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Atirikta Kumar is an Austin-based reporting fellow. She graduated from the University of Houston in May with majors in journalism and political science and minors in English and history. Atirikta previously interned for Community Impact and at NPR’s Houston affiliate station. She also worked as the community assistant editor for her campus newspaper, The Cougar. Atirikta is fluent in Hindi and hails from Nacogdoches. She loves to read in her free time, find new coffee shops and cheer on her favorite sports teams: the NHL’s Boston Bruins and Formula One’s Ferrari.
The joint House and Senate committee will first meet in Austin next week, then in Kerrville on July 31 to hear from Hill Country residents about their concerns. Full Story
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As residents recover and rebuild, Grape Juice in downtown Kerrville is serving as a hub for people needing meals, supplies and other necessities. Full Story
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The four friends are among the hundreds of victims. The bodies of three of them have been found. Their families have searched for their loved ones since Friday. Full Story
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Texas’ attorney general alleged the City of Dallas and the fair were violating state law and the second amendment with the ban, which was adopted after a 2023 shooting. Full Story
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The 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. Full Story
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Although Patrick and hemp industry leaders have quarreled over the risks and benefits of THC, cannabis researchers say it can be addictive but doesn’t usually cause widespread psychosis or brain damage. Full Story
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The creation of the new accrediting agency comes as Republicans have criticized existing ones for reinforcing a liberal bias in the country's higher ed institutions. Full Story
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If Hidalgo decides to seek another term, she and Parker would face off in the March 2026 Democratic primary. Full Story
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Education policy experts say the results align with Texas’ workforce goals but note that students still need help. Full Story
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State Rep. Ray Lopez and Sen. José Menéndez, Democrats from San Antonio, seemed reluctant to travel to Austin if called for a special session to redraw the state’s district lines. Full Story
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