Gov. Greg Abbott appointed the hard-right, former state senator to lead the office as it oversees Texas’ launch of a $1 billion school voucher program.
Politics
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Energy
Texas lawmakers want to halt plan to build high-voltage transmission lines across the state
Amid a backlash, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and a chorus of state senators said the the state’s plan for building new high-voltage transmission lines needs to be changed as the oil and gas industry faces an electricity shortage.
Posted in
Immigration
Texas land commissioner orders feds to stop “illegally” clearing state border tract
Dawn Buckingham said a contractor hired by U.S. Customs and Border Protection trespassed and significantly altered land in Presidio County without permission.
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Politics
North Texas suburbs resisting new housing laws garner Abbott’s rebuke
Some cities are trying to make it more difficult to build apartments under a new housing law.
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2026 Texas Elections
Ken Paxton unveils economic plan centered on tax breaks in U.S. Senate race
The Republican attorney general is starting a tour next week to promote the plan, which would create new housing and healthcare tax write-offs.
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Health care
Texas has banned several THC products. Find out what is still legal.
Although several synthetically derived cannabis products were banned starting July 31, delta-9 THC products will still remain legal.
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2026 Texas Elections
Texas could send a record four GOP women to Congress — if they make it through November
Despite sending more Republicans to Congress than any other state, Texas has elected only five GOP women to the U.S. House in its history. Redistricting and retirements could change things.
Posted in
Energy
ERCOT: Texas’ power grid meeting record demand now, but could falter when it doubles by 2032
Solar and battery power generations have helped bolster ERCOT’s grid, but data center, population and economic growth is slated to surge demand.
Posted in
Data Centers in Texas
Small plots of land fuel big suspicions among Lubbock residents, who fear it’s for a data center
Despite community concerns, the president of the Lubbock Economic Development Alliance said neither piece of land would be conducive for a data center.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Ken Paxton’s campaign says he will debate James Talarico in Texas’ U.S. Senate race
Paxton’s campaign said he plans to debate after Talarico challenged him to do so, though it did not commit to a specific host.
