Austin is embracing its role as a global city through its sister city program, which now includes 14 international partners. The program, which has been in existence for nearly six decades, aims to foster relationships that promote understanding and cooperation among diverse cultures. Kristie Bryant, chair of Austin City Sister Cities International, recently participated in…
A federal judge’s recent ruling has brought a sense of relief to a Baytown drag performer, who expressed gratitude that Texas’ restrictions on certain performances in front of minors have been struck down. This ruling comes after years of legal uncertainty for drag artists in the state. U.S. District Judge David Hittner determined that Senate…
Firefighting crews are tirelessly working to contain the Ross Fire, which ignited in Palo Pinto County, located to the west of Fort Worth, on Monday. The blaze has since expanded into neighboring Jack County, now engulfing a total of 80,000 acres. Current Situation The Ross Fire has scorched 80,000 acres across both Palo Pinto and…
Governor Greg Abbott has instructed the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to explore options for students to obtain bachelor’s degrees in just three years. This initiative aims to allow students to complete approximately 90 credit hours instead of the traditional 120, potentially lowering the costs associated with higher education, expediting graduation, and addressing workforce needs…
A significant fire in Baytown has resulted in a large plume of black smoke rising into the sky following a “process upset” at the Raven Butene-1 facility. This incident occurred on the East Freeway and was first reported on Wednesday evening. Authorities confirmed that the “process upset” led to visible flames and smoke, which could…
Travis County has taken legal action by joining a federal lawsuit aimed at blocking the Trump administration’s proposed changes to mail-in ballot regulations. This lawsuit, initiated by the Campaign Legal Center and the Democracy Defenders Fund, also includes participation from the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the Arizona Students’ Association, the Secure Families…
OPENING Beyond Belief (PG) follows a teenage rock musician, played by Carson Lueders, who is compelled to run a marathon after hearing a mysterious voice. The film also features performers like Debby Gerber and James C. Burns. (Opens Friday) Buddy (R) is a horror-comedy from Casper Kelly, starring Cristin Milioti as a woman who stumbles…
Dolly Parton recently gifted Brigitte Bandit, an Austin drag queen, a custom rhinestoned guitar in recognition of her advocacy against drag bans at the Texas Capitol in 2023. As 2023 drew to a close, Bandit had been tirelessly fighting proposed legislation aimed at restricting certain drag performances and story hours, even joining a lawsuit to…
A rancher in Houston is experiencing a significant surge in sales following a recent announcement from the White House aimed at reducing beef prices. President Donald Trump revealed a 90-day waiver on heightened tariffs for imported ground beef, a decision that has drawn both support and skepticism from local ranchers. Anthony Thomas, the proprietor of…
A pedestrian lost their life in a hit-and-run incident early Wednesday morning on northbound Interstate 35E, near Oak Lawn Avenue in Dallas. The tragic event occurred around 4:30 a.m., when a vehicle struck the individual and subsequently fled the scene. Authorities are currently engaged in an active search for both the driver and the car…
