The president and CEO of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), Pablo Vegas, faced backlash this week after a proposed contract that could have granted him up to $6.4 million next year was brought to light. Following strong criticism from Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Vegas announced that the contract would not be executed, and…
As Don Huffines transitioned into his role as the new Texas comptroller this summer, he took the initiative to meet with key staff members to familiarize himself with their responsibilities. Accompanying him was his recently appointed deputy, Noah Betz. Betz, a recent graduate of Texas A&M University with a degree in business administration, has quickly…
ODESSA — On Tuesday, a legislative committee will convene to hear from the Texas Railroad Commission as the agency prepares to revise its regulations concerning inactive oil and gas wells, a requirement established by state law. The Railroad Commission is responsible for overseeing oil and gas production in Texas, which includes managing nearly 160,000 inactive…
On Sunday, Bo French, the Republican candidate for Texas Railroad Commissioner, stirred controversy by posting a series of inflammatory social media messages targeting students of color who were celebrating at a University of Texas football game. His remarks have prompted significant backlash within his party just weeks ahead of the November election. The day after…
In a recent campaign advertisement, Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has employed familiar elements from the state’s college football culture to satirize Democratic candidates as the November elections approach. The ad, which seems to be AI-generated, raises questions about the use of university branding in political contexts. Texas universities have strict regulations regarding the use…
A Texas judge has denied custody to an Alaskan surrogate in her pursuit of guardianship over a medically fragile infant she delivered in Dallas. This ruling has prompted the surrogate, McKenna West, to seek intervention from the U.S. Supreme Court following an unfavorable decision from Texas courts. In a filing submitted on Wednesday, West’s attorneys…
DALLAS — At the GOP midterm convention, Texas Republicans presented a dual narrative regarding the economy, juxtaposing their achievements with the challenges faced by voters. They highlighted popular initiatives such as tax breaks for workers in the tip and overtime sectors as evidence of the party’s commitment to supporting working families, while attributing the ongoing…
ODESSA — The Public Utility Commission of Texas has recently authorized a contentious 370-mile transmission line project, contingent upon two transmission companies collaborating with landowners to implement adjustments. This initiative, known as the Howard Solstice transmission line, aims to facilitate the transportation of electricity through South Texas, primarily benefiting the oil and gas sector in…
The Texas Supreme Court has ruled against Galveston County’s implementation of new voting district boundaries for the upcoming November general election, determining that the county officials improperly altered district lines after the primaries. In an unsigned opinion, the court emphasized that state law mandates the uniform and consistent conduct of elections across Texas, instructing Galveston…
Recent findings from a state report highlight the need for greater transparency regarding Texas’s expenditures on temporary housing for foster children and the financial activities of private contractors involved in foster care services. The Legislative Budget Board’s 2026 Strategic Fiscal Review indicated that the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) could enhance its…
