Area News
The Bunker State: The Government Will Survive, but Will the Constitution?
John Whitehead’s Commentary By John & Nisha Whitehead August 26, 2026 “Behind the ostensible government sits enthroned an invisible government, owing no allegiance and acknowledging no responsibility to the people.“—Theodore Roosevelt What began publicly as Donald Trump’s lavish, taxpayer-funded vision of a gilded White House ballroom is now being justified by the administration—in and out…
Read MoreHunting outlook good, hunters encouraged to report signs of New World screwworm
Texas Crop and Weather Report – by Sarah Fuller Based on available population surveys and precipitation trends across much of the state, hunters can anticipate an average-to-good fall hunting season across key game species, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert. Information from available population surveys and precipitation trends across much of the state indicate hunters…
Read MoreReward Paid in Capture of Permian Basin Gang Member
August 26, 2026 AUSTIN – A Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) 10 Most Wanted Fugitive is back in custody after his capture last week in Midland. A Crime Stoppers reward will be paid. Ronnie Matthew Velarde, 37, a documented West Texas Tango gang member, was taken into custody on Aug. 18, 2026, in Midland. Following…
Read MoreEPA Selects 24 Gulf Watershed Projects for Water Quality and Local Economies
DALLAS, TEXAS (August 26, 2026) – Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Gulf of America Division (GAD) announced 24 projects selected from the Innovative Solutions for Improving Water Quality and Strengthening Local Economies in the Gulf of America Watershed Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). The NOFO encompassed EPA Regions 4 through 8 and the awards ranged from $500,000 to…
Read MoreNew $138 billion investment planned for Texas transportation
Plan continues progress on high-priority preservation, mobility and safety projects Aug. 26, 2026 AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) announced a new 10-year transportation plan with a total projected investment of $138 billion. In a rapidly growing state, this transformational investment will help improve safety, reduce congestion and strengthen…
Read MoreUT Health East Texas Expands Advanced Clinical Services in New UT Tyler School of Medicine Building
Tyler, Texas (August 26, 2026) — UT Health East Texas is expanding clinical services in the new UT Tyler School of Medicine Building, bringing advanced outpatient, specialty and imaging services together under one roof in a state-of-the-art facility designed to enhance patient care, convenience and access across the region. The first floor is home…
Read MoreTexas Association of Counties Honors 11 County Programs for Best Practices
AUSTIN — The Texas Association of Counties has announced the recipients of its 2026 County Best Practices Awards, recognizing 11 programs from 10 counties for creative, practical approaches to local government challenges and improved county services. Presented every two years, the awards highlight effective county initiatives and achievements while encouraging counties to build on one…
Read MoreMeta to pay Texas $1 billion in child safety case
Meta to pay Texas $1 billion in child safety case by Eleanor Klibanoff, The Texas Tribune August 26, 2026 Social media giant Meta will pay over $1 billion to Texas and implement sweeping protections for children as part of a settlement with the state, Attorney General Ken Paxton announced Wednesday. The settlement comes as Meta,…
Read MoreLORENTZ Field Days Showcase High-Capacity Solar Water Irrigation in the Texas Panhandle
LORENTZ Field Days, held August 11–12, 2026, at 3C Coleman Ranch near Briscoe, Texas, highlighted the power and performance of high-capacity solar water irrigation in the heart of the Texas Panhandle. The two-day event brought together agricultural professionals, farmers, ranchers, water conservationists, and water well contractors from across the region to experience the LORENTZ Solar…
Read MoreOp-Ed: The Conversation We Should Be Having About Perinatal Mental Health
By Dr. Becky Spencer Once again, a high-visibility trial has forced perinatal mental health into the national spotlight, as the case of a Massachusetts woman accused of first-degree murder in the deaths of her three children hinges on her plea of not guilty by reason of insanity due to postpartum psychosis. While the case of…
Read More