Blaine Milam, who was pronounced dead at 6:40 p.m. Thursday, is the fifth death row inmate executed by the state in 2025.
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.
To report a tip, contact Ayden on Signal at @aydenrunnels.17
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2025
“Bathroom bill” aimed at trans people signed into law after decade of failed attempts
Senate Bill 8, which goes into effect on Dec. 4, restricts bathroom use in government buildings and schools to the sex assigned at birth.
Posted in
Higher Education
Texas A&M President Mark A. Welsh III to step down after a week of turmoil over viral classroom video
Calls for Welsh’s ousting intensified over his handling of a student’s complaints about gender identity discussions in a children’s literature class.
Posted in
Higher Education
Texas A&M regents name Christian Hardigree president of newly acquired Victoria campus
System Chancellor Glenn Hegar and the Board of Regents chair have stood by the new president amid criticism from some conservatives about her previous work around diversity and equity.
Posted in
Higher Education
Student who mocked Charlie Kirk’s death “no longer” at Texas State University as clampdowns continue
The university’s announcement came hours after Gov. Greg Abbott called for the student’s expulsion.
Posted in
Higher Education
Texas State fires professor accused of trying to incite political violence in video
Thomas Alter’s lawyer said the professor would seek legal action for being fired after allegedly violating university policy in a video posted on social media.
Posted in
Politics
Federal loopholes may have opened the door for sports betting alternatives that skirt Texas’ gambling ban
While the state’s strict ban on gambling hasn’t changed, fast-growing daily fantasy sports and prediction market apps are giving Texans new ways to wager without leaving home.
Posted in
Higher Education
Texas legislative committees will study freedom of speech on college campuses in wake of Charlie Kirk killing
The committees were made to honor slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk and come as university faculty have come under online scrutiny.
Posted in
Higher Education
Video of clash over gender-identity content in Texas A&M children’s lit class leads to firing, removals
After the video fueled outrage, a professor was fired and two college leaders removed from their administrative roles for approving content inconsistent with the course’s description.
Posted in
Politics
Texas Republican Party sues state to end open primaries
Currently, any Texas voter can cast a ballot in GOP primaries. The party wants to limit eligibility to registered members.
