News from April 2025
Governor Abbott highlights autism awareness and acceptance in Texas proclamation
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 3, 2025
Governor Greg Abbott has declared April 2025 as Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month in Texas, joining World Autism Awareness Day celebrations.
Texas A&M researchers propose deposit refund system to boost recycling
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 3, 2025
Researchers at Texas A&M University's Mosbacher Institute are proposing a deposit refund system (DRS) for recyclable containers in Texas.
Don’t Be Fooled—Texas Still Needs Strong Protections Against Social Media Censorship
By Ron Yokubaitis | Apr 3, 2025
In 2021, Texas made headlines by passing House Bill 20, a pioneering piece of legislation that stood up to Big Tech censorship.
Sen. Middleton: ‘I’m trying to prohibit SNAP funds from being used to purchase’ junk food
By Angie Alvarez | Apr 2, 2025
Senator Mayes Middleton said Texas spends billions on SNAP benefits, and while the program’s purpose is nutrition, items like "sodas, junk food, candy, and cookies" are not beneficial and contribute to chronic illnesses, which is why he sponsored S.B. No. 379 to prohibit using SNAP funds for such purchases. Middleton was a guest on a recent episode of the Texas Talks Podcast.
Small Businesses Are the Heart of Our Community — Changing How Credit Cards Work Makes it Harder for Us to Survive
By Donna Finley | Apr 2, 2025
For more than 15 years, I have proudly owned and operated restaurants in Nacogdoches, where small businesses like mine form the backbone of our local economy.
Sid Miller supports legislation for official Texas steak cut
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 2, 2025
Commissioner Sid Miller has expressed his support for a legislative initiative to establish an official steak cut for Texas.
Mother advocates against distracted driving after son's accident
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 2, 2025
Maria Espinoza experienced a life-changing event when a distracted driver hit her 6-year-old son during a walk to school.
Railroad Commission of Texas imposes over $1.8 million in penalties
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 2, 2025
The Railroad Commission of Texas has imposed fines totaling $1,888,364 on operators and businesses within the state's oil and gas sector.
Texas Comptroller announces third round of opioid settlement payments
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 2, 2025
Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar has announced a new payment of $44.8 million to political subdivisions from the Opioid Abatement Trust Fund.
Texas Public Policy Foundation urges aggressive diplomacy with Mexico
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 2, 2025
The Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF) has released a memorandum detailing recommendations for U.S. diplomacy with Mexico.
Texas Senate advances key bills as legislative session progresses
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 2, 2025
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick released a statement highlighting the progress of the Texas Senate during the 89th legislative session.
TxDOT workers rescue driver from flash flood in Greenville, Texas
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 2, 2025
GREENVILLE, Texas — A dramatic rescue took place last month when a Ford Fiesta was swept by powerful floodwaters on the I-30 frontage road.
Texas announces $6.25 million grants to support rural hospitals
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 2, 2025
Governor Greg Abbott has announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is providing $6.25 million in grant funding to hospitals serving rural communities in Texas.
High winds increase wildfire risk in Texas, damages reported
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 2, 2025
TxDOT is on alert as Texas faces high winds that have increased the risk of wildfires and led to overturned semi-trucks in the Panhandle region.
Becoming a vendor with Texas Department of Information Resources
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 2, 2025
Companies aiming to become vendors with the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) must engage in the solicitation process as guided by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.
Texas Clear Lanes marks decade of reducing traffic delays statewide
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 2, 2025
Over the past ten years, Texas has experienced significant changes, including a population increase of five million.
Texas forum discusses infrastructure progress and challenges in growing population
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 2, 2025
A regional gathering of Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) employees, contractors, and partners recently heard from leadership about the agency's efforts to address the growing demands for safety, delivery, and innovation amidst Texas'...
TxDOT crews mobilize to address winter storm Enzo across Texas
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 2, 2025
Winter Storm Enzo has swept across Texas, leading to significant disruptions on roadways, particularly in the southern and southeastern regions of the state.
National Engineers Week highlights contributions and inspires the next generation
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 2, 2025
Thousands of engineers are celebrated across the state and nation during National Engineers Week, established in 1951 by the National Society of Professional Engineers.
TxDOT crews respond to winter weather hazards across Texas roads
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 2, 2025
TxDOT crews across Texas are actively monitoring and responding to road conditions caused by the ongoing winter weather.
