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...
COMMISSIONER MILLER PROMOTES RESOURCES TO HELP NEW FARMERS SUCCEED IN TEXAS AGRICULTURE
August 26, 2025 – Austin, Texas – Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is urging aspiring farmers and ranchers to take advantage of programs designed to help them get started in agriculture. One of the most valuable is the USDA Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Direct Farm Ownership Down Payment Loan, which allows beginning farmers to finance up to 45 percent of a farm purchase with only a 5 percent down payment. “Texas farmers...
Barbara Jo Williamson “Mimi”
July 13, 1931 — August 24, 2025 Mesquite Graveside service for Barbara Jo Williamson (Mimi), age 94 of Mesquite, Texas will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at Reilly Springs Cemetery with Freddie Orr officiating. Barbara Jo Williamson (Mimi) was born on July 13, 1931 to Wallace and Ellie Swindell in Reilly Springs, Texas. She grew up the oldest of three sisters in Reilly Springs, eventually moving to Sulphur...
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Hosts Veteran Suicide Awareness Ruck Hikes
August 25, 2025 – AUSTIN – Throughout September, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) will host Veteran Suicide Awareness Ruck Hikes at Texas State Parks and State Natural Areas, and all military, veterans, family and friends are invited to participate. “This will be our third consecutive year hosting these events, and it’s been growing,” said Nicole Mechler, TPWD military and internship coordinator. “The more we can...
