Gov. Greg Abbott wants a tighter lid on home values. Tax policy experts warn thatโs a bad idea.
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott wants a tighter lid on home values. Tax policy experts warn thatโs a bad idea.Conservative and liberal tax policy experts said Abbottโs proposal would lead to higher housing costs and tax benefits flowing disproportionately to wealthy homeowners.
How the political tide turned on Mark Welsh, the four-star general ousted as Texas A&M president
Read full article: How the political tide turned on Mark Welsh, the four-star general ousted as Texas A&M presidentThe A&M Board of Regents came to want a more explicitly conservative leader who would shut down controversy before it reared its head, as members grew weary from the steady drumbeat of online posts accusing the university of embracing liberal ideology.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick wants to increase the homestead exemption for school property taxes again
Read full article: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick wants to increase the homestead exemption for school property taxes againThe lieutenant governor also doubled down on his stance that property taxes canโt be totally eliminated, putting him at odds with Gov. Greg Abbott.
Texas launches plan to open Turning Point USA chapters in every high school
Read full article: Texas launches plan to open Turning Point USA chapters in every high schoolRepublican officials in Oklahoma and Florida have also launched plans to expand the presence of the conservative youth organization founded by Charlie Kirk.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, Turning Point USA to make announcement at Governorโs Mansion in Austin
Read full article: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, Turning Point USA to make announcement at Governorโs Mansion in AustinTexas Gov. Greg Abbott and Turning Point USA are expected to make an announcement in Austin on Monday.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick proposes giving Texas newborns $1,000 each; critics oppose increased spending
Read full article: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick proposes giving Texas newborns $1,000 each; critics oppose increased spendingTexas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is proposing a state program to give every baby born in Texas $1,000 invested in the stock market.
โThey wanted me outโ: Ousted Alamo Trust president questions timing of resignation request
Read full article: โThey wanted me outโ: Ousted Alamo Trust president questions timing of resignation requestKate Rogers filed a lawsuit in federal court after she alleged her First Amendment rights were violated and culminated in political pressure from state officials. That pressure led to Rogers resigning as president of the Alamo Trust.
Former Alamo Trust CEO alleges First Amendment violation in wrongful termination lawsuit
Read full article: Former Alamo Trust CEO alleges First Amendment violation in wrongful termination lawsuitFormer Alamo Trust president and CEO Kate Rogers alleges her First Amendment rights were violated in a wrongful termination lawsuit filed Monday against state and Alamo Trust leaders.
Former Alamo Trust President Kate Rogers sues over exit
Read full article: Former Alamo Trust President Kate Rogers sues over exitRogers resigned from her position after Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick criticized a 2023 dissertation in which she asserted the importance of Indigenous peopleโs history at the Alamo.
Abbott sets Jan. 31 special election runoff for North Texas Senate seat
Read full article: Abbott sets Jan. 31 special election runoff for North Texas Senate seatDemocrat Taylor Rehmet and Republican Leigh Wambsganss will face off to succeed Kelly Hancock after winning the most votes in the Nov. 4 election.
Texas House Democrats say they are keeping their options open for speaker in 2027
Read full article: Texas House Democrats say they are keeping their options open for speaker in 2027Speaking at the Texas Tribune Festival, Democratic Rep. Donna Howard acknowledged that Republicans have unified around Speaker Dustin Burrows to the point that he โmay not need usโ to retain the gavel.
Fresh off defeating state THC ban, Texas hemp industry faces wipeout under federal deal to end shutdown
Read full article: Fresh off defeating state THC ban, Texas hemp industry faces wipeout under federal deal to end shutdownThe issue roiled Texas politics earlier this year when Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed a ban on THC products spearheaded by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.
โThis is our livelihoodโ: Shutdown-ending bill could shut down Texas THC businesses
Read full article: โThis is our livelihoodโ: Shutdown-ending bill could shut down Texas THC businessesWithin the legislation to end the longest-ever government shutdown is language that would ban hemp-derived THC products that have anything more than 0.4 milligrams of THC or other cannabinoids that could produce a high per container.
Dan Patrick calls for DPS to investigate Texas Southern University over financial mismanagement findings
Read full article: Dan Patrick calls for DPS to investigate Texas Southern University over financial mismanagement findingsState Auditor Lisa Collier said university staff vacancies for โcriticalโ financial responsibilities have contributed to delays in financial reporting, as well as poor asset oversight and weak contracting processes.
Dan Patrick pledges $1 million in campaign funds to install Turning Point USA at every Texas college and high school
Read full article: Dan Patrick pledges $1 million in campaign funds to install Turning Point USA at every Texas college and high schoolTurning Point USA was founded by the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Texas voters said no to property tax hikes this week, as Republican leaders signal more cuts ahead
Read full article: Texas voters said no to property tax hikes this week, as Republican leaders signal more cuts aheadEven voters in Austin, one of the stateโs most liberal cities, shot down a measure to raise property taxes.
A near upset in North Texas Senate race jolts frayed Democratic hopes ahead of 2026
Read full article: A near upset in North Texas Senate race jolts frayed Democratic hopes ahead of 2026Democrat Taylor Rehmet came within three percentage points of winning Senate District 9 โ which voted for Donald Trump by over 17 points in 2024 โ over his two Republican opponents.
Democrat Rehmet, Republican Wambsganss head to runoff in special election for North Texas Senate seat
Read full article: Democrat Rehmet, Republican Wambsganss head to runoff in special election for North Texas Senate seatWith the GOP vote fractured between Wambsganss and another Republican, Rehmet led the three-person contest for the red-leaning district.
Majority of Texans oppose National Guard deployment to cities out of state, poll finds
Read full article: Majority of Texans oppose National Guard deployment to cities out of state, poll findsAt President Trumpโs direction, Gov. Greg Abbott authorized the deployment of hundreds of troops to Illinois to โsafeguardโ U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.
The CEO of the Alamo's historic site has resigned after a top Texas Republican criticized her
Read full article: The CEO of the Alamo's historic site has resigned after a top Texas Republican criticized herThe CEO of the nonprofit managing the Alamo has resigned after a powerful Republican state official criticized her and suggested she has views that are not compatible with the Texas shrine's history.
Indigenous Peoples Day post revives debate over how the Alamoโs history should be told
Read full article: Indigenous Peoples Day post revives debate over how the Alamoโs history should be toldThe post from the official Alamo account was condemned by Republican Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, who said โwoke has no place at the Alamo.โ
Alamo Trust president resigns, one day after Dan Patrick calls for her removal
Read full article: Alamo Trust president resigns, one day after Dan Patrick calls for her removalThe lieutenant governor has insisted that the Alamoโs story remain focused on the 1836 battle over broader narratives addressing Indigenous people and slavery.
New legislative panels will investigate โfacts and circumstancesโ of deadly Central Texas floods
Read full article: New legislative panels will investigate โfacts and circumstancesโ of deadly Central Texas floodsLt. Gov. Dan Patrick said Camp Mystic leaders would be invited to testify before the committees, as part of what Speaker Dustin Burrows said would be a โcomprehensive and thorough review.โ
Edible Arrangementsโ parent company to deliver THC edibles after heated legislative sessions
Read full article: Edible Arrangementsโ parent company to deliver THC edibles after heated legislative sessionsOne company, known for making wholesome memories, is taking advantage of recent inaction by the Texas legislature to begin delivering hemp products.
Texas legislative committees will study freedom of speech on college campuses in wake of Charlie Kirk killing
Read full article: Texas legislative committees will study freedom of speech on college campuses in wake of Charlie Kirk killingThe committees were made to honor slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk and come as university faculty have come under online scrutiny.
Gov. Greg Abbott orders minors banned from THC products
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott orders minors banned from THC productsLt. Gov. Dan Patrick on Friday called Abbottโs decision a pathway to full legalization of cannabis, including marijuana which is still federally illegal. Hemp-derived THC is legal.
Abbott expected to issue executive order setting age requirements for THC-products, other restrictions
Read full article: Abbott expected to issue executive order setting age requirements for THC-products, other restrictionsThe executive order comes after the Legislature ended a special session without the House, Senate and governor agreeing on restrictions.
No more THC vapes, but no wider ban either; Gov. Greg Abbott says โstay tunedโ
Read full article: No more THC vapes, but no wider ban either; Gov. Greg Abbott says โstay tunedโAnother special Texas legislative session ended without action on banning or further regulating consumable hemp products. However, a narrower ban on certain vapes has taken away one popular way to consume THC variations.
Gov. Greg Abbott to sign camp safety bills into law in response to deadly July 4 flooding
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott to sign camp safety bills into law in response to deadly July 4 floodingTexas Governor Greg Abbott will sign two camp safety bills into law on Friday morning in Austin in response to the deadly July flooding.
Sen. Brandon Creightonโs switch from lawmaking to Texas Tech leader signals a new era for higher ed
Read full article: Sen. Brandon Creightonโs switch from lawmaking to Texas Tech leader signals a new era for higher edMore Texas universities are turning to politicians to lead their systems, preferring political clout over academic credentials.
New Texas laws ban youth cabins in floodways, require camp safety plans
Read full article: New Texas laws ban youth cabins in floodways, require camp safety plansThe families of some of the children who died at Texas' Camp Mystic during catastrophic flooding two months joined Gov. Greg Abbott for a ceremonial bill signing.
Bill overhauling disaster emergency response misses final approval in Texas Senate
Read full article: Bill overhauling disaster emergency response misses final approval in Texas SenateBoth legislative chambers adjourned without agreeing on changes to Senate Bill 2, which aimed to create new training and licensing requirements for local officials.
Texas Legislature ends second special session marked by new political maps, slew of conservative wins
Read full article: Texas Legislature ends second special session marked by new political maps, slew of conservative winsBetween cracking down on abortion pills and restricting transgender restroom use, lawmakers also tackled flood safety and the STAAR test. Left untouched: Texasโ hemp industry.
A Texas congressman is quietly helping Elon Musk pitch building $760M tunnels under Houston to ease flooding
Read full article: A Texas congressman is quietly helping Elon Musk pitch building $760M tunnels under Houston to ease floodingExperts in Houston have been studying the idea of building massive tunnels to divert floodwaters. Muskโs company wants a piece of the project.
Camp Mystic, Eastland family support safety legislation after Hill Country flood tragedy
Read full article: Camp Mystic, Eastland family support safety legislation after Hill Country flood tragedyCamp Mystic and Richard โDickโ Eastlandโs family expressed their support Thursday for Senate Bill 1 and House Bill 1, legislation aimed at improving safety at camps and communities along the Guadalupe River.
Parents of Camp Mystic victims meet with Texas lawmakers, push for safety reforms
Read full article: Parents of Camp Mystic victims meet with Texas lawmakers, push for safety reformsParents of the 27 Camp Mystic girls killed in the deadly Hill Country flooding last month met with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and other state leaders to push for youth camp safety reform.
Texas Senate approves new congressional lines as House Democrats remain out of state
Read full article: Texas Senate approves new congressional lines as House Democrats remain out of stateDemocrats' absence has halted work in the Texas House, which must also approve the new boundaries, for more than a week.
Abbott vows to immediately call Texas lawmakers back to work if special session ends without new maps
Read full article: Abbott vows to immediately call Texas lawmakers back to work if special session ends without new mapsThe leaders of both chambers said they would adjourn for the session Friday if Democrats do not return, while the governor said he might add more items to his agenda.
Abbottโs bid to expel the House Democratic leader goes to a court filled with his appointees
Read full article: Abbottโs bid to expel the House Democratic leader goes to a court filled with his appointeesThe Texas Supreme Court said in 2021 the Constitution allows members to thwart legislation by leaving the state. Abbott wants them to reconsider.
Flood timeline: Alerts, emergency response and pivotal moments in July 4 tragedy in the Hill Country
Read full article: Flood timeline: Alerts, emergency response and pivotal moments in July 4 tragedy in the Hill CountryIn the aftermath of the Guadalupe River flood that ravaged the Hill Country on July 4, claiming over 100 lives in Kerr County, questions are still mounting about the timeline of how local officials prepared and responded to the catastrophe.
Hill Country residents share stories of survival, loss in July 4 floods at committee hearing
Read full article: Hill Country residents share stories of survival, loss in July 4 floods at committee hearingSeveral people shared harrowing stories of the devastating floods in the Hill Country on July 4, describing how rising waters forced them to flee their homes, seek refuge in trees and mourn the loss of loved ones.
โYou werenโt hereโ: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick questions Kerr County judgeโs whereabouts during deadly floods
Read full article: โYou werenโt hereโ: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick questions Kerr County judgeโs whereabouts during deadly floodsAs catastrophic floods on the Fourth of July swept through the Texas Hill Country, killing more than 100 people, one Kerr County official told lawmakers he was at the lake while another said he was sick in bed.
Timeline raises questions over how Texas officials handled warnings before the deadly July 4 flood
Read full article: Timeline raises questions over how Texas officials handled warnings before the deadly July 4 floodOfficials in Texas are facing questions about whether they did enough to get people out of harmโs way before a flash flood swept down the Guadalupe River and killed at least 120 people, including more than two dozen children and counselors at an all-girls Christian camp.
Texas floods leave at least 51 dead, 27 girls missing as rescuers search devastated landscape
Read full article: Texas floods leave at least 51 dead, 27 girls missing as rescuers search devastated landscapeDevastating flash floods from a storm that pounded central Texas have killed at least 51 people.
Floods turned beloved Texas camp into a nightmare. At least 27 girls remain missing
Read full article: Floods turned beloved Texas camp into a nightmare. At least 27 girls remain missingAs the floodwaters recede from Camp Mystic, a torrent of grief remains for the families of the children who died and those who went missing when flash floods tore through central Texas earlier this week.
24 dead in Texas floods and more than 20 children missing from a girls summer camp
Read full article: 24 dead in Texas floods and more than 20 children missing from a girls summer campHeavy rains have caused devastating flash floods in Texas Hill Country, killing at least 24 people and leaving many others missing.
At least 25 people killed in connection with severe weather in Texas Hill Country, Kerr County sheriff says
Read full article: At least 25 people killed in connection with severe weather in Texas Hill Country, Kerr County sheriff saysAt least 25 people are dead and several others remain unaccounted for after flooding in the Texas Hill Country early Friday, the start of a busy Fourth of July weekend.
Evacuations underway for some residents, travelers in Comal and Bandera Counties after deadly flooding
Read full article: Evacuations underway for some residents, travelers in Comal and Bandera Counties after deadly floodingThe Kerr County Sheriffโs Office and Comfort Volunteer Fire Department are evacuating people along the Guadalupe River amid major flooding.
Gov. Greg Abbott sets Nov. 4 special election for open state Senate seat
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott sets Nov. 4 special election for open state Senate seatThe contest coincides with the stateโs November uniform election, when voters across Texas will already be at the polls to decide local offices and ballot measures.
Is THC as dangerous as Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick makes it out to be?
Read full article: Is THC as dangerous as Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick makes it out to be?Although Patrick and hemp industry leaders have quarreled over the risks and benefits of THC, cannabis researchers say it can be addictive but doesnโt usually cause widespread psychosis or brain damage.
State Rep. Nate Schatzline drops Texas Senate bid, endorses conservative activist Leigh Wambsganss
Read full article: State Rep. Nate Schatzline drops Texas Senate bid, endorses conservative activist Leigh WambsganssThe North Texas district opened up last week when Republican Kelly Hancock resigned from the upper chamber to take over as the stateโs acting comptroller.
โThis is what everybody wantsโ: San Antonio THC retailers relieved as Gov. Abbott vetoes ban, urges regulation instead
Read full article: โThis is what everybody wantsโ: San Antonio THC retailers relieved as Gov. Abbott vetoes ban, urges regulation insteadSan Antonio smoke shops and THC retailers sighed in relief Monday after Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed a proposal to ban THC and most other consumable hemp products in Texas. Instead, Abbott urged legislators to consider regulating the products in a manner similar to alcohol.
Lt. Gov. Patrick rips Gov. Abbott for vetoing THC ban, digs in against calls for regulation
Read full article: Lt. Gov. Patrick rips Gov. Abbott for vetoing THC ban, digs in against calls for regulationThe clash marks a rare break between two of the most powerful Republicans in Texas after a legislative session that ushered in a series of conservative victories.
Here are some of the Texas Democrats eyeing statewide runs in 2026
Read full article: Here are some of the Texas Democrats eyeing statewide runs in 2026Democrats will need to sort through a pileup of potential candidates who see an opportunity to harness backlash to the Trump administration in next yearโs midterms.
With Rick Perryโs backing and $50 million from the state, Texas set to become a leader in psychedelics research
Read full article: With Rick Perryโs backing and $50 million from the state, Texas set to become a leader in psychedelics researchLawmakers have approved funding clinical trials for ibogaine as a treatment for addiction and brain trauma. It comes as Texas contemplates banning THC.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrickโs push to ban THC in Texas draws rare backlash from the right
Read full article: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrickโs push to ban THC in Texas draws rare backlash from the rightItโs an unusual situation for the lieutenant governor, long viewed by GOP activists as a stalwart conservative responsible for driving the Legislature rightward.
Action! Derrick Henry can parlay a 2,000-yard rushing season into a movie cameo with Adam Sandler
Read full article: Action! Derrick Henry can parlay a 2,000-yard rushing season into a movie cameo with Adam SandlerStar running back Derrick Henry of the Baltimore Ravens finally has the attention of โThe Waterboy.โ.
Texas Republicans pioneered in-state tuition for undocumented students. Now theyโre celebrating its end.
Read full article: Texas Republicans pioneered in-state tuition for undocumented students. Now theyโre celebrating its end.In 2001, Texas Republicans saw expanding college access for certain undocumented students as a way to build an educated workforce. Now, some GOP lawmakers feel only U.S. citizens should receive those benefits.
Speaker Dustin Burrows, once tagged as โliberal,โ kept skeptics at bay by leaning into a conservative agenda
Read full article: Speaker Dustin Burrows, once tagged as โliberal,โ kept skeptics at bay by leaning into a conservative agendaAt the same time, some Democrats acknowledged the Lubbock Republican let them leave their mark on some of the GOP bills they disagreed with.
Texas reined in recreational THC for more medical marijuana this legislative session
Read full article: Texas reined in recreational THC for more medical marijuana this legislative sessionTexas passed sweeping changes to cannabis policy, including expanding the medical marijuana program and banning hemp products, while also boosting psychedelics research.
Texas considers banning products infused with THC derived from hemp, and retailers are worried
Read full article: Texas considers banning products infused with THC derived from hemp, and retailers are worriedTexas lawmakers have approved banning gummies, drinks and vapes infused with THC, the compound that gives marijuana its psychoactive properties.
Texas lawmakers voted to ban consumable THC products. Will Gov. Greg Abbott sign โ or veto โ the bill?
Read full article: Texas lawmakers voted to ban consumable THC products. Will Gov. Greg Abbott sign โ or veto โ the bill?Abbott faces pressure from both sides of the aisle. The prohibition was a priority for Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, but some hemp farmers and veterans want it killed.
School vouchers, THC ban, property tax cuts: Hereโs what Texas lawmakers did in the 2025 regular session
Read full article: School vouchers, THC ban, property tax cuts: Hereโs what Texas lawmakers did in the 2025 regular sessionThe 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.
Effort to curb personal injury lawsuit payouts dies in the Texas Legislature
Read full article: Effort to curb personal injury lawsuit payouts dies in the Texas LegislatureThe goal of the bill, according to the author, was to curb โnuclear verdictsโ โ ones that award victims $10 million or more.
TribCast: Dan Patrick and Greg Abbott are getting what they want this legislative session
Read full article: TribCast: Dan Patrick and Greg Abbott are getting what they want this legislative sessionIn this weekโs episode, Matthew and Eleanor talk with politics reporter Jasper Scherer about education funding, a THC ban and the success of conservative priorities this year.
Ban on THC products in Texas heads to Gov. Abbottโs desk after Senate agrees to House changes
Read full article: Ban on THC products in Texas heads to Gov. Abbottโs desk after Senate agrees to House changesThe governor has not addressed whether he supports the ban, as hemp industry leaders have urged him to veto Senate Bill 3.
Legislature clears the way for Texas Lottery to continue under a different state agency
Read full article: Legislature clears the way for Texas Lottery to continue under a different state agencySB 3070, which awaits Gov. Greg Abbottโs signature, would move the lottery game to Texasโ Department of Licensing and Regulation and includes new restrictions on ticket purchases.
Bill to allow smaller homes on smaller lots resurrected in Texas House
Read full article: Bill to allow smaller homes on smaller lots resurrected in Texas HouseA top priority of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, the legislation would make it easier to construct homes on smaller lots. A House Democrat briefly killed the bill.
After years of tension, Texas House emerges as cooperative partner for Dan Patrick and his conservative agenda
Read full article: After years of tension, Texas House emerges as cooperative partner for Dan Patrick and his conservative agendaA 2024 war among Republicans tilted the House to the right. Now more closely aligned with the Senate, Speaker Dustin Burrows has accelerated action on bail, school vouchers and social issues.
"See how we do things": Austin cannabis shop invites Texas lawmakers wanting to ban THC
Read full article: "See how we do things": Austin cannabis shop invites Texas lawmakers wanting to ban THCA bill that would make it illegal to sell THC products could soon head over to Gov. Greg Abbott's desk. For a cannabis store employee, lawmakers don't know enough about the industry they're trying to shut down.
Texas Legislature on verge of completely banning THC products after key House vote
Read full article: Texas Legislature on verge of completely banning THC products after key House voteThe House approved the ban after previously considering proposals to preserve the industry by tightening regulations.
Water bills face deadline threat as Texas lawmakers negotiate spending priorities
Read full article: Water bills face deadline threat as Texas lawmakers negotiate spending prioritiesGov. Greg Abbott and other leaders have called for a major investment to save the stateโs water supply. How to spend the money has caused friction at the Capitol.
Texas House, Senate lawmakers reach $8.5 billion school funding deal
Read full article: Texas House, Senate lawmakers reach $8.5 billion school funding dealThe deal appears to strike a face-saving compromise for both chambers over how to increase funds for the stateโs public schools, with money earmarked for teacher pay and overhead costs.
Critics say Trump's religion agenda will benefit conservative Christians the most
Read full article: Critics say Trump's religion agenda will benefit conservative Christians the mostPresident Donald Trump's establishment of a White House Faith Office, a Task Force to Eradicate Anti-Christian Bias and a Religious Liberty Commission has raised cheers from his base of conservative Christian supporters.
Bill that would give the Texas Lottery โa two-year lease on lifeโ gets Senate approval
Read full article: Bill that would give the Texas Lottery โa two-year lease on lifeโ gets Senate approvalSenate Bill 3070 would allow the Texas Lotteryโs games to continue under a new department, abolish the agency and create restrictions on ticket purchases.
New Senate bill offers last-minute reprieve for troubled Texas Lottery
Read full article: New Senate bill offers last-minute reprieve for troubled Texas LotteryA key Senate critic threw a lifeline to the Texas Lottery when he proposed moving its oversight to a new agency instead of eliminating it entirely.
UT System announces $100 million investment into civic leadership school
Read full article: UT System announces $100 million investment into civic leadership schoolThe money will help pay for a permanent home for the school on UT-Austin's campus. Conservative donors and lawmakers, including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, helped create the school in 2023.