Columns

STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS A huge pot of federal rail funding and chronic highway congestion are prompting some Texas offi cials to again consider expanding passenger rail in Texas, according to The Texas Standard. Congress set aside $66 billion three years ago in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for rail projects across the country, sparking some interest in increasing passenger rail service between the state’s major cities.

August 3: The No. 1 British Flying and Training School Museum will be hosting a public service program Saturday, August 3 at 3:30 p.m.

TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION More than two million Texans lost power when Hurricane Beryl hit the Texas coast, and Gov. Greg Abbott wants to know why.

The community of Heartland celebrated the Fourth of July on June 30 at the community park. The residents of the community were able to enjoy the beloved holiday sharing food under the radiating sky, illuminated by vibrant 4th of July- themed fireworks. Food trucks, bounce houses, merchandise and rides were only a few of the many amenities at this festivity.

August 3: The No. 1 British Flying and Training School Museum will be hosting a public service program Saturday, August 3 from 9 a.m.

Rising temperatures and the month of June signal the arrival of the dog days of summer. With heat-related illnesses on the rise, Texas State Parks is sharing seven tips to help Texans beat the heat and enjoy their time in the outdoors safely.

TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION With the Fourth of July bringing a possible four-day weekend for lucky Texans, the Texas A&M Forest Service urges outdoor enthusiasts to exercise fire safety outdoors, especially when using fireworks or starting campfires to roast hot dogs and toast marshmallows. Approximately 90 percent of wildfires are caused by humans and their activities, and the Fourth of July is one of the top days for reported wildfires, according to the forest service.

Veteran Lake Tawakoni guide David Hanson eased the throttle back on his big Falcon guide boat as we entered a stump field on the north end of the lake. We had left the ramp at Anchor Inn Marina a few minutes before and traveled north at a good clip, but as ever savvy boater knows, it was time to slow down to avoid hitting stumps that might top out at only inches below the water’s surface.

TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION Seven Texas counties have been approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency for grants for emergency work and replacement of disaster-damaged public infrastructure after severe weather and flooding struck much of Deep East Texas, Gov. Gregg Abbott’s office reported.

TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION Texas House Democrats are urging Gov. Greg Abbott to call a special session to increase public school funding, while Abbott is criticizing them for opposing legislation last year that tied increased funding to his pet project, school vouchers.