BREAKING NEWS
What to know as Texas' search for flood victims stretches into a 3rd week
Read full article: What to know as Texas' search for flood victims stretches into a 3rd weekThe search for victims of deadly flooding in Texas Hill Country is headed into its third week as officials try to pin down exactly how many people remain missing.
Texas legislature’s special session begins Monday: How to contact your representative and make your voice heard
Read full article: Texas legislature’s special session begins Monday: How to contact your representative and make your voice heardWant your voice heard? Now's the time to reach out to your local representatives and express your concerns.
Gov. Abbott confirms 135 dead in historic Texas floods; special session called
Read full article: Gov. Abbott confirms 135 dead in historic Texas floods; special session calledGov. Greg Abbott will hold a press conference following a briefing on Texas’ continued response to recent severe flooding that impacted communities in San Angelo.
Gov. Abbott requests federal disaster assistance for 3 new counties following Texas flooding
Read full article: Gov. Abbott requests federal disaster assistance for 3 new counties following Texas floodingTexas Governor Greg Abbott has requested disaster assistance for three additional counties in Texas due to severe flooding.
Trump tells Texas Republicans to redraw the state congressional map to help keep House majority
Read full article: Trump tells Texas Republicans to redraw the state congressional map to help keep House majorityPresident Donald Trump is pushing Republicans in Texas to redraw the state's congressional maps to help ensure the party keeps its majority in the U.S. House in next year's midterm elections.
The search for those missing in catastrophic Texas floods resumes in some areas after pause for rain
Read full article: The search for those missing in catastrophic Texas floods resumes in some areas after pause for rainOfficials are keeping a wary eye on river levels as some crews resume the search for people still missing after catastrophic flooding pummeled Texas this month.
Houston lawmakers fight Governor Abbott’s Special Session to redraw district maps
Read full article: Houston lawmakers fight Governor Abbott’s Special Session to redraw district mapsMembers of Congress from Houston are pushing back against a special legislative session called by Governor Greg Abbott.
Gov. Greg Abbott says additional Texas counties approved for federal aid following floods
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott says additional Texas counties approved for federal aid following floodsGov. Greg Abbott announced Friday that the federal government has updated the Presidential Disaster Declaration following recent flooding in Texas to include additional counties.
President Donald Trump speaks after surveying flood damage in the Hill Country
Read full article: President Donald Trump speaks after surveying flood damage in the Hill CountryPresident Donald Trump toured the devastation from catastrophic flooding in Texas and lauded local officials amid mounting criticism that they failed to warn residents quickly enough that a deadly wall of water was coming their way.
Officials are trying to figure out who’s really missing from the Hill Country floods
Read full article: Officials are trying to figure out who’s really missing from the Hill Country floodsTexas officials say more than 170 people are considered unaccounted for after extraordinary floods swamped parts of Kerr County and nearby areas.
A century after a man was convicted of teaching evolution, the debate on religion in schools rages
Read full article: A century after a man was convicted of teaching evolution, the debate on religion in schools ragesThe 1925 Scopes “Monkey Trial” in Tennessee, where a teacher was prosecuted for teaching evolution, continues to influence debates on religion in public schools.
Agenda for upcoming special session of Texas Legislature includes 3 items specific to Hill Country flood response
Read full article: Agenda for upcoming special session of Texas Legislature includes 3 items specific to Hill Country flood responseTexas Governor Greg Abbott has announced the agenda for the upcoming special session of the Texas Legislature.
Gov. Abbott orders Texas flags lowered to half-staff to honor lives lost in devastating Hill Country floods
Read full article: Gov. Abbott orders Texas flags lowered to half-staff to honor lives lost in devastating Hill Country floodsTexas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered Texas flags across the state to be lowered to half-staff in memory of those who lost their lives during the Hill Country floods.
Harrowing stories of rescue emerge from Texas floods as crews search for over 160 reported missing
Read full article: Harrowing stories of rescue emerge from Texas floods as crews search for over 160 reported missingTexas police described some of the harrowing rescues they conducted after flash floods engulfed camps and homes in the state's Hill Country.
Texas flooding, and politics around it, underscore the challenges Trump faces in replacing FEMA
Read full article: Texas flooding, and politics around it, underscore the challenges Trump faces in replacing FEMAJust weeks ago, President Donald Trump said he wanted to begin “phasing out” the Federal Emergency Management Agency after this hurricane season to “wean off of FEMA” and “bring it down to the state level.”.
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 harm’s 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.
More than 160 people are still missing after deadly Texas floods, governor says
Read full article: More than 160 people are still missing after deadly Texas floods, governor saysTexas Gov. Greg Abbott says more than 160 people are believed to be still missing days after flash floods killed more than 100 people across central Texas.
Volunteers flock to help search efforts after Texas floods even as officials warn them away
Read full article: Volunteers flock to help search efforts after Texas floods even as officials warn them awayFlash flooding in Texas Hill Country has triggered one of the largest rescue operations in the state’s history.
Texas county deflects mounting questions over actions before deadly flood
Read full article: Texas county deflects mounting questions over actions before deadly floodIn the days after the devastating flood that killed dozens in Central Texas, local officials have deflected direct questions about preparations and warnings in advance of the storm that struck July Fourth.
Camp Mystic ‘grieving the loss’ of 27 campers and counselors following catastrophic Texas floods
Read full article: Camp Mystic ‘grieving the loss’ of 27 campers and counselors following catastrophic Texas floodsThe death toll from catastrophic flooding in Texas over the July Fourth weekend has surpassed 100.
Gov. Greg Abbott declares Sunday a day of prayer in Texas after catastrophic floods
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott declares Sunday a day of prayer in Texas after catastrophic floodsAs Texas grapples with the aftermath of devastating floods, nearly 60 lives have been lost, and 11 people remain missing. Governor Greg Abbott has declared this Sunday a day of prayer, urging Texans to come together in hope and solidarity.
How to report people missing in catastrophic Kerr County flooding
Read full article: How to report people missing in catastrophic Kerr County floodingIf you have a loved one missing, please report them by emailing kerrvillemissing@dps.texas.gov with their name, description, and a photo. Alternatively, you can call 830-258-1111 or email floodrecovery@co.kerr.tx.us.
Death toll in central Texas flash floods rises to 82 as sheriff says 10 campers remain missing
Read full article: Death toll in central Texas flash floods rises to 82 as sheriff says 10 campers remain missingThe death toll from flash floods that raged through central Texas has risen to 82 after searchers found more bodies.
In Texas Hill Country, where flash floods are common, questions linger about lack of warnings
Read full article: In Texas Hill Country, where flash floods are common, questions linger about lack of warningsSerious questions are emerging about whether more could have been done to warn residents in time.
Texas officials face scrutiny over response to catastrophic and deadly flooding
Read full article: Texas officials face scrutiny over response to catastrophic and deadly floodingHours before a massive wall of floodwater barreled down a river in the heart of Texas Hill Country before sunrise on Friday, forecasters with the National Weather Service warned people that dangerous conditions were brewing.
At least 120 dead in Texas Hill Country floods, more than 160 still missing
Read full article: At least 120 dead in Texas Hill Country floods, more than 160 still missingA devastating flood in Texas Hill Country has resulted in at least 104 deaths across six counties, with Kerr County being the hardest hit.
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.
Senate passes GOP’s tax and spending bill with Cornyn, Cruz priorities included
Read full article: Senate passes GOP’s tax and spending bill with Cornyn, Cruz priorities includedThe package includes $13.5 billion to reimburse states for border spending. It is expected to meet resistance in the House from some Texas Republicans.
Texas lawmakers have gotten used to state budget surpluses. That era may be ending.
Read full article: Texas lawmakers have gotten used to state budget surpluses. That era may be ending.As federal pandemic aid ends and sales tax revenues cool, analysts say it could constrain the Texas Legislature in coming years. But they don’t see an immediate budget crisis on the horizon.
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 state’s November uniform election, when voters across Texas will already be at the polls to decide local offices and ballot measures.
Gov. Greg Abbott, AG Ken Paxton do not have to release Uvalde or Jan. 6 emails, Texas Supreme Court rules
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott, AG Ken Paxton do not have to release Uvalde or Jan. 6 emails, Texas Supreme Court rulesThe decision, stemming from a 2022 lawsuit, narrows the public’s legal options to challenge Texas officials under the state’s open records law.
Gov. Greg Abbott orders preemptive strike on screwworm in Texas
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott orders preemptive strike on screwworm in TexasAbbott ordered two Texas agencies to begin working together and with residents and business leaders to stop the spread of the invasive fly before it even starts.
$1.5B film incentive bill signed into law, encouraging more movies, TV shows set in Texas to be shot in Lone Star State
Read full article: $1.5B film incentive bill signed into law, encouraging more movies, TV shows set in Texas to be shot in Lone Star State“This victory belongs to every crew member, storyteller, entrepreneur, and advocate who believes in the power of Texas-made media,” Media for Texas said in a joint statement. “We’re proud to say: this is just the beginning. The future of film is Texas. #ComeAndFilmIt”
Faith leaders and families sue to block Texas' new Ten Commandments in schools law
Read full article: Faith leaders and families sue to block Texas' new Ten Commandments in schools lawA group of Dallas-area families and faith leaders has filed a federal lawsuit seeking to block a new Texas law requiring the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms.
Texas Lottery Commission to be disbanded as state game gets new restrictions
Read full article: Texas Lottery Commission to be disbanded as state game gets new restrictionsGov. Greg Abbott on Sunday signed Senate Bill 3070, which will also criminalize the online sale of lottery tickets through couriers.
Texas will put warning labels on some foods, but its additives list has inaccuracies
Read full article: Texas will put warning labels on some foods, but its additives list has inaccuraciesA Texas law promoting the Trump administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” agenda requires first-ever warning labels on certain foods like chips and candies.
Katy ISD approves teacher pay raises, invests in staff ahead of 2025-2026 school year
Read full article: Katy ISD approves teacher pay raises, invests in staff ahead of 2025-2026 school yearThe plan includes salary increases and stipends for teachers at various career stages—funded in part by House Bill 2, signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott. The legislation includes the Teacher Retention Allotment (TRA), which provides state funding aimed at boosting pay for seasoned educators.
What Texas lawmakers did this session to close the state’s workforce gaps
Read full article: What Texas lawmakers did this session to close the state’s workforce gapsLegislation approved this year is partly aimed at helping Texas meet its goal of helping 60% of working-age Texans get a postsecondary degree or credential by 2030.
Texas, Oklahoma and Nevada make changes to lure business amid Delaware’s ‘Dexit’ concern
Read full article: Texas, Oklahoma and Nevada make changes to lure business amid Delaware’s ‘Dexit’ concernChanges approved recently by lawmakers in Texas, Oklahoma and Nevada could help their states lure some of the big-money legal business that Delaware and its specialized court have dominated as the world’s incorporation capital.
With prospects of a THC ban eroded, Texas hemp industry supports age restrictions, more regulation enforcement
Read full article: With prospects of a THC ban eroded, Texas hemp industry supports age restrictions, more regulation enforcementHemp industry leaders say they agree with regulations similar to how the state regulates alcohol.
Gov. Abbott smokes proposed THC ban, businesses continue to bud
Read full article: Gov. Abbott smokes proposed THC ban, businesses continue to budTHC will remain on the shelves in smoke shops across Texas after Governor Greg Abbott shot down a bill aimed at banning the element derived from marijuana.
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.
ACLU of Texas to sue over ban of DEI programs in Texas public, charter schools
Read full article: ACLU of Texas to sue over ban of DEI programs in Texas public, charter schoolsThe American Civil Liberties Union of Texas (ACLU of Texas) and Students Engaged in Advancing Texas (SEAT) announced Monday that they will sue over Senate Bill 12, a bill that prohibits programs and discussions involving race, gender, identity and sexual orientation in K-12 public schools in Texas, including charter schools.
Governor vetoes bill that would have increased protections for title theft, deed fraud
Read full article: Governor vetoes bill that would have increased protections for title theft, deed fraudOne of the late-night vetoes signed by Gov. Greg Abbott included legislation aimed at cracking down on title theft and deed fraud across Texas.
Gov. Greg Abbott vetoes funding for federal summer lunch program for low-income children
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott vetoes funding for federal summer lunch program for low-income childrenAbbott cited uncertainty over federal funding of the program as his reason for rejecting the state’s participation.
‘It puzzles me’: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says he’s surprised after THC ban vetoed by Gov. Abbott
Read full article: ‘It puzzles me’: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says he’s surprised after THC ban vetoed by Gov. AbbottAfter Governor Greg Abbott vetoed Senate Bill 3, which aimed to ban all THC consumables in Texas, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is holding a press conference to address the situation.
Gov. Greg Abbott orders special legislative session after vetoing 26 bills
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott orders special legislative session after vetoing 26 billsAbbott will call lawmakers back to Austin to tackle Senate Bill 3, a proposed ban on THC products that he vetoed, as well as five others from his veto list.
New Texas law will require Ten Commandments to be posted in every public school classroom
Read full article: New Texas law will require Ten Commandments to be posted in every public school classroomTexas will require all public school classrooms to display the Ten Commandments under a new state law that will make the state the nation’s largest to attempt to impose such a mandate.
Texas bill banning grade school students from using cell phones during school hours signed into law
Read full article: Texas bill banning grade school students from using cell phones during school hours signed into lawA Texas bill which would ban K-12 students from using cell phones during school hours has been signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott.
As Musk's 'robotaxi' rollout approaches, Democratic lawmakers in Texas try to throw up a roadblock
Read full article: As Musk's 'robotaxi' rollout approaches, Democratic lawmakers in Texas try to throw up a roadblockA group of Democratic Texas lawmakers is asking Elon Musk to delay his rollout of driverless ‘robotaxis’ in the state this weekend to assure the vehicles are safe enough.
Former Texas state Sen. Kelly Hancock to become acting comptroller, run for permanent job
Read full article: Former Texas state Sen. Kelly Hancock to become acting comptroller, run for permanent jobHancock, a North Richland Hills Republican, announced his candidacy shortly after being sworn in as chief clerk at the comptroller’s office.
Gov. Abbott signs $20 billion ‘generational investment’ in Texas’ water infrastructure bill into law
Read full article: Gov. Abbott signs $20 billion ‘generational investment’ in Texas’ water infrastructure bill into law“Water is a critical need for all Texas,” Governor Abbott said in part. “In my State of the State Address, I called on the Texas legislature to make the largest investment in water in Texas history...With this law, we will secure Texas' water future for generations to come.”
Amid Trump immigration crackdown, Texas reins in border spending and shifts focus to deportations
Read full article: Amid Trump immigration crackdown, Texas reins in border spending and shifts focus to deportationsWith border crossings at record lows, state authorities are being sent to arrest people accused of committing crimes in Texas after entering the country illegally.
CenterPoint Energy reaches $3.2 billion resiliency plan settlement to improve Houston’s electric system
Read full article: CenterPoint Energy reaches $3.2 billion resiliency plan settlement to improve Houston’s electric systemThis investment promises to install automation devices, replace 130,000 storm-resistant poles, and significantly reduce outages by 1 billion minutes.
Texas again lowers restrictions on certain firearms, passes on regulations
Read full article: Texas again lowers restrictions on certain firearms, passes on regulationsLawmakers passed a handful of bills aimed at easing access to guns as a new pediatric study links state legislation to increased firearm deaths.
Katy man released after arrest linked to Texas Capitol threat
Read full article: Katy man released after arrest linked to Texas Capitol threatRobert Bowers, a 45-year-old from Katy, was arrested during a traffic stop in La Grange after allegedly making a threat that led to the evacuation of the Texas State Capitol.
Texas made sweeping changes to bail and parole, along with increasing penalties for stolen goods
Read full article: Texas made sweeping changes to bail and parole, along with increasing penalties for stolen goodsTexas lawmakers approved a sweeping package to overhaul the state’s bail system, a longtime priority of Gov. Greg Abbott’s.
With only 8% built, Texas quietly defunds state border wall program
Read full article: With only 8% built, Texas quietly defunds state border wall programTexas officials suggested the federal government could pick up construction. However, during President Trump’s first term, his administration built about one-third of what the state was able to put up in the same amount of time.
Activists, families worry about record-number of bills deemed anti-LGBTQ+ filed in Texas legislature
Read full article: Activists, families worry about record-number of bills deemed anti-LGBTQ+ filed in Texas legislature“Knowing Texas, specifically the Texas government, doesn’t want people like my kids to exist publicly... to get the healthcare that they need,” a mother of two transgender children explained. "That does hurt.”
Gov. Abbott to sign record-breaking property tax relief bills into law
Read full article: Gov. Abbott to sign record-breaking property tax relief bills into lawHomeowners are one step closer to property tax relief with Governor Greg Abbott set to sign two bills after lawmakers approved $22.7 billion in property tax cuts this session.
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 year’s midterms.
Thousands take to Houston streets for ‘No Kings’ protests with no incidents
Read full article: Thousands take to Houston streets for ‘No Kings’ protests with no incidents“Your commitment to exercising your First Amendment rights with respect, dignity, and unity reflects the very best of our city,” the City of Houston shared in a social media post. “No arrests. No serious injuries. Just one strong, united message — delivered peacefully.“
As Trump celebrates military, Texans protest president’s aggressive immigration enforcement
Read full article: As Trump celebrates military, Texans protest president’s aggressive immigration enforcementDemonstrations in McAllen, Midland, Odessa, Austin and elsewhere in Texas have been largely peaceful, as some protests are expected to go well into the night.
Marines take over some security in LA while cities across US prep for 'No Kings' rallies
Read full article: Marines take over some security in LA while cities across US prep for 'No Kings' ralliesAfter a week of protests over federal immigration raids, about 200 Marines have moved into Los Angeles to guard a federal building and personnel in the city.
Nationwide protests against immigration raids escalate, leading to arrests and curfews
Read full article: Nationwide protests against immigration raids escalate, leading to arrests and curfewsProtests over federal immigration enforcement raids are flaring up around the country, and officials in cities large and small are preparing for major demonstrations against President Donald Trump this weekend.
Gov. Abbott will deploy more than 5,000 National Guard troops across Texas during protests
Read full article: Gov. Abbott will deploy more than 5,000 National Guard troops across Texas during protestsThe governor also shared a video on social media as he signed a law for law enforcement officials at the protests "to ensure they can use every tool available to combat criminals without being targeted by rogue prosecutors."
Gov. Abbott deploys over 5,000 Texas National Guard troops ahead of planned 'No Kings' protests
Read full article: Gov. Abbott deploys over 5,000 Texas National Guard troops ahead of planned 'No Kings' protestsTexas Gov. Greg Abbott says he has ordered the deployment of more than 5,000 Texas National Guard troops across the state, along with more than 2,000 state police.
Homeland Security secretary pledges to carry on with Trump’s immigration crackdown
Read full article: Homeland Security secretary pledges to carry on with Trump’s immigration crackdownHomeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is promising to move forward with the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown in Los Angeles despite the waves of unrest.
Gov. Abbott announces over $2.4M in career training grants for Gulf Coast area schools
Read full article: Gov. Abbott announces over $2.4M in career training grants for Gulf Coast area schoolsGov. Greg Abbott announced Wednesday over $2.4 million have been awarded to 10 schools in the Gulf Coast area to train students for high-demand, good-paying jobs after graduation.
Gov. Greg Abbott to deploy 5,000 Texas National Guard to sites of planned immigration protests
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott to deploy 5,000 Texas National Guard to sites of planned immigration protestsDemonstrations against immigration raids began in Los Angeles last week and have spread across the country, including to Texas. More are planned this weekend.
Texas governor to deploy the National Guard across the state during protests
Read full article: Texas governor to deploy the National Guard across the state during protestsThe governor also shared a video on social media as he signed a law for law enforcement officials at the protests "to ensure they can use every tool available to combat criminals without being targeted by rogue prosecutors."
With Rick Perry’s backing and $50 million from the state, Texas set to become a leader in psychedelics research
Read full article: With Rick Perry’s 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.
Los Angeles-area mayors demand that Trump administration stop stepped-up immigration raids
Read full article: Los Angeles-area mayors demand that Trump administration stop stepped-up immigration raidsDozens of mayors from across the Los Angeles region banded together to demand that the Trump administration stop the stepped-up immigration raids that have spread fear across their cities and sparked protests across the U.S. They also called on President Donald Trump to pull back from using troops alongside immigration agents during the raids.
Amarillo breaks ground on psychiatric hospital, part of the state’s $1.5B investment in mental health
Read full article: Amarillo breaks ground on psychiatric hospital, part of the state’s $1.5B investment in mental healthThe facility will bring mental health resources closer to the largely rural region that’s home to nearly 436,000 people.
Protests over immigration raids pop up across the US with more planned
Read full article: Protests over immigration raids pop up across the US with more plannedProtests over federal immigration enforcement raids and President Donald Trump’s move to mobilize the National Guard and Marines to Los Angeles are spreading nationwide and are expected to continue into the weekend.
Los Angeles leaders impose curfew as protests against Trump's immigration crackdown continue
Read full article: Los Angeles leaders impose curfew as protests against Trump's immigration crackdown continueCalifornia Gov. Gavin Newsom said President Donald Trump is “pulling a military dragnet” across Los Angeles during a brief public address on Tuesday.
Hundreds protest in Austin against nationwide ICE detentions
Read full article: Hundreds protest in Austin against nationwide ICE detentionsThirteen people were arrested on various charges during the protest Monday, which ended when officers fired tear gas into a crowd that neared a federal building.
Texas foster care agency chief to step down this summer
Read full article: Texas foster care agency chief to step down this summerTwo years after Stephanie Muth became Department of Family and Protective Services commissioner, staff turnover is down and the number of children without a placement has dropped.
Texas’ GOP congressional delegation meets to discuss redrawing districts ahead of midterms
Read full article: Texas’ GOP congressional delegation meets to discuss redrawing districts ahead of midtermsThe proposal would require the Texas Legislature to return for a special session to carry out the rare move of reshaping the state’s political boundaries mid-decade.