Panic buttons, locked doors for Texas school

Texas public schools would have to install panic buttons in classrooms and ensure all doors and windows are locked and monitored under new proposed safety standards released last week by the Texas Education Agency.

The proposal is the latest effort to strengthen school safety after 19 children and two teachers were killed at Robb Elementary in Uvalde last May in the state’s deadliest school shooting.

The Dallas Morning News reported that school districts in coming weeks can apply for grants from TEA to cover spending on security- related items, including installment of silent panic buttons this year. Each district will receive at least $200,000, with funds awarded on a per-student count. Districts would also be required to undergo twice-annual maintenance checks to make sure that two-way radio equipment used by law enforcement and first responders works inside their school buildings. Previous reports indicate poor radio communication was one reason law enforcement didn’t confront the gunman for more than an hour in Uvalde.

20% increase in traffic deaths in oil/gas regions

More than 79,000 traffic crashes were recorded in 2021 in the state’s five main energy sectors — the Permian Basin, Eagle Ford Shale, Barnett Shale, Anadarko Basin and the Haynesville/ Bossier Shale — resulting in 1,119 fatalities. The Texas Department of Transportation launched its “Be Safe. Drive Smart” fall campaign to remind drivers to slow down, stay alert and be extra cautious when driving in high-traffic oil- and gas-producing areas.

Drivers are urged to follow the posted speed limit and adjust driving to road conditions; don’t text or talk when behind the wheel; give large trucks plenty of space; pass only when it’s safe to do so; and always buckle up.

“Be Safe. Drive Smart” is a key part of #EndTheStreakTX, which is attempting to end the streak of daily traffic deaths in Texas. On Nov. 7, the state marked 22 years since the last deathless day on Texas roadways.

Emergency SNAP benefits again extended

Once again, emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program food benefits have been extended through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and distributed by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. More than $334.5 million in emergency benefits are going to about 1.6 million Texas households.

“As we head into the holiday season, we hope these additional allotments provide nourishing meals to Texans in need,” said Texas HHS Access and Eligibility Services Deputy Executive Commissioner Wayne Salter.

All SNAP households will receive a minimum of $95 in emergency benefits by Nov. 30. Since April 2020, more than $8.7 billion in federal food benefits have been provided to eligible Texans.