Gov. Abbott: Texas must ban intoxicating THC products in special session

Texas Senate committee doubles down on THC ban, saying state and local governments don’t have the resources for regulations Texas Senate committee doubles down on THC ban, saying state and local governments don’t have the resources for regulationsSenate Bill 5 would ban products containing any detectable amount of any cannabinoid, creating criminal offenses for possession of hemp-derived THC.
Texas House Democrats are fundraising to potentially leave the state to block GOP-backed redistricting

The money could be used to cover the $500-a-day fines lawmakers would incur under House rules set to discourage members from absconding after Democrats fled the state in 2021. As Republicans in Texas move full steam ahead with a plan to redraw the state’s congressional districts, Democrats are privately mulling their options, including an expensive and legally dicey quorum break. If they go that route, it appears they will have the backing of big-dollar Democratic donors. By fleeing the state to deprive the Legislature of enough members to function, Democrats would each incur a fine of $500 per day and face the threat of arrest. Deep-pocketed donors within the party appear ready to cover these expenses, according to three people involved in the discussions. The donors’ willingness to foot the bill eliminates a major deterrent to walking out — the personal financial cost — and could embolden Democrats who might otherwise hesitate. But first, the donors and absconding members would need to figure out how to skirt a potential roadblock: Texas House rules prohibit lawmakers from dipping into their campaign coffers to pay the fines. Republicans approved the $500 daily punishment in 2023, two years after Democrats fled the state in an unsuccessful bid to stop Republicans from passing an overhaul of the state’s election laws.
Number missing from Hill Country floods down to 3

More than two weeks after catastrophic July Fourth floods along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, authorities reported Saturday that nearly all of the people who had remained on the list of missing persons have been verified as safe. As recently as Monday, rescuers were still trying to find an estimated 101 people. But by Saturday, the official count of people missing had been lowered to three. The officials did not give an update to the total number of people who died because of the floods. On Thursday, Gov. Greg Abbott said the statewide death toll was 135. In a press release, the city of Kerrville wrote that many of the people missing had been located "through extensive follow-up work among state and local agencies."
Gov. Abbott provides latest update on Central Texas flooding

n Thursday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott held a news conference and now says there have now been 135 deaths statewide from flooding
Texas floods: Gov. Greg Abbott confirms more than 135 deaths statewide

The number of missing persons in Texas stands at 101. At least 134 people are dead after devastating flooding in the Texas Hill Country that began early on the Fourth of July. The number of missing persons stands at 101. Search operations are ongoing in Kerr County.
Tropical disturbance brings Houston downpours Friday. Will rain last into the weekend?

The long-awaited arrival of tropical downpours could make a mess of Friday commutes in Houston as a Gulf Coast disturbance soaks Louisiana and a good slice of Southeast Texas. A minor flood risk evolves Friday afternoon and evening, especially across far southeastern Texas near Beaumont. Will tropical downpours persist through the upcoming weekend?

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East Texans condemn Dallas millionaire’s plan to pump 16 billion gallons of their groundwater to other parts of the state — every year

July 2908:30 AM

Texas law largely allows landowners to do what they want with the groundwater beneath them, potentially protecting the latest plan to ship water out of East Texas. A Dallas millionaire is seeking permission to drill into the massive Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer to explore how much water is available. His enterprise, if fully realized, could drain 15.9 billion gallons of water from the massive body each year — more than triple the amount the city of Longview uses in a year. Kyle Bass, through his company Conservation Equity Management, sees opportunity in the expanse of the aquifer, which has gone largely unstudied, to quench the thirst of the growing state. He purchased more than 11,000 acres in East Texas and plans to install more than 40 high-capacity water wells in Anderson, Houston and Henderson counties. view article

Nacogdoches ISD moves forward with library advisory committee for book selections

July 2908:25 AM

East Texas school districts are making plans for a new state law that would create a public catalog of what books are in the libraries and classrooms. Senate Bill 13 allows school districts to decide which books are permitted in their school libraries. The law goes into effect on September 1. Nacogdoches ISD Superintendent, Gray Burton said the district is working on updating several campus library catalogs. They will also add books from teachers’ classrooms as of Monday. view article

Midland ISD board to vote on teacher pipeline, student device ban

July 2908:22 AM

The district is seeking the approval of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the University of Phoenix to support a collaborative teacher preparation program aimed at expanding the local educator pipeline. view article

New Waco ISD teacher compensation plan approved

July 2908:20 AM

Video Only view article

Kingsville ISD hopes lawmakers eliminate STAAR testing for Texas students

July 2908:19 AM

Several school districts in Texas have sued against the release of the STAAR tests to help determine schools' performance ratings. Kingsville Independent School District started that lawsuit in 2023. The lawsuit argues it's against the Texas education agency accountability rating system, adding the STAAR test results are not 'valid and reliable' and should not be used to assign school ratings. view article

Back to school boom: What’s driving hundreds of families to one Houston-area district?

July 2908:19 AM

With just over two weeks to go before the first day of school, Klein ISD is experiencing a major spike in enrollment — and families are traveling from all over to be part of it. District leaders say the interest is so high that they hosted a two-day mega-enrollment event to accommodate the influx of new students. The results? More than 1,500 new students enrolled, a 15% increase over last year’s numbers. view article

Canutillo ISD wins architecture award for innovative middle school designs

July 2908:16 AM

A school district in the borderland said it has earned a prestigious award for its architectural designs of two new middle schools. According to the Canutillo Independent School District, the designs for the new Canutillo and Alderete middle schools won the district the Texas Society of Architects 2025 Studio Award. view article

New resource center to open in August, replacing Richardson ISD’s Dobie Pre-K school

July 2908:16 AM

Children’s crafts and certificates of achievement remain in some corners of Dobie Pre-Kindergarten School. The campus officially closed its doors in May 2025 as part of Richardson ISD’s Project RightSize consolidation plan. Dallas County and Richardson ISD were able to strike a deal to repurpose the campus into a resource hub. view article

Ector County ISD kicks off school year by welcoming new teachers

July 2908:15 AM

Ector County ISD welcomed hundreds of new teachers Monday afternoon to kick off the upcoming school year. The special event aimed to make new staff feel supported and at home, including around 70 international hires from countries such as the Philippines, Spain and Colombia. The celebration featured marching bands, cheerleaders and giveaways, all designed to show teachers they’re not alone as they begin their careers. view article

Dallas ISD will receive $22 million after Trump administration reverses course on freeze

July 2908:06 AM

Dallas Independent School District Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde on Monday said she is lifting a hiring freeze on central administration positions after the federal government gave billions of dollars back to public schools last week. The Trump administration announced it would release billions of dollars in grants to schools for adult literacy, English language instruction and other programs, the Education Department said Friday. Federal officials withheld $6 billion in funding on July 1 as part of a review to ensure spending aligned with the White House’s priorities. view article

Kerrville declares water supply emergency due to treatment plant condition following lake flooding

July 2908:00 AM

Kerrville declared a water supply emergency Monday due to the state of its water treatment plant, which has been impacted by flooding on the Nimitz Lake, according to the city. Under the emergency, a ban on hoses, soakers and sprinklers that are either automatic or have hose ends went into effect at midnight due to "Stage 4" water conservation rules, according to a Facebook post by Kerrville officials. Repairs to the water treatment plant are ongoing, and the city has meanwhile used groundwater wells to meet the public's water demands, officials said. view article

Flavor Beloved Texas chain Shipley Do-Nuts has been acquired by a California private equity firm

July 2905:00 AM

Houston-based chain Shipley Do-Nuts no longer has Texas ownership after being acquired Monday by a California private equity firm, Houston TV channel KHOU reports. A spokesman for Peak Rock Capital announced Monday that the Austin-based firm had sold Shipley to Leichtman Capital Partners, based in Beverly Hills. Also included in Leichtman's portfolio are Cici's Pizza and Nothing Bundt Cakes. Shipley Do-Nuts, one of the largest donut companies in the country, got its start as a small Houston shop in 1936. Now, the nearly 90-year-old business has more than 375 stores operating in 14 states. view article

Kerrville mayor ‘not aware’ of state’s awareness call ahead of flood

July 2905:00 AM

KERRVILLE, Texas (KXAN) – Records obtained by KXAN investigators show the mayor of Kerrville received an invite two days before the deadly July 4 flood in and around his community to attend a call with state officials briefing area leaders on the weather dangers ahead. The discovery comes amid continued criticism local decision-makers failed to prepare for the disaster, alert residents and evacuate people sooner. In an email sent by the Texas Division of Emergency Management’s State Operations Center on July 2, Mayor Joe Herring was invited to attend a “Situational Awareness Call for Severe Weather” at 10 a.m. the following day. Associated slides – which indicated a flash flooding risk for the region – were also sent by TDEM a half hour before that call to both the mayor and Jerremy Hughes, then employed by the city as its emergency management coordinator. view article

Which school districts increased teacher pay for the 2025-26 school year?

July 2905:00 AM

AUSTIN (KXAN) — As school districts across Central Texas make budget decisions for the 2025-26 school year, KXAN is keeping track of starting teacher salaries area-wide. There are 58 districts in the KXAN viewing area, from Mason ISD in the west to Fayetteville ISD in the east. So far, 37 of those districts have announced salaries for the upcoming school year. The map below shows starting salaries in each district for new teachers with no experience. view article

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Who’s Running for Agriculture Commissioner? The 2026 GOP Showdown

July 2808:40 AM

The Texas agriculture commissioner is among the state’s most influential executive offices, overseeing Texas’ $100 billion agricultural economy. With the 2026 elections on the horizon, the March GOP primary will shape the future of agricultural development in Texas. Two Republican candidates have announced their campaigns: incumbent Commissioner Sid Miller and businessman Nate Sheets. view article

Lawmakers Sign New Pledge To Ban Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying

July 2808:40 AM

While Texas’ 30-day special legislative session is wrapping up its first week, a growing list of state lawmakers are announcing their commitment to banning taxpayer-funded lobbying—one of the 18 special session items. State Rep. Briscoe Cain (R–Deer Park) was the first to announce his pledge, writing on X: “I just signed the pledge to support legislation stopping taxpayer-funded lobbying!” Cain is not the only one to support the initiative. The Texas Public Policy Foundation reports that 22 other state representatives have signed this pledge thus far: Daniel Alders, Benjamin Bumgarner, Caroline Harris Davila, Gary Gates, Richard Hayes, Hillary Hickland, Andy Hopper, Carrie Isaac, Helen Kerwin, Mitch Little, David Lowe, Shelley Luther, Brent Money, Matt Morgan, Mike Olcott, Katrina Pierson, Keresa Richardson, Nate Schatzline, Joanne Shofner, Ellen Troxclair, Cody Vasut, and Terri Leo Wilson. view article

The guerilla campaign to save a Texas prairie from “silent extinction”

July 2808:40 AM

One sunny morning in May, four high school students stood on a flower-dappled prairie in southern Dallas holding shovels. Before them swayed a Texas blazing star, a tall and spindly stalk that erupts in a bottlebrush of purple florets. Max Yan, a senior, made two putts on either side of the imperiled member of the aster family and was beginning to wedge it out when a siren wailed in the distance. He froze, his foot on the blade. There were no fences, no signs warning them off. But the land is, like 97% of the state, private property, and they were, strictly speaking, breaking the law. “Hopefully that’s not for us,” he said. view article

Texas buys land for new state parks that will be developed using $1 billion voter-approved fund

July 2808:40 AM

LAMPASAS — On a blistering June morning, Andy Sipocz brushes his fingers through the thick, sawgrass fronds rising higher than his head beside a creek in the Texas Hill Country.Around him, rocky limestone lines Yancey Creek, streaked in subtle reds and browns — evidence of millennia of mineral deposits and weathering. Sipocz, a natural resources coordinator and biologist with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, is one of more than three dozen staffers gathered here to begin laying the groundwork for what will one day be Texas’ newest state park — about a two hour drive northwest of Austin. Wearing cargo shorts and pants, hiking boots, and sun-brimmed hats, the TPWD team winds its way down a steep hill — no trail in sight. That’s the point. They're here to determine where the trails should be. Today’s mission: conduct early-stage natural resource surveys and habitat assessments to support the park’s future design. view article

Frisco ISD notifies parents of subpoenas in student murder case

July 2808:35 AM

A Frisco ISD spokesperson has confirmed to WFAA that the school district received lawfully issued subpoenas in connection with an ongoing criminal case that resulted in the death of one student and the arrest of another for murder. In the case State of Texas vs. Karmelo S. Anthony, prosecutors allege Anthony intentionally stabbed Austin Metcalf, a student-athlete at Frisco Memorial High School, during a dispute at an April 2 track meet. view article

Three Republicans Vie for GOP Nomination for Texas Comptroller

July 2808:30 AM

Railroad Commissioner Christi Craddick, acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock, and former State Sen. Don Huffines are seeking the 2026 Republican nomination for comptroller. With the March Republican primary election approaching, three Republicans are vying for the nomination in the comptroller race. The comptroller’s office is the fiscal arm of Texas’ state government—it manages the State Treasury, collects and distributes taxes, oversees and reports on state spending, and disburses over $50 billion through its subsidiary, the Texas Treasury Safekeeping Trust Company. view article

Houston Officials Weigh Electric Scooter Crackdown Amid Rising Park Violence

July 2808:30 AM

A city committee intends to develop a regulatory ordinance that addresses safety concerns while allowing scooter companies to continue operating. view article

Killeen ISD names acting superintendent

July 2808:29 AM

The Killeen Independent School District’s Board of Trustees hosted a special meeting on Saturday night where they discussed and considered appointing an acting/interim superintendent to manage day-to-day operations until a permanent replacement is selected. view article

Frisco ISD subpoenaed for student names, records in connection to Karmelo Anthony case

July 2808:28 AM

The Frisco Independent School District has been subpoenaed to provide the names of students who were at the April 2 track meet at Kuykendall Stadium, where Austin Metcalf, a Memorial High School student, was fatally stabbed, a district spokesperson confirmed to CBS News Texas. The subpoena is part of the criminal case The State of Texas vs. Karmelo Anthony. Anthony, also a student, is accused of stabbing Metcalf during the meet and is facing a charge of first-degree murder. view article

New resource center to open in August, replacing Richardson ISD’s Dobie Pre-K school

July 2808:25 AM

Former LaPoynor ISD coach sentenced to 3 years in prison, 10 years’ probation for tampering with evidence

July 2808:21 AM

A jury has found a former LaPoynor ISD coach guilty of tampering with evidence after an incident involving a recording in a girls’ locker room. LaPoynor ISD serves Larue and Poynor, communities southeast of Athens. Former girls’ basketball coach Jammie Allen Maze, 45, of Brownsboro, was arrested in 2023 after a phone was found with the camera on left in a shoe under a bench in the girl’s locker room. view article

Former Austin ISD executive sentenced in district theft case

July 2808:21 AM

On July 15, a Travis County judge sentenced a former Austin ISD executive in connection with a district theft investigation. According to court documents, 46-year-old Lynn Brennan was given two years’ deferred adjudication after she entered a guilty plea. During the two years, Brennan must complete 100 hours of community service in addition to other requirements. view article

Texas GOP Rep. Giovanni Capriglione admits affair, denies abortion allegations

July 2805:00 AM

A conservative news site published an interview with a woman who alleges a 17-year affair with the Southlake representative, who said this week he wouldn’t seek reelection. view article

North Texas school boards begin forming councils to recommend which books stay in libraries

July 2805:00 AM

North Texas school districts are beginning to plan for a new law that could ban books on the recommendation of some parents.Called a “parental rights” bill, Senate Bill 13 says districts can create a school library council that would be responsible for recommending which books can enter a school library, and which need to be removed. Signed into law after the recent regular session, it goes into effect Sept. 1. Both Coppell ISD and Grand Prairie ISD are set to discuss at their meetings Monday night the steps they’re taking to establish their councils. If a district doesn’t opt to form a council, parents can petition trustees to create one. It would take 10% of a district’s enrolled students - or 50 parents total, whichever is fewer - to force creation of a SLAC. SB13 also lets parents know which books their child checks out of the library and allows them to prevent their kids from reading certain titles. view article

Keller ISD trustees hire Cory Wilson as new superintendent

July 2804:00 AM

The pause lingered as Cory Wilson gathered his thoughts. Wilson was overcome with emotion July 24 after Keller ISD trustees formally hired the longtime educator as superintendent. The vote was 5-0, with trustees Chris Coker and Charles Randklev absent. “So —” Wilson said, looking over to his wife, Angela, and son, Garrett. “Man, I can’t even get through the introduction part. I couldn’t do this without the two people who are sitting in this audience.” Details of his salary and contract were not immediately available. Wilson has led Keller ISD as interim superintendent since February following the exit of his predecessor, Tracy Johnson. view article

August increase in Mexico tariffs could strain Texas economy

July 2505:05 AM

Importers and exporters based in Texas have so far avoided the harshest effects of the trade war sparked by President Donald Trump’s tariffs on imports from a host of countries, but they could be in for a rude awakening come Monday. Mexico, Texas’ largest trading partner, has been largely exempt from tariffs due to a March agreement that allowed an estimated 85% to 90% of all Mexican goods to avoid the 25% tariff the Trump administration placed on its imports. However, Trump earlier this month informed Mexico, two dozen other countries and the European Union that their exports will face an increase in the tariffs on their goods unless they quickly negotiate new trade deals with the U.S. Trump’s letter to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo promises to raise the rate against the country to 30% on Aug. 1 and makes no mention of extending the spring agreement exempting most Mexican imports. view article

Union Grove ISD board accepts superintendent’s resignation

July 2505:00 AM

GLADEWATER – Union Grove ISD trustees accepted the resignation of Superintendent Kelly Moore during Tuesday night’s meeting. Moore resigned amid controversy regarding an incident in the spring in which a student recorded another student in a school bathroom stall. The student who was the subject of the video later held a gun to his head and threatened to commit suicide. view article

Exclusive: Empower Pharmacy passed Texas inspections as FDA sounded alarms

July 2505:00 AM

In 2022, California regulators penalized a Houston compounding pharmacy for sending hundreds of vitamin injections they said were made with low-quality ingredients into the state. In 2024, Iowa restricted the same pharmacy’s ability to send drugs to its residents over “dangerous practices,” records show. Earlier this year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration sent the pharmacy a warning letter — its fourth in eight years — over quality control failures that the agency said put patients at risk. Empower Pharmacy, which bills itself as the nation’s largest and most advanced compounding pharmacy, has been under scrutiny from federal and state regulators for much of the last decade. view article

4 Texas suburbs recognized as the wealthiest neighborhoods in America in 2025, reports say.

July 2505:00 AM

Two Houston-area suburbs have been ranked among the wealthiest neighborhoods in America, according to a GoBankingRates report. Houston suburbs West University Place and Bellaire listed in the top 50 American suburbs in the report. West University Place ranked No. 3, and Bellaire ranked No. 23, with home values in both areas around $1 million. view article

Texas again trying to restrict the bathrooms transgender people can use

July 2505:00 AM

The bills would carry a $5,000 fine for a first-time violation and comes as momentum for such restrictions has increased in the state and nationally. Legislation identical to two failed regular session bills seeking to restrict what bathrooms transgender people can use in government and school buildings have been filed in the Texas House and Senate after Gov. Greg Abbott outlined the restrictions as a special session priority. State Sen. Mayes Middleton filed Senate Bill 7 on Thursday, days after Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick indicated the Galveston Republican would carry the special session’s “bathroom bill.” The bill is identical to House Bill 32, filed by Rep. Valoree Swanson, R-Spring, as well as Senate Bill 240 filed by Middleton during the regular session. Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, is also listed as a coauthor for SB 7. SB 7 and HB 32 would mandate that multiuse bathrooms at K-12 schools, public universities and state and municipal government buildings only be used by people of one sex or another, as indicated on their birth certificate. Violating the provision would carry a $5,000 first-time fine and $25,000 for any subsequent violations. view article

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TexasISD.com was the brainchild of Joe F. Smith. Joe retired early from a successful career as Superintendent of Schools for Hudson ISD, deep in the Piney Woods of East Texas. Due to a long battle with Post-Polio Syndrome the doctor made him hang it up and rest for six months. Never being the kind of person to sit still and also not being the person to listen to his doctor, Joe logged lengthy sessions in front of his PC researching school issues, reading papers and corresponding with his friends and colleagues in the education business.

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