American politician, attorney, and jurist; Texas governor since 2015
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.
Since late May, Trump-endorsed candidates have reshaped key Republican primaries: Ken Paxton has beaten John Cornyn in Texas and will face Democrat James Talarico in November; in South Carolina Trump has backed Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and Sen. Lindsey Graham has secured the president's endorsement for his fifth-term bid. Democrats are raising funds and recalibrating strategy in response.
The New World screwworm re-emerged in Texas after decades of eradication, with a calf found in La Pryor marking the first U.S. cattle case since the 1960s. Authorities are deploying sterile flies, expanding production, and tightening cross-border controls as Canada imposes imports limits and additional cases emerge in Texas.
A wave of local and state actions is shaping the data-center boom. New rules aim to curb power use, water consumption and cost pressures, while critics warn of overreach and uneven economic impacts.
Cornyn has acknowledged his defeat in the Texas Senate race, warning that Trump’s continued loyalty requirements risk fracturing the party. He says Republicans will grapple with a bumpy seven months ahead while colleagues gain more room to maneuver.
Police are in a standoff with a suspect after a shooting near a Midland veterinary hospital. Authorities report multiple injuries and a confirmed fatality as the scene remains active this morning. Dozens of officers and armored units are on site, with hospital staff treating victims.
At the Texas GOP convention in Houston, delegates debate the party platform amid pressure for unity. An elephant mascot, Paige, disrupts proceedings when she urinates in the aisle, drawing national attention as Abbott weighs a more assertive stance on key issues.
A hospital shooting in Wilmington has been reported around 3:30 p.m. Local officials say the attack appears targeted and isolated. The second victim’s condition remains unclear as police search for a suspect who remains at large. Emergency operations were diverted to keep patients and staff safe while the lockdown was lifted late Tuesday night.
Solar generation has surpassed coal in the US grid, led by rooftop and utility-scale projects, signaling a growing dominance of renewables. The Energy Information Administration data show renewables outpacing coal in total power delivery, with solar near the gap but not yet yearly total. The trend continues as demand climbs and permitting hurdles persist.
The Texas App Store Accountability Act remains active after the Supreme Court declines to intervene, letting the 5th Circuit panel's ruling stand while litigation continues. The act requires age-verification measures for app stores and parental consent for downloads by minors. Courts have split over whether the law violates the First Amendment, with ongoing challenges in lower courts.
Governor Kathy Hochul has signed an executive order imposing a one-year pause on state permits for new hyperscale data centres that use 50 megawatts or more. The order directs regulators to produce an environmental impact review and considers requiring centres to pay for their own power, contribute to grid upgrades and lose tax breaks.
Flash flood waves sweep across Texas Hill Country, prompting high-water rescues, road closures and disaster declarations. Authorities warn the deluge could crest near last year’s record levels as more storms threaten the region.