In an unexpected political alliance, James Talarico publicly supported President Donald Trump’s recent call to suspend the federal gas tax, while also criticizing U.S. Senator John Cornyn for his prior opposition to such measures. Talarico, the Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate, has been advocating for a temporary suspension of the federal gas and diesel…
In a striking display of state power, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has once again compelled a city to comply with his directives by threatening to withdraw public safety grants. This marks the fourth instance in less than a month where Abbott, leading a Republican-dominated state government, has utilized financial leverage to assert control over issues…
Nearly six months after being indicted on federal fraud charges, Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar is now facing a legal effort aimed at his removal from office. Alfonso “Poncho” Casso, a former Laredo City Council member, initiated the petition for Cuellar’s removal in Webb County district court last week. Casso’s petition cites the sheriff’s federal…
In a significant political shift, the recent redistricting of Texas’ 35th Congressional District has led to the Democratic incumbent, Rep. Greg Casar, seeking a different seat. This change has opened the door for a competitive race, resulting in two Democrats and two Republicans advancing to runoff elections, as no candidate secured the requisite 50% of…
As Texas grapples with the demands of a swiftly expanding population, a state fund has made $1.28 billion available this year to support initiatives capable of providing water, even amid severe drought conditions. However, the fund received requests from 23 eligible projects totaling $4.2 billion, leading to the rejection of 13 proposals—the first time in…
Plans for the construction of sections of the border wall in Big Bend National Park have been halted following bipartisan opposition to the project, a senior official from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirmed. CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott indicated that the Trump administration will no longer proceed with plans to build the wall within…
Federal authorities have initiated a civil rights investigation into the Houston Independent School District (HISD), which is currently under state control, concerning its plan to relocate students with disabilities into separate campuses. This move could potentially isolate them from their peers. Earlier this week, Houston ISD Deputy Superintendent Kristen Hole revealed that some students with…
The Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) has appointed Ricky Armstrong as its permanent executive director, solidifying his role after initially serving as interim leader. Armstrong previously held the position of jail administrator in McLennan County before joining the agency as assistant director in 2022. He succeeds Brandon Wood, who retired at the end of…
A 30-year-old man from South Texas was released by federal authorities on Thursday after being deported earlier this year, only to find himself detained once again shortly after his return to the United States. José Contreras Díaz, who was raised in the Rio Grande Valley, had previously lived in Edinburg under the protections of Deferred…
The Texas Education Agency has intervened in the Connally Independent School District (ISD) by appointing Josie Gutierrez, an experienced educator from a nearby Waco district, to spearhead efforts to enhance academic performance. This decision comes as part of a broader initiative by Commissioner Mike Morath, who has recently taken control of several districts struggling with…
