’s Office credited FBI San Antonio and tied the case to Project Safe Childhood.

Cedar Park‑born Smokey Mo’s says it will open about 30–40 restaurants across Greater Houston in a multi‑year push. The chain currently has a single Houston‑area outlet in Conroe.