Burn Bans Likely Coming to Northeast Texas as Wildfire Danger Grows
January 5, 2026 – NORTHEAST TEXAS — Fire officials are warning residents across Northeast Texas to prepare for burn bans this week as warm, dry and windy conditions persist, fueling heightened wildfire risk across the region. There is currently 0.3″ forecast this week on Thursday Dry weather patterns and an ongoing lack of rain have left grasses, brush and timber unusually dry and highly flammable. Combined with gusty...
Application Window for Texas’ New School Choice Program Starts Next Month
January 2, 2026 – Senate Bill 2, approved by lawmakers in 2025, set aside $1 billion to establish the Education Freedom Accounts program. The initiative allows eligible families to use state-funded accounts to help pay for approved education expenses, including private school tuition, instructional materials, tutoring, and other qualifying services outside the traditional public school system. State officials say applications...
Staying In and Turning In Early Gains Popularity on New Year’s Eve
December 31, 2025 – As New Year’s Eve approaches, more Americans are choosing to celebrate quietly at home and head to bed early, a trend many say offers practical and personal benefits over late-night outings. Avoiding crowded parties and packed bars reduces stress and lowers the risk of accidents, particularly on roads where impaired driving increases during the holiday. Safety experts note that staying home eliminates the...
Paxton Secures $1.25 Million Settlement With Hyatt Over Hidden Hotel Fees
December 31, 2025 – AUSTIN — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced a $1.25 million settlement with Hyatt Corporation after the company was accused of violating Texas consumer protection laws by advertising hotel room prices that did not reflect the full cost paid by customers. According to the attorney general’s office, the lawsuit alleged Hyatt used deceptive pricing practices by marketing rooms at attractive daily rates...
‘In-Tow’ Caravans Face Increased Scrutiny
December 29, 2025 – Law enforcement officials are drawing attention to the dangers and legal issues surrounding vehicles towing other vehicles on Texas roadways after a recent multi-vehicle enforcement action highlighted broader concerns. On Dec. 21 in Goliad County, sheriff’s deputies stopped a caravan of more than 20 vehicles traveling without license plates, ultimately impounding 20 of them for lacking proper registration —...
Sneak Peak at the March 3 Republican Ballot
December 29, 2025 – AUSTIN — The Republican Party of Texas has released the list of 10 non-binding propositions that will appear on the March 3, 2026 GOP primary ballot, giving party voters the chance to weigh in on key policy ideas ahead of next year’s elections. State Republican leaders say the propositions are intended to gauge voter support on priority issues and help guide the party’s legislative agenda for the 2027...
Hopkins County Sheriff Warns Public About Cryptocurrency Scams
December 26, 2025 – The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is warning the public about increased activity in scams involving money transfers through cryptocurrency ATMs. In a recent Facebook post, HCSO shared the following information: STOP CRYPTOCURRENCY SCAMS Protect yourself and your loved ones! Cryptocurrency scams are on the rise. If someone asks you to pay a fine, “fix” a computer virus, or keep an...
Some Student Loan Borrowers Set To Receive Wage Garnishment Letters
December 26, 2025 – The Trump administration said on Tuesday that it will begin garnishing the wages of student loan borrowers who are in default early next year. The Department of Education said it will send notices to approximately 1,000 borrowers the week of January 7, with more notices to come at an increasing scale each month. Millions of borrowers are considered in default, meaning they are 270 days past due on their...
U.S. Ban on New Foreign-Made Draws Pushback From Farmers and China
December 26, 2025 – The Trump administration has imposed a sweeping ban on new foreign-made drones and key components, prompting criticism from U.S. agriculture groups and sharp condemnation from China. The Federal Communications Commission announced Monday that drones and critical parts manufactured outside the United States pose an “unacceptable” national security risk and will no longer be approved for use. The FCC cited...
Attorney General Ken Paxton Announces Launch of New Crime Victims’ Services Website
Attorney General Ken Paxton announced the launch of the newly redesigned Crime Victim Services Division (“CVSD”) website, as part of the Office of the Attorney General’s ongoing efforts to make it easier for Texans to find help, submit information, and access resources. “Crime victims deserve clear, compassionate, and reliable resources for help when they need it most,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Our redesigned website...
