Longview, Texas, is crawling with very good dogs as more than 350 competitors arrive for the UKC Dog Show at the Maude Cobb Convention Center. From seasoned show animals to first-timers like Yukon the retired German Shepherd, the focus is on how closely each dog matches its breed’s “perfect” standard-no secret tricks required. Unlike some cutthroat canine sports, this event prides itself on friendliness, free advice, and free admission for spectators. In short: serious judging, relaxed vibes, and a lot of extremely well-behaved fur.

Texas has announced a brand-new state park-Post Oak Ridge-sprawling across 3,000 acres between Lampasas and Burnet, because the population is growing and, inconveniently, land is not. Backed by a $1 billion conservation fund, the park promises future camping, fishing, hunting, and hiking, once a four-year development timeline does its thing. Governor Abbott framed it as planning ahead for future generations, while hunters are already celebrating the prospect of a little more elbow room. The park is “open” in spirit for now, with the full outdoor experience arriving fashionably late.

North Texas just picked up a serious cultural bragging right: the National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington has been named America’s Best New Museum by USA Today readers. Opened less than a year ago, the 31,000-square-foot space skips generic military history in favor of deeply personal stories of bravery from more than 3,500 Medal of Honor recipients. Designed by Rafael Viñoly, the building quite literally elevates the experience-floating above a “field of honor” and surrounded by reflective outdoor spaces. With the World Cup bringing global crowds to Arlington, visitors can now come for the game and leave with a humbling reminder of what real heroism looks like.

As health insurance premiums climb, many El Paso families are deciding that coverage simply costs too much to keep. One resident ditched a $17,000-a-year employer plan and now crosses into Juárez for care, where doctor visits and medicines cost a fraction of U.S. prices. Policy experts blame rising medical costs, expiring ACA tax credits, and a shrinking pool of healthy enrollees-while Washington debates extensions and families do the math at the kitchen table. The result: more people skipping coverage, rationing care, and learning the hard way that being uninsured is cheaper right up until it isn’t.

Texas has launched a new online portal inviting students-and anyone else-to file complaints against public colleges, formalising oversight under the freshly minted Senate Bill 37. The new ombudsman’s office will investigate alleged violations of the state’s DEI ban and other rules that now give governing boards more say over curriculum, hiring, and faculty governance. Supporters call it accountability; critics see another layer of political supervision after a string of headline-making classroom controversies. Either way, Texas universities are being reminded that academic freedom now comes with a comment box-and a 175-day countdown to explain themselves.

Laredo got a colorful preview of its beloved Abrazo tradition as children from the Abrazo organization unveiled official outfits for the 2026 International Bridge Ceremony. Young participants twirled, posed, and confidently modeled vibrant dresses and costumes, turning the reception into a full-scale fashion moment. For families and guests, it was both a celebration and a teaser of what’s to come. In a city that takes its traditions seriously, even the preview knows how to put on a show.

A new Cookie Cutters Haircuts for Kids has opened near the Liberty Hill-Georgetown line, officially welcoming customers from December 20. The salon offers everything from toddler first-haircut packages to teen styles - and yes, parents can get trimmed too. To keep young clients happy, haircuts come with TVs, video games, bubbles, balloons and the occasional lollipop. With over 100 locations across the US and Canada, the brand clearly believes that if kids are entertained, everyone survives the haircut.

Jersey Village has added a splash of tradition and glamour with the opening of Asian Style Boutique and Bridal on January 2. The new shop offers Asian fashion and accessories - from qipaos and kimonos to ao dai - along with ready-made and custom wedding outfits for brides, grooms and celebrations. Sizes range from petite to plus, making inclusivity part of the design. In short, it’s a one-stop bridal stop where cultural heritage meets modern wedding planning.

Houston may be famous for highways, but it’s quietly stacked with trails, bayous and green spaces for anyone willing to walk or pedal. From Buffalo Bayou and White Oak Bayou’s long urban paths to wooded escapes like the Houston Arboretum, the city offers nature in many surprisingly reachable forms. Memorial Park alone spans 1,500 acres, proving you don’t need to leave town to feel outdoorsy. In short, Houston has plenty of places to escape traffic - without actually escaping Houston.

A beach volleyball team from East Texas Baptist University returned from an eight-day mission trip to Honduras saying it strengthened their faith - and their sense of perspective. On the island of Roatán, players shared the Gospel, ran volleyball camps for local children and discovered that teamwork works just as well off the court. Coaches say the trip wasn’t just about helping others, but about learning gratitude and connection in the process. As it turns out, sunshine, service and a volleyball can be surprisingly effective faith-builders.

Phoebe’s Diner is expanding again, with a fourth location set to open on Brodie Lane, giving southwest Austin one more excuse to take brunch very seriously. The diner blends classic Americana nostalgia with inventive twists, serving everything from smoked meats and chorizo hash to crab cake Benedict and chicken-fried ribeye. Named after chef Camden Sturzenberger’s daughter-born just weeks before the first location opened-the brand has grown steadily since 2017. In short, it’s comfort food with ambition, and Austin clearly isn’t done ordering seconds.

Texas students are going head-to-head in a statewide video contest that turns environmental awareness into a shot at real money. Middle and high schoolers have produced 30-second clips promoting eco-friendly habits, with scholarships up to $2,500 and prizes on the line. Twelve finalists have made the cut, and now the public gets to vote-because nothing says civic duty like judging teenagers’ green messaging online. Voting runs through January 25, proving that saving the planet can also be a popularity contest.

Hallmark is expanding its footprint in Houston’s Greater Uptown with Uptown Oaks, a 21-story luxury living complex for seniors who prefer their “golden years” with a yoga studio and fine dining. The project will feature 120 high-end residences, plus amenities ranging from a spa and art studio to a cinema and pool-because retirement should be busy, just not stressful. Construction is set to begin in 2027, with residents moving in by 2030, assuming patience ages as well as the target audience. Positioned near River Oaks and The Galleria, Uptown Oaks promises walkable convenience and full-spectrum care, proving that upscale senior living is very much planning for the long game.

Lubbock’s Lions Club is once again proving that philanthropy pairs perfectly with pancakes, hosting its 74th annual all-you-can-eat Pancake Festival on Valentine’s Day. Armed with thousands of pounds of batter, tens of thousands of sausages, and enough coffee to fuel a small city, the event will raise funds for more than 30 local charities. New this year are kid-friendly activity zones and VIP tables for those who prefer their pancakes with a side of fast-track entry. With over $1.8 million donated so far, it’s safe to say these pancakes do far more than just fill plates-they fund the community.

East Texas found itself in the history books after a juvenile black bear casually wandered through the region from July to December, likely arriving from a neighboring state. Wildlife officials say the bear isn’t dangerous and has caused no serious human conflicts-despite public curiosity spiking the moment “bear” entered local headlines. Authorities are urging residents to be “bear wise,” which mostly means don’t crowd it, chase it, or turn the encounter into a photo shoot. In short, East Texans got a rare glimpse of nature expanding its -were politely reminded to give it some personal space

Longview’s new pet rules-mandatory rabies shots, microchipping, and spay/neuter requirements-are already changing life for local pet owners and animal control officers alike. Officials say the regulations have increased workload, but they’re also paying off, especially with microchipping helping lost pets find their way home faster. Animal welfare advocates call the ordinance a step in the right direction, even if compliance now comes with more reminders and paperwork. In short, pets are safer, shelters are a bit less crowded, and responsibility is no longer optional.

Houston’s food calendar is officially in overdrive, with crawfish season kicking off at BB’s and a full week of truffles, whiskey flights, wine dinners, and Mardi Gras sweets to follow. From mudbugs by the pound to black truffle dinners that cost more than your grocery bill, the city is offering options for every appetite-and tolerance for indulgence. Add Dry January mocktails, guest-chef pop-ups, and king cakes hiding plastic babies, and there’s barely time to recover between bites. In short, Houston is once again reminding everyone that “just one event” is never really the plan.

As temperatures dip toward freezing, Austin has opened cold weather shelters, offering warmth, meals, and a safe place to sleep for anyone who needs it. Long lines formed early outside the Homeless Strategy Office, a clear sign that cold nights arrive faster than solutions to homelessness. City officials say the shelters will stay open through the night, with buses still running until 1 a.m. For those escaping the cold, it’s a reminder that in Austin, survival sometimes depends less on the forecast and more on whether the doors open in time.

Round Rock is building its biggest playground yet at Old Settlers Park, proving that everything really is bigger in Texas-even the slides. The new Joanne Land Playground, funded by voter-approved bonds, will be about twice the size of the old one and comes with lighting for evening play, rubber surfacing, and heat-reducing materials. City officials say it’s part of a broader park upgrade, conveniently located near the amphitheater and pavilion. If all goes to plan, kids will be climbing, sliding, and ruling the park by late spring.

Drivers in the Texoma region are getting a rare break at the pump, with gas prices about 40 cents cheaper than this time last year. In Sherman-Denison, regular unleaded is averaging around $2.30 a gallon, thanks to lower demand, cold weather, and cheaper crude oil-proof that winter does have its perks. AAA says oil still makes up more than half the price of gas, so when it drops, drivers feel it fast. Of course, geopolitical tensions could send prices climbing again, but for now, motorists can enjoy the unfamiliar thrill of filling up without wincing.

Houston’s Center for Contemporary Craft is turning 25 in 2026 and plans to celebrate its “silver” anniversary with enough exhibitions, partnerships, and events to prove that craft is anything but quiet or old-fashioned. From clay and glass to metal, textiles, and even NASA-inspired materials, HCCC will mark the milestone with major shows, community festivals, and collaborations stretching from local art guilds to national and international partners. Highlights include Clutch City Craft, a deep dive into Houston’s craft DNA, and a bold look at stained glass and silver as thoroughly contemporary materials. In short, after a quarter-century, HCCC isn’t slowing down-it’s reminding everyone that handmade still has serious cultural muscle.