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DPS Stepping Up Enforcement for Labor Day AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is stepping up enforcemen...
09/03/2026

DPS Stepping Up Enforcement for Labor Day

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is stepping up enforcement efforts for Labor Day weekend. To keep everyone safe this holiday weekend, more Troopers will be out on the roads, including for the Operation Crash Awareness Reduction Effort (CARE), which runs Sept. 4-7.

Operation CARE is a specialized campaign in which Texas Highway Patrol (THP) Troopers look for drivers who are speeding, intoxicated, not complying with Texas’ Move Over, Slow Down law or violating other laws.

“As Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer, we know many Texans will be hitting the road to celebrate with family and friends,” said Texas Highway Patrol Chief Bryan Rippee. “While our Troopers will be out across the state working to keep our roads safe, we want to remind drivers to do their part on the road – . slow down, eliminate distractions, drive sober and buckle up. By making responsible choices, we can all close out the summer season safely.”

During last year’s Labor Day enforcement campaign, Troopers issued more than 63,015 citations and warnings, including 5,233 for speeding; 1,594 for no insurance; and more than 346 for individuals without seat belts or child seat restraints. DPS also arrested 211 people on DWI charges and 250 people for other felony charges.

DPS encourages the public to follow these safety tips during Labor Day weekend and beyond:

Driver Safety:

Don’t drink and drive. Make alternate plans if you are consuming alcohol.
Move Over or Slow Down for police, fire, EMS, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) vehicles and tow trucks stopped on the side of the road with emergency lights activated. Show the same courtesy to fellow drivers who are stopped on the side of the road. So far in 2026, there have been more than 13,215 Move Over, Slow Down violations.
Buckle up everyone in the vehicle — it’s the law.
Slow down, especially in bad weather, heavy traffic, unfamiliar areas or construction zones.
Eliminate distractions while driving, including the use of mobile devices. Texas law prohibits the use of portable wireless devices to read, write or send an electronic message unless the vehicle is stopped. If you’re using a navigation device or app, have a passenger operate it so you can keep your eyes on the road.
Drive defensively, as holiday travel can present additional challenges.
On multi-lane roads, use the left lane for passing only. Not only is it courteous driving and avoids impeding traffic, Texas law requires slower traffic to keep to the right and to use the left lane for passing only (when posted).
Don’t cut in front of large trucks and try not to brake quickly in front of them. They can’t maneuver as easily as passenger vehicles and pickup trucks.
If you can Steer It, Clear It: If you are involved in a non-injury crash and your vehicle can be moved, clear the traffic lanes to minimize traffic impact. Leaving vehicles in a traffic lane increases traffic congestion and leaves those involved with an increased risk of harm or a secondary wreck. On some highways, if you don’t move your vehicle when it’s safe to do so, it’s against the law.
Check your vehicle to make sure it is properly maintained and always ensure your cargo is secure.
Report road hazards or anything suspicious to the nearest law enforcement agency.
Monitor weather and road conditions wherever you are traveling. For road conditions and closures in Texas, visit Drive Texas.

DPS would also like to remind Texans about the iWatchTexas program, a critical resource for reporting suspicious activity within the community to help prevent dangerous attacks. It’s especially important to be vigilant as people gather for parades, festivals and other community events. Tips can be reported via the website, the free iWatch iOS or Android mobile app or by calling 844-643-2251. All reports are confidential. For information on how to use iWatchTexas, you can view this how-to video.

Remember, iWatchTexas is not for emergencies. If there is an emergency, call 911 immediately.

DPS Encourages Texans to Plan for a Sober Ride This College Football Season  AUSTIN – As football season kicks off acros...
09/03/2026

DPS Encourages Texans to Plan for a Sober Ride This College Football Season


AUSTIN – As football season kicks off across Texas, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reminds fans that the best game plan for any celebration is never to drive impaired. Whether you're tailgating before kickoff, cheering on your favorite team at a sports bar or celebrating a victory with friends, DPS encourages Texans to make a plan for a safe and sober ride home before the celebration begins.

"In Texas, we know that the best football teams always have a strong game plan before kickoff – and so should our fans,” said Texas Highway Patrol Chief Bryan Rippee. “As you head out to watch your favorite teams this football season, make sure you have a game plan that keeps yourself and your loved ones safe. If you plan to drink alcohol, make sure your game plan includes a sober ride. Planning ahead can help ensure everyone makes it home safely."

Alcohol-impaired driving remains one of the leading causes of preventable crashes and fatalities on Texas roadways. Nationally, nearly one-third of all traffic fatalities involve an alcohol-impaired driver, and in 2024 alone, 11,904 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes—an average of one person every 44 minutes. Drivers between the ages of 21 and 24 accounted for the highest percentage of alcohol-impaired drivers involved in fatal crashes, making college students and young adults among the highest-risk groups.

With thousands of Texans and visitors traveling to stadiums, tailgates and watch parties each weekend, DPS urges everyone to make responsible choices before consuming alcohol. Even small amounts of alcohol impair judgment, impact reaction time and coordination and increase crash risk well before a driver reaches the legal limit.

DPS encourages fans to follow these safety tips this football season and beyond:

Choose a designated driver before the game. The designated driver should remain completely alcohol-free.
Use a rideshare service, taxi or public transportation if you plan to drink.
Take the keys from someone who has been drinking and help them find a safe ride home.
Watch out for your teammates. Friends don't let friends drive impaired.
Always wear your seat belt, regardless of how short the trip may be.
Report suspected impaired drivers to local law enforcement when it is safe to do so.
A DWI doesn't just end the celebration – it can have lasting consequences. In Texas, a first-time DWI conviction can result in thousands of dollars in fines and fees, license suspension, increased insurance costs, jail time and most importantly, the possibility of seriously injuring or killing yourself or someone else. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) estimates the total financial cost of a DWI can exceed $17,000.

Every season produces unforgettable moments on the field. DPS wants to ensure Texans make it home safely to celebrate them. Plan ahead, make the responsible choice and get home safely after the game.

Download the iWatchTexas App

DPS would also like to remind football fans about the iWatchTexas program, a critical resource for reporting suspicious activity within their schools or community to help prevent dangerous attacks. It’s especially important to be vigilant as people gather for sporting events, festivals and other community events. Tips can be reported via the website, the free iWatch iOS or Android mobile app or by calling 844-643-2251. All reports are confidential. For information on how to use iWatchTexas, you can view this how-to video.

Remember, iWatchTexas is not for emergencies. If there is an emergency, call 911 immediately.

LAREDO POLICE WARN OF “CAT IN THE HAT” TIKTOK TREND AFTER SOUTH TEXAS SCHOOLS TARGETEDLaredo, TX - The Laredo Police Dep...
08/31/2026

LAREDO POLICE WARN OF “CAT IN THE HAT” TIKTOK TREND AFTER SOUTH TEXAS SCHOOLS TARGETED

Laredo, TX - The Laredo Police Department is warning students and parents about a disturbing social media trend circulating online referred to as the “Cat in the Hat” trend, saying threatening posts will be investigated and could lead to criminal charges even if intended as a joke.

In a statement posted this week, the department said:

“Any social media post, message, image, or other communication that contains a threat or causes fear or alarm within our schools or community will be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated. Individuals who participate in this trend by posting threatening content may face criminal charges and arrest when supported by the facts and applicable law, regardless of whether the post was intended as a prank or joke.”

Police are asking the public not to repost threatening content, and to report it immediately to (956) 795-2800.

**What the trend is**

According to school districts and law enforcement agencies tracking the posts, the trend grew out of edited footage from the 2003 film *The Cat in the Hat* starring Mike Myers. Users cut scenes into horror-style “found footage” and used AI-generated images to depict the character in residential driveways, neighborhoods, and near schools.

As it spread, posts began tagging groups of students by username to push it into new communities, and claiming the character had been spotted in specific towns or near specific schools.

School administrators say the character is now being used as a coordinated signal. Students share images or videos on TikTok and Snapchat accompanied by specific dates and times as a call to action for a synchronized disruption, ranging from walk-outs to more serious security breaches. Because adults may see it as harmless Dr. Seuss imagery, it acts as a “dog whistle” that complicates efforts to distinguish a prank from a genuine threat.

**A South Texas-wide response**

Laredo is not alone. A viral trend has swept South Texas in recent days, prompting warnings from several school districts, according to the Alice Reporter.

The Alice Police Department released a formal “safety alert” warning about the potentially dangerous consequences and providing guidelines for parents, after posts began identifying real communities and schools, a step officials say makes the trend more concerning than a typical meme.

As of Thursday morning, at least three schools in Minnesota had located similar threat reporting tied to the same type of trend, showing how quickly a local prank can become a national pattern.

In the United Kingdom and Ireland, police were forced to debunk a parallel version of the trend. South Yorkshire Police and An Garda Síochána reassured the public that sinister-looking Cat in the Hat figures appearing in images of residential areas are AI-generated hoaxes, telling residents “the Cat in the Hat was not in your driveway while you were out.”

**Why police say a joke can become a felony**

The Laredo warning follows a familiar pattern seen with past viral school challenges like “Devious Licks,” where students filmed themselves stealing school property, and “TikTok raids” involving coordinated absences.

While many students view participation as a prank, law enforcement treats coordinated events as security risks because they can create chaos that masks more serious threats.

Under state laws, consequences are real. In Tennessee, for example, investigations into social media posts threatening to shoot schools have led to criminal charges under the state’s School Threats Law, with affidavits citing students who “did create and distribute a video on social media threatening to shoot the school.”

Laredo-area districts say under their codes of conduct, coordinating a disruption that interferes with the educational process can lead to suspension or expulsion, and depending on the action, trespassing, vandalism, or making a terroristic threat, students can face criminal charges regardless of whether the act was inspired by a social media trend.

Police advise parents who encounter a post containing a specific threat against a school to preserve the information, screenshot it, and report it to school administration or law enforcement rather than sharing it further.

If you see or receive a threatening post in Laredo, contact the Laredo Police Department at (956) 795-2800.

BOVINO, Former Border Patrol Chief Drops Bombshells and Leaves Trump Administration Looking BadGreg Bovino says his exit...
08/31/2026

BOVINO, Former Border Patrol Chief Drops Bombshells and Leaves Trump Administration Looking Bad

Greg Bovino says his exit from Border Patrol wasn't just because he wanted to retire. In an interview with Tucker Carlson, he claimed he was fighting a "two-front war": on one side against illegal immigration and the politicians he was calling out, and on the other against what he called the "gatekeepers" inside the Trump administration itself.

Bovino said they launched internal investigations against him and that he feared they could go after his retirement and pension, which ultimately pushed him to step down.

He also said Donald Trump backed the operations his team was running, but he didn't hold back against figures inside the administration. According to him, his security detail was pulled right after he left office despite death threats he says he received, and he pointed to CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott and named Tom Homan in connection with that decision.

His statements expose an apparent internal feud that, in his words, ended up pitting him against members of the very government he served.

Tire trouble in front of Fire Station  #1? You're in the best possible spot for it.Shoutout to our firefighters for stop...
08/31/2026

Tire trouble in front of Fire Station #1? You're in the best possible spot for it.
Shoutout to our firefighters for stopping to help.

Another Police Officer Accused of Abusing Flock Camera System to Track WomanLouisville, Ky. - Another police officer is ...
08/30/2026

Another Police Officer Accused of Abusing Flock Camera System to Track Woman

Louisville, Ky. - Another police officer is facing criminal charges for allegedly misusing law enforcement surveillance technology to stalk a woman.

Shively Police Officer Asad Zahir, 40, has been charged with five counts of first-degree official misconduct and five counts of fourth-degree unlawful access to a computer, according to an arrest citation.

Investigators allege Zahir abused his access to the Flock safety system - the network of license plate-reading cameras used by police - between Jan. 1 and May 2 of this year.

During that five-month period, police say Zahir conducted more than 2,048 searches in the database, specifically targeting two Kentucky vehicle registrations belonging to the mother of his child. Authorities allege he used the system to continuously monitor her movements across Kentucky and Indiana.

According to police, Zahir also harassed the woman and made threatening comments during that timeframe, leading her to obtain a temporary protective order against him in Indiana.

Zahir was released on personal recognizance after his arrest. He is scheduled to be arraigned in Jefferson District Court on Aug. 28.

08/30/2026

Both southbound lanes on South 83 at Mangana-Hein are CLOSED right now. Dolly broke loose, hit guardrail then its own truck.

08/30/2026

USA SAVATE YOUTH CLUBS — LAREDO

USA Savate is launching three youth Savate clubs at City of Laredo recreation centers for ages 8–13, along with a specialty club for ages 14–16.

Locations will include:
• Margarito Benavides Recreation Center
• Fasken Recreation Center
• Marcos Aranda Recreation Center

This Friday, we will hold a FREE introductory workshop at the Marcos Aranda Recreation Center from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM.

Parents from throughout Laredo are invited to bring their children. After registration, participants will be placed into the club location that is most convenient based on where they live.

Cost: FREE
What to bring: Comfortable workout clothes

During the workshop, we will explain the program, training requirements, club locations, schedules, equipment, and what parents can expect moving forward.

Come meet the instructors, experience Savate, and learn how your child can become part of one of Laredo’s new youth clubs.

08/30/2026

CAUGHT ON DASHCAM - Last night around 10 PM
Lomas del Sur Blvd & S. Bartlett Ave, Laredo TX

White Jeep was seen driving too fast for the wet road, lost control and crashed into a concrete wall. Happened around 10 PM last night.

Roads were slick. Drive safe, Laredo.

More than 67,000 Still Without Power in San Antonio After Friday Night StormsSan Antonio, TX - More than 100,000 CPS Ene...
08/30/2026

More than 67,000 Still Without Power in San Antonio After Friday Night Storms

San Antonio, TX - More than 100,000 CPS Energy customers lost power Friday night as severe thunderstorms tore across San Antonio, and as of Saturday morning more than 67,000 remain in the dark.

The storms brought damaging winds and lightning that snapped utility poles, brought down lines, and left debris scattered across Bexar County. CPS Energy said crews are working to assess damage, make areas safe, and complete repairs before power can be restored.

Video posted overnight by local meteorologists and KENS 5 showed lightning striking the Tower of the Americas, gas station canopies collapsed onto vehicles, and flooded intersections near JBSA-Lackland.

The utility said the widespread damage means restoration will take time for some neighborhoods, while the City of San Antonio urged residents with fallen trees to call 311 and directed those without air conditioning to overnight cooling centers open across the city.

CPS Energy is posting rolling updates on its outage map and social channels as crews continue work Saturday evening.

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