October 5, 2025
NEWS DIGEST
by Brandon Waltens
Good morning,
The Texas Department of Public Safety has suspended the issuance of certain commercial driver licenses in response to new emergency rules from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration—rules prompted by a nationwide audit that exposed widespread violations of federal law, including in Texas.
Effective immediately, DPS will no longer issue or renew non-domicile CDLs, commercial learner permits, or any commercial licenses for refugees, asylees, or DACA recipients.
The agency confirmed the suspension also halts any pending applications or testing for drivers in those categories. Those who already hold these licenses are expected to receive further guidance as DPS works with federal officials on next steps.
“This action is part of the department’s ongoing commitment to keeping Texas roads safe,” DPS said in its announcement late Monday.
The move follows an explosive audit by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which revealed that several states—including Texas—failed to properly verify immigration status before granting commercial driving privileges. In some cases, licenses were issued to ineligible foreign nationals, with expiration dates extending beyond their legal stay in the United States.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy called the findings “a direct threat to the safety of every family on the road,” vowing immediate reforms.
As part of the federal directive, all commercial license renewals for noncitizens must now be conducted in person, and expiration dates must align with the individual’s visa status or be limited to one year, whichever comes first.
Last month, Gov. Greg Abbott directed DPS to begin enforcing English-language proficiency reviews for commercial drivers, in line with President Donald Trump’s order tightening federal licensing standards.
The new federal rules and Texas’ compliance measures are now in effect statewide. DPS says updates will be posted on its website as it works with federal officials to restore limited services under the revised guidelines.
Featured
Students at Stratford High School in Houston are moving forward with a new chapter of Turning Point USA’s Club America, despite efforts by leftist political activists to pressure teachers and intimidate students into shutting it down.
Last week the students were thrust into controversy when their private group messages discussing potential sponsors for the new club were screenshotted and posted in a Facebook group.
Real Texans
In this week's edition of Real Texans, Michael visits with John Seago, the president of Texas Right to Life. They discuss Seago’s personal and professional journey as well as the new threats to creating a pro-life culture.
New interviews with REAL TEXANS every Sunday!
Congressional Maps on Trial
Leftwing Groups Argue Texas’ New Congressional Map Is Racially Discriminatory
The map creates five new GOP-opportunity districts.
Day 2 Testimony Further Undermines Democrats’ Case
Democrats are alleging that Texas’ new congressional map is racially discriminatory, rather than a permissible partisan redraw that creates five new GOP-opportunity districts.
Day 3: Democrats’ ‘Experts’ Falter Under Cross-Examination
Multiple map experts took the stand but faltered under the State’s cross-examination.
State
Texas A&M Regents Name Former State Senator Interim President
Tommy Williams will serve until regents name a permanent president.
Legal Effort To Close the Texas Republican Party Primary Delayed
A judge has granted a 30-day extension for the state to answer the GOP’s petition.
Texas Universities Are Auditing Curricula
The accountability measures are mandated by a new state law.
Local
Houston ISD Ties Deportation Crackdowns to School Closure
HISD is shuttering Las Americas Newcomer School after enrollment fell to just 21 students this fall, a collapse officials link to federal immigration crackdowns.
Feds Arrest Southlake Substitute Teacher for Facilitating Financier’s ‘Sex Dungeon’
Jennifer Powers is charged with trafficking women for violent sex with her then-boss Howard Rubin in New York before she moved to Texas and taught in Carroll ISD.
Denton ISD Voters Will Decide on Permanent School Property Tax Increase
School trustees unanimously voted to place the excess tax rate increase on the November ballot.
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