INSIDER
Texas governor calls November election for vacant US House seat as Democrats criticize timing
Read full article: Texas governor calls November election for vacant US House seat as Democrats criticize timingTexas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has announced that the special election to fill the late Democratic U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner's seat won’t be held until November.
Gov. Greg Abbott sets Nov. 4 special election to fill U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner’s seat
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott sets Nov. 4 special election to fill U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner’s seatThe decision to wait until November means a narrowly divided Congress will be down a Democratic representative for most of 2025.
Eagle Pass park reopens more than a year after the state seized it for border security
Read full article: Eagle Pass park reopens more than a year after the state seized it for border securityThe Texas Department of Public Safety and National Guard presence has largely disappeared from Shelby Park, which sits next to the Rio Grande.
Despite Texas defendant’s death in Louisiana prison, lawmakers unlikely to end reliance on out-of-state lockups
Read full article: Despite Texas defendant’s death in Louisiana prison, lawmakers unlikely to end reliance on out-of-state lockupsLawmakers are pursuing legislative changes that would keep more people locked up in overcrowded county jails while awaiting resolution to their cases.
At least 40 suspected Tren De Aragua members, associates arrested in Hays County, FBI says
Read full article: At least 40 suspected Tren De Aragua members, associates arrested in Hays County, FBI saysMore than 40 suspected members and associates of the Venezuelan transnational gang Tren De Aragua (TdA) were taken into custody on Tuesday in Hays County, according to a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) news release.
Private school voucher bill clears first test in Texas House
Read full article: Private school voucher bill clears first test in Texas HouseThe House Public Education Committee voted to advance a pair of priority bills to create education savings accounts and to raise how much state money public school districts receive.
Gov. Greg Abbott issues disaster declaration for 4 South Texas counties amid flooding
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott issues disaster declaration for 4 South Texas counties amid floodingGovernor Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration on Saturday for four South Texas counties impacted by rainfall and flooding, according to a press release.
New wave of smaller, cheaper nuclear reactors sends US states racing to attract the industry
Read full article: New wave of smaller, cheaper nuclear reactors sends US states racing to attract the industryU.S. states are positioning themselves to compete for newer, cheaper nuclear reactors being developed as communities and tech giants compete in a race for electricity.
No timetable from Texas governor on filling late Democratic congressman's vacant seat
Read full article: No timetable from Texas governor on filling late Democratic congressman's vacant seatThe race to fill a Texas congressional seat has candidates but no election date more than three weeks after Rep. Sylvester Turner’s death left a vacancy in a stronghold for Democrats, who are eager to cut into Republicans’ narrow U.S. House majority.
Texas officials’ claim that school funding is at an all-time high ignores inflation and temporary federal money
Read full article: Texas officials’ claim that school funding is at an all-time high ignores inflation and temporary federal moneyA Tribune analysis also found the state’s share of the funds that schools receive per student significantly decreased in the last decade until recently.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says he’ll push for special session if THC ban, bail changes fail
Read full article: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says he’ll push for special session if THC ban, bail changes failOnly Gov. Greg Abbott can call for a special session. But in his role presiding over the Texas Senate, Patrick can block any bill from passing, giving him leverage to compel overtime sessions by killing must-pass legislation.
Gov. Greg Abbott showing no rush to replace late U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott showing no rush to replace late U.S. Rep. Sylvester TurnerRepublicans hold a tiny majority in the House, creating an incentive for Abbott to hold off on calling an election for Turner’s seat, which would likely be filled by a Democrat.
Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett mocks Greg Abbott, who uses a wheelchair, as 'Gov. Hot Wheels'
Read full article: Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett mocks Greg Abbott, who uses a wheelchair, as 'Gov. Hot Wheels'Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett mocked her state’s governor during a weekend appearance, referring to Greg Abbott — who uses a wheelchair — as “Gov. Hot Wheels” while speaking at a banquet in Los Angeles.
San Antonio educator unions mobilize against education department dismantling
Read full article: San Antonio educator unions mobilize against education department dismantlingThe Northside American Federation of Teachers and the San Antonio Alliance have voiced strong opposition to President Donald Trump’s executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education.
Governor Greg Abbott says he supports Trump’s plan to deconstruct the Department of Education
Read full article: Governor Greg Abbott says he supports Trump’s plan to deconstruct the Department of EducationPresident Donald Trump's executive order to deconstruct the U.S. Department of Education raises concerns about the future of financial aid and protections for students with disabilities.
Justice Department moves to drop lawsuit that would allow Texas police to arrest migrants
Read full article: Justice Department moves to drop lawsuit that would allow Texas police to arrest migrantsThe Trump administration has moved to dismiss a lawsuit against Texas over a law that would allow local police to arrest migrants who enter the country illegally.
San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo offers emergency shelter for horses, cattle affected by Crabapple Fire
Read full article: San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo offers emergency shelter for horses, cattle affected by Crabapple FireThe San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo is offering emergency shelter for horses and cattle affected by the Crabapple Fire.
In Texas, private firms cash in on property tax late fees, piling debt onto struggling homeowners
Read full article: In Texas, private firms cash in on property tax late fees, piling debt onto struggling homeownersTexans who fall behind on their property taxes face one of the most punitive systems in the nation, where private collection companies can tack up to 20% onto their bill.
FEMA launches review of migrant shelter aid, suggesting smuggling laws were violated
Read full article: FEMA launches review of migrant shelter aid, suggesting smuggling laws were violatedThe Trump administration has launched a review of organizations that provide temporary housing and other aid to migrants, suggesting they may have violated a law used to prosecute smugglers.
Two Texans in Congress defend CHIPS Act in the face of Trump’s criticism
Read full article: Two Texans in Congress defend CHIPS Act in the face of Trump’s criticismAlthough the president has said he wants to “get rid of” the act, Rep. Michael McCaul and Sen. John Cornyn say it supports jobs and national security.
How state lawmakers are trying to crack down on illegal immigration
Read full article: How state lawmakers are trying to crack down on illegal immigrationFrom requiring law enforcement agencies to cooperate with federal officials to forcing state contractors to use E-Verify to spot undocumented workers, here are the bills that could reshape the state’s immigration policies.
Venezuelan parents watch from home as their son is laid to rest in Texas after drowning
Read full article: Venezuelan parents watch from home as their son is laid to rest in Texas after drowningThe cries of a mother watching from Venezuela through a cellphone pierced through the somber Christian music and gusts of wind as her son's casket was lowered into the ground.
California and Texas join push to end remote work among state employees
Read full article: California and Texas join push to end remote work among state employeesHundreds of thousands of state employees across the U.S. are being ordered back into the office as governors move to shadow President Trump’s mandate for federal workers.
Christi Craddick, Don Huffines announce bids for Texas comptroller after Hegar tapped for A&M chancellor
Read full article: Christi Craddick, Don Huffines announce bids for Texas comptroller after Hegar tapped for A&M chancellorHegar’s impending departure from the comptroller’s seat creates a rare opening for one of Texas’ coveted statewide offices.
Following Trump’s lead, Gov. Abbott pushes state agencies to end telework
Read full article: Following Trump’s lead, Gov. Abbott pushes state agencies to end teleworkThe directive comes as some state agencies have downsized their office spaces after the pandemic forced many employees to work remotely.
6 homes considered ‘total loss’ after fire ravages hundreds of acres, Bexar County officials say
Read full article: 6 homes considered ‘total loss’ after fire ravages hundreds of acres, Bexar County officials sayBexar County officials are still adding up the final numbers, but they released new information Wednesday that shows the impact of Tuesday’s Duke Road fire.
Supreme Court wrestles with nation's frustrating search for nuclear waste storage
Read full article: Supreme Court wrestles with nation's frustrating search for nuclear waste storageThe Supreme Court is wrestling with whether to restart plans to temporarily store nuclear waste at sites in rural Texas and New Mexico even as some justices worried about safety issues and the lack of progress toward a permanent solution.
Vance promotes Trump's 'whole government' immigration crackdown during visit to US-Mexico border
Read full article: Vance promotes Trump's 'whole government' immigration crackdown during visit to US-Mexico borderVice President JD Vance has visited the U.S.-Mexico border to showcase how arrests for illegal crossings have fallen sharply under President Donald Trump.
Voucher bills want to prioritize low-income families and be open to all students. Those goals might be at odds.
Read full article: Voucher bills want to prioritize low-income families and be open to all students. Those goals might be at odds.Neither of the Legislature’s voucher bills require private schools to accept certain students, which some warn could block the neediest children from access.
Texas House and Senate lawmakers have laid out their property tax cut proposals. How do they compare?
Read full article: Texas House and Senate lawmakers have laid out their property tax cut proposals. How do they compare?House and Senate lawmakers plan to spend at least $6 billion on property tax cuts, but haven't yet agreed on how much relief should go to homeowners over businesses.
Texas GOP leaders defend appointee after tense exchange over diversity hiring
Read full article: Texas GOP leaders defend appointee after tense exchange over diversity hiringSeveral of Texas’ top Republicans are defending Gov. Greg Abbott’s pick to head the state’s water agency following pointed questions from a GOP lawmaker over the agency’s diversity hiring policies.
Texas leaders defend Black official after lawmaker’s public interrogation of DEI policies left her in tears
Read full article: Texas leaders defend Black official after lawmaker’s public interrogation of DEI policies left her in tearsThe topic was a budget request from a state agency. The exchange grew emotional when a lawmaker pressed for answers about a strategic plan that praises diversity.
Trump's early backing of Ramaswamy for Ohio governor seen by some as meant to avoid a nasty primary
Read full article: Trump's early backing of Ramaswamy for Ohio governor seen by some as meant to avoid a nasty primaryThe timing of President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Republican Vivek Ramaswamy for Ohio governor has stunned and intrigued Ohio political observers.
Could school vouchers drain rural public schools? One San Antonio-area district weighs in
Read full article: Could school vouchers drain rural public schools? One San Antonio-area district weighs inPoth ISD’s superintendent says his district may adapt, but questions remain about how vouchers will impact rural education.
Trump tariffs set to hit Texas’ biggest trading partners beginning next week
Read full article: Trump tariffs set to hit Texas’ biggest trading partners beginning next weekThe president said Mexico and Canada have failed to curb the flow of drugs into the U.S. after giving the countries 30 days to do so before enacting the tariffs.
Texas says this doctor illegally treated trans youth. He says he followed the law
Read full article: Texas says this doctor illegally treated trans youth. He says he followed the lawDr. Hector Granados treats children with diabetes at his El Paso clinics and makes hospital rounds under the shadow of accusations that have thrown his career into jeopardy: providing care to transgender youth.
Investigations into the Texas Lottery grow after courier controversy
Read full article: Investigations into the Texas Lottery grow after courier controversyAG Ken Paxton’s office joins two other investigations by state officials into the commission as one service suspends operations due to the agency’s ban.
Texas lottery drawings that paid out big jackpots are the focus of widening investigations
Read full article: Texas lottery drawings that paid out big jackpots are the focus of widening investigationsTwo of the biggest lottery jackpots in Texas history are under investigation over claims that the winners may have benefitted from more than good luck.
Feds target “criminals and illegal immigrants” in Houston-area development, Abbott says
Read full article: Feds target “criminals and illegal immigrants” in Houston-area development, Abbott saysThe Colony Ridge development has long been under scrutiny from conservative lawmakers, think tanks and influencers who cast it as a hotbed for undocumented immigrants and cartel crime.
Under Texas House bill, value of education savings accounts would be tied to public school funding
Read full article: Under Texas House bill, value of education savings accounts would be tied to public school fundingThe proposal sets a few possible points of contention between the House and Senate, including how much money should families get through the program.
National leaders mount pressure campaign on Texas House GOP to pass voucher bill
Read full article: National leaders mount pressure campaign on Texas House GOP to pass voucher billSupporters of voucher-like education savings accounts are trying to press their advantage early and build a sense of inevitability.
Man records video of DPS stop outside elementary school, urges women not to sign anything
Read full article: Man records video of DPS stop outside elementary school, urges women not to sign anythingA man recorded video from a two-hour Texas Department of Safety traffic stop outside an elementary school, which then led to a call for immigration enforcement officials.
‘We will pass school choice’: Gov. Abbott advocates for school vouchers during San Antonio visit
Read full article: ‘We will pass school choice’: Gov. Abbott advocates for school vouchers during San Antonio visitGov. Greg Abbott and Speaker of the House Dustin Burrows assured private school parents on Monday that the Texas Legislature will pass school vouchers.
‘It’s really hard’: Parents react to school vouchers ahead of Gov. Abbott, lawmakers' San Antonio visit
Read full article: ‘It’s really hard’: Parents react to school vouchers ahead of Gov. Abbott, lawmakers' San Antonio visitLocal parents are divided on school voucher legislation ahead of Gov. Greg Abbott’s visit to San Antonio.
Idle buses, empty Border Patrol boats: Arrests for illegal crossings fall in the Rio Grande Valley
Read full article: Idle buses, empty Border Patrol boats: Arrests for illegal crossings fall in the Rio Grande ValleyBorder Patrol agents in the Rio Grande Valley have seen a sharp drop in apprehensions along the southern border since the new administration started.
Texas could sell 100 miles of border to feds, Abbott says
Read full article: Texas could sell 100 miles of border to feds, Abbott saysAbbott is in Washington this week to lobby Congress for $11 billion to compensate Texas for money spent on his Operation Lone Star, to secure the border during the Biden Administration.
Gov. Greg Abbott takes stage to address school vouchers during San Antonio visit
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott takes stage to address school vouchers during San Antonio visitTexas Gov. Greg Abbott is expected to discuss school vouchers during an event in San Antonio, according to The Parent Empowerment Coalition.
Texas now has more top-tier research universities than any other state, report finds
Read full article: Texas now has more top-tier research universities than any other state, report findsThe designations come at a tumultuous time for universities as funding could be cut off and efforts to end tenure continue.
Texas appeals court hears attorney general’s arguments for questioning Catholic Charities director over migrant services
Read full article: Texas appeals court hears attorney general’s arguments for questioning Catholic Charities director over migrant servicesThree Republican judges heard oral arguments Wednesday after a lower court blocked Attorney General Ken Paxton’s efforts to depose the charity’s leader.
Burrows, Patrick and Abbott: Texas’ “Big Three” have big plans and a wary new dynamic
Read full article: Burrows, Patrick and Abbott: Texas’ “Big Three” have big plans and a wary new dynamicThe aggressive Republican agenda’s success depends on how well the three leaders harmonize their tactics and goals for the legislative session.
Rep. Roger Williams introduces bill to reimburse Texas for Operation Lone Star
Read full article: Rep. Roger Williams introduces bill to reimburse Texas for Operation Lone StarThe new bill reinforces Gov. Greg Abbott’s push for the federal government to repay the $11 billion Texas has paid for the border security operation.
Texas lawmakers may ban certain lessons at state colleges under expanded DEI crackdown
Read full article: Texas lawmakers may ban certain lessons at state colleges under expanded DEI crackdownLegislators are expected to take up a $360 million proposal that would change the landscape of financial aid in the state.
Texas Senate passes school voucher bill to create education savings accounts, bill heads to House floor next
Read full article: Texas Senate passes school voucher bill to create education savings accounts, bill heads to House floor nextTexas State Senator from San Antonio told KSAT the Education Savings Account Program does not benefit low-income families.
U.S. can have our wall, bases and detention cells, Abbott tells Trump
Read full article: U.S. can have our wall, bases and detention cells, Abbott tells TrumpThe governor said the state resources are available to the federal government and requested that the U.S. reimburse Texas for the border hardening measures under Operation Lone Star.
After teasing border security rollback, Texas plunges in deeper
Read full article: After teasing border security rollback, Texas plunges in deeperTexas’ border spending exploded after Joe Biden’s election, then state leaders signaled a new willingness to reduce it when Trump won. That didn’t last long.
KSAT Q&A: San Antonio Mayor discusses Migrant Resource Center, tariffs, Gov Abbott’s State of the State address and more
Read full article: KSAT Q&A: San Antonio Mayor discusses Migrant Resource Center, tariffs, Gov Abbott’s State of the State address and moreSan Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg joined the 6 O’Clock News for KSAT Q&A.
Texas Republicans want more property tax cuts. Here’s how they may do it.
Read full article: Texas Republicans want more property tax cuts. Here’s how they may do it.Gov. Greg Abbott said cutting taxes is a top priority, however, state lawmakers don’t have as much money to plug into tax cuts as they did two years ago.
Texas National Guard can now arrest and detain people who illegally enter the US
Read full article: Texas National Guard can now arrest and detain people who illegally enter the USTexas National Guard soldiers can arrest and detain people for entering the U.S. illegally from Mexico under an agreement with the Trump administration that expands the military’s role in immigration enforcement.
Texas National Guard to make immigration arrests under agreement with Trump administration, Abbott says
Read full article: Texas National Guard to make immigration arrests under agreement with Trump administration, Abbott saysTexas National Guard soldiers will have the authority to make immigration arrests under an agreement with the Trump administration, Gov. Greg Abbott said Sunday.
Gov. Abbott vows to raise teacher pay across the state; San Antonio districts weigh in
Read full article: Gov. Abbott vows to raise teacher pay across the state; San Antonio districts weigh inGov. Greg Abbott announced during his State of the State address that he will raise the average pay for teachers across Texas.
With plans in the works and troops on the way, military assumes a mostly familiar role on the border
Read full article: With plans in the works and troops on the way, military assumes a mostly familiar role on the borderUntil now, the military has limited itself to a supporting role at the border: surveilling for illegal crossings by ground and air, repairing vehicles and building barriers.
Texas governor orders ban on DeepSeek, RedNote for government devices
Read full article: Texas governor orders ban on DeepSeek, RedNote for government devicesTexas ordered a ban on the Chinese AI startup DeepSeek on government devices days after the popular chatbot has shook investors and the tech community in recent weeks for its ability to compete with OpenAI.
Abbott expected to promote vouchers and other highlights of his 2025 agenda in Sunday speech
Read full article: Abbott expected to promote vouchers and other highlights of his 2025 agenda in Sunday speechAfter successful campaigns for House allies, the governor is in a position to set an ambitious course for the legislative session.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick outlines sweeping conservative agenda with list of top 25 legislative priorities
Read full article: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick outlines sweeping conservative agenda with list of top 25 legislative prioritiesRestrict THC, help with deportations, infuse religion in schools and provide property tax relief – these are among the Patrick priorities.
SAISD educator under investigation for alleged support of ICE raids on TikTok
Read full article: SAISD educator under investigation for alleged support of ICE raids on TikTokAn educator at Lorenzo De Zavala Elementary School is facing criticism for making a social media post that called for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to raid San Antonio.
Abbott sends state troops to U.S.-Mexico border to work with Border Patrol
Read full article: Abbott sends state troops to U.S.-Mexico border to work with Border PatrolThe 400 members of a special tactical unit left bases in Houston and Fort Worth on Monday morning, according to the governor’s office.
Gov. Greg Abbott announces deployment of Texas DPS troopers, special agents to assist federal immigration efforts
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott announces deployment of Texas DPS troopers, special agents to assist federal immigration effortsGovernor Greg Abbott announced Sunday that Texas Department of Public Safety operations are expected to “expand in coming days” as part of immigration enforcement efforts.
Equity leader urges parents to fight to keep DEI programs in schools
Read full article: Equity leader urges parents to fight to keep DEI programs in schoolsAs part of his plan to reform education, Texas Governor Greg Abbott said he wants to ban diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs at K-12 public schools.