Check out the six most-read stories from Richardson this year.

1. U.S. 75 lane construction begins in Richardson
TxDOT crews began construction Aug. 4 in Richardson for the next phase of the U.S. 75 Tech Lanes Project, according to a news release issued by the city.

The project intends to expand U.S. 75 into five lanes by converting existing High Occupancy Vehicle lanes into “technology lanes,” which will have designated time periods for HOV travel but will be open for all drivers at other times.

2. Silver Line connects riders from Plano, Richardson to DFW Airport
Nearly two decades after its initial conception, the 26-mile, $2 billion Silver Line transit rail from transportation agency Dallas Area Rapid Transit is now open.

As of Oct. 25, riders can hop on the train and travel to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport in less than an hour. The Silver Line has two stations each in Plano and Richardson, and six additional stations that touch Dallas, Addison, Carrollton, Coppell and Grapevine.

First-time visitors to Texas Counter Fitters showroom in Richardson are often surprised to find a museum-like space, where natural stone slabs are showcased alongside diverse styles of artwork.

“People are surprised by the beauty,” Community Engagement Officer Diana Einstein said. “I've invited people here and they wear sneakers and sweatpants because they expect it to be dusty and cold. They walk in and say, ‘I should have dressed up, this is like an art gallery.’”

Chris Blackburn and Andrew Gilbert opened Texas Counter Fitters in 2010 followed by the Richardson showroom in 2020.

The set up: Sandwiched between two indoor showrooms is an outside showroom. Each area features a variety of stone slabs sourced from around the world including Italy, Brazil, Turkey, Cambodia and more.

Blackburn said Texas Counter Fitters focuses on exotic stones.

• 909 N. Bowser Road, Richardson

This November, Texas voters approved 17 constitutional amendments, also known as state propositions. Here’s what’s next for some of those propositions and what they mean for Texans.

The overview: Texas voters authorized the state to spend $1 billion annually on water supply funding, totaling $20 billion over a two-decade period, through Proposition 4. Funding will flow into the Texas Water Fund, a state account created in 2023 to help finance water projects.

However, state law requires that the money does not begin moving into the water fund until September 2027, and it will not be available for grants until 2029. Until then, state agencies, water utilities and local organizations will need to plan for funding, adjust rules and processes to align with recent state laws and update Texas’ water and flood plans, according to the Texas Water Foundation.

More details: Texas homeowners were set to see expanded property tax breaks on their 2025 tax bills under Propositions 11 and 13. Four other property tax exemptions approved by voters will take effect Jan. 1.