Texas police urge holiday focus as three day weekend begins
DPS officials urged Texans to treat the July holiday weekend as a turning point from a two year rising trend in fatal crashes calling the period critical. The plan includes increased highway patrols from July 3 to July 5, with extra inspectors supplementing the staff. Auto insurance rates drop statewide Aug 1 with an overall 1.26 percent average savings, though liability and medical payments rise in some areas. Lawmakers face a tough session on issues from gambling and liquor to pollution and voting rights, with education funding and redistricting also in dispute. Cherokee Indians lose bid to recapture 2.5 million acres as state opposes the settlement proposal.