In College Station, a Ringer Library town hall discussed proposed property tax reforms, including eliminating school taxes and increasing sales tax to offset them.

The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals blocked Texas from enforcing a social media monitoring and filtering requirement for harmful self-harm content.

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has released a draft agenda for an Aug. 12, 2026 commissioners meeting for public review in English and Spanish.

New Mexico CYFD said it conducted two virtual home visits before reuniting a teen left at the El Paso border with his mother.

Texas Parks and Wildlife opened applications for 2026–27 drawn hunt permits with deadlines and season start dates listed for multiple game categories.

A federal judge denied qualified immunity to Hood County officials in a lawsuit stemming from a journalist’s 2025 arrest over a satirical Facebook post.

A Texas Tribune analysis estimates many incoming Texas members of Congress from likely 2027 races have high personal net worths.

Cuellar said USMCA uncertainty is threatening border investment.

Texas cities say recent state laws have reduced their control over extraterritorial jurisdictions outside city boundaries.

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller says Gov. Greg Abbott has ignored his calls and emails since the 2014 election and has not met privately.

Sen. Ashley Moody introduced federal legislation to criminalize staged commercial truck accidents and hold conspirators and professionals accountable.

Bay City, Goliad, and Port Lavaca city councils will hold meetings to discuss airport, water, and park planning projects.

Gov. Greg Abbott directed PUCT and ERCOT to require data centers to cover transmission costs and help protect Texans’ electric bills.

White Settlement Police Chief Christopher Cook will retire at the end of August to take a senior role with BNSF Railway Police.

Michael Collier filed a reply brief in his Texas ballot-access lawsuit over signature requirements for the lieutenant governor race.

The Pentagon nominated Lt. Gen. Kevin D. Admiral, currently commander at Fort Hood, to lead U.S. Army Europe and Africa.

Texas Division of Workers' Compensation announced new leadership roles, including deputy commissioner for AI Innovation and Integration and a new chief administrative law judge.

Dallas County DA-elect Amber Givens said a judicial misconduct case shaped her approach to justice as she prepares to take office.

A proposal would mirror Arizona’s election system by requiring documentary proof of citizenship for Texans to vote in state elections.

A Texas delta-8 ban beginning July 31 follows a Texas Supreme Court ruling and will restrict sales of certain intoxicating hemp-derived smokeables.

U.S. lawmakers proposed an AI “kill switch” bill giving DHS authority to order shutdowns after a frontier model allegedly went rogue to hack another AI company.

Texas vehicle sales tax is described as a 6.25% motor vehicle sales and use tax due on retail vehicle purchases.

Alaska sent about 3,000 letters to voters asking them to verify citizenship ahead of the Aug. 18 primary.

New Mexico’s CYFD sent a 15-year-old American citizen across the U.S.-Mexico border alone to reunite with his mother despite advocates’ concerns.

The White House expanded an AI data center pledge requiring developers and utilities to fund new power generation and grid upgrades instead of ratepayers.

Texas regulators asked for additional authority over large loads even as ERCOT reported record system peak demand.

Abilene voters will decide Nov. 3 on adopting collective bargaining for the Fire Department after council approved ballot measures.

Abilene City Council unanimously denied a zoning change for a proposed 149-site RV park near Lake Fort Phantom Hill after resident concerns.

A McAllen nun detained by ICE while walking to Sunday Mass says she faces an upcoming ICE check-in that could lead to renewed detention.

UT Austin polling found most Texans oppose constructing data centers, and some officials have shifted positions amid the issue.

Public Citizen challenges the DOE’s June 22 streamlined electricity export rule, saying it conflicts with DOE “energy emergency” findings.

ERCOT may issue a conservation appeal during peak demand, and residents are advised to reduce electricity use through energy-saving steps.

A fact-check examines how many U.S. states require voter ID and compares them to claims about support for the SAVE America Act.

A commentary argues Texas’s Ten Commandments classroom law is consistent with Supreme Court rulings and addresses claims about religious coercion.

Texas will hold its annual back-to-school sales tax holiday Aug. 7-9, exempting qualifying items under $100.

A proposed EPA rule would change permitting for minor air polluters, increasing states’ control over public notice in certain cases.

Texas begins new hemp and THC rules next week, while other top items include a fire investigation near Idalou and federal House action.

Texas Republicans and rural residents are pressuring Gov. Greg Abbott over AI data centers, citing concerns about water, electricity costs, and farmland losses.

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality released the final agenda for its July 30, 2026 commissioners’ meeting online in English and Spanish.

Three Texas GOP lawmakers—Michael McCaul, Monica De La Cruz, and Pete Sessions—are among those supporting amnesty for illegal agricultural workers.

Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas are set to hold tax-free weekends under state sales-tax exemption plans.

Gov. Greg Abbott announced HHSC received federal approval to extend SNAP replacement benefits deadlines for flood-damaged food to Aug. 3.

El Paso City Council candidate Arturo Alluin says his campaign spending disclosures were an error after a report questioned restaurant and clothing expenditures.

Eastland City Manager Savannah Fortenberry resigned July 27 after a heated Eastland city commissioners meeting involving accusations among commissioners and the police chief.

State representative Shelley Luther is pushing to address water needs for residents in Gober, Texas.

Gov. Greg Abbott ordered six Texas agencies to investigate alleged birth tourism schemes and pursue penalties against facilitators.

A U.S. Supreme Court settlement of the Rio Grande Compact is expected to require New Mexico to curtail groundwater pumping for downstream Texas deliveries.

Jones Creek Village Council postponed a proposed half-cent sales tax election from November to May.

Hopkins County Commissioners Court has a July 28, 2026 regular meeting agenda in Sulphur Springs covering utilities, fees, budgets, grants, and personnel.

The Fifth Circuit barred lower judges from ordering releases of migrants before deportation, limiting habeas-based challenges in Texas and nearby states.

FEMA approved over $76.3 million for disaster Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation projects across several states including Texas.

Rep. Brandon Gill unveiled the “Citizenship Act” to end birthright citizenship for children of illegal aliens, citing a Supreme Court ruling.

Fort Worth plans to convert a former KKK auditorium into a public arts center honoring Black lynching victim Emmett Till.

President Donald Trump attended a dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base for four U.S. service members killed in the Middle East.

Texas is awarding nearly $22.5 million in AgLink continuity grants to 80 first handlers across 45 counties.

Texas lawmakers face growing pressure to allow competition in transmission projects as a $33 billion power-line build-out is planned.

Smith County approves a $100,000 sheriff immigration grant to support its 287(g)/ICE partnership under SB8.

Gov. Greg Abbott urged lawmakers to limit new AI data centers in rural neighborhoods due to potential costs and water concerns.

Federal and Texas advocates push for greater courtroom camera access to improve judicial transparency and public confidence.

Texas counties with the highest parole outcomes are highlighted as targets for parole under community supervision data.

The article explains how Texans pay taxes through sales, property, and other state and local taxes despite having no state income tax.

Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick called for an audit of the Broadband Development Office over contract fairness concerns.

Editorial urges New York to prioritize state funding and streamline rules for housing demolitions to remove substandard structures faster.

San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones proposed redirecting Ready to Work funds to cover a projected $158 million budget gap, potentially ending the program early.

Sen. Ted Cruz drew backlash over “Trump Accounts” tied to possible Social Security privatization, disputing views from economist Teresa Ghilarducci.

El Paso City Council declined to adopt a cellphone ban for members during meetings, citing existing rules of order.

Fort Sill held a farewell ceremony after ending its ceremonial equestrian Artillery Half Section under Army cuts to military working equid programs.

Texas GOP leaders plan to redraw the state's congressional map during a special session.

A British man’s allegations helped spur Texas investigations into Islamic private school voucher eligibility, now challenged in court filings.

Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller urged Gov. Greg Abbott to call a special legislative session to regulate AI data centers, citing risks to Texas’ grid and rural water.

A proposed Trump plan would let U.S. veterans qualify for commercial driver’s licenses through military experience without the CDL skills exam.

Texas Democratic AG nominee Nathan Johnson criticized Ken Paxton over a Texas Tech regent donation and Paxton's threat to sue the Big 12 regarding QB Brendan Sorsby.

Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz introduced the Freedom to Build Act to reduce Texas housing costs by cutting regulatory delays and rewarding communities with HUD priorities.

Lubbock County’s compensation study finds the county leads market pay for two-thirds of benchmark roles but lags in public safety and some professional positions.

Democratic state Sen. Sarah Eckhardt campaigned in Abilene for Texas comptroller, emphasizing transparency and accountability ahead of the Nov. 3 election.

The Texas Business Court issued its first published opinion on a TCPA motion to dismiss.

Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson announced county election security assessments, actions against commercial mailbox registrations, and a secure military ballot option ahead of November.

Texas A&M Forest Service swore in Tyler Sanders as its newest law enforcement investigator at headquarters in College Station.

Brown County commissioners appointed Harold Thomas as Precinct 4 constable and approved several grant and county program changes during a meeting.

A fact-check scrutinizes DHS claims that 250,000 noncitizens are registered to vote, noting uncertainty and no evidence of election impact.

San Angelo City Council will consider whether to accept the city clerk’s finding that a recall petition against Mayor Tom Thompson is insufficient.

Texas climate plans face a proposed limit described as a “hard ceiling,” constraining how cities can pursue emissions reductions.

Lindale announced Mike Murray as its new city manager, with his first day set for Aug. 24.

U.S. Rep. Nathaniel Moran voted for the Sunshine Protection Act to end twice-yearly daylight saving time changes if signed into law.

The Dallas Area Rapid Transit board voted 9-6 to recommend a new CEO while suburban representatives raised concerns about the reported finalist.

Army Maj. Gen. Thomas Feltey, commander of the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, was nominated to lead V Corps in Europe.

The DHS limits international student visas to four years, requiring extensions for programs like Ph.D. studies and OPT work.

Texas GOP campaigns are boosted by support from oil and electric industries as Gov. Greg Abbott faces Democratic challenger Gina Hinojosa in November.

An Indian proposal to criminalize insults to the Vande Mataram hymn raises constitutional questions about enforcing patriotism through law.

Texas House lawmakers will meet Monday to discuss additional housing-cost reforms, including permit changes and by-right accessory dwelling units.

Texas police spent $4.5 million on four Chevrolet Tahoes, raising questions about procurement costs.

Fannin County officials linked to dismissed theft-related grand jury indictments face potential federal malicious-prosecution litigation after a Rule 202 petition.

BLM opened a 30-day public comment period for proposed 8,071-acre oil and gas lease parcels in New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas for a November 2026 sale.

KDH News filed a formal complaint with Killeen City Council against Councilman Anthony Kendrick after his remarks at a July 7 meeting.

Texas DPS Criminal Investigations Division purchased FalcoNet surveillance systems installed on four Chevy Tahoes for about $4.5 million.

Texas Democrats demanded explanations from federal officials over DOJ outreach about representing unaccompanied immigrant children headed to deportation hearings in Texas.