Texas Gov. Greg Abbott faces new immigration funding threats amid ongoing debates over border policies. He’s been in office since 2015.
On February 1, 2026, Democrat Taylor Rehmet won a Texas State Senate special election in a traditionally Republican Fort Worth district by over 14 points, overturning a 17-point Trump margin from 2024. The victory signals shifting Hispanic voter support and growing Democratic momentum ahead of the November midterms. Rehmet must defend the seat in November, while Republicans face challenges in Texas primaries.
Several US states are considering or implementing measures to phase out homeowner property taxes, citing affordability concerns. Georgia, Florida, and North Dakota are leading efforts, with debates focusing on funding public services and the political implications of tax reform.
Multiple US states are engaged in mid-decade redistricting, facing legal challenges and court rulings. Florida's governor faces a lawsuit over his redistricting proclamation, while courts in Virginia and Utah block or review district maps. The process impacts control of Congress ahead of 2026 midterms.
Unseasonably cold weather in Florida has caused thousands of invasive green iguanas to become cold-stunned and fall from trees. Wildlife officials are collecting and humanely killing the reptiles, which cause environmental damage. Some residents are also collecting and preparing the animals for consumption, highlighting ongoing invasive species control efforts.
Spain's government announced a pathway to legal status for hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants, aiming to address demographic decline and economic needs. The move faces opposition from political parties concerned about public services and national identity, highlighting the complex politics of immigration in Europe.
North Carolina's Senate race is a key battleground with both parties nominating candidates. Cooper, a Democrat, faces Whatley, backed by Trump, in a contest that could influence control of the Senate. The race is highly expensive and closely watched, with primary results expected tonight.
James Talarico, a Democratic candidate, wins the Texas primary amid voting chaos and Republican runoff battles. He now faces either scandal-plagued Ken Paxton or incumbent John Cornyn in a highly expensive and closely watched race. The primary saw record spending and voting issues in Dallas, with national attention on Texas's political shift.
Texas's new private school voucher program faces lawsuits from Muslim parents and Islamic schools over alleged religious discrimination. Meanwhile, Oklahoma's rejection of a religious Jewish charter school prompts state intervention, raising constitutional questions about religious education and public funding. The legal disputes highlight ongoing debates over religious rights in education.
Multiple sources reveal that civil rights icon Cesar Chavez sexually abused young girls during his leadership of the farmworker movement. The allegations, reported by The New York Times and others, include accounts from Dolores Huerta and victims, prompting calls to remove Chavez's memorials and reevaluate his legacy. Biden and Newsom have yet to comment.
California officials are considering replacing Cesar Chavez Day with Farmworker Day following sexual abuse allegations against Chavez. Several cities and states are canceling or postponing Chavez-related events, reflecting a shift in how the farm labor movement's history is recognized.
A large explosion occurred at the Valero refinery in Port Arthur, Texas, causing smoke and shaking homes. No injuries were reported. Residents were advised to stay indoors as emergency services responded. The incident coincides with rising gas prices linked to global oil supply concerns.
Texas Republican lawmakers are being urged by Stephen Miller, a Trump ally, to pass legislation restricting public education funding to children of those 'lawfully present' in the US. This challenges Supreme Court precedent and reflects ongoing partisan debates over immigration policy in the state.
The 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld Texas law allowing the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. The ruling reverses a lower court decision, citing no violation of the First Amendment, and sets the stage for a potential Supreme Court review. Critics oppose the law, arguing it breaches separation of church and state.
Texas Governor Abbott has announced that Houston, Dallas, and Austin face losing over $200 million in public safety funding unless they amend policies related to immigration enforcement. The cities have adopted rules limiting police cooperation with federal immigration authorities, prompting legal and political confrontations. The dispute is ongoing as cities prepare to defend their policies.