Texas Gov. Greg Abbott rocks headlines as he sharpens immigration policy and funding leverage; longtime Texas AG, Republican, in office since 2015.
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.
West Virginia’s education funding remains flat as the state grapples with potential insolvency of several counties. The Hope Scholarship program has grown with 14,000 student participants, while lawmakers debate per‑pupil spending and special‑education funding amid calls for reform.
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.
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld Texas’ Ten Commandments display in public schools, ruling it does not violate students’ or parents’ rights. The decision reinforces similar laws in Louisiana and Alabama and comes as debates over religion in classrooms intensify, with several states proposing or expanding displays and Bible-related curricula.
The Texas Camp Mystic owners have informed regulators they are withdrawing their application for a 2026 summer license as investigations continue into flood-evacuation failures that killed 25 campers last July. Regulators have issued a deficiency-letter and are reviewing emergency plans before any reopening can occur.
The Eid event at Epic Waters in Grand Prairie has been cancelled after Texas Gov. Abbott threatened to withhold public safety funds. Organizer Aminah Knight had advertised the event as Muslim-only, prompting criticism and prompting changes to emphasize modest dress and inclusivity.
The South Carolina governor has signaled a special session on redistricting as Republicans push to redraw maps. Key issues include potentially eliminating Rep. Jim Clyburn’s Democratic seat and concerns about a “dummymander” that could dilute Black representation. The move follows pressure from Trump allies and intra-party splits among Republicans.
All-Republican Texas Supreme Court has refused Governor Abbott’s attempt to use the quorum break by Democratic lawmakers to block or reverse the redistricting maps; the court says the issue was resolved without judicial intervention as lawmakers returned and the maps were passed into law.
Texas Children’s Hospital has agreed to a $10 million settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice and Texas authorities over Medicaid billing for gender-affirming care, firing five doctors and setting up a detransition clinic for five years. The deal comes amid a broader push by states to restrict or ban gender-related treatments for minors and accompanies a court-ordered review of practices.
Ken Paxton has won the Texas Republican Senate runoff over John Cornyn with President Trump’s endorsement, setting a November matchup against Democrat James Talarico. Democrats have raised emergency funds and cast Paxton’s scandals as an opening; some Republicans warn his nomination will force resource shifts and could hurt down‑ballot races.
The New World screwworm has been detected in a 3-week-old calf in La Pryor, Texas, marking the first U.S. cattle case since eradication in the 1960s. Authorities have declared an infused zone, are dispersing sterile flies, and are expanding facilities to contain and eradicate the pest. Mexico reports rising animal cases and a first human case in 2025, prompting border controls and a broad, ongoing response.