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. view article

Preventive Law: Innovation Interrupted? Why It’s Time to Rethink Your DOI Plan

Texas House Committee Approves Republicans’ Redistricting Plan

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

Central Texas residents see taxable values rise despite market value losses

Homeowners across Central Texas might notice a glaring trend—some market values are dropping in the midst of rising taxable values.   In Texas, there is a 10% annual cap on how much taxable values for homeowners with a homestead exemption can increase from the year prior, according to Texas Property Tax Code.  Alvin Lankford, chief appraiser of the Williamson Central Appraisal District, explained how if market values spiked 30% or more in 2022, then taxable values could still be playing “catch-up” in 2025.  view article

ASHBY: Hearings focus on learning lessons from floods

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

Central Texas residents see taxable values rise despite market value losses

Homeowners across Central Texas might notice a glaring trend—some market values are dropping in the midst of rising taxable values.  In Texas, there is a 10% annual cap on how much taxable values for homeowners with a homestead exemption can increase from the year prior, according to Texas Property Tax Code.  Alvin Lankford, chief appraiser of the Williamson Central Appraisal District, explained how if market values spiked 30% or more in 2022, then taxable values could still be playing “catch-up” in 2025.  “Your assessed value, which is the amount you can be taxed on, can only go up 10% per year, but your market value is still going to be wherever the market is,” Lankford said during a Williamson County Commissioners Court meeting in early June. “Assessed values will continually rise by 10% until they reach market value.” view article

In draft congressional map, Texas Republicans bet big that gains with Latino voters will persist

The plan increases the share of Hispanic voters in three of the five districts targeted by the GOP, banking that enough will turn out and vote for Republicans without Donald Trump on the ballot. view article

Declaring this special session over, Texas House Democrats announce quorum break aimed at blocking GOP congressional redistricting

“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

Texas Lottery to pay winner of $83.5M jackpot after withholding prize for months

The agency initially blocked the payout because of two state investigations into now-banned lottery courier services, one of which sold the winning ticket. view article

Texas House Committee Approves Republicans’ Redistricting Plan

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

Austin ISD plans to cut staff despite receiving federal education grants

Austin ISD is planning for staff cuts even after finding out federal funding is on the way. The uncertainty over the federal education grants has the school district re-evaluating how it moves forward. $9 million was at stake for Austin ISD when the federal government froze funds that were expected to be available on July 1. The White House is now committing to school districts across the country that they will get the education grants, leading Superintendent Matias Segura to meet with the 109 staff affected by federal funding. view article

United ISD welcomes nearly 100 new teachers, including former students returning to inspire the next generation

With the first day of school around the corner, United Independent School District kicked off its new teacher orientation, welcoming nearly 100 new educators who are set to make an impact in classrooms across the district. view article

Canutillo ISD to provide free dinner meals to children at 5 campuses

The Canutillo Independent School District will provide free dinners to children starting on Monday, Aug. 4, according to the news release by the school district. According to Canutillo ISD, as part of the federal Child and Adult Care Food Program, the school district will orovide free dinners to children ages 1 through 18 years old, regardless of enrollment in Canutillo ISD. view article

Richardson ISD announces new school meal debt policy

Richardson ISD is implementing a new meal charge procedure that limits the amount of debt kids can incur before they receive an alternative meal. In the 2025-2026 school year, a student with an insufficient balance on their school meal account will be allowed a five-day grace period to continue to purchase meals, the district said. Elementary students can purchase meals until they reach a negative balance of $25.75 and up to $26.50 for secondary students. view article

Dallas ISD 99% staffed, welcomes 900 teachers new to the district

The countdown is on for more than 100,000 Dallas ISD students heading back to class. This year, hundreds of new teachers are gearing up to greet them. The district wrapped up its annual New Teacher Academy this week, a three-day event designed to welcome the 900 new educators planning to start a new school year in Dallas Independent School District. The program, which culminated in a celebration at the Winspear Opera House on Thursday, helps prepare first-year, returning, and recruited teachers for the year ahead. view article

Cell phones, library books and wages: Judson ISD makes headway complying with new state laws

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

A fraction of Houston high school students earn a living wage post graduation. YES Prep and Pasadena ISD may offer solutions

For the seventeen year-olds that gathered in late July to begin their college applications, it may have still felt like summer, but for the five-person college counseling team at the newly built YES Prep Northline secondary campus, the bootcamp was the culmination of months of work preparing to send the class of 2026 off to college. Equipped with the folder of all folders — including an itinerary for the two-day college bootcamp, usernames and passwords to college application websites, a community service hours tracker, a blank version of the Common App, a master college list-building worksheet, a guide to calculating class rank and information on SAT scores benchmarks — the emerging high school seniors got to work. view article

Lubbock ISD explains how it will implement state cell phone ban

Along with every other public school in the state of Texas, Lubbock ISD is banning the use of cell phones. House Bill 1481 prohibits the use of all personal communication devices not only in the classroom, but throughout the school day. Superintendent Dr. Kathy Rollo says this new protocol will be an adjustment for everyone, from teachers to principals, students and parents. view article

Texas Democrats Flee the State to Block Redistricting Plan

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

Judge Hidalgo’s ‘Penny Tax’ Proposal Faces More Backlash From Commissioners

The tax hike would go before voters in November if approved by the Harris County Commissioners Court.  Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo has unveiled a proposal for a property tax increase—dubbed a “penny tax”—to preserve and expand county-funded early childhood programs formerly supported by federal COVID‑era relief. The move has spurred sharp criticism from commissioners unprepared for the announcement.  According to Hidalgo, the one‑cent tax would cost roughly $10 per $100,000 of assessed value and generate approximately $60 million a year from annual property taxes—revenue intended to sustain programs like Early REACH, which serves about 800 children under age five.  view article

Could You Complete The Presidential Fitness Test?

t was once a rite of passage for millions of American schoolchildren before being phased out under the Obama administration.  But now public school students across the U.S. once again face being rated on their strength, endurance and flexibility under an executive order reinstating the Presidential Fitness Test signed by Donald Trump on Thursday.  What is the Presidential Fitness Test?  The original program, which was replaced in 2012, was formalized in 1966 under President Lyndon B. Johnson to "promote good health" and provide "sturdy young citizens equal to the challenges of the future."  It typically assessed students aged 6 to 17 in public schools at least twice yearly. Top-performing students could receive the Presidential Physical Fitness Award. view article

Austin eyes major property tax increase to close growing budget gap

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Dan Patrick slams Kerr County judge over absence during July 4 floods: ‘You should have been here’

Kerr County officials grilled over absences, delays in tense Kerrville hearing  KERRVILLE — Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick slammed Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly at a hearing Thursday for being absent on July 4 as rising flood waters tore through the county, washing away homes and killing more than 100 people.   “I don’t know where you were on Day One, on July 4, but you should have been here. You should have been here directing that response. That is your responsibility,” Patrick, a Republican who presides over the state Senate, told Kelly at the flood-focused hearing.  “I just want to set the record straight. Everyone was here that day working their ass off, and you were nowhere to be found.” view article

Kerr County officials grilled over absences, delays in tense Kerrville hearing

Kerr County officials grilled over absences, delays in tense Kerrville hearing  KERRVILLE — Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick slammed Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly at a hearing Thursday for being absent on July 4 as rising flood waters tore through the county, washing away homes and killing more than 100 people.   “I don’t know where you were on Day One, on July 4, but you should have been here. You should have been here directing that response. That is your responsibility,” Patrick, a Republican who presides over the state Senate, told Kelly at the flood-focused hearing.  “I just want to set the record straight. Everyone was here that day working their ass off, and you were nowhere to be found.” view article

Arkansas Double Murder Suspect Taught in Texas Elementary School

Andrew McGann resigned from Lewisville ISD in 2023 amid allegations of inappropriate behavior with students.  A teacher charged with murdering a mom and dad at a state park in Arkansas in front of their two young children formerly taught at a North Texas elementary school.  Andrew James McGann, 28, was arrested Wednesday by Arkansas State Police at a barbershop in Springdale following a five-day manhunt and was charged with two counts of capital murder.  McGann is accused of killing Cristen and Clinton Brink at Devil’s Den State Park while they were hiking with their daughters, ages 7 and 9 years old. view article

Houston ISD Can Proceed With Pay-For-Performance Model After Judge Denies Union Request

The Houston Federation of Teachers filed suit against the district for awarding raises based on performance metrics, alleging it violated state law.  A Harris County judge has denied a teachers’ union request for a temporary restraining order against the Houston Independent School District, allowing the district to move forward with its performance-based teacher compensation plan for the 2025–26 school year  .The legal dispute between the Houston Federation of Teachers and Houston ISD centers on House Bill 2, a new Texas law that establishes a Teacher Retention Allotment of approximately $3.7 billion.  view article

University of North Texas Settles Free Speech Case

UNT will pay more than $700,000 to resolve accusations of racism.  A public university in Texas just learned an expensive lesson.  According to media reports, the University of North Texas will pay $725,000 to Professor Robert Jackson. Jackson sued the university in 2021, claiming to have suffered professional and emotional damage following accusations of racism leveled at him in te immediate aftermath of George Floyd’s death.  The dispute arose following a discussion in an obscure academic journal edited by Jackson. view article

Eminent Domain Battle: State Refuses To Return Land It No Longer Needs

After refusing to sell “surplus property” back to its former owner, the Texas Department of Transportation is now before the Supreme Court in a case that could reshape the state’s eminent domain policy.  “Eminent domain” is the government’s power to take private property for public use, provided “just compensation” is given to the owner. Texas law outlines specific procedures for such acquisitions and—relevant to this case—grants limited rights to repurchase the property if it becomes unnecessary for public use.  Facts of the Case  According to court records, in 2013, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) sent an offer to Joyce Hutcherson, Rudolph Pusok, and Jimmie Pusok—the owners of 19502 Mueschke Road in Tomball—to purchase their property. TxDOT planned to construct a new road along the Grand Parkway (State Highway 99). view article

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

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

Senate Moves To Restore Attorney General’s Power To Prosecute Election Crimes

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

As the floods hit, Kerrville officials’ messages show lack of information about what was coming

Lawmakers plan to hear testimony Thursday in Kerr County. Questions remain about how state and local entities responded to flood warnings.  The day before the Guadalupe River rose 34 feet in the small Hill Country city of Kerrville and swamped areas along the river banks, Mayor Joe Herring Jr. messaged the city manager with anticipation.   “Big day tomorrow at LHP,” Herring wrote, likely referring to Louise Hays Park, where a Fourth of July festival was planned with bands and fireworks.“Yes it is!” City Manager Dalton Rice replied. “And it seems we got some rain too!”  A whole lot more rain was coming. view article

Austin leaders make moves to create Texas’ first FAA air traffic control academy

Just a few months shy of the one-year anniversary of a near-miss incident at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Austin City Council members approved a resolution July 24 urging the Federal Aviation Administration to prioritize staffing at the airport. Austin City Council member Vanessa Fuentes, who authored the measure, said the call to action includes several components, among them an FAA-approved air traffic controller academy in partnership with Austin Community College.  “We want to continue to ask and demand that the FAA take action, but also add a local solution,” Fuentes said in an interview with Community Impact. “Rather than pointing a finger, we are lending a hand, trying to address and help solve for the staffing shortages.”  If the city succeeds in establishing a certified air traffic controller program locally, it would be the first and only one of its kind in Texas. view article

Patrick-Backed THC Ban Clears Senate

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

Why Parents Are Suing Snapchat Over Fentanyl Deaths

WASHINGTON—Over and over, Amy Neville forces herself to tell people what happened to her 14-year-old son.  “I relive it. ... I’m out there sharing the hardest thing that’s ever happened in my life,” she said. “It’s worth it, because I know we’re saving lives.”  Neville, 52, wiped away tears as she spoke those words during an interview with The Epoch Times on June 23. That day marked five years since her son, Alexander Neville, unknowingly ingested fentanyl and died—a tragedy that could easily befall any family, she said.  Through the nonprofit Alexander Neville Foundation, the grieving mother shares her personal pain with other parents. By her estimation, Amy Neville has given a couple hundred presentations in person and online; about 300,000 people have heard her warnings about the dangers that lurk on social media, leading to deaths such as Alex’s.  Neville also serves as the lead plaintiff in a groundbreaking court case that could affect the way Big Tech operates in the United States. view article

Austin ISD announces staffing cuts amid federal grant uncertainty

Austin ISD will move forward with staffing cuts as it faces uncertainty over millions of dollars in federal education grants, district officials announced on Wednesday. In a letter to families, Superintendent Matias Segura said the decision comes after more than $9 million in federal grants were not released as expected on July 1. Segura said while the federal government eventually committed to releasing the funds on July 25, the disruption forced the district to prepare for future funding losses. view article