Texas Budget Surpluses May Be Coming to an End
June 30, 2025 – After several years of record-breaking surpluses, Texas lawmakers may soon face tighter fiscal conditions. According to budget analysts, the expiration of federal pandemic relief funds and a slowdown in sales tax revenue growth could constrain the Texas Legislature’s ability to fund major initiatives in the coming years. Texas benefited from massive federal aid during the COVID-19 pandemic, combined with surging...
New Guidance Enforces English Proficiency for Truckers
June 30, 2025 – In May 2025, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy signed a new order strengthening enforcement of the English proficiency requirement for commercial truck drivers. This move aligns with the Trump Administration’s ongoing focus on enhancing road safety, promoting accountability, and ensuring clear communication on America’s highways. The updated guidance directs the Federal Motor Carrier Safety...
Proposed Marvin Nichols Reservoir Hits Minor Obstacle
June 29, 2025 – The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) has officially declared an interregional water conflict between Region C (the Dallas–Fort Worth metro area) and Region D (East Texas) regarding the proposed Marvin Nichols Reservoir. The proposed Marvin Nichols Reservoir is a planned water supply reservoir in the Sulphur River Basin in Titus, Red River, and Franklin counties about 100 miles northeast of the Dallas-Fort...
Texas Gun Law Changes Coming September
June 27, 2025 – Over the weekend, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed into law a series of bills aimed at strengthening Second Amendment protections and curbing local efforts to implement stricter gun control policies. The newly enacted legislation, which takes effect on September 1, 2025, makes it easier for Texans to own certain firearms while limiting the power of local governments to enforce gun restrictions. Among the most...
Abbott Signs HB4211; Takes on Developments like ‘EPIC City’
June 26, 2025 – Governor Greg Abbott has signed House Bill 4211, a new property law aimed at limiting the legal framework of the proposed EPIC City development, taking effect immediately. EPIC City is a proposed 402-acre Islamic-centered master-planned community initiated by the East Plano Islamic Center, located about 40 miles northeast of Dallas in Collin and Hunt counties. The 402-acre project, initiated by the East Plano...
You Can Vote on the ‘Horny Toad’ Lizard Plate
June 24, 2025 – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is inviting the public to help select a new design for the iconic Texas Horned Lizard license plate. This special plate, first introduced 25 years ago, was the inaugural design in Texas’s Conservation License Plate program. Since its launch, the plate has raised over $5 million to support the protection and conservation of native Texas wildlife, making it both a...
Ready for ‘Texas Time’, Not So Fast There Pardner
June 23, 2025 – Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has signed a bill that would establish “Texas Time,” a move to place the state on permanent daylight saving time. However, despite the bill’s signing, the change cannot take effect unless the U.S. Congress first amends federal law to allow states to make such a shift. Under the bill introduced by Conroe Republican Will Metcalf, the standard time in the state will be referred to as...
The Haven Offers a Unique Cruising Experience
June 22, 2025 – Whether you are new to cruising or an experienced mariner, Norwegian Cruise Line offers an upgraded experience called “The Haven” which is impressive in comparison to any cruise line. Hidden away at the top of the ship is The Haven by Norwegian, home to the most luxurious, well-appointed and spacious accommodations. Not only will you have access to all the ship has to offer, you’ll enjoy the...
Social Security Administration Raises Full Retirement Age
June 20, 2025 – Beginning May 2025, pre-retirees will need to wait longer to receive their full Social Security benefits. The full retirement age (FRA) has increased gradually since 1983, after former President Ronald Reagan signed the Social Security Amendments. For those born in 1960 or later, the full retirement age is 67. The FRA change was phased in over 22 years, and the full retirement age of 67 is effective for those...
Guardrails Aren’t Free
June 20, 2025 – By Tila Grant – DALLAS — Guardrails are built to save lives, but repairing them comes at a steep cost, one that ultimately impacts every Texas taxpayer. Every week, TxDOT crews respond to damaged guardrails across the state, deploying emergency repair teams to repair them alongside our highways. These repairs are essential — but they can come with a hefty price tag, as well. Motorists should also know that,...
