AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) has issued an emergency order that closes the Austin Massage Academy, located at 13491 Pond Springs Road in Austin, and revokes the massage therapist and massage instructor licenses of Xue Lian Wang and Travis Engebretson. The two cannot work as massage therapists or massage therapy…

Gift cards are a popular and convenient gift-giving option, but they are also a target for scammers. Stay one step ahead and shop carefully to avoid a scam known as “gift card draining.”   Here’s how one version of the gift card scam works: Scammers tamper with gift cards in stores using handheld scanners to…

Date: December 18, 2025   Subject: Surge in scam calls/texts targeting customers — stay vigilant   We are receiving a high volume of reports from customers about scam calls and texts claiming to be from our company. These fraudsters may demand immediate payment, threaten service disconnection, or ask for payment by gift/reload cards, cryptocurrency, or…

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) has issued a 12-month emergency closure order effective December 8, for three massage establishments in Houston and Spring for suspected human trafficking. These establishments owned by Mario A. Cortez were ordered to halt operations and he is prohibited from operating a different massage establishment at…

CDF submitted several comments to the federal government cautioning the proposal would deter families from accessing healthcare and nutrition assistance while exposing millions of children in immigrant families to arbitrary green card denials. WASHINGTON, DC—Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) opposes a U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposal that could change a long-standing policy used to…

JANUARY AT THE KIMBELL Next month, enjoy the museum’s inaugural Sensory Hour, plus Second Saturday, Family Festival, and many more opportunities to start 2026 with arts and culture. December 19, 2025   FORT WORTH, TX—If your New Year’s resolution is to experience more arts and culture, join us at the Kimbell Art Museum for a…

AUSTIN, Texas— Today, Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D., is pleased to announce that the federal Sargent Beach Stabilization and Beach Nourishment project, led by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), in partnership with the GLO, Matagorda County, and the Port of Bay City Authority, recently awarded a construction contract to Orion Government Services, LLC.…

Bay City, Texas – The Sons of the Republic of Texas (SRT) are pleased to announce that the submission period for the 2025-2026 Texas History Essay Contest is now open. This essay contest is open to all graduating high school seniors (including home-schooled students). Awards in the following amounts will be presented to the winners…

 Bowie County   I-30 – From FM 989 to Arkansas state line, widening highway. Westbound lanes split. Left lane for thru traffic, no option to exit. Right lane for local traffic, can exit. Some westbound ramp closures I-30 – From FM 989 to FM 3419, extension of frontage roads. FM 2148 closed under I-30 bridge…

New book reveals how God shapes ordinary lives into instruments of healing, influence and emotional strength   SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – In a time marked by disconnection, burnout and emotional strain, Dr. Marlene Arias-Reynoso releases “His Instrument: Uncovering the Power of Connection and Fulfilling Your Purpose” (published by WestBow Press), a spiritually grounded leadership…