The Houston Republican’s case rests on the notion that Sen. John Cornyn cannot win the primary and his challenger, Attorney General Ken Paxton, could jeopardize the seat in November. view article

Democrats would need just over $1 million per month to sustain a walkout.  As redistricting hearings continue taking place in the Texas Legislature, a new report reveals that Democrats are already preparing to flee the state … again. view article

Capitol sources have indicated that a number of quorum-busting Democrats may be hiding in Texas. Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered the arrest of Texas House Democrats who fled the state to block a Republican redistricting plan, calling their absence a “dereliction of duty.”  On Monday afternoon, the Texas House officially failed to reach the 100-member quorum required to conduct business, with only 90 members present. Members present quickly approved a “call of the House,” a procedural maneuver that authorizes the speaker to compel absent lawmakers to return, by civil arrest if necessary.  “Speaker Dustin Burrows just issued a call of the Texas House and issued warrants to compel members to return to the chamber,” Abbott said. “To ensure compliance, I ordered the Texas Department of Public Safety to locate, arrest, and return to the House chamber any member who has abandoned their duty to Texans.” view article

New congressional district lines were drawn primarily based on partisan political performance. At issue is a redrawing of the congressional lines that would, essentially, make Republicans competitive in five additional districts. As Erin Anderson reports, those lines—detailed in House Bill 4—were approved Saturday morning by the House Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting. view article

It’s that time of year again — when store aisles fill with sharpened pencils, new sneakers and the hopeful anticipation of a fresh school year. As families across Deep East Texas gear up for the classroom, don’t miss out on one of the most practical money-saving opportunities of the season. The 26th annual Texas Sales Tax Holiday is set for Aug. 8–10, and it’s expected to save Texas shoppers more than $140 million at the checkout counter.  Since its creation in 1999, this tax-free weekend has saved Texans nearly $2.2 billion on back-to-school essentials. During the holiday, shoppers can purchase clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks priced under $100 without paying sales tax. It’s a modest break that can make a meaningful difference, especially as families prepare for the year ahead. view article

“This is not a decision we make lightly, but it is one we make with absolute moral clarity,” Chair Wu said. “Governor Abbott has turned the victims of a historic tragedy into political hostages in his submission to Donald Trump.”  The Texas Lottery Commission will pay nearly $46 million to a woman who was denied her winnings for months amid investigations and controversies that tied up her payout.  An agreement between the lottery commission and Kristen Moriarty was filed on Thursday, according to court records. In a statement, the lottery commission said the settlement was reached with guidance from Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office, and the Houston-area resident will receive $45.8 million before taxes in a single lump that is currently being processed. view article

New congressional district lines were drawn primarily based on partisan political performance. view article

Judson Independent School District is making headway on adjusting to new state laws that uniquely affect Texas public schools. Coming off the heels of the 89th Texas Legislative Session school districts around the state have a short window to comply with new state mandates that ban cellphones, adjust teacher pay and change the process for purchasing school library books. view article

The redistricting plan, unveiled by GOP lawmakers, would create five new Republican-leaning districts ahead of the 2026 elections.  In a move reminiscent of their 2021 quorum break, dozens of Texas House Democrats are once again fleeing the state—this time to Illinois—in an attempt to derail a mid-decade congressional redistricting effort.  The redistricting plan, unveiled by GOP lawmakers, would create five new Republican-leaning districts ahead of the 2026 elections.  The walkout aims to deny the Texas House a quorum, effectively halting legislative business. New House rules allow for fines of up to $500 per day per member to be levied, though some Democrat lawmakers have suggested they will challenge this in court. Even if the fines are issued, they would amount to around $1 million per 30-day period, which could be covered by deep-pocketed Democrat donors. view article

Legislation would allow the Attorney General to bring charges even if a local prosecutor declines to act. view article

The THC ban passed the Senate again despite an earlier veto by Gov. Abbott.  The Texas Senate has passed legislation to ban the sale of THC products, reviving a fight over intoxicating marijuana products that sparked a rare public rift between Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Gov. Greg Abbott.  Senate Bill 5, authored by State Sen. Charles Perry (R–Lubbock), passed the Senate on a 20-9 vote. It would prohibit the manufacture, sale, and possession of consumable hemp products that contain any form of THC while still allowing products that contain only CBD or CBG.  Perry portrayed the bill as necessary to eliminate products that were never intended to be legal under the 2019 law that permitted hemp cultivation in Texas. He reiterated that the measure targets consumable products and does not affect non-consumable hemp goods like textiles or construction materials. view article

A former friend of Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller told a Texas Ranger that in 2022 Miller asked him to dispose of three bags of marijuana cigarettes and gummies because he was afraid that the Drug Enforcement Administration might find them on his property.  At the time, the friend, Michael Hackney, was living in a motorhome on Miller’s Stephenville ranch, where Miller was licensed to grow hemp.  “I’ve got to get rid of this. I've had it at the house, and if the DEA comes, I can't get caught with this stuff,” Miller said, according to Hackney. “He says, ‘You do with it whatever you want. Get rid of it. But don't leave it here.’”  Hackney added, "He was really, really nervous about that deal." view article

The first draft of the lower chamber’s new redistricting map targets Democratic members of Congress in the Austin, Dallas and Houston metro areas and in South Texas. view article

Texas GOP lawmakers released their first draft of the state’s new congressional map Wednesday, proposing revamped district lines that attempt to flip five Democratic seats in next year’s midterm elections.  The new map targets Democratic members of Congress in the Austin, Dallas and Houston metro areas and in South Texas. The draft, unveiled by Corpus Christi Republican Rep. Todd Hunter, will likely change before the final map is approved by both chambers and signed by Gov. Greg Abbott. Democrats have said they might try to thwart the process by fleeing the state.  This unusual mid-decade redistricting comes after a pressure campaign waged by President Donald Trump’s political team in the hopes of padding Republicans’ narrow majority in the U.S. House. view article

The education system in Texas will soon change drastically for the better, thanks to Governor Greg Abbott’s leadership and determination.  After years of political infighting, the 2025 legislative session finally granted Texas families academic freedom like never before. The law signed by Governor Abbott in May, aptly named the Texas Education Freedom Act, established universal education saving accounts (ESAs) for families statewide — a direct cash grant that can be put toward private school tuition, learning materials or education services.  This law will reshape the future of Texas education — putting power back in the hands of students and parents as intended by our Texas Constitution and giving kids the chance to pursue the academic pathway that’s right for them. Freedom in education has finally won the day.  view article

With a quorum break on the table for the minority party as a way to thwart a GOP bid for more congressional seats, members travel out-of-state for a third time. view article

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. view article

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

Speaking to two dozen state lawmakers, a packed hearing room, two overflow rooms and a robust virtual waiting room, Texans condemned the Legislature’s plan to redraw the state’s congressional map at the House redistricting committee’s first public meeting on Thursday.  “When I saw what you folks were doing up here in the Legislature, I got screaming mad,” said Christy Stockman, from Corpus Christi. “It’s a good old fashioned bait-and-switch, with a power grab added in.”  At the first of seven public hearings, Democratic lawmakers echoed these calls, pressing their Republican colleagues on why redistricting was being pushed through during an overtime special legislative session.  “The effort to change these districts at this time has nothing to do with representing people better,” said Rep. Jon Rosenthal, a Houston Democrat and vice chair of the House committee in charge of redistricting. “It's the opposite of that. It's a power grab at the expense of Black and brown communities.” view article

Tejano superstar Bobby Pulido is forming an exploratory committee for a congressional bid in South Texas as he considers challenging Rep. Monica De La Cruz, R-Edinburg.  Pulido, a Democrat and Edinburg native, is a titan of the music genre that has its roots in South Texas. Thirty years after the release of his debut album, he plans to both retire from music and make a decision about pivoting to politics by the end of the year.  Under the current map, De La Cruz is the only Texas Republican that Democrats are targeting in 2026. view article

ABILENE, Texas — Texas State Technical College (TSTC) is set to launch three new technical programs this fall at its Abilene and Sweetwater campuses, beginning September 2. The Abilene campus will introduce a Plumbing and Pipefitting Technology program, while the Sweetwater campus will offer Building Construction Technology and Culinary Arts programs. view article

Nosek had convened a coterie of local homebuilders and architects for a picnic at her home in the wealthy Austin-area enclave of West Lake Hills. It was fall of 2021, and she and her husband, Luke Nosek, a venture capitalist who cofounded PayPal with Elon Musk and sits on SpaceX’s board, had two years prior moved to Texas from California.  The purpose of the gathering: figure out how to stop the state’s skyrocketing housing costs from getting worse.   In Texas, Nosek recognized the same factors that contributed to California’s unattainable housing market and spurred people and businesses to flee the Golden State: strict building and zoning regulations that make it difficult for cities to solve their housing crises and a “not-in-my-backyard” mentality among elected officials and homeowners that prevented change. view article

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. view article

Texas Republicans are poised to redraw the state’s congressional map during a special session that starts MondayAUSTIN, Texas (AP) — U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, a Texas Democrat who represents a slice of the Rio Grande Valley along the border with Mexico, won his last congressional election by just over 5,000 votes.  That makes him a tempting target for Republicans, who are poised to redraw the state's congressional maps this coming week and devise five new winnable seats for the GOP that would help the party avoid losing House control in the 2026 elections. Adjusting the lines of Gonzalez’s district to bring in a few thousand more Republican voters, while shifting some Democratic ones out, could flip his seat. view article

"We need someone who's actually a good person."State Rep. James Talarico, a Democrat based in Austin, continued his schedule of news media interviews, sitting down with popular podcast host Joe Rogan to discuss how his Christian views contradict those of the religiously conservative politicians leading Texas. view article

Gov. Greg Abbott has acknowledged DOJ concerns that some districts were drawn “along strict racial lines.” Critics say it’s a political ploy. view article

Thus far in fiscal year 2025, Harris County has spent $1,141,056 on legal services for illegal aliens. view article

With few options to prevent the Republican majority from passing a new congressional map, Democrats threatened to filibuster, delay hearings and even break quorum.  As the Texas Legislature’s overtime special session kicked off Monday, Democratic lawmakers promised to make their Republican colleagues’ efforts to redraw the state’s congressional maps as painful and protracted a battle as possible. They threatened to drag out hearings, filibuster and even flee the state to deny the quorum necessary to conduct legislative business. view article