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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Rain, storms and possible tropical depression aiming for the Gulf Coast

July 1704:13 AM

The storm system is expected to reach the coast of Louisiana by Thursday. A low-pressure system offshore of Florida's east coast, now designated as Invest 93L, is making its way westward across the Florida Panhandle and is likely to emerge or redevelop over the northern part of the Gulf on Wednesday. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported on Wednesday morning that the tropical disturbance is forecasted to head toward the far northeastern to north-central part of the Gulf in the late afternoon or potentially evening hours. The disorganized activity is still expected to reach the coast of Louisiana by Thursday. view article

Midland ISD celebrates record-breaking AP scholar achievements

July 1610:05 AM

The 344 students recognized as AP Scholars for their outstanding performance on the May 2025 Advanced Placement (AP) exams marks a 47 percent increase in number of students from the previous year, with all four high school campuses contributing to this achievement. view article

Dallas ISD left with $22 million gap after Trump education funding freeze

July 1608:35 AM

The Trump administration’s decision to freeze billions of dollars in education funding will leave Dallas schools with a $22 million gap, according to district officials. That money covers roughly 150 staff positions, DISD Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde said Tuesday at a meeting with The Dallas Morning News editorial board. view article

Rio Grande Valley’s biggest free health clinic event of the year is canceled due to federal cuts

July 1608:30 AM

It’s the first time Operation Border Health has canceled in 26 years. More than 6,600 people received check-ups, dental services, diabetes screenings and more last year. It’s the first time Operation Border Health has canceled in 26 years. More than 6,600 people received check-ups, dental services, diabetes screenings and more last year. view article

Cell phone policy gets A+ from Amarillo ISD principals and teachers

July 1608:27 AM

Two Amarillo Independent School District principals presented a report to the AISD Board of Trustees Monday evening, July 14 about the recent cell phone policy enacted by the district and how it worked for students, teachers and parents. view article

Brownsville ISD scrambles after loss of federal funding

July 1608:27 AM

The Brownsville Independent School District is scrambling to keep $8.3 million in federal programs operating after President Donald Trump’s administration unexpectedly froze nearly $7 billion in funding previously approved by Congress. The developments on Monday came as the Supreme Court cleared the way for the Trump administration to proceed with plans to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. view article

Federal funding freeze threatens Lufkin ISD after-school care

July 1608:25 AM

Lufkin ISD is now no longer able to access over $2 million worth of funding. Three weeks from school starting, they say they are not sure if they can provide after school care for their students. “I’m not real optimistic but I am hopeful,” said Lufkin ISD Superintendent Dr. James Hockenberry. Lufkin ISD is one of thousands of schools around the country affected by the $6 billion education funding freeze. view article

Copperas Cove ISD boosts teacher pay scale with $3,000 starting salary increase

July 1608:25 AM

The Copperas Cove ISD Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, July 15 approved an increase to the teacher pay scale. The trustees also agreed on a 3% raise from the midpoint for all of CCISD's administrative, clerical and auxiliary employees. With this approval, CCISD's starting teacher salary rose to $56,000, an increase of $3,000. With this increase in wages, alongside the recently approved House Bill 2, teachers with more than two years experience will receive a $2,500 increase in pay and teachers with more than five years experience will receive a $5,000 increase. view article

Denton ISD’s top 3 construction projects set to open for new school year

July 1608:18 AM

Denton ISD has kept a busy construction schedule for the last decade, and progress hasn’t let up. This fall, the district has three major projects on schedule to open in the fall. view article

San Antonio ISD approves sale for final piece of land in proposed downtown ballpark

July 1608:16 AM

The San Antonio Independent School District Board of Trustees unanimously approved the sale of a critical piece of land that is expected to become the future home of the San Antonio Missions. The board approved the resolution during its Monday meeting to sell the property to Bexar County after discussing the move in a closed session. The projected $160 million, 4,500-seat stadium would replace Wolff Stadium, which does not meet current Major League Baseball (MLB) standards. view article

El Paso ISD updates dress code, including requirements for high school

July 1608:10 AM

El Paso Independent School District has updated its student dress code for the upcoming 2025-26 school year, including uniform requirements for high-school students, the district announced on Tuesday night, July 15. The new updated code reflects “the district’s commitment to creating inclusive student-centered campuses that honor the diversity of every learner and support families with clear, practical guidance,” the district said. view article

New El Paso ISD dress code claims to simplify school life with universal uniform colors

July 1608:10 AM

El Paso Independent School District announced updates to its student dress code for the 2025-26 school year. EPISD officials said the revised guidelines were developed with input from campus leaders, educators, and families, and are designed to support safe learning environments while simplifying expectations for families. view article

Del Valle ISD teachers rally to oppose new daily 30-minute workday extension

July 1608:09 AM

Teachers in Del Valle ISD are calling on district leaders to reconsider a recent decision that extends their daily work schedules by 30 minutes. The change, which teachers said was announced over summer break, is set to take effect when students return next month, and it’s already frustrating some educators. view article

Houston-area teacher arrested after trying to have sex with 15-year-old, Precinct 1 constable says

July 1608:09 AM

A Texas City High School teacher is in custody and charged with online solicitation of a minor, according to the Harris County Precinct One Constable's Office. John Derrick Taylor, 55, is a math teacher and power-lifting coach for boys and girls at the Texas City ISD school. Taylor was arrested at his home in Manvel on Tuesday by detectives with Precinct One’s Internet Crimes Against Children Unit. view article

North East ISD’s Enchilada Wednesday demonstrates both flavor and nutrition

July 1608:05 AM

North East Independent School District nutrition staff shared the importance of both flavor and nutrition with school districts attending the School Nutrition Association’s Annual Conference. During the conference, which took place at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, they focused on their iconic Enchilada Wednesday, which students look forward to. view article

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Inside Elon Musk’s stellar year at the Texas Capitol

July 1607:15 AM

While Elon Musk took Washington, D.C., by storm, his company representatives and lobbyists were also notching up big political wins in Texas. While Elon Musk took Washington, D.C., by storm, his company representatives and lobbyists were also notching up big political wins in Texas. It was April 2013, and Musk stood at a podium in a small committee room in the basement of the Texas Capitol. The Tesla CEO asked the legislators gathered before him to change state law, allowing him to bypass the state’s powerful car dealership lobby and sell his electric vehicles directly to the public. He painted a bleak picture of what could happen if they didn’t give him his way. “We would, I’m afraid, we would fail,” Musk told the assembled representatives. “So for us, it’s a matter of life or death.” Clad in a dark suit instead of his now ubiquitous black T-shirt and baseball hat, the younger Musk was unable to persuade lawmakers in Austin. That year, the bill he wanted to pass died. More than a decade later, however, Musk’s fortunes inside the Texas Capitol have changed — dramatically. view article

City of Austin Unveils Another Record-Setting Budget

July 1606:12 AM

This budget will raise more total property taxes than last year’s budget by $69,443,984 or 6.2%, and of that amount $12,251,418 is tax revenue to be raised from new property added to the tax roll view article

Democrat Nathan Johnson Launches Bid for Attorney General

July 1605:21 AM

Democrats have not won a statewide election in Texas since 1994. view article

Conroe ISD to discuss compensation plan for teachers and staff, rezoning

July 1605:01 AM

Conroe ISD will hold a meeting July 15 to discuss multiple items, including its compensation plan and zoning for its new schools. At the June 24 meeting, CISD Chief Financial Officer Karen Garza presented the 2025-26 compensation plan, which includes 6% raises for teachers and staff and a 4% raise for police and other administrative positions, as previously reported by Community Impact. view article

Jesse Gene Coach Walker

July 1605:00 AM

Funeral services for Jesse Gene “Coach” Walker, 86, of Lufkin will be held Friday, July 18, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Walker McWilliams and Eric Wright officiating. Interment will follow in the Garden of Memories Memorial Park. Jesse Gene Walker was born June 3, 1939 in Huntington, Texas, Ora community, to the late Naomi (McClure) Walker and Eugene Etheral Walker and passed away at his home, surrounded by his family, on July 13, 2025. view article

As Trump looks to net five GOP seats through Texas redistricting, Democrats grasp for response

July 1605:00 AM

President Donald Trump said he thinks Republicans could flip a handful of congressional districts in Texas next year through “just a very simple redrawing." Texas Democrats in Congress sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s plan to redraw their state’s political map in the middle of the decade, labeling it a threat to democracy — and warning their GOP counterparts that an aggressive gerrymander could come back to haunt them. The Republican-controlled Texas Legislature is poised to consider a new set of congressional maps during a special session that kicks off next week. With their party locked out of power in Austin, Democrats from the state’s congressional delegation said they expect the new districts to continue Texas' history of violating the federal Voting Rights Act by diluting the votes of racial minorities. view article

Texas Attorney General Launches Investigation Into Potential Noncitizen Voters

July 1605:00 AM

More than 100 potential cases of illegal voting are under investigation. Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into more than 100 potential noncitizens accused of casting over 200 ballots during the 2020 and 2022 election cycles. The majority of the suspected illegal votes are concentrated in Harris County, Texas’s most populous county. Additional instances are reportedly under investigation in Guadalupe, Cameron, and Eastland counties. “Illegal aliens and foreign nationals must not be allowed to influence Texas elections by casting illegal ballots with impunity. I will not allow it to continue,” Paxton said. view article

Texas Counties Have Exploited a ‘Disaster Loophole’ to Hike Taxes

July 1605:00 AM

As Texans grapple with the devastating flood that struck the Hill Country on July 4th, killing over 130 people and leaving many still missing, local officials have already taken steps to potentially raise property taxes—without voter approval. On Monday, the Kerr County Commissioners Court unanimously authorized its tax assessor to calculate property tax rates using a special provision in state law that allows for a higher cap on increases in the wake of a disaster. view article

Will Democrats Walk Out Again? Special Session Agenda Revives Quorum-Busting Talk 

July 1605:00 AM

It’s a question resurfacing in political circles after Gov. Greg Abbott unveiled an 18-item agenda for the upcoming special session—largely packed with conservative priorities that stalled during the regular legislative session. But what’s really turning up the temperature is an effort to redraw congressional maps to increase the Republican majority in Congress. President Donald Trump has told members he wants to see five new Republican seats from Texas. view article

How a small East Texas town turned a devastating tornado into funding for sirens

July 1508:36 AM

As the public scrutinizes parts of the Hill Country for a lack of sirens during the July 4 floods, Crockett turned its own tragedy into preparedness. view article

Golden Pennies

July 1508:30 AM

One of the biggest education stories in Texas in 2023 was the governor’s push to create a school-voucher-like program. And all signs point to that story continuing to be a major political driver in 2024. At the heart of that debate is a decision about how Texas should fund education. But it’s hard to have a true debate on the topic because the state’s current school funding formula is so complicated and convoluted that very few people truly understand it. TPR Education Reporter Camille Phillips spent a year analyzing nearly two decades of school finance data, researching laws and policies, and visiting schools so that Texans could have the information they need to have that debate. She discovered that the Texas school finance system continues to favor some districts over others — and it might not be the districts you expect. view article

How Canutillo ISD is abiding by the new state law banning cell phones during school hours

July 1508:29 AM

The Canutillo Independent School District says it's developing new guidelines around a state law banning cell phones during school hours. In a public statement, the school district says policies will include consequences for students who don't follow the requirements. It also says the law allows exceptions for students with medical and special education accommodations. view article

Corpus Christi ISD to adopt new cellphone policy following state legislation

July 1508:28 AM

Corpus Christi Independent School District is preparing to implement new cellphone restrictions for students in compliance with recently passed Texas legislation. Texas House Bill 1481, passed by the 89th Texas Legislature, prohibits student use of cellphones and other personal electronic communication devices during the school day. view article

Holliday ISD addresses new cell phone policy for students

July 1508:28 AM

The passage of House Bill 1481, a new statewide law forbidding students from using personal communication devices during the school day, has local school districts scrambling to address their cell phone policy. Many Texoma school districts have already begun addressing the new law. Burkburnett ISD announced that students must leave electronic devices at home, or powered off and put away if brought on campus, with some exceptions. view article

Marble Falls Independent School District honors the life and legacy of missing fire chief Michael Phillips

July 1508:28 AM

Amidst the recovery from the Central Texas floods, Marble Falls Independent School District is inviting the community to join in honoring the life and legacy of Marble Falls Volunteer Fire Department Chief Michael Phillips. Phillips still has not been found after being reported missing while responding to the devastating July 4th floods. view article

Wichita Falls ISD secures $140K grant for body cams to enhance safety

July 1508:26 AM

Big changes are coming to WFISD as board members approve and move forward with the purchase of body cameras for the district’s police officers this upcoming school year. During the regular school board meeting on Monday, July 14, WFISD Superintendent Dr. Donny Lee said board members approved the purchase of body cameras through a grant totaling $140,000. view article

Willis ISD approves compensation plan, giving raises to teachers, staff

July 1508:25 AM

Willis ISD trustees approved its 2025-26 compensation plan, the district announced July 10. The plan includes salary increases for teachers, instructional professionals, nonexempt hourly personnel and administrators, according to the district. view article

Pct. 6, Cleveland ISD law enforcement complete safety and internal affairs training

July 1508:20 AM

Several law enforcement personnel from Liberty County, including members of the Cleveland ISD Police Department, the Liberty County Pct. 6 Constable’s Office, and the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, recently completed school-based law enforcement (SBLE) training hosted by the Texas School Safety Center. According to Pct. 6 Constable Zack Harkness, the training took place from Tuesday, July 8, to Friday, July 11, at a Clear Creek ISD campus in League City. view article

Corsicana ISD educator who lost eye in student attack returning with ‘new mission’

July 1508:18 AM

Candra Rogers, 56, a Corsicana ISD educator who was blinded in her left eye in August 2024 by a student is returning to help students and families access resources beyond the classroom. Rogers was recently named the district’s Family and Community Engagement Coordinator for Wraparound Services. The program provides non-academic support to students in need, according to the district. The services include school uniforms, supplies, and hygiene products, all aimed at removing barriers to learning. view article

STAAR scores, budget approval: 4 Humble ISD education updates

July 1508:16 AM

Humble ISD recently approved its fiscal year 2025-26 budget, and STAAR scores for the spring 2025 tests were released. Learn more about these education updates below. Humble ISD students either exceeded or tied state averages in 15 of the 20 grade levels and subjects tested in the spring 2025 State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, according to results released by the Texas Education Agency on June 17. view article

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