Tara Holley

Tara Holley's first on-air experience was at age 3 on a jingle in Temple, Texas. Radio has been a part of her life ever since. She received a BA in Theatre and Communication in 2004 from McMurry University. Her professional journey includes theatre, Neilsen media research, advertising and marketing, creative writing and scripting, and more. However, radio has always been her first professional love. Tara writes about all things East Texas -- including fantastic food, Texas legends and lore, and lifestyle topics. She loves conversation, comedy, coffee, animals, philosophy, and the arts. Her basic life philosophy can be summed up in the words of the great Bill and Ted: “Be Excellent to Each Other.” Tara received the Mayor's ROSE (Recognition of Service and Excellence) Award in 2021 and the President's Club Award for Townsquare Media Tyler in 2021 for Contributor of the Year. She served on the Heart of Tyler Board of Directors from 2017-2022, was a 2-year Chair for the Downtown Tyler Film Festival, and served on the Tyler Civic Theatre Board for several years, as well. She is currently on the Tyler Music Friendly Advisory Board.'

Is It Illegal to Get Out of Your Car at a Red Light in Texas?

We’ve all seen it—or done it: Someone hops out at a red light for laughs. But is it actually legal in Texas?

Say Hello to the Red Bug You Had No Idea You Were Eating Regularly

You may be surprised to learn that a tiny red bug called a cochineal is responsible for the rich red dye in many Texas foods—from jams to cakes. Here's what you should know.

In One Texas County, Dementia Has Touched Nearly Every Family

A deep dive into this Texas County reveals something so common there that almost every family knows someone affected. Here's why dementia is so prevalent there, and what this may reveal to us about healthcare in rural areas.

This Is the Biggest Prison in Texas—And It’s in East Texas

Located just over an hour from Tyler, the H.H. Coffield Unit in Tennessee Colony is the largest prison in Texas, housing thousands of inmates and employing hundreds on-site.

30 Iconic Texas Experiences Everyone Should Try at Least Once

And if you're NOT a native Texan and have only been here for a relatively short time, you may find this to be a helpful guide on your journey to becoming a naturalized citizen of the Lone Star State. (Also, welcome!)

Journey Through Texas: Explore Iconic Locations on a Quick Road Trip

Texas offers endless iconic destinations waiting to be explored. Discover hidden gems with a road trip itinerary perfect for spring transitioning into summer.

Discover the Most Picturesque Small Towns in Texas for Your Next Road Trip

Uncover the magic of Texas' prettiest little towns as you embark on a road trip filled with unique experiences and scenic beauty.

A Huge Price Increase is Coming to Texas Dollar Tree Stores

Prepare yourself because Dollar Tree is raising prices yet again. A gazillion TikTok accounts have been chatting about the hike, which is set to happen this month and has already been seen at some locations.

Texas Senate is Pushing for More Affordable, Smaller Starter Homes

New proposed legislation aims "to help drive down the cost of housing so that more Texans can afford homes."

Texas House Pushes for Property Tax Cuts: Here’s What It Means for You

Those in favor say these changes will make a real difference for homeowners feeling squeezed by rising costs. Businesses, too, could get some much-needed breathing room.

Is ‘Texas’ Actually Slang for ‘Crazy’ in This Nordic Country?

One Texas-based social media account has been making this claim for decades now. Someone decided to submit it to Snopes to see if it was accurate. Turns out it is.

Around 70% of Texas Teachers Are Ready to Walk Away–Here’s Why

Another survey, taken a few years later, was truly stunning. It revealed that 70 percent of Texas teachers wanted to quit—or at least were seriously thinking about it—the highest percentage ever. This revelation comes amid an already disturbing teacher shortage in the Lone Star State.