HUNTSVILLE, Texas — Huntsville's commercial landscape is continuing to expand in 2026, with several new restaurants, entertainment concepts and specialty businesses either preparing to open or moving through the development process. From drive-thru coffee and specialty cakes to indoor golf and a major new restaurant project, the latest additions reflect a city attracting businesses interested in serving both Huntsville's permanent population and the thousands of students asso

How Sam Houston State is reshaping the economy, housing market and future of a Texas city HUNTSVILLE, Texas — For nearly a century and a half, Sam Houston State University has been part of Huntsville's identity. But increasingly, the university isn't simply located in Huntsville—it is helping determine what Huntsville becomes. With more than 21,000 students and thousands of employees, SHSU now represents an economic and demographic force unusually large for a community Huntsv

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — In early 2025, four current or former members of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office died by suicide within just six weeks. The extraordinary concentration of deaths stunned one of the nation's largest sheriff's departments and quickly generated an uncomfortable question online: Could four deaths involving people connected to the same agency really be unrelated? Authorities say they were. The sequence began on Feb. 6, 2025, when retired Deputy Long Nguye

HUNTSVILLE, Texas — Huntsville’s commercial landscape continues to change as new restaurants, retailers and development projects move forward, offering another sign that the Walker County seat is attracting increased private investment. Among the most visible additions is a new Popeyes planned for 2032 11th Street. State construction records describe the project as a new 2,540-square-foot restaurant with an estimated construction cost of $1.3 million. The filing lists complet

Texas's hemp industry is fighting back in federal court after the state effectively criminalized most of the THC products it has sold legally for the past five years. The ban traces back to a Texas Supreme Court decision in May, which allowed the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to reclassify nearly all hemp-derived THC as a Schedule I drug — ending a 2021 injunction that had, for five years, allowed retailers to stock a wide range of hemp-derived products wit

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott — who has spent the past two years branding the state as the "epicenter" of AI development — reversed course this week, ordering a moratorium on new data center approvals until state regulators can audit the projects seeking to join Texas's power grid. In a Monday letter to the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), which oversees roughly 90% of the state's grid, Abbott directed both agencies to conduct

After spending an entire football season away from campus, the Sam Houston Bearkats are finally coming home. This fall, Sam Houston State University will welcome fans back to Elliott T. Bowers Stadium following a major renovation that represents one of the largest investments in athletic facilities in school history. The project is part of an approximately $90 million capital improvement initiative designed to strengthen the university's athletic programs as it continues esta

HUNTSVILLE, Texas — Huntsville has experienced steady growth in recent years, with new housing developments, expanding retail options, and proposals for major entertainment attractions. As the city continues to evolve, some residents are beginning to ask another question: Is it time for Huntsville to invest in a dedicated community performing arts theater? Orion Amphitheater & Apollo Park in Huntsville, Texas. By Brent Cassity Reporting from Huntsville, Texas, USA July 20, 20

HUNTSVILLE, Texas — Coffee lovers in Huntsville have another reason to celebrate as 7 Brew Coffee prepares to open its first location in the city, bringing its fast-growing drive-thru concept and dozens of customizable drinks to Walker County. The new Seven Brew Drive Through Coffee in Huntsville, Texas. By Christopher Todd Reporting from Huntsville, Texas, USA July 21, 2026 Updated 2:43 a.m. ET The new shop is under development at 1718A 11th Street, where construction plans

HUNTSVILLE, Texas — Disc golf enthusiasts and outdoor recreation fans have a new destination to enjoy following the official opening of Huntsville's new 18-hole disc golf course at Eastham-Thomason Park. City officials celebrated the addition with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 18, marking another milestone in Huntsville's continued investment in parks and recreational amenities. 18-hole disc golf course in Huntsville, Texas. By Brent Cassity Reporting from Huntsville, Tex

DEL RIO, Texas — A broad-daylight stabbing that claimed the life of a 32-year-old mother of five has drawn national attention after three young women were arrested and charged with murder. Authorities allege the attack was captured on surveillance video and occurred on a busy Del Rio street, raising questions about what led to the deadly confrontation. Booking phots of suspects in the murder of Texas mom. By James Lawson Reporting from Huntsville, Texas, USA June 26, 2026 Upd

HUNTSVILLE, Texas — A homicide investigation that began with a shooting in Huntsville has become one of the city's most closely watched criminal cases in recent months, drawing attention from residents and law enforcement officials alike. Man indicted for capital murder in Huntsville, Texas. By Brent Cassity Reporting from Huntsville, Texas, USA July 19, 2026 Updated 3:40 a.m. ET Earlier this year, Huntsville Police Department detectives arrested a suspect in connection with

HUNTSVILLE, Texas — Huntsville's economy continues to show steady momentum in 2026, fueled by residential growth, new commercial investment, expanding retail options, and long-term development projects aimed at attracting both businesses and visitors. Huntsville, Texas, entertainment district. By Jessica Harrison Reporting from Huntsville, Texas, USA July 20, 2026 Updated 1:43 a.m. ET One of the most significant drivers of growth is a proposed residential development north of

HUNTSVILLE, Texas — Huntsville residents may soon see a major new entertainment destination take shape in their city. Local officials are seeking public input on a proposed Entertainment District that could transform the community's recreational and tourism landscape while generating new economic opportunities for the region. Huntsville Entertainment District, Huntsville, Texas. By Christopher Todd Reporting from Huntsville, Texas, USA July 17, 2026 Updated 7:09 a.m. ET The p

HUNTSVILLE, Texas — One of the largest residential developments in Huntsville's recent history is moving forward, with plans that could bring approximately 1,800 new homes to the north side of the city. Spanning more than 500 acres, the proposed project reflects Huntsville's continued growth and increasing demand for housing as more families and businesses look to establish roots in Walker County. Huntsville, Texas, housing development. By Jim Keegan Reporting from Huntsville

HUNTSVILLE, Texas — As preparations begin for the upcoming fall semester, Sam Houston State University remains one of the most important economic engines in Huntsville and Walker County. The university's influence extends far beyond the classroom, supporting local businesses, housing, restaurants, and community events throughout the year. Sam Houston State University administration building in Huntsville, Texas. By Jessica Harrison Reporting from Huntsville, Texas, USA July 1

HUNTSVILLE, Texas — Huntsville is experiencing a period of significant residential growth as new housing developments continue to expand across the city and surrounding areas. Driven by population growth, economic development, and its strategic location along Interstate 45 between Houston and Dallas, Huntsville is rapidly evolving from a traditional college and prison-industry town into one of East Texas' fastest-growing communities. Proposed residential development project i

The story of Greg Kelley has become one of the most widely discussed wrongful conviction cases in Texas history, raising serious questions about criminal investigations, due process, and the consequences of a flawed prosecution. Although the case originated in Williamson County near Austin, it continues to be cited by criminal justice advocates across Texas as an example of how the legal system can fail innocent defendants. Greg Kelly following his exoneration. By Jessica Har

HUNTSVILLE, Texas — Courts in Huntsville and Walker County are preparing for a busy July as judges, attorneys, prosecutors, and defendants return to courtrooms for a series of criminal hearings, motions, pretrial conferences, and jury proceedings. Walker County Courthouse, Huntsville, Texas By Jessica Harrison Reporting from Huntsville, Texas, USA July 10, 2026 Updated 6:40 a.m. ET According to court schedules published by the City of Huntsville and Walker County, multiple co

HUNTSVILLE, Texas — The Huntsville Hornets football program reached a historic milestone this summer by earning its first-ever trip to the Texas State 7-on-7 Tournament, a significant achievement that has generated excitement among players, coaches, and fans throughout the community. Huntsville Hornets football team By David Johnston Reporting from Huntsville, Texas, USA July 10, 2026 Updated 5:59 a.m. ET While the Hornets were unable to advance to the championship rounds, si