Texas schools are increasingly staffed by teachers who aren’t technically teachers-more than half of new hires statewide lack certification, leaving some students learning from folks whose last classroom experience may have been decades ago. People like Demetrius Lott, a longtime school custodian with a degree in physical education, are scrambling through grueling certification programs while juggling full-time jobs, hoping to finally earn the title “Coach” or “Teacher.” Critics warn this uncertified army risks student learning, while districts argue desperate times call for desperate measures. Meanwhile, seasoned educators shake their heads as classrooms become a high-stakes experiment in “learn on the job,” proving once again that public education in Texas is never boring.

Kyle, Texas, isn’t just widening a road-they’re relocating a 400-year-old live oak named Jolene, because apparently some trees are worth more than a few extra lanes of pavement. Using high-tech gear called ArborLift, engineers will gently inflate pneumatic bladders under the tree to lift and roll it onto a trailer, sparing its roots and the neighborhood turf. The tree will move just a quarter mile to a specially built pocket park, with a two-year aftercare plan to make sure it thrives in its new digs. For the city, it’s a rare win-win: infrastructure upgrades meet environmental heroics, proving you can grow without chopping your history down.

Skip Schumaker is officially the new manager of the Texas Rangers, stepping in just days after Bruce Bochy’s exit and signing a four-year extension through 2029. Having cut his teeth in the front office and with stints leading the Marlins and coaching for the Padres and Cardinals, Schumaker seems ready to turn talent into trophies. He’s bringing his CAPE philosophy-Communication, Alignment, Preparation, Execution-because apparently just having All-Stars like Seager and deGrom isn’t enough. In short, he’s here to win, and he made it clear he didn’t come back to play small.

If you thought you knew barbecue, Blondie’s in Walpole is here to humbly correct you. Peter and Tricia Crowley have transplanted a slice of Texas to Route 1, complete with brisket that practically whispers “practice barbecue was cute, but now it’s serious.” Pit master Ian Gormley smokes everything over New England red oak, and the sides-from gooey mac ’n’ cheese to bacon-wrapped jalapeño “Texas Twinkies”-make skipping dessert feel almost criminal. It’s part roadside diner, part kitschy museum tribute, and all unapologetically delicious.

South Austin’s business scene is bubbling with candy, coffee, and Bavarian pretzels. Koko’s Bavarian Beer Hall opened its doors on South Lamar with wings, pretzels, and enough Belgian fries to fuel a small army, while Mr. Pickles Candy dishes out gummies that help animals too. Coffee lovers can now double down at Neighbor Coffee’s new trailer, and Polka Dot Secrets brings Etsy fabrics to a real storefront. Meanwhile, Taquería de Diez expands, Hideout Coffee House plans a 2026 move, and Uniqlo is gearing up to make Barton Creek Square slightly more stylish.

This weekend, Amarillo is going full retro as Street Volkswagen hosts its 12th annual “Calling All Slug Bugs” Car Show. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday at 8707 Pilgrim Dr., fans of the classic Beetle can expect a day packed with vintage rides, food trucks, face painting, prizes, and live tunes from Neon Heartland. Best of all? Admission is free - because appreciating shiny old Volkswagens shouldn’t cost you a tank of gas.

Texas is serving up some serious racket energy - literally. Construction is underway in The Woodlands for two major sports projects: the Elite Pickleball Club and Padel Square. The $600,000 pickleball complex will cover 21,000 square feet with eight indoor courts, a pro shop, and offices, while the neighboring Padel Square will add another 18,000 square feet for padel fans at a cost of $650,000. The pickleball club is set to open around December 15, with padel construction kicking off the same day and wrapping up by April 2026. In short - The Woodlands is about to become Texas’ newest hotspot for people who take their paddle sports very seriously.

At the State Fair of Texas, the Midway isn’t just alive - it’s screaming. Literally. You can soar 180 feet into the sky, spin like laundry on high speed, or brave a pirate ship that’s probably seen more drama than a telenovela. The fair’s ride czar, Rusty Fitzgerald, personally inspects all 74 attractions (and yes, every single lightbulb works - he made sure to mention that). From the 177-foot Thunderbird swing to the adrenaline-fueled Defender, the thrills come certified fresh and safe. And if high-flying chaos isn’t your thing, don’t worry - every kid’s a winner at the games, where “everyone gets a prize” actually means something bigger than a sad keychain.

Dallas, get ready - Prince Street Pizza is finally landing on Henderson Ave, taking over the old Fireside Pies spot and bringing a slice of NYC attitude with it. Opening October 24, the cult-favorite joint promises late-night hours (because pizza tastes better after midnight) and its signature walk-up counter. They’ve even “New Yorked the water” with a custom filtration system - because apparently, Texas tap just isn’t Big Apple enough.

A decades-old dream is finally breaking ground in Texas. The massive Preston Harbor project on Lake Texoma - covering a whopping 3,100 acres - is officially underway, promising luxury homes, marinas, restaurants (yes, even a Margaritaville), and housing for seniors. What started in the 1990s with just 300 acres and one man’s vision is now being brought to life by Craig International and Centurion American, who say construction will kick off “very soon.” Prices are set to range from $500,000 to $10 million, because apparently everyone deserves a piece of paradise - as long as your bank account agrees. After decades of talk, Denison’s dream community is finally ready to rise from the lakeshore dust.

The tiny town of Slaton, population 6,000, is lighting up for its 56th annual Oktoberfest. The tradition began in the 1970s when the local school needed money and residents decided smoked meat was the best option. Decades later, they still produce thousands of pounds of German sausages, complete with live music, pony rides, and enough sauerkraut to feed an army. It's all homemade, hearty, and supports St. Joseph's Catholic Church-proof that in Slaton, giving truly does begin with bratwurst.

Neither rain nor Texas-sized storms could stop the Whitesboro Peanut Festival - because nothing comes between Texans and their peanuts. The annual bash filled downtown with hundreds of vendors, a car show, carnival rides, and enough fried food to test anyone’s willpower. Even as rain poured, local favorite Good Gollie Tamales kept serving, proudly declaring their tamales “sell in sleet, rain, tornado, or tsunami.” In other words: Mother Nature tried, but Texas stubbornness - and snack cravings - won again

A new generation of industries is quietly drilling its way into Texas - and this time, it’s not oil they’re after. As the U.S. scrambles to catch up on producing the critical minerals it needs for clean energy, microchips, and defense tech, federal initiatives are turning the Lone Star State into a mining frontier once again. Energy giants like Chevron and Halliburton are poking around East Texas for lithium instead of crude, while startups like TerraVolta and EnergyX dream of powering the future one salt formation at a time. The Smackover basin - once just another name on a geological map - is suddenly being called North America’s lithium jackpot. Looks like Texas might be striking it rich again, only this time the gold is white and powers your phone.

Country music gets a bad rap - often dismissed as twangy tales of beer, trucks, and heartbreak sung by good ol’ boys in cowboy hats. But that stereotype misses the point. The genre was born from working-class struggle and shaped by a mix of cultures - вlack, white, and everything in between. Sure, modern country can lean conservative, but it also carries stories of rebellion, heartbreak, and resilience that anyone can relate to. From queer anthems to songs about class struggle, today’s country isn’t just for one kind of American - it’s for anyone willing to listen past the pickup trucks.

Austin’s city council just gave caffeine lovers a reason to celebrate - it approved a plan to make it easier to open coffee shops, cafés, and coffee trucks near neighborhoods. The idea is to cut through outdated zoning rules from 1984 and bring back the charm of walkable communities, where grabbing a latte doesn’t require a car ride. Council member Ryan Alter said the move is about creating “complete communities,” while advocates say it’s a small but vital step toward sustainability and safety. In short: fewer parking lots, more cold brews - and maybe a stronger sense of community with your morning espresso.

Texas has decided it won’t let Alaska have all the chubby-animal glory - say hello to the first-ever Fat Squirrel Week. Modeled after Katmai National Park’s beloved Fat Bear Week, the contest pits 16 “hefty” squirrels from Texas state parks against each other in a showdown of fluff, cuteness, and questionable life choices. Unlike the bears, these contestants are judged not by sheer bulk but by their “silliness” and “heftiness” - yes, that’s official park criteria. Fans can vote by liking photos on Facebook, proving that democracy is alive and well in the rodent world. As park rangers put it: no matter where you work, everyone loves a plump animal getting ready for winter.

At Bonham Junior High, the “Snack Shack” isn’t just about chips and sodas - it’s where students learn to juggle orders, manage money, and pick up some early career swagger. Run entirely by kids, the mini-business serves up treats to teachers while serving real-world skills in communication, organization, and even a bit of barista training. Family and Consumer Science teacher Tayler Hughes says the goal is simple: teach life skills that don’t come with a textbook. For some students, it’s even sparked dreams of becoming chefs - or at least better snack-makers. In a world where teenagers are glued to screens, these kids are learning how to answer phones, take orders, and deliver results - literally.

Three-Michelin-star chef Dominique Crenn is heading south - way south - to open a restaurant in the unassuming Texas town of Fredericksburg (population: under 12,000). The French-born chef, known for her artful pescatarian menus at San Francisco’s Atelier Crenn, will lead the flagship restaurant at the new Waldorf Astoria Texas Hill Country when it opens in 2027. And yes - she’s finally serving meat. “Inclusivity,” Crenn says, is the reason for the shift, though Texans might call it good business sense. After her Paris venture fizzled last year, Crenn’s betting on wine country charm, local farmers, and a booming luxury scene that’s turning Fredericksburg into Napa Valley with cowboy boots. The Hill Country might just be her next Michelin-worthy frontier.

After a five-year hiatus and one global pandemic, Bryan’s beloved Third Floor Cantina is boot-scootin’ back to life - this time as Concrete Rodeo, a full-on country dance hall. Owners Dustin and Madyson Batson, who first opened the bar in early 2020 (unluckiest timing ever), have bought the building back and are turning it into a place where locals can two-step without the Northgate chaos. “We’re not trying to be another Harry’s - just filling a void,” says Madyson. The Batsons start renovations this week, with plans to open by year’s end. In a town built on small-business grit, this one’s a real Texas-sized comeback story.

Bonham’s final farmers market of the year takes place this Saturday, October 25, from 8 a.m. to noon in the parking lot of the Creative Arts Center - rain or shine (and indoors if it pours). Visitors can grab fresh produce, honey, eggs, bread, and more while browsing local art, turning a grocery run into a small-town celebration. Director Sandy Barber calls the partnership a “win-win,” bringing both fresh food and fresh faces to the center. So come early, shop local, and say goodbye to market season - until it returns next April, just in time for spring harvests and sunny Saturdays.

Good news for North Texas drivers: gas prices in Sherman and Denison have dipped below $2.50 a gallon -about five cents cheaper than last week and 12 cents lower than a month ago. AAA credits the drop to lower demand, steady supply, and the seasonal switch to cheaper winter-blend fuel. “Nothing major to worry about,” says spokesperson Daniel Armbruster - though locals like TAPS driver Corey Wood still keep one eye on the pump. After all, as he puts it, “It’s $2.49 today… could be $3.80 tomorrow.”