Area News

By Jessica Priest, The Texas Tribune August 4, 2026 Four professors and a national faculty group asked a federal judge Monday to block the Texas A&M University System’s restrictions on teaching about race, gender and sexuality and to reinstate courses canceled under the policy. The university system bars professors from “advocating” race or gender ideology…

Inspectors from across the state received advanced, hands-on training to better identify and mitigate wildfire risks and electrical hazards in the field August 03, 2026 Attendees and RRC leadership pose August 3 in Austin during the inaugural class of the Electrical Transmission and Distribution course AUSTIN – Today, Executive Director Wei Wang welcomed RRC inspectors…

AUSTIN— Entries are open for the 30th year of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) Big Time Texas Hunts (BTTH), offering some of the most unique hunting opportunities available on private ranches and public lands across the state. “In our 30th year, we are extremely excited to continue offering hunters an affordable chance at once-in-a-lifetime…

(AUSTIN) —Texas Comptroller Don Huffines today announced that Texas families are expected to save an estimated $142.5 million in state and local sales taxes during this year’s sales tax holiday, which runs Friday, Aug. 7, through midnight Sunday, Aug. 9. “Since 1999, Texans have saved more than $2 billion on everything from coats to crayons…

School bells will soon be ringing across Texas, and that means thousands of children will once again be walking, biking, and riding to school. AAA Texas reminds drivers that one careless decision behind the wheel can change a family’s life forever. The annual return to school brings a sharp increase in pedestrian and bicycle traffic,…

By Mark Kreidler Aug 4, 2026 Vanessa Barahona received a call this past spring from Angelica at Kern Family Health Care in Bakersfield, California, telling her it was time to renew her coverage under Medi-Cal, the state’s version of Medicaid. Angelica helped Barahona, 41, schedule an appointment to complete her paperwork in person at Kern…

By Alejandro Serrano, The Texas Tribune August 4, 2026 Fewer than one in 10 Black voters in Texas say they are less likely to vote in November’s midterm elections due to U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s defeat in the Democratic primary, according to a poll released Tuesday that suggests James Talarico could face limited electoral fallout…

After more than 3,200 traffic crashes in school zones or involving school buses last year, Texans are reminded to drive safe and smart Download video August 3, 2026 Why this matters Traffic crashes in Texas school zones increased 12% from 2024 to 2025. As kids across the state head back to school this month, TxDOT…

News from Southern Arkansas University MAGNOLIA, AR (08/03/2026) The David F. Rankin College of Business has partnered with SAU on the Square to launch the Experiential Learning Laboratory, a hands-on program where students from every discipline can apply classroom knowledge, test ideas, and engage with the community. The lab is led by Janell Reeves, who…

Ranking reflects commitment to excellence in evidence-based cancer care Two specialties receive national rankings, and six procedures and conditions earn High Performing ratings HOUSTON, AUGUST 3, 2026 ― The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center today was named No. 1 in the nation for cancer care in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026-2027 “Best…