Former Texas Comptroller brings leadership, fiscal expertise and a vision to shape the next generation of Texans BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Glenn Hegar, the former Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, today officially assumed his duties as Chancellor of The Texas A&M University System, one of the largest and most influential systems of higher education in the United States. With 11 universities, eight state agencies, a comprehensive health science center and a combined enrollment of more […]
General News
State Sales Tax Revenue Totaled $4 Billion in June
(AUSTIN) — Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock today said state sales tax revenue totaled $4.04 billion in June, 2.5 percent more than in June 2024. The majority of June sales tax revenue is based on sales made in May and remitted to the agency in June. “State sales tax collections exhibited moderate growth compared with June 2024,” Hancock said. “This comes on the heels of consecutive months of strong growth in both April and May. “Among the sectors […]
Harris County Attorney Menefee Responds to Supreme Court Decision Rejecting ExxonMobil Appeal in Baytown Pollution Case
Houston, Texas – The United States Supreme Court has rejected ExxonMobil’s attempt to overturn a record $14.25 million judgment against the company for years of illegal air pollution at its Baytown refinery and chemical complex. The decision brings a close to a 15-year legal battle and allows a historic civil penalty—the largest ever imposed in a Clean Air Act citizen suit—to stand. Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee, whose office filed an amicus brief supporting the citizen […]
University of Houston Professor Named to Prestigious Fellowship
How Carlee Purdum’s Research is Changing Lives for Incarcerated People HOUSTON, Month DD, 2025 – All it took was one graduate school project to change Carlee Purdum’s research focus forever – a change that elevated her to the top of her field. Purdum, an assistant professor of sociology at the University of Houston, was recently named a Kavli Fellow by the National Academy of Sciences thanks to her work researching and advocating for incarcerated people in […]
“I Have Attended Way Too Many Funerals.”
Tow company owner makes plea in powerful TDLR Move Over/Slow Down PSA AUSTIN – As Texas roads fill up for the Fourth of July weekend, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation is releasing a public service video as an emotional reminder to do your part to keep emergency responders safe. In the video, tow company owner Tasha Mora talks about the devastation that can happen when drivers don’t follow the Move Over or Slow Down law. “I have attended funerals […]
Boaters Urged to ‘Clean, Drain and Dry’ to Stop the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species
AUSTIN – The Fourth of July holiday provides numerous opportunities for Texans throughout the state to enjoy the summer sun on the water. During the holiday festivities, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) urges boaters and paddlers to do their part to protect Texas lakes from aquatic invasive species during the heart of boating season. “While we want everyone to have a great time, we also want to avoid giving harmful invasive species free rides […]
New laws and expanded staffing solidify the FCIC’s role in fight against card skimmers, fuel theft, and payment fraud
AUSTIN – New laws – including ones empowering the Financial Crimes Intelligence Center (FCIC) as the primary entity overseeing investigations into gas pump skimming, motor fuel theft, and payment fraud, as well as removing barriers for prosecuting payment card crimes and creating criminal charges for gift card crimes – will go into effect on September 1. Additionally, the legislature has authorized the FCIC to more than double its staff to expand the fight against organized financial crime. One […]
Shopping Tips for Estate Sales
Art & Antiques by Dr. Lori by Dr. Lori Verderame For many hobbyists, the best part of shopping for vintage stuff is the thrill of the hunt. While many believe that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, I know that there are many pitfalls when it comes to buying and selling in the vintage and thrifting marketplace. There are so many scams out there that you must watch out. While most columns only advise […]
How to Choose The Right Internet Service For Your Home
Finding the best internet service for your household can be difficult with all the speeds, bundles, options, and plans out there. Making the right choice will improve your daily life, whether you’re working from home, streaming, or scrolling through social media. Here, we offer eight practical tips to help you choose the best internet service for your home. Know What You Need Before choosing an internet service for residential customers, think about what you do […]
Fireworks are Not for Pets
Protect your furry family members during the Fourth of July celebration HOUSTON – With the Fourth of July fast approaching, Harris County Pets (HCP), a division of Harris County Public Health, is reminding all pet owners to take extra precautions to keep their pets safe and calm during holiday festivities. Fireworks, unfamiliar guests, loud gatherings, and outdoor barbecues may be fun for people—but they can be stressful and even dangerous for pets. “Fireworks may be exciting […]