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Halloween is everywhere in October: from front yards lined with skulls, to haunted attractions, to jump scares and crowded events. For some kids, it’s not fun at all. The spooky sights and sounds can feel overwhelming, leading to refusals to go out or sudden meltdowns when they’re confronted with something that feels too frightening. If you’ve ever had a child

The glitz and glam of Hollywood captures the attention of Americans starting from an early age. Beyond celebrities’ Instagram Stories and red carpet poses, there are actors out there paying their dues and honing their craft in pursuit of a sustainable career or a fulfilling sideline. Submitting to casting calls is a big part of that journey.Whether you’re a working

The Lone Star State ranked near the bottom in a new national study of the safest states to live in. A WalletHub analysis released this week placed Texas at No. 48 overall, ahead of only Mississippi and Louisiana. The study compared all 50 states across 52 safety indicators, including crime rates, financial security, workplace safety, road safety, and emergency preparedness.

Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis revealed that, as of September 2025, the national hiring rate has reached a decade low, with the exception of the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Associated Press reports that several factors have contributed to this, including the impact of the eleven interest rate hikes that occurred in 2022 and 2023 and the

By María Méndez, The Texas Tribune Sept. 22, 2025 “17 statewide propositions will appear on the November ballot. Here’s what Texas voters need to know.” was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues. Sign up for The Brief, The

Known in other parts of the world as shires, provinces, or territories, the United States’ counties—also called boroughs or parishes in certain states—date back to the 1600s, when settlers first came to find freedom from British rule. Today, those counties remain, with the 50 states divided into several, each with its own unique makeup. Location is everything for couples looking

By Gianna Ivy  When a hurricane threatens Houston, knowing exactly where to go can make all the difference. As parents, your top priority is keeping your family safe—and that starts with a clear, simple plan. This guide breaks down evacuation routes by location so you’ll know exactly what to do whether you live east, west, or south of I-45. Pick

Can Blitz is a newly launched service from the City of Houston’s Solid Waste Management Department. It allows residents to quickly pick up new or replacement trash carts (“black bins”) directly, instead of waiting for often lengthy scheduled delivery. Why did Houston launch Can Blitz? Mayor John Whitmire highlighted a surge in requests—especially from new subdivisions and households needing replacements—totaling

By Emily Foxhall and Ayden Runnels, The Texas Tribune Sept. 3, 2025 “Texas kids’ camps must remove cabins from floodplains, operate warning systems under new laws” was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues. Sign up for The Brief,