Attorney General Ken Paxton Secures $720 Million from Opioid Drug Manufacturers
August 30, 2025 – Attorney General Ken Paxton secured a new opioid settlement worth $720 million with eight drug makers that manufactured opioid pills and worsened the nationwide opioid crisis. In partnership with State Attorneys General across the country, this settlement will allow all local governments to participate through a sign-on period. The State of Texas and its political subdivisions could receive up to $45.5...
Governor Abbott Activates State Emergency Response Resources Ahead Of Heavy Rain Threat
August 29, 2025 | Austin, Texas | Governor Greg Abbott recently announced that he directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources ahead of heavy rain expected to impact the state through Labor Day weekend. “Texas continues to closely monitor weather conditions for potential heavy rainfall across the state,” said Governor Abbott. “Today, I directed the Texas...
Governor Abbott, THECB Announce Free College Application Week
August 29, 2025 | Austin, Texas | Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) today announced Free College Application Week Oct. 13-19, 2025. “Texas prioritizes opportunities for students to pursue the best education they need to succeed in high demand, good-paying jobs after graduation,” said Governor Abbott. “During free college application week, Texans can...
Harvest Authorization Drawing Opens for Trinity River Alligator Gar Sept. 1
August 29, 2025 – AUSTIN — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) will open its annual Alligator Gar Harvest Authorization drawing application process Sept. 1. The random drawing authorizes anglers to harvest one alligator gar over 48 inches from a section of the Trinity River. From Sept. 1 — 30, anglers holding a valid license-year or year-from-purchase fishing license can enter the drawing through the Texas Hunt...
Almost 25% of Texas Schools Using Bluebonnet Learning Curriculum
August 28, 2025 – Developed by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) under House Bill 1605, the Bluebonnet Learning curriculum is a state-authored, open-education resource (OER) for K–5 elementary instruction in reading, language arts (RLA), and math. Approved narrowly by the Republican-dominated State Board of Education in November 2024, the curriculum is notable—and controversial—for incorporating explicit biblical references and...
Texas hunters encouraged to practice wildfire safety during hunting season
August 28, 2025 – College Station, Texas – As dove season begins in Texas, it’s important for hunters to remain alert and take proactive steps to prevent wildfires. Pockets of dry vegetation remain in areas where recent rainfall has been limited, including the Rolling Plains, Eastern Hill Country, South Texas and Lower Gulf Coast. In late August and early September, these areas could support small wildfires, however fire...
The psychology of safety: how road design drives behavior
Aug. 28, 2025 – By Ryan LaFontaine – AUSTIN — In the complex world of traffic safety, subtle design choices can make the difference between a safe commute and a fatal crash. While enforcement and education are an important part of traffic safety, the psychological power of design can also shape driver behavior. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has long championed a set of Proven Safety Countermeasures , a toolbox...
Governor Abbott Signs Texas’ Make America Healthy Again Legislation
August 28, 2025 | Austin, Texas | Governor Greg Abbott recently ceremonially signed Texas’ Make America Healthy Again legislation – Senate Bill 25, Senate Bill 314, and Senate Bill 379 – into law alongside U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “Every legislator in Texas wants to see Texas be put on a pathway to be healthier,” said Governor Abbott. “These bills...
DPS Increases Enforcement for Labor Day
August 27, 2025 – AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is stepping up enforcement efforts for Labor Day weekend. Operation Crash Awareness Reduction Effort (CARE) runs from Aug. 29-Sept. 1 and is a specialized campaign in which Texas Highway Patrol Troopers patrol for drivers who are speeding, intoxicated, not complying with Texas’ Move Over, Slow Down law or violating other laws. The goal is to reduce the number...
Text, Call or Click: Texas Game Wardens Make Reporting Wildlife Crimes Easier Than Ever with Tip411
August 26, 2025 – AUSTIN — Texans now have a faster, easier and completely anonymous way to report fishing, wildlife and boating violations—putting the power to protect our natural resources right at their fingertips. Operation Game Thief (OGT), Texas’ wildlife crime-stoppers program, has launched Tip411—a new mobile app, text line and online web form that makes reporting wildlife crimes more accessible than ever. Whether in the...
