WEATHER ALERT
The 2025 regular Texas legislative session is over. Here’s what lawmakers did.
Read full article: The 2025 regular Texas legislative session is over. Here’s what lawmakers did.The 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.
U.S. Supreme Court declines to hear GOP activist’s lawsuit challenging Texas Ethics Commission’s lobbying fine
Read full article: U.S. Supreme Court declines to hear GOP activist’s lawsuit challenging Texas Ethics Commission’s lobbying fineFormer Empower Texans leader Michael Quinn Sullivan has challenged a $10,000 fine from the Texas Ethics Commission for failure to register as a lobbyist for more than 10 years at nearly every level of the state court system.
Oil companies win protections from Texas Legislature ahead of selling fracking water
Read full article: Oil companies win protections from Texas Legislature ahead of selling fracking waterAt least four companies say they are prepared to treat the water well enough to be released into rivers in West Texas. Environmental groups say the state is moving too fast.
Classroom violence went up in Texas after the pandemic. Is more discipline the answer?
Read full article: Classroom violence went up in Texas after the pandemic. Is more discipline the answer?Texas lawmakers are poised to make it easier to suspend disruptive students. But some teachers and school psychologists say discipline alone won’t meet the mental health needs at the root of their behavior.
Federal trial opens to determine whether Texas discriminated in redrawn redistricting maps
Read full article: Federal trial opens to determine whether Texas discriminated in redrawn redistricting mapsThe trial in El Paso will hear a challenge over the redistricting maps drawn by the Legislature that are based on the 2020 census.
Oil companies want protection as Texas considers allowing treated fracking water released into rivers
Read full article: Oil companies want protection as Texas considers allowing treated fracking water released into riversAs the state grapples with a threatened water supply, industry and lawmakers have invested millions in research to clean the toxic backwash for use in for agriculture.
Texas has thousands of abandoned oil and gas wells. Who is responsible for cleaning them up?
Read full article: Texas has thousands of abandoned oil and gas wells. Who is responsible for cleaning them up?Across Texas, abandoned wells are erupting with chemical-infused liquid and some have created massive lakes of contaminated water. Regulators say they need more money to address the problem.
Lawmakers want to expand Texas’ teacher pay raise program. Many educators will still be left out.
Read full article: Lawmakers want to expand Texas’ teacher pay raise program. Many educators will still be left out.The Teacher Incentive Allotment gives raises to teachers based on performance. But it leaves out many educators and school staff who contribute to students' success.
How Greg Abbott took a flailing school voucher movement and turned it into a winning issue
Read full article: How Greg Abbott took a flailing school voucher movement and turned it into a winning issueAbbott tapped into a powerful national conservative movement and his own campaign war chest to turn turned legislative races into multimillion-dollar affairs.
Can Texas clean up fracking water enough to use for farming? One company thinks so.
Read full article: Can Texas clean up fracking water enough to use for farming? One company thinks so.The Texas Legislature has also invested millions in research to clean the fracking wastewater. Critics say it’s not a viable solution to the state’s water crisis.
Video shows doctor with measles treating kids. RFK Jr later praised him as an ‘extraordinary’ healer
Read full article: Video shows doctor with measles treating kids. RFK Jr later praised him as an ‘extraordinary’ healerA video shows a Texas doctor, who has been treating children in a measles outbreak, with a measles rash on his face in a clinic while caring for patients a week before he met with Health Secretary Robert F.
Toilet to tap: El Paso is about to embark on a whole new way to save its limited water supply
Read full article: Toilet to tap: El Paso is about to embark on a whole new way to save its limited water supplyEl Paso’s dry climate — it rains just 9 inches annually — is one of the reasons the city has taken water management so seriously.
State offers specific measles guidance for 10 West Texas “outbreak” counties
Read full article: State offers specific measles guidance for 10 West Texas “outbreak” countiesState health officials added four more counties to what they consider “outbreak areas” and advise those visiting or living in those counties to consult measles vaccination guidance for those areas.
Push for Texas to weaken vaccine mandates persists as measles surge
Read full article: Push for Texas to weaken vaccine mandates persists as measles surgeMuch of the outbreak is concentrated in the districts of Texas House leaders, including Speaker Dustin Burrows. The crisis appears to have done little to change support for “vaccine choice.”
Texas measles outbreak tops 500 cases, including multiple at a day care in Lubbock
Read full article: Texas measles outbreak tops 500 cases, including multiple at a day care in LubbockPublic health officials say a day care facility in a Texas county that’s part of the measles outbreak has multiple cases, including children too young to be fully vaccinated.
West Texas lawmakers push bills to divert some oil and gas taxes to help oil-producing counties with roads, other needs
Read full article: West Texas lawmakers push bills to divert some oil and gas taxes to help oil-producing counties with roads, other needsReps. Tom Craddick and Brooks Landgraf want to divert 10% of taxes collected on oil and gas production to help budget-strapped counties keep up with growth.
Parents of Texas child who died of measles stand by decision to not vaccinate
Read full article: Parents of Texas child who died of measles stand by decision to not vaccinateThe measles vaccine has been proven to be safe and effective against the disease, which is highly contagious and can be life threatening.
What medical experts are saying about Texas’ ongoing measles outbreaks, treatments
Read full article: What medical experts are saying about Texas’ ongoing measles outbreaks, treatmentsThe College of American Pathologists came together to discuss this measles outbreak to address some concerns, believing the number of measles cases in Texas is an underestimation of how much of the disease is actually out there.
Texas schools have leaned on uncertified teachers to fill vacancies. Lawmakers want to put a stop to it.
Read full article: Texas schools have leaned on uncertified teachers to fill vacancies. Lawmakers want to put a stop to it.Underprepared teachers have been tied to student learning losses. But amid a teacher shortage crisis, school leaders fear the restrictions will lead to fewer instructors in their classrooms.
A Republican effort to set deadlines to plug orphan wells in Texas hits resistance
Read full article: A Republican effort to set deadlines to plug orphan wells in Texas hits resistanceThe bill would have set deadlines for the oil and gas industry to plug inactive wells, which can pose a danger to the environment.
This 'Dune' isn't fiction. It's the longest conveyer belt in the US and moving sand in Texas
Read full article: This 'Dune' isn't fiction. It's the longest conveyer belt in the US and moving sand in TexasA more than 40-mile long conveyor belt filled with sand stretches from the oil fields of West Texas to New Mexico, all for the purpose of one mission: oil production.
Measles cases continue to rise in Texas; nearly 200 reported this year
Read full article: Measles cases continue to rise in Texas; nearly 200 reported this yearThe Department of State Health Services said there have been 198 cases identified in the South Plains region of Texas since January. 23 patients have been hospitalized.
Harris County judge, Houston mayor discuss measles, impact on residents
Read full article: Harris County judge, Houston mayor discuss measles, impact on residentsAs the number of measles cases in Texas climbs, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo joined Mayor Whitmire and health officials to discuss the disease’s impact on the Greater Houston area and efforts to curb its spread.
Texas measles cases rise to 146 in an outbreak that led to a child's death
Read full article: Texas measles cases rise to 146 in an outbreak that led to a child's deathTexas health officials say the number of people with measles has increased to 146 in rural West Texas outbreak that led this week to the death of a school-aged child who was not vaccinated.
Measles is popping up in the US. Here's how to avoid one of the world's most contagious viruses
Read full article: Measles is popping up in the US. Here's how to avoid one of the world's most contagious virusesMeasles is rarely seen in the United States, but Americans are growing more concerned about the preventable virus as cases continue to rise in rural West Texas.
A shortage of criminal defense attorneys threatens indigent right to counsel in rural Texas
Read full article: A shortage of criminal defense attorneys threatens indigent right to counsel in rural TexasTexas’ indigent defense commission wants lawmakers to spend $35 million on public defender offices in rural areas, but some say that isn’t nearly enough to ensure compliance with the U.S. Constitution.
As measles cases mount in the US, what’s the situation worldwide?
Read full article: As measles cases mount in the US, what’s the situation worldwide?The U.S. registered its first death from measles since 2015 this week, as a child who wasn’t vaccinated died in a measles outbreak in rural West Texas.
Who are the Mennonites in a Texas community where measles is spreading?
Read full article: Who are the Mennonites in a Texas community where measles is spreading?The Mennonite population being affected by a measles outbreak in West Texas is part of a larger, loosely affiliated group of churches worldwide with varied beliefs and leadership structures — and with sometimes strained or distant relations with public authorities.
In Odessa, multiple efforts are underway to help immigrants stay and work
Read full article: In Odessa, multiple efforts are underway to help immigrants stay and workA naturalized citizen, along with other business leaders, are working to create new resources for undocumented people living in the Permian Basin.
Feds approve another deepwater oil export terminal off Texas coast
Read full article: Feds approve another deepwater oil export terminal off Texas coastThe terminal continues an oil export infrastructure buildout that pushes growth in U.S. oil production as momentum fades on a phase-out of fossil fuels.
Texas measles cases rise to 597. Here is what you need to know.
Read full article: Texas measles cases rise to 597. Here is what you need to know.Two more counties, Potter and Parmer, have reported a measles case. The outbreak has cost state taxpayers $4.5 million to pay for immunization, testing and a public awareness campaign.
Large earthquake strikes West Texas, among strongest ever in state
Read full article: Large earthquake strikes West Texas, among strongest ever in stateThe 5.0 magnitude earthquake is tied for the sixth strongest in state history. Scientists have warned for years that increased fracking in West Texas is causing higher earthquake activity.
OpenAI looks across US for sites to build its Trump-backed Stargate AI data centers
Read full article: OpenAI looks across US for sites to build its Trump-backed Stargate AI data centersOpenAI is scouring the U.S. for sites to build a network of huge data centers to power its artificial intelligence technology, expanding beyond a flagship Texas location and looking across 16 states to accelerate the Stargate project championed by President Donald Trump.
Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin mimics the moon's gravity for NASA experiments during spaceflight
Read full article: Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin mimics the moon's gravity for NASA experiments during spaceflightJeff Bezos' rocket company has given NASA a brief taste of the moon's gravity without straying too far from home.
Texas regulators grapple with a growing problem: old oil wells leaking polluted water
Read full article: Texas regulators grapple with a growing problem: old oil wells leaking polluted waterTwo years after lawmakers created a $10 million program to address leaking wells in rural counties, none of the money has been distributed.
Texas Ethics Commission dismisses complaint against state GOP chair, lawmaker says
Read full article: Texas Ethics Commission dismisses complaint against state GOP chair, lawmaker saysRep. Cody Harris had accused Abraham George of improperly threatening to send mailers and censure lawmakers who backed Rep. Dustin Burrows as House speaker.
Oil companies leaked less methane in West Texas, a new report says. Environmentalists are skeptical.
Read full article: Oil companies leaked less methane in West Texas, a new report says. Environmentalists are skeptical.Methane is a greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere and is 80 times the potency of carbon dioxide.
Texas GOP chair claims church-state separation is a myth as lawmakers, pastors prep for “spiritual battle”
Read full article: Texas GOP chair claims church-state separation is a myth as lawmakers, pastors prep for “spiritual battle”Abraham George’s comments are the latest sign of the state GOP’s embrace of fundamentalist ideologies that seek to center public life around their faith.
NTSB trying to determine why tractor-trailer stopped on train tracks before deadly West Texas crash
Read full article: NTSB trying to determine why tractor-trailer stopped on train tracks before deadly West Texas crashFederal officials investigating the deadly West Texas collision between at Union Pacific train and a tractor-trailer hauling heavy equipment are trying to determine why the tractor-trailer was stopped on the tracks.
2 killed, 3 injured when freight train derails in small West Texas city after collision
Read full article: 2 killed, 3 injured when freight train derails in small West Texas city after collisionAuthorities say two Union Pacific employees were killed and three people were injured when a freight train collided with a tractor-trailer and derailed in a small West Texas city.
A new Texas GOP rule could alter the House speaker’s race — and ban some Republicans from appearing in primaries
Read full article: A new Texas GOP rule could alter the House speaker’s race — and ban some Republicans from appearing in primariesRepublicans who vote against party leaders’ preferred candidate could be barred from running in primaries. Lawsuits could follow.
Recycled oilfield water could aid drought-stricken West Texas
Read full article: Recycled oilfield water could aid drought-stricken West TexasOilfield wastewater injected underground is causing earthquakes and blowouts. Now, pilot projects are exploring whether this water could be treated and used to grow crops.
Why a West Texas county is building a new courthouse even after voters rejected the proposal
Read full article: Why a West Texas county is building a new courthouse even after voters rejected the proposalOfficials took the extraordinary step of taking on new debt to replace the old courthouse, which has been plagued by rats and other pests, elevator breakdowns and flooding.
A West Texas lawmaker wants to redirect millions of tax dollars to plug abandoned wells, curb emissions
Read full article: A West Texas lawmaker wants to redirect millions of tax dollars to plug abandoned wells, curb emissionsThe proposal comes after the state’s oil and gas regulatory agency said it needs more money to plug wells that are in some instances erupting.
Texas’ uneven population boom is creating ghost towns in many rural counties
Read full article: Texas’ uneven population boom is creating ghost towns in many rural countiesLocal leaders and rural revitalization experts say Texas’ smallest towns can survive — despite a shift to urban and suburban counties — but it will take investments.
Cal Hendrick wins Odessa mayor’s race, beating incumbent who focused on faith
Read full article: Cal Hendrick wins Odessa mayor’s race, beating incumbent who focused on faithOdessa City Council critics have worried Joven and his allies have focused too much on social issues and not enough on infrastructure.
Republican Christi Craddick reelected to Railroad Commission, the state’s oil and gas regulatory agency
Read full article: Republican Christi Craddick reelected to Railroad Commission, the state’s oil and gas regulatory agencyThe three-member board oversees Texas’ oil and gas industry. The agency has faced criticism over safety concerns linked to fracking, well blowouts and groundwater protection.
State oil regulator requests $100 million to tackle West Texas well blowouts
Read full article: State oil regulator requests $100 million to tackle West Texas well blowoutsAbandoned wells in the Permian Basin are increasingly erupting with briney, polluted water. The Texas Railroad Commission says it needs emergency money to respond.
Terlingua’s tourist season has started. Here’s why and how you can help conserve water on your visit.
Read full article: Terlingua’s tourist season has started. Here’s why and how you can help conserve water on your visit.It’s unclear how much water resides underneath this booming West Texas tourist haven. That makes conservation critical.
A West Texas pecan farm fights to save its water supply as neighbors sell it to growing cities
Read full article: A West Texas pecan farm fights to save its water supply as neighbors sell it to growing citiesA yearslong dispute over exporting water to growing Texas cities offers a hint at the battles to come as the state’s population booms and water supply dwindles.
Texas buys two ranches near the border, including a huge property next to Big Bend National Park
Read full article: Texas buys two ranches near the border, including a huge property next to Big Bend National ParkA Starr County property was purchased to build border wall, while Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham said the state has many options for a sprawling ranch in West Texas.
From Denton to Edinburg, Texas cities are spooking their residents and tourists this Halloween
Read full article: From Denton to Edinburg, Texas cities are spooking their residents and tourists this HalloweenDenton has renamed itself Halloween, Texas, and has planned 31 days of events to drive up tourism and family entertainment.
“More than our wombs”: Women in conservative Texas cities mobilizing to end GOP dominance
Read full article: “More than our wombs”: Women in conservative Texas cities mobilizing to end GOP dominanceDemocrats in Lubbock and Amarillo hope Kamala Harris’ candidacy and a backlash to abortion laws will help make their long-held vision of a blue wave a reality.
Laredo enters its sixth day of a boil-water notice after E. coli is discovered in water system
Read full article: Laredo enters its sixth day of a boil-water notice after E. coli is discovered in water systemThe South Texas city is the latest to grapple with aging water infrastructure, which officials suggested could have been the cause for the E. coli outbreak.
“Should we be worried?”: Another well blowout in West Texas has a town smelling of rotten eggs
Read full article: “Should we be worried?”: Another well blowout in West Texas has a town smelling of rotten eggsExperts warn that more blowouts should be expected unless oil and gas companies change their methods.
West Texans split on proposed direct air capture project that could be largest in U.S.
Read full article: West Texans split on proposed direct air capture project that could be largest in U.S.Residents were worried about the impact on their drinking water while business leaders were excited for the new jobs.
Supreme Court steps into a fight over plans to store nuclear waste in rural Texas and New Mexico
Read full article: Supreme Court steps into a fight over plans to store nuclear waste in rural Texas and New MexicoThe Supreme Court has agreed to step into a fight over plans to store nuclear waste at sites in rural Texas and New Mexico.
Ken Paxton sues Biden administration over listing Texas lizard as endangered
Read full article: Ken Paxton sues Biden administration over listing Texas lizard as endangeredThe lawsuit claims federal regulators have undermined the Texas oil and gas industry by misusing environmental law, negatively impacting drilling and production.
Texas prisons and jails are recruiting more teenagers to shore up guard shortage
Read full article: Texas prisons and jails are recruiting more teenagers to shore up guard shortageTwo counties house training programs in local high schools as officials pitch corrections jobs as gateways to criminal justice careers.
Texas’ battle against deer disease threatens breeding industry
Read full article: Texas’ battle against deer disease threatens breeding industryTexas has seen a record number of chronic wasting disease cases this year. The state is looking for new ways to contain the spread without driving deer breeders out of business.
Odessa’s mayor ran to help the West Texas city “repent.” Now he wants a second term.
Read full article: Odessa’s mayor ran to help the West Texas city “repent.” Now he wants a second term.Under Javier Joven’s leadership, his critics say, the Odessa City Council has lost focus on municipal issues like roads and water infrastructure.
The oil industry is booming. This West Texas small business worries it’s been left behind.
Read full article: The oil industry is booming. This West Texas small business worries it’s been left behind.Before the pandemic, Ben Bilbrey worked with some of the largest oil companies. Now he’s waiting for the phone to ring.
A West Texas ranch and resort will limit water to residents amid fears its wells will run dry
Read full article: A West Texas ranch and resort will limit water to residents amid fears its wells will run dryResidents at the sprawling Terlingua Ranch near Big Bend National Park will limit residents to 1,000 gallons of nondrinking water per month.
Texas’ overcrowded and understaffed jails send people awaiting trial to other counties and states
Read full article: Texas’ overcrowded and understaffed jails send people awaiting trial to other counties and statesLimits on who can be released without paying bail and difficulties hiring guards worsen the situation.