Texas is rolling out its annual tax-free weekend from Aug. 8-10, giving shoppers a break on clothing, shoes, and school supplies priced under \$100 each. The list is surprisingly generous - everything from nurse scrubs to Halloween costumes and football jerseys qualifies, but don’t expect tax breaks on actual sports gear like pads or helmets. Even diapers make the cut, though they’re tax-free year-round in Texas. Just remember: \$99.99 sneakers? Yes. \$100 sneakers? Sorry, that’s too rich for the tax man’s mercy.
Culture wars drain $112 million from Texas classrooms — funds that should support students
A new analysis finds Texans spent about $112 million last year addressing culture-war disputes in public schools, money diverted from classrooms and student services. School districts have funneled cash into security, legal fees, staff training and administrative time to respond to heated debates over curriculum, book bans and student policies. Advocates say these expenses erode instructional budgets and teacher support at a time when many districts face staffing and resource shortages. Officials on both sides argue for protecting students and community values, but education leaders warn that the fiscal toll undermines learning outcomes. Policy experts suggest clearer state guidance and mediation could reduce conflicts and redirect funds to classrooms.
A new analysis finds Texans spent about $112 million last year addressing culture-war disputes in public schools, money diverted from classrooms and student services. School districts have funneled cash into security, legal fees, staff training and administrative time to respond to heated debates over curriculum, book bans and student policies. Advocates say these expenses erode instructional budgets and teacher support at a time when many districts face staffing and resource shortages. Officials on both sides argue for protecting students and community values, but education leaders warn that the fiscal toll undermines learning outcomes. Policy experts suggest clearer state guidance and mediation could reduce conflicts and redirect funds to classrooms.
Dallas police are shaving a bit off their citywide response times - but in some southern neighborhoods, help is still taking far too long to arrive.
In July, Southeast Division’s most urgent “Priority 1” calls averaged 78 minutes for a response, nearly ten times the department’s 8-minute goal.
One fight call in the Queen City neighborhood took 1 hour and 22 minutes - by which time the fighters had vanished.
Chief Daniel Comeaux admits it’s “never okay” to be late but blames heavy call volumes and limited manpower, while local pastors warn slow responses could erode trust and deter people from calling for help.
In July, Southeast Division’s most urgent “Priority 1” calls averaged 78 minutes for a response, nearly ten times the department’s 8-minute goal.
One fight call in the Queen City neighborhood took 1 hour and 22 minutes - by which time the fighters had vanished.
Chief Daniel Comeaux admits it’s “never okay” to be late but blames heavy call volumes and limited manpower, while local pastors warn slow responses could erode trust and deter people from calling for help.
North Texans kicked off back-to-school weekend with pep rallies, parking lot art, and a healthy dose of vaccines.
At Haltom High, freshmen learned the Buffalo fight song while senior Yosselin Morales painted her Spider-Man–themed parking spot to celebrate being the first in her family to graduate.
Meanwhile, in Hurst, families lined up for low-cost vaccines - no appointment, insurance, or ability to pay required -as kids checked the last item off their school prep lists.
For some, the countdown to seeing friends again has already begun; for others, the first day can’t come soon enough.
At Haltom High, freshmen learned the Buffalo fight song while senior Yosselin Morales painted her Spider-Man–themed parking spot to celebrate being the first in her family to graduate.
Meanwhile, in Hurst, families lined up for low-cost vaccines - no appointment, insurance, or ability to pay required -as kids checked the last item off their school prep lists.
For some, the countdown to seeing friends again has already begun; for others, the first day can’t come soon enough.
Texas warns toxic shale wastewater could harm Permian oilfields
A Texas General Land Office filing says plans by Pilot Water Solutions to add three disposal wells near New Mexico risk contaminating oil reservoirs beneath some of the Permian Basin’s most productive acreage. The dispute has drawn support from major producer ConocoPhillips, which reports far higher water volumes than expected in the area and says disposal activity could damage its nearby operations. The region now produces as much as five barrels of water for every barrel of oil, vastly increasing the scale of waste handling and the pressure to find safe solutions. Environmental and ranching groups have long linked underground injection to earthquakes and surface geysers, and rising oil output has made those risks more acute. Regulators and industry face mounting tension over where and how to dispose of toxic produced water without harming energy infrastructure or communities.
A Texas General Land Office filing says plans by Pilot Water Solutions to add three disposal wells near New Mexico risk contaminating oil reservoirs beneath some of the Permian Basin’s most productive acreage. The dispute has drawn support from major producer ConocoPhillips, which reports far higher water volumes than expected in the area and says disposal activity could damage its nearby operations. The region now produces as much as five barrels of water for every barrel of oil, vastly increasing the scale of waste handling and the pressure to find safe solutions. Environmental and ranching groups have long linked underground injection to earthquakes and surface geysers, and rising oil output has made those risks more acute. Regulators and industry face mounting tension over where and how to dispose of toxic produced water without harming energy infrastructure or communities.
Texas students are heading back to school this year with a new rule: no phones, no smartwatches, no earbuds - all day, every day, from first bell to last. The law covers hallways, lunch, and even downtime, with exceptions only for emergencies or medical needs. Many districts are adopting “out of sight” policies, meaning devices stay powered off and tucked away in backpacks or lockers. Supporters say the change tackles constant notifications and distractions, giving students a better shot at focusing, learning, and actually remembering what they’re taught. In other words, it’s a statewide experiment in seeing if teenagers can survive seven hours without TikTok.
Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to drain your wallet - especially if you’re willing to go “salvage.” Stores like Town Talk Foods sell overstock, discontinued, or slightly dented (but perfectly edible) groceries for a fraction of the price, meaning six bags of food might cost you under \$30. The catch? You never know what you’ll find - but that’s half the fun. Food may be near or past its “best by” date, but according to the USDA, those dates are about quality, not safety (with infant formula as the exception). If there’s no spoilage, swelling, or rust, it’s safe to eat. And if there’s no salvage store nearby, online outlets like Martie will ship bargain shelf-stable goods straight to your door - sometimes in just a day.
American hiker found dead in Spain after nearly month-long search
Spanish rescuers located the body of 27-year-old American hiker Cole Henderson in Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, authorities said, nearly a month after he was reported missing on July 14. Search teams, including canine units and drones, had combed the rugged Pyrenean terrain along Spain’s border with France in extensive efforts to find him. Rescuers reported that Henderson "showed no signs compatible with life" at the scene; officials have not released details on a cause of death pending further investigation. Local emergency services coordinated the multi-agency search, which drew attention from both Spanish authorities and U.S. consular officials. The case underscores the dangers of high-mountain hiking and the challenges of search-and-rescue operations in remote national parks.
Spanish rescuers located the body of 27-year-old American hiker Cole Henderson in Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, authorities said, nearly a month after he was reported missing on July 14. Search teams, including canine units and drones, had combed the rugged Pyrenean terrain along Spain’s border with France in extensive efforts to find him. Rescuers reported that Henderson "showed no signs compatible with life" at the scene; officials have not released details on a cause of death pending further investigation. Local emergency services coordinated the multi-agency search, which drew attention from both Spanish authorities and U.S. consular officials. The case underscores the dangers of high-mountain hiking and the challenges of search-and-rescue operations in remote national parks.
Gunman kills three, including a child, outside Austin Target; suspect captured after car thefts
A 32-year-old man opened fire outside a Target store in Austin on Monday afternoon, killing three people — including a child — and wounding a fourth, officials said. After the shooting, the suspect hijacked a vehicle from the parking lot, crashed it, stole a second car and was later apprehended by Austin police in South Austin with a stun gun. Police identified the shooter as having a history of mental-health crises and prior emergency holds, though authorities say his motive remains unknown. Witnesses described panic inside the store as employees and shoppers fled toward rear exits after hearing gunfire. Local leaders called the attack a tragic act of violence as investigations continue and officials discuss broader concerns about mass shootings.
A 32-year-old man opened fire outside a Target store in Austin on Monday afternoon, killing three people — including a child — and wounding a fourth, officials said. After the shooting, the suspect hijacked a vehicle from the parking lot, crashed it, stole a second car and was later apprehended by Austin police in South Austin with a stun gun. Police identified the shooter as having a history of mental-health crises and prior emergency holds, though authorities say his motive remains unknown. Witnesses described panic inside the store as employees and shoppers fled toward rear exits after hearing gunfire. Local leaders called the attack a tragic act of violence as investigations continue and officials discuss broader concerns about mass shootings.
Garland inmate, 31, dies after being found unresponsive in custody
A 31-year-old man, identified as William Hunter Kimbrough of Allen, was found unresponsive at the Garland Detention Center and later died at a hospital on August 10. Kimbrough had been arrested Aug. 8 on charges of possession of fentanyl and tampering with evidence and reported feeling ill the day before, prompting a brief hospital evaluation. After being cleared and returned to custody, he was discovered unconscious during a routine jail check and transported again to medical care. Garland Police, the Collin County Medical Examiner and the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office are jointly investigating the cause of death. Authorities say no further details will be released at this time while the inquiry continues.
A 31-year-old man, identified as William Hunter Kimbrough of Allen, was found unresponsive at the Garland Detention Center and later died at a hospital on August 10. Kimbrough had been arrested Aug. 8 on charges of possession of fentanyl and tampering with evidence and reported feeling ill the day before, prompting a brief hospital evaluation. After being cleared and returned to custody, he was discovered unconscious during a routine jail check and transported again to medical care. Garland Police, the Collin County Medical Examiner and the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office are jointly investigating the cause of death. Authorities say no further details will be released at this time while the inquiry continues.
“We deserve to feel safety in our communities,” volunteer says after Austin shooting
Nadia Barbot, a Texas volunteer with Moms Demand Action, urged lawmakers to prioritize public safety following a mass shooting outside a Target in Austin that left three dead and one wounded. Speaking amid renewed debate over gun policy, she said Texans live with the constant fear of being shot and called for lawmakers to act. The shooting suspect, a 32-year-old man with a documented history of mental-health crises, was captured after stealing and crashing vehicles. City leaders described the attack as a tragic, cowardly act while investigators work to determine motive and details. Advocacy groups are using the incident to press for stricter gun measures, even as political consensus on solutions remains elusive.
Nadia Barbot, a Texas volunteer with Moms Demand Action, urged lawmakers to prioritize public safety following a mass shooting outside a Target in Austin that left three dead and one wounded. Speaking amid renewed debate over gun policy, she said Texans live with the constant fear of being shot and called for lawmakers to act. The shooting suspect, a 32-year-old man with a documented history of mental-health crises, was captured after stealing and crashing vehicles. City leaders described the attack as a tragic, cowardly act while investigators work to determine motive and details. Advocacy groups are using the incident to press for stricter gun measures, even as political consensus on solutions remains elusive.
Texas senators have voted to scrap the controversial STAAR exam, backing SB 8, which would replace it with a three-part adaptive test given at the start, middle, and end of the school year. Supporters say the change will give teachers and parents better, real-time insight into student progress, while critics warn it could mean more bureaucracy, higher costs, and less local control. The plan would kick in for the 2027-28 school year, but there’s a catch - it’s stuck in the House, where Democrats have fled the state to block a GOP-favored redistricting plan, leaving the chamber without the quorum needed to move forward.
About 35 railcars derailed near Gordon, Texas, Tuesday afternoon, toppling into a twisted heap and sparking several grassfires west of Fort Worth. The derailment happened around 2 p.m. near the Coalville Road Bridge, scattering freight and tanker cars but causing no injuries. Union Pacific’s HAZMAT team found no hazardous material leaks, and officials said both air monitoring and visual checks showed nothing dangerous escaping. Crews, aided by the Texas Forestry Service, quickly contained the fires, which threatened no structures despite dry burn-ban conditions. The cause of the derailment and the contents of the cars remain under investigation.
States Race to Redraw Maps as Texas Seeks Five GOP Seats Before 2026
Texas lawmakers are pushing a redistricting plan designed to add five Republican-held seats, a move aimed at shoring up the party’s slim U.S. House majority ahead of the 2026 midterms. The effort has sparked legal and political battles, with Democrats and voting-rights groups warning it could dilute minority representation while Republicans argue it reflects population shifts and legal mapmaking. Other states, including California, are watching closely and weighing their own boundary changes as parties jockey for advantage nationwide. Analysts say early redistricting fights signal a longer, more aggressive campaign season where control of Congress may be shaped well before Election Day. Courts and independent commissions could play decisive roles in which maps survive and where voters ultimately cast ballots.
Texas lawmakers are pushing a redistricting plan designed to add five Republican-held seats, a move aimed at shoring up the party’s slim U.S. House majority ahead of the 2026 midterms. The effort has sparked legal and political battles, with Democrats and voting-rights groups warning it could dilute minority representation while Republicans argue it reflects population shifts and legal mapmaking. Other states, including California, are watching closely and weighing their own boundary changes as parties jockey for advantage nationwide. Analysts say early redistricting fights signal a longer, more aggressive campaign season where control of Congress may be shaped well before Election Day. Courts and independent commissions could play decisive roles in which maps survive and where voters ultimately cast ballots.
Around 35 railcars derail near Gordon, Texas; no injuries reported as crews contain fires
About 35 cars of a Union Pacific freight train derailed a few miles east of Gordon, Texas, on Wednesday, with early reports indicating some cars may have carried hazardous materials. Emergency services said all personnel are accounted for, no injuries have been reported, and there have been no confirmed leaks. Fire crews battled small grass fires sparked by the derailment and continue working to fully control and extinguish remaining hotspots. Officials said the situation is stable but not yet fully under control while investigations and safety assessments proceed. Union Pacific and local authorities are coordinating response efforts and monitoring for environmental or structural threats.
About 35 cars of a Union Pacific freight train derailed a few miles east of Gordon, Texas, on Wednesday, with early reports indicating some cars may have carried hazardous materials. Emergency services said all personnel are accounted for, no injuries have been reported, and there have been no confirmed leaks. Fire crews battled small grass fires sparked by the derailment and continue working to fully control and extinguish remaining hotspots. Officials said the situation is stable but not yet fully under control while investigations and safety assessments proceed. Union Pacific and local authorities are coordinating response efforts and monitoring for environmental or structural threats.
❤2
Dynamic Sports Medicine is stretching its reach to Houston, with a new clinic set to open in West University Place. Founded in 2016 by Dr. Matt Lowe, the practice offers everything from cupping and dry needling to myofascial acoustic compression therapy-basically, if it hurts, they’ve got a tool for it. The company already runs eight locations across Austin and Dallas, but this will be its first Houston spot, a 2,400-square-foot space off Bellaire Boulevard. Construction, estimated at \$193,000, is scheduled from September to December-assuming no unexpected plot twists.
❤1
After social media lit up with outrage over alleged mistreatment at Freedom Ranch Animal Rescue Center in Laredo, protesters took their anger offline and straight to the Webb County Sheriff’s Office. On August 13, dozens waved signs, chanted, and got approving honks from passing cars, all in the name of animals they say have no voice. Organizers called for city leaders to crack down on cruelty, arguing that animals feel neglect and abuse just as humans do-minus the ability to post about it. The message was simple: whether it’s a person or a pet, mistreatment isn’t just wrong, it’s unacceptable.
Dallas Faces 8% Drop in International Tourism as Visitor Numbers Fall
Dallas is forecast to see international tourism decline by about 8% after a post‑pandemic record in 2023, industry experts say, attributing the drop to stricter immigration policies and rising travel costs. The city must now balance efforts to attract overseas visitors with concerns over policy and economic headwinds that have cooled demand. In an unrelated tragedy, a two‑vehicle crash Wednesday morning at E. Clarendon Drive and North Street left two children and one adult dead and three others hospitalized; investigators have not released victims’ identities or the cause. Video from the scene showed rainy conditions as a work truck collided with an SUV, and witnesses described frantic rescue attempts by bystanders. City officials and tourism leaders say they are monitoring both public‑safety investigations and visitor trends as they plan recovery strategies.
Dallas is forecast to see international tourism decline by about 8% after a post‑pandemic record in 2023, industry experts say, attributing the drop to stricter immigration policies and rising travel costs. The city must now balance efforts to attract overseas visitors with concerns over policy and economic headwinds that have cooled demand. In an unrelated tragedy, a two‑vehicle crash Wednesday morning at E. Clarendon Drive and North Street left two children and one adult dead and three others hospitalized; investigators have not released victims’ identities or the cause. Video from the scene showed rainy conditions as a work truck collided with an SUV, and witnesses described frantic rescue attempts by bystanders. City officials and tourism leaders say they are monitoring both public‑safety investigations and visitor trends as they plan recovery strategies.
After a pothole claimed one of his tires, Dallas driver Adam Sharkey turned his frustration into a full-time civic hobby - becoming a power user of the city’s 311 app. Logging 1,000 to 1,500 miles a week between sales work and Uber shifts, Sharkey has filed more than 500 reports for everything from potholes to downed traffic signs. Inspired by a “see something, say something” mindset from his New Jersey upbringing, he says the more he reports, the more gets fixed - proving one lost tire can pave the way for smoother streets.
The Humane Society of North Texas is going big for its upcoming Mega Adoption Event - and importing some new Texans to do it. This week, 121 cats and kittens flew in from overcrowded Memphis shelters thanks to Wings of Rescue, where they were promptly vaccinated, microchipped, and declared “Texans now.” They’ll join roughly 1,000 pets from 30 DFW-area shelters at the August 16–17 event in Fort Worth’s Amon G. Carter Exhibits Center. With that many furry faces under one roof, HSNT says finding your perfect pet is practically guaranteed - and it all supports the Clear the Shelters campaign.
Overdue San Antonio Library Book Returned 82 Years Late
A book checked out from the San Antonio Public Library in July 1943 was recently returned by a person who found it among their late father’s belongings and mailed it back with a brief note. Titled "Your Child, His Family, and Friends," the borrower’s correspondent believes the original checkout belonged to their grandmother when their father was 11. The library, which eliminated late fees in 2021, confirmed no fines would apply and placed the book on display at its central branch. Officials said the volume will later be sold in a used-book sale with proceeds benefiting the library. While notable, the 82-year gap isn’t the longest on record—some library books have been returned after more than a century.
A book checked out from the San Antonio Public Library in July 1943 was recently returned by a person who found it among their late father’s belongings and mailed it back with a brief note. Titled "Your Child, His Family, and Friends," the borrower’s correspondent believes the original checkout belonged to their grandmother when their father was 11. The library, which eliminated late fees in 2021, confirmed no fines would apply and placed the book on display at its central branch. Officials said the volume will later be sold in a used-book sale with proceeds benefiting the library. While notable, the 82-year gap isn’t the longest on record—some library books have been returned after more than a century.