WEATHER ALERT
Gov. Greg Abbott orders preemptive strike on screwworm in Texas
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott orders preemptive strike on screwworm in TexasAbbott ordered two Texas agencies to begin working together and with residents and business leaders to stop the spread of the invasive fly before it even starts.
Majority of Texans oppose total THC ban like the one vetoed by Gov. Greg Abbott, poll finds
Read full article: Majority of Texans oppose total THC ban like the one vetoed by Gov. Greg Abbott, poll findsThe statewide survey also found that Texas Republicans are closely divided on the issue.
Progressive Rep. Greg Casar has a playbook he wants Democrats to use in 2026
Read full article: Progressive Rep. Greg Casar has a playbook he wants Democrats to use in 2026Casar, the chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, thinks economic populism and “authentic candidates” can win back recently converted GOP voters.
Texas Lottery Commission to be disbanded as state game gets new restrictions
Read full article: Texas Lottery Commission to be disbanded as state game gets new restrictionsGov. Greg Abbott on Sunday signed Senate Bill 3070, which will also criminalize the online sale of lottery tickets through couriers.
Texas to create its own psychology licensing test amid pushback on national exam
Read full article: Texas to create its own psychology licensing test amid pushback on national examTexas and other states have criticized a decision by the national psychologist licensing board to add another expensive test in order for psychologists to become certified.
State Rep. Nate Schatzline launches bid for newly vacant Texas Senate seat
Read full article: State Rep. Nate Schatzline launches bid for newly vacant Texas Senate seatThe North Texas district opened up last week when Republican Kelly Hancock resigned from the upper chamber to take over as the state’s acting comptroller.
What Texas lawmakers did this session to close the state’s workforce gaps
Read full article: What Texas lawmakers did this session to close the state’s workforce gapsLegislation approved this year is partly aimed at helping Texas meet its goal of helping 60% of working-age Texans get a postsecondary degree or credential by 2030.
Texas directs public universities to identify undocumented students
Read full article: Texas directs public universities to identify undocumented studentsThe directive comes after a court rescinded undocumented students’ eligibility for in-state tuition. It’s unclear what information schools might ask from students and how their immigration data will be protected.
With prospects of a THC ban eroded, Texas hemp industry supports age restrictions, more regulation enforcement
Read full article: With prospects of a THC ban eroded, Texas hemp industry supports age restrictions, more regulation enforcementHemp industry leaders say they agree with regulations similar to how the state regulates alcohol.
Sen. Joan Huffman joins GOP field vying to succeed Ken Paxton as Texas attorney general
Read full article: Sen. Joan Huffman joins GOP field vying to succeed Ken Paxton as Texas attorney generalIn her announcement, Huffman framed herself as the most experienced candidate, pointing to her time as a prosecutor, judge and chair of key Senate committees.
Lt. Gov. Patrick rips Gov. Abbott for vetoing THC ban, digs in against calls for regulation
Read full article: Lt. Gov. Patrick rips Gov. Abbott for vetoing THC ban, digs in against calls for regulationThe clash marks a rare break between two of the most powerful Republicans in Texas after a legislative session that ushered in a series of conservative victories.
Gov. Greg Abbott vetoes funding for federal summer lunch program for low-income children
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott vetoes funding for federal summer lunch program for low-income childrenAbbott cited uncertainty over federal funding of the program as his reason for rejecting the state’s participation.
Rural Americans more likely to live with chronic pain than urban peers, UT-Arlington study finds
Read full article: Rural Americans more likely to live with chronic pain than urban peers, UT-Arlington study findsMore than 3 million people call rural Texas home, and many lack access to a primary care doctor.
Did Texas lawmakers do enough for children with disabilities? These child care advocates say no.
Read full article: Did Texas lawmakers do enough for children with disabilities? These child care advocates say no.Lawmakers added $100 million to a child care scholarship program but failed to expand access to free preschool for children with disabilities.
Gov. Greg Abbott orders special legislative session after vetoing 26 bills
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott orders special legislative session after vetoing 26 billsAbbott will call lawmakers back to Austin to tackle Senate Bill 3, a proposed ban on THC products that he vetoed, as well as five others from his veto list.
Gov. Greg Abbott vetoes THC ban, calls for regulation instead
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott vetoes THC ban, calls for regulation insteadThe move infuriated Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, the powerful head of the Senate, who had called the ban among his top five bills over 17 years in the Legislature.
Former U.S. Rep. Blake Farenthold of Corpus Christi dies at 63
Read full article: Former U.S. Rep. Blake Farenthold of Corpus Christi dies at 63Farenthold, a local radio personality, served in Congress from 2011 to 2018 and is credited with securing funding for the port. He resigned amid allegations of sexual harassment.
Texas is illegally keeping people with disabilities in nursing homes, federal judge rules
Read full article: Texas is illegally keeping people with disabilities in nursing homes, federal judge rulesA federal judge determined the state illegally institutionalized severely disabled people for decades, often in poorly run facilities.
Meals On Wheels waiting lists grow as Texas braces for federal funding cuts
Read full article: Meals On Wheels waiting lists grow as Texas braces for federal funding cutsState chapters of the nonprofit group that provide meals to seniors are waiting to hear from Washington how much of a hit their battered budgets will take.
Former Texas state Sen. Kelly Hancock to become acting comptroller, run for permanent job
Read full article: Former Texas state Sen. Kelly Hancock to become acting comptroller, run for permanent jobHancock, a North Richland Hills Republican, announced his candidacy shortly after being sworn in as chief clerk at the comptroller’s office.
Amid Trump immigration crackdown, Texas reins in border spending and shifts focus to deportations
Read full article: Amid Trump immigration crackdown, Texas reins in border spending and shifts focus to deportationsWith border crossings at record lows, state authorities are being sent to arrest people accused of committing crimes in Texas after entering the country illegally.
Once again targeting higher ed, Texas lawmakers limited faculty influence, campus speech this session
Read full article: Once again targeting higher ed, Texas lawmakers limited faculty influence, campus speech this sessionLawmakers also approved direct pay for student athletes and sought better pathways from college to the workforce.
Judge convicts Ecuadorian migrant of trespassing on newly formed National Defense Area near El Paso
Read full article: Judge convicts Ecuadorian migrant of trespassing on newly formed National Defense Area near El PasoThe Ecuadorian man was acquitted by a jury on a separate charge after crossing into the new military zone in May.
To fight screwworm, the U.S. is opening a South Texas facility to disperse sterile flies
Read full article: To fight screwworm, the U.S. is opening a South Texas facility to disperse sterile fliesScrewworm is a parasitic fly that targets warm-blooded animals and has the potential to disrupt Texas’ $15 billion cattle industry.
What the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on gender-affirming care ban means for Texas
Read full article: What the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on gender-affirming care ban means for TexasThe court split 6-3 along ideological lines on a case from Tennessee. About two dozen states have similar bans in place.
Texas again lowers restrictions on certain firearms, passes on regulations
Read full article: Texas again lowers restrictions on certain firearms, passes on regulationsLawmakers passed a handful of bills aimed at easing access to guns as a new pediatric study links state legislation to increased firearm deaths.
Texas students make gains in reading but struggle with math, STAAR scores show
Read full article: Texas students make gains in reading but struggle with math, STAAR scores showThe mixed-bag results showed early literacy improvements, a key indicator of future academic success, but underline the challenges of preparing children for STEM-related jobs.
Texas made sweeping changes to bail and parole, along with increasing penalties for stolen goods
Read full article: Texas made sweeping changes to bail and parole, along with increasing penalties for stolen goodsTexas lawmakers approved a sweeping package to overhaul the state’s bail system, a longtime priority of Gov. Greg Abbott’s.
Some Texans fear a looming THC ban could return them to opioids, illegal options
Read full article: Some Texans fear a looming THC ban could return them to opioids, illegal optionsTexas hemp users stockpile products and consider moving out of state as ban looms, saying the medical marijuana program is currently an untenable alternative.
With only 8% built, Texas quietly defunds state border wall program
Read full article: With only 8% built, Texas quietly defunds state border wall programTexas officials suggested the federal government could pick up construction. However, during President Trump’s first term, his administration built about one-third of what the state was able to put up in the same amount of time.
“They’re taking Shirly”: An Army sergeant in Houston thought his family was safe, then ICE deported his wife
Read full article: “They’re taking Shirly”: An Army sergeant in Houston thought his family was safe, then ICE deported his wifeFor tens of thousands of U.S. service members with undocumented family members, there’s no guaranteed protection from immigration raids.
South Padre Island officials worried about FEMA’s potential disaster spending cuts
Read full article: South Padre Island officials worried about FEMA’s potential disaster spending cutsThe Trump administration is proposing limits to the recreational facilities — including beaches — that are eligible for federal assistance.
Here are some of the Texas Democrats eyeing statewide runs in 2026
Read full article: Here are some of the Texas Democrats eyeing statewide runs in 2026Democrats will need to sort through a pileup of potential candidates who see an opportunity to harness backlash to the Trump administration in next year’s midterms.
After El Paso joined Abbott’s border crackdown, the number of dead migrants in the New Mexico desert surged
Read full article: After El Paso joined Abbott’s border crackdown, the number of dead migrants in the New Mexico desert surgedSince El Paso joined Operation Lone Star in 2022, migrant remains discovered in the desert west of the city have increased every year, even as they have declined in every other border sector.
As Trump celebrates military, Texans protest president’s aggressive immigration enforcement
Read full article: As Trump celebrates military, Texans protest president’s aggressive immigration enforcementDemonstrations in McAllen, Midland, Odessa, Austin and elsewhere in Texas have been largely peaceful, as some protests are expected to go well into the night.
Texas DPS makes arrest after warning state lawmakers of “credible threats” tied to Capitol protest
Read full article: Texas DPS makes arrest after warning state lawmakers of “credible threats” tied to Capitol protestThe agency said there was no additional active threat, as Austin demonstrators took aim at the Trump administration.
Undocumented students rethink their college dreams after Texas cuts their access to cheaper tuition
Read full article: Undocumented students rethink their college dreams after Texas cuts their access to cheaper tuitionThousands of undocumented students who grew up in Texas now face college tuition costs that are more than twice what other state residents pay.
What to know about Texas ending in-state tuition for undocumented students
Read full article: What to know about Texas ending in-state tuition for undocumented studentsSome implications of the ruling ordering the policy’s end are still unknown. College access experts urged affected students not to withdraw from school while they assess their options.
New Texas legislation offers relief to struggling restaurants post-pandemic
Read full article: New Texas legislation offers relief to struggling restaurants post-pandemicThe COVID-19 pandemic devastated Texas’ restaurant industry — and for many, the recovery has been painfully slow. As profitability plummeted, restaurant owners across Texas joined forces with the Texas Restaurant Association, pushing for change at the state level. Their voices were heard.
See how your representatives in the Texas Legislature voted on this year’s major bills
Read full article: See how your representatives in the Texas Legislature voted on this year’s major billsOur interactive tool allows you to search how state lawmakers voted on the most consequential proposals debated during the session, which ended June 2.
U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales draws GOP primary challenge from Cotulla rancher Susan Storey Rubio
Read full article: U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales draws GOP primary challenge from Cotulla rancher Susan Storey RubioStorey Rubio plans to launch her campaign by attacking the Republican incumbent as a “spineless moderate” who has not taken a hard enough line on border security.
A $20 billion effort to avoid calamity: Here’s what Texas lawmakers did to save the state’s water supply
Read full article: A $20 billion effort to avoid calamity: Here’s what Texas lawmakers did to save the state’s water supplyAmong other changes is a new law that says homeowner associations can no longer fine Texans for not watering their grass during a drought.
Aaron Reitz, former top DOJ official and Paxton aide, launches bid for Texas attorney general
Read full article: Aaron Reitz, former top DOJ official and Paxton aide, launches bid for Texas attorney generalReitz, formerly a key cog in Texas’ conservative legal pipeline, once said the AG’s office is at war with “the forces that want to destroy the American order.”
Texas parents and teachers worry bills to root out liberal sway from public schools pave the way for conservative bias
Read full article: Texas parents and teachers worry bills to root out liberal sway from public schools pave the way for conservative biasAdvocates say the bills will give parents more power over their children’s schools. Critics say they don’t give parents anything they didn’t already have and will only strain their relationship with teachers.
Gov. Greg Abbott to deploy 5,000 Texas National Guard to sites of planned immigration protests
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott to deploy 5,000 Texas National Guard to sites of planned immigration protestsDemonstrations against immigration raids began in Los Angeles last week and have spread across the country, including to Texas. More are planned this weekend.
Undocumented students ask judge to let them challenge sudden loss of in-state tuition
Read full article: Undocumented students ask judge to let them challenge sudden loss of in-state tuitionTheir filing says the lawsuit that struck down in-state tuition for undocumented students was “contrived” to keep their voices out.
Former Houston Mayor Annise Parker announces run for Lina Hidalgo’s seat atop Harris County government
Read full article: Former Houston Mayor Annise Parker announces run for Lina Hidalgo’s seat atop Harris County governmentIf Hidalgo decides to seek another term, she and Parker would face off in the March 2026 Democratic primary.
With Rick Perry’s backing and $50 million from the state, Texas set to become a leader in psychedelics research
Read full article: With Rick Perry’s backing and $50 million from the state, Texas set to become a leader in psychedelics researchLawmakers have approved funding clinical trials for ibogaine as a treatment for addiction and brain trauma. It comes as Texas contemplates banning THC.
Trump aides want Texas to redraw its congressional maps to boost the GOP. What would that mean?
Read full article: Trump aides want Texas to redraw its congressional maps to boost the GOP. What would that mean?The plan would shift voters from safely red districts into blue ones. Members of the state’s Republican delegation aren’t sold on the idea.
Texas high school students’ STAAR scores show gains in STEM fields, struggles in reading and literacy
Read full article: Texas high school students’ STAAR scores show gains in STEM fields, struggles in reading and literacyEducation policy experts say the results align with Texas’ workforce goals but note that students still need help.
Amarillo breaks ground on psychiatric hospital, part of the state’s $1.5B investment in mental health
Read full article: Amarillo breaks ground on psychiatric hospital, part of the state’s $1.5B investment in mental healthThe facility will bring mental health resources closer to the largely rural region that’s home to nearly 436,000 people.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s push to ban THC in Texas draws rare backlash from the right
Read full article: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s push to ban THC in Texas draws rare backlash from the rightIt’s an unusual situation for the lieutenant governor, long viewed by GOP activists as a stalwart conservative responsible for driving the Legislature rightward.
Hundreds protest in Austin against nationwide ICE detentions
Read full article: Hundreds protest in Austin against nationwide ICE detentionsThirteen people were arrested on various charges during the protest Monday, which ended when officers fired tear gas into a crowd that neared a federal building.
Texas foster care agency chief to step down this summer
Read full article: Texas foster care agency chief to step down this summerTwo years after Stephanie Muth became Department of Family and Protective Services commissioner, staff turnover is down and the number of children without a placement has dropped.
Texas’ GOP congressional delegation meets to discuss redrawing districts ahead of midterms
Read full article: Texas’ GOP congressional delegation meets to discuss redrawing districts ahead of midtermsThe proposal would require the Texas Legislature to return for a special session to carry out the rare move of reshaping the state’s political boundaries mid-decade.
Staff vacancies hit Texas weather offices as they brace for a busy hurricane season
Read full article: Staff vacancies hit Texas weather offices as they brace for a busy hurricane seasonHouston’s National Weather Service office has lost its head meteorologist amid a federal requirement to cut 10% of NOAA’s staff.
A Texas Republican new to Congress, Brandon Gill has a knack for getting noticed
Read full article: A Texas Republican new to Congress, Brandon Gill has a knack for getting noticedWith a scant legislative record but a lot of face recognition, the representative from North Texas has found a way to make a mark in his first term.
Texas’ swift surrender to DOJ on undocumented student tuition raises questions about state-federal collusion
Read full article: Texas’ swift surrender to DOJ on undocumented student tuition raises questions about state-federal collusionExperts say Wednesday’s action to eliminate the long-standing policy could be a “collusive lawsuit,” where the state and feds worked the courts to get a desired outcome.
Hundreds gather in Houston and San Antonio to protest immigration crackdowns in workplaces, courthouses
Read full article: Hundreds gather in Houston and San Antonio to protest immigration crackdowns in workplaces, courthousesThe protests in Texas followed days of unrest in Los Angeles, where President Donald Trump sent National Guard troops in response to demonstrations.
Texas Republicans pioneered in-state tuition for undocumented students. Now they’re celebrating its end.
Read full article: Texas Republicans pioneered in-state tuition for undocumented students. Now they’re celebrating its end.In 2001, Texas Republicans saw expanding college access for certain undocumented students as a way to build an educated workforce. Now, some GOP lawmakers feel only U.S. citizens should receive those benefits.
Texas will begin a summer lunch program in 2027, but only if feds don’t raise costs
Read full article: Texas will begin a summer lunch program in 2027, but only if feds don’t raise costsThe program would give low income families an extra $120 per child for summer lunches, but federal debate about food benefits could endanger the program.
Speaker Dustin Burrows, once tagged as “liberal,” kept skeptics at bay by leaning into a conservative agenda
Read full article: Speaker Dustin Burrows, once tagged as “liberal,” kept skeptics at bay by leaning into a conservative agendaAt the same time, some Democrats acknowledged the Lubbock Republican let them leave their mark on some of the GOP bills they disagreed with.
Texas reined in recreational THC for more medical marijuana this legislative session
Read full article: Texas reined in recreational THC for more medical marijuana this legislative sessionTexas passed sweeping changes to cannabis policy, including expanding the medical marijuana program and banning hemp products, while also boosting psychedelics research.
Texas bill creating more weekend early voting could boost turnout, but delay election results
Read full article: Texas bill creating more weekend early voting could boost turnout, but delay election resultsA bill headed for Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk may not go into effect until 2027. Election administrators say the changes could create staffing challenges.
First trial of immigrant accused of trespassing on Texas border military zone ends in acquittal
Read full article: First trial of immigrant accused of trespassing on Texas border military zone ends in acquittalThe trial of the Peruvian woman was the first test of the Trump administration’s new policy aimed at prosecuting immigrants who crossed the border illegally with military-related charges.
Texas secretary of state refers 33 potential noncitizen voters for criminal investigation
Read full article: Texas secretary of state refers 33 potential noncitizen voters for criminal investigationThe 33 potential voting violations are a tiny fraction of the roughly 11 million who cast ballots in the November 2024 election.
Texas Rep. Jolanda Jones announces bid to succeed Sylvester Turner in Congress
Read full article: Texas Rep. Jolanda Jones announces bid to succeed Sylvester Turner in CongressJones, a Democrat elected to the Texas House in 2022 and previously served on the Houston City Council, joins a slate of candidates running to fill the solidly blue seat.
As lawmakers tried to name an official steak, Texas students learned how to find the best beef
Read full article: As lawmakers tried to name an official steak, Texas students learned how to find the best beefFar from the Capitol, students at Texas Tech spend time examining the quality of beef for meat judging competitions.
Data centers are building their own gas power plants in Texas
Read full article: Data centers are building their own gas power plants in TexasNot long ago, developers of the massive server farms talked about powering them with wind and solar energy. Now they’re bypassing the grid and building their own gas-fired power plants on site.
Texas’ undocumented college students no longer qualify for in-state tuition
Read full article: Texas’ undocumented college students no longer qualify for in-state tuitionWithin hours of a federal lawsuit targeting Texas’ policy of letting undocumented students qualify for lower public tuition rates, the 24-year-old law was no more.
Gov. Greg Abbott signs $8.5 billion public education funding plan into law. Here’s how it works.
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott signs $8.5 billion public education funding plan into law. Here’s how it works.The spending package will give schools more money for staff pay raises, operational expenses, special education and more.
Voters will have final say on billions of tax cuts for Texas homeowners, businesses
Read full article: Voters will have final say on billions of tax cuts for Texas homeowners, businessesTexas is slated to spend $51 billion on property tax cuts over the next two years. Some worry that’s unsustainable.
Months after detaining 47 people accused of being Tren de Aragua in Austin, authorities offer no evidence of gang ties
Read full article: Months after detaining 47 people accused of being Tren de Aragua in Austin, authorities offer no evidence of gang tiesPeople at the raided house say they rented it for a birthday party and deny any connection to the gang. One man says law enforcement accused him of being in Tren de Aragua because of his tattoo.
From vouchers to a cellphone ban, this year’s lawmaking session brought transformative changes to Texas schools
Read full article: From vouchers to a cellphone ban, this year’s lawmaking session brought transformative changes to Texas schoolsAn agenda driven by conservative priorities, schools’ financial duress and teacher needs led to an $8.5 billion boost, new discipline rules, more Christianity in classrooms and a DEI ban.
Texas lawmakers voted to ban consumable THC products. Will Gov. Greg Abbott sign — or veto — the bill?
Read full article: Texas lawmakers voted to ban consumable THC products. Will Gov. Greg Abbott sign — or veto — the bill?Abbott faces pressure from both sides of the aisle. The prohibition was a priority for Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, but some hemp farmers and veterans want it killed.
In final act, Texas Legislature boosts judges’ pay and lawmaker pensions
Read full article: In final act, Texas Legislature boosts judges’ pay and lawmaker pensionsHouse and Senate members agreed that judges needed a pay raise. But they spent the final hours of the legislative session debating whether Texas lawmakers should also benefit from the boost.
Rep. Tony Tinderholt, voice of the insurgent far right GOP, to retire from the Texas House
Read full article: Rep. Tony Tinderholt, voice of the insurgent far right GOP, to retire from the Texas HouseTinderholt attributed his decision to retire to his confidence in a new conservative generation of lawmakers and a desire to spend more time with his family.
School vouchers, THC ban, property tax cuts: Here’s what Texas lawmakers did in the 2025 regular session
Read full article: School vouchers, THC ban, property tax cuts: Here’s what Texas lawmakers did in the 2025 regular sessionThe Legislature wrapped up without the same drama that defined the end of the last two sessions, with state GOP leaders checking off nearly everything on their to-do lists.