Talarico’s comments on Fox News came in contrast to positions he took in the Texas House opposing GOP restrictions on trans student-athletes.
Ayden Runnels
Ayden Runnels is the afternoon/evening reporter. Previously, they were a breaking news reporter for the Las Vegas Sun. A graduate of the Mayborn School of Journalism at the University of North Texas, Ayden was a Dallas Press Club Foundation reporting fellow at the Tribune in 2023. They were born in the Houston suburb of Clear Lake and speak English and Arabic. They served as editor-in-chief of the North Texas Daily, UNT's student-run newspaper, and have worked on freelance projects for Newsweek.
Posted in
Politics
After Abbott’s order limiting Flock cameras, DPS to continue using its vast surveillance network
Law enforcement agencies from across the country search the DPS Flock database once every four seconds, on average. After the Tribune inquired, DPS said it will limit which agencies can access the network.
Posted in
State Government
Gov. Abbott blocks state agencies from spending money on Flock cameras
The order came as The Texas Tribune was preparing to publish an investigation detailing how a state agency has devoted at least $30 million to building the state’s Flock surveillance network.
Posted in
Politics
Lawmakers added $1 to Texans’ car insurance policies. That money paid for thousands of Flock cameras.
The higher fee, meant to combat catalytic converter theft, provided millions to expand the Flock network across Texas. Some lawmakers say that wasn’t the intent.
Posted in
Courts
Texas’ limits on certain drag shows ruled unconstitutional again
A federal judge reasserted his 2023 ruling that the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals sent back for reconsideration. The law went into effect in March as the case proceeded.
Posted in
Immigration
Minnesota sues Abbott to force extradition of ICE agent accused of shooting Venezuelan man
Christian Castro, accused of assault and lying about the circumstance surrounding the Jan. 14 shooting, could be released if a judge does not grant Minnesota’s request for a restraining order.
Posted in
State Government
Special election set to replace Texas Sen. Brian Birdwell, who resigned for Pentagon post
The longtime state legislator, who announced in June 2025 he wasn’t seeking reelection, vacated the seat to serve as a U.S. assistant secretary of defense.
Posted in
Politics
Greg Abbott threatens Dallas, Houston airports’ grant funds over Islamic washing facilities
DFW said late Friday that plans to install the religious washing station had been canceled.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Texas counties sue feds for trying to tie election security policies to anti-terrorism funding
El Paso and Harris counties joined cities in Tennessee and Ohio in the suit arguing the new requirements are unconstitutional and would cost millions to implement.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Fifth Circuit reaffirms death row inmate Brittany Holberg’s conviction
A three-judge panel of the court had reversed Holberg’s sentence in 2025, but Friday’s split decision will keep the district court’s decision to affirm her conviction.
