Kevin O’Connor Kommentary January 14

October 16, 2026: (BRYAN, TX) – The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) encourages drivers to put their full focus on the road amid a rise in fatal crashes in the Brazos Valley. “Over the last two months our ten-county district has experienced a significant rise in fatal crashes, accounting for over a fourth of traffic deaths in our area this year,” said TxDOT Bryan District’s Deputy District Engineer, Ashley Hill. “Between the beginning of the year and October 1, 78 people have lost their lives on roadways across our district. Twenty of those fatalities have happened in the last 60 days. These are more than just statistics. They are people’s family and friends. We need everyone’s help to reverse this trend. Slow down, stay alert, and wear your seat belt every trip, every time.” The Bryan District includes Brazos, Burleson, Freestone, Grimes, Leon, Madison, Milam, Robertson, Walker and Washington counties. Drivers not staying in their lane of travel, motorists not wearing seat belts, speeding and distracted driving are consistently major contributing factors to fatal crashes in TxDOT’s Bryan District. “Driving is something that we do every day, and because it’s so routine, we forget the risk. We encourage everyone to treat every trip with the caution it deserves.” TxDOT’s Be Safe. Drive Smart. is a year-long public education and awareness effort aimed at saving lives and reducing crashes. TxDOT urges all drivers to observe safe driving practices: Be courteous to other drivers. Always buckle up, all riders, day and night. Pay attention, focus on driving when behind the wheel, put the phone away or turn it off. Drive to conditions, slow down when weather conditions are bad. Stop for all stop signs and red lights. Pass carefully when it’s legal and safe. Never drive after drinking alcohol or consuming other drugs or medications that cause drowsiness. Slow down or move over for flashing lights; a law enforcement vehicle, emergency vehicle, tow truck or TxDOT vehicle that may be stopped along the side of the road. TxDOT’s Be Safe. Drive Smart. Campaign is an important part of TxDOT’s Drive like a Texan: Kind. Courteous. Safe. initiative. Drive like a Texan is about embracing the pride, camaraderie and responsibility of being a Texan on the road. By making thoughtful choices, we can all help keep each other safe. Learn more at DriveLikeATexan.com. Follow TxDOT’s Bryan District on Facebook @txdotBryan, Instagram @txdotBryan, and X @txdotBryan. Got a news tip? e-mail us at news@wtaw.com, text us at (979) 695-1620, or reach out on Facebook or Twitter/X.

(AUSTIN, TX) — Texas Secretary of State Robert Howden today announced that Texas has 19 million registered voters ahead of the Nov. 3 General Election. The specific number is 19,041,684 and is a record number for the state.  “Texas continues to see strong voter registration numbers, and we want every eligible Texan to be prepared to participate in the upcoming election,” Secretary Howden said. “Whether you are a first-time voter or have been casting ballots for decades, I encourage you to make a plan to vote, familiarize yourself with the candidates and issues on your ballot, and take advantage of the resources available at VoteTexas.gov.”  The registration number for the upcoming election is a 2.2% increase from the November 2024 General Election and a 2% increase from the March 2026 Primary Election.  Early Voting Begins Oct. 19  Early voting for the Nov. 3 General Election begins Monday, Oct. 19, and continues through Friday, Oct. 30. During early voting, Texans may cast their ballots at any early voting polling location in their county of registration.  “Early voting gives Texans the flexibility to cast their ballots at a time and location that works best for them,” Howden said.   What Texans Need to Know Before Heading to the Polls  The Office of the Secretary of State encourages voters to prepare before heading to the polls by reviewing the following information:  Bring an acceptable form of photo identification. Texas law provides seven acceptable forms of photo ID, including a Texas driver license, Texas personal identification card, Texas election identification certificate, U.S. passport book or card, Texas handgun license, U.S. military identification card with a photograph, or U.S. citizenship certificate with a photograph. Voters who do not possess and cannot reasonably obtain an acceptable photo ID may be eligible to complete a Reasonable Impediment Declaration and present an approved supporting document.  Leave campaign materials outside the polling place. Texas law prohibits electioneering within 100 feet of an outside door through which a voter may enter a polling place. Voters should avoid wearing or displaying clothing, buttons, hats or other items supporting or opposing a candidate, political party or measure.   Put away phones and other electronic devices. Texas law generally prohibits the use of wireless communication devices, including cellphones, and devices capable of recording sound or images within 100 feet of a voting station or the room where voting takes place. Voters may bring printed notes or a paper sample ballot to help them make their selections.  VoteTexas.gov: The Official Source for Election Information  The Office of the Secretary of State encourages all Texans to visit VoteTexas.gov, the state’s official online resource for election information. Through the website, voters can:  Check their voter registration status.  Find early voting and Election Day polling locations.  Review identification requirements and voting procedures.  Learn about voting options and prepare to cast their ballots.  Voting by Mail  Voting by mail is available to Texans who meet certain eligibility requirements, including voters age 65 or older, voters with disabilities, and certain voters who will be outside their county during the voting period.  The deadline for election officials to receive an application for a ballot by mail is Friday, Oct. 23. Secretary Howden encourages eligible voters to submit their applications as soon as possible to allow adequate time for processing, mailing and returning their ballots.  Historic voter registration figures can be found on the Secretary of State’s website. For additional information about the Nov. 3 General Election, visit www.VoteTexas.gov.  Got a news tip? e-mail us at news@wtaw.com, text us at (979) 695-1620, or reach out on Facebook or Twitter/X.

(AUSTIN, TX) ‒ Governor Greg Abbott today touted the strength of the Texas economy as Texas employers added 154,300 nonfarm jobs over the last 12 months for an annual growth rate of 1.1 percent, outpacing the national rate by 0.8 percentage points. “Texas is where opportunity knows no bounds,” said Governor Abbott. “With the best business climate and strongest workforce in America, Texas grows jobs faster than the nation as a whole and wages have risen to an all-time high. Texas truly is the best place to live, work, build a business, and raise a family.” September labor market data from the Texas Workforce Commission shows: Nonfarm jobs in Texas totaled 14,461,300 in September with a gain of 154,300 jobs over the last 12 months. Texans working, including self-employed Texans, totaled 15,246,400. The Texas labor force totaled 15,948,400 with a gain of 15,800 people over the month. The manufacturing sector experienced the largest over-the-month increase in September after adding 4,700 jobs; government services saw the largest decline. The private sector added 160,400 jobs in total over the last 12 months. Under Governor Abbott’s leadership, Texas has gained more than 2.6 million jobs. Average weekly wages in Texas rose to an all-time high in the first quarter of 2026, according to the most recent available labor market information. On Monday, Governor Abbott announced over $20 million in Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) career training grants have been awarded to schools across Texas. Got a news tip? e-mail us at news@wtaw.com, text us at (979) 695-1620, or reach out on Facebook or Twitter/X.