Following ban, Texas hemp reps sue state for violating commerce protections

Members of the hemp industry are suing Texas, claiming that the ban on hemp-derived THC products impose an unconstitutional burden on interstate commerce.

by Stephen Simpson, The Texas Tribune August 3, 2026August 3, 2026

Three members of the hemp industry are suing the state of Texas for violating commerce protections after it was announced last week that nearly all hemp-derived THC products are illegal. On Friday, two hemp retailers and a distributor filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas against the Texas […]

Texas News

Texas lawmakers want to halt plan to build high-voltage transmission lines across the state

Amid a backlash, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and a chorus of state senators said the the state’s plan for building new high-voltage transmission lines needs to be changed as the oil and gas industry faces an electricity shortage.

by Carlos Nogueras Ramos, The Texas Tribune August 1, 2026August 1, 2026

Texas News

Dan Patrick directs Texas Senate to study ways to further ingrain religion into public life

The lieutenant governor released seven new charges for state senators to study before the Legislature reconvenes, including ways to ‘inform and remind Texans of their religious liberty rights.’

by Alejandro Serrano, The Texas Tribune July 27, 2026July 27, 2026

Texas News

Days after fatal ICE shooting, Texas GOP leaders remain silent about calls for independent probes

Almost none of the state’s major Republican officials have weighed in on the killing of a Houston man by federal agents, and U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia of Houston said she had not spoken with Gov. Greg Abbott.

by Alejandro Serrano and Gabby Birenbaum, The Texas Tribune July 10, 2026July 10, 2026

News

Texas Senate panel lays groundwork for renewed push to ban THC products

THC’s effects on issues ranging from homelessness to mental health were examined at Tuesday’s meeting with the Texas Senate Committee on Health and Human Services.

by Stephen Simpson, The Texas Tribune July 8, 2026July 8, 2026

Texas News

Less diverse history, more Bible stories in public schools get initial OK by Texas board

The State Board of Education will hold a final vote Friday on incorporating more Christian stories into classrooms and deemphasizing race and cultural diversity in history lessons.

by Jaden Edison, The Texas Tribune June 25, 2026June 25, 2026

Texas News

Texas’ big health priorities — dementia research, food labeling and ivermectin — have hit roadblocks

Priorities for Republican leadership last legislative session have either been stuck in the courts or left to linger in the state rulemaking process.

by Terri Langford, The Texas Tribune June 23, 2026June 23, 2026

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a purported champion of religious liberty, just can't stand it when people don't believe what he does.

Assclown Alert

Assclown Alert: Sending the sinners to Hell with Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick

Patrick’s had a long, embarrassing history of painting himself as a the state’s chief guardian of Christian virtue. In reality, he’s far from it.

by Sanford Nowlin June 23, 2026June 23, 2026

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick speaks to delegates and attendees at the 2026 Texas State Republican Convention on Friday, June 12, 2026 in Houston.

Texas News

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says James Talarico will ‘go to hell’ for his view of the Bible

A GOP leader, Patrick has been a staunch advocate for conservative Christian values in his role presiding over the Texas Senate.

by Alejandro Serrano, The Texas Tribune June 13, 2026June 13, 2026

State lawmakers and their families bow their heads during the invocation on the House floor during the opening ceremony of the 89th Texas legislative session at the Capitol in Austin on Jan. 14, 2025.

Texas News

National Democrats aim to flip 12 Texas House seats under newly expanded target list

Republicans would have just a 76-74 majority in the Texas House if the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee succeeds in flipping its targeted GOP districts.

by Kayla Guo, The Texas Tribune June 3, 2026June 3, 2026

Protesters mourn the death of academic freedom during a mock funeral that began at the University of Texas at Austin on May 20, 2026. Some critics say the state's efforts to ban diversity, equity and inclusion is hampering what's taught on college campuses.

Texas News

UT System, community colleges complying with Texas’ DEI ban, auditors find

The state’s spot review found Texas public colleges were not using diversity, equity and inclusion efforts on campuses.

by Jessica Priest, The Texas Tribune May 23, 2026May 23, 2026

Veronica Viera drives to pick up her children from school in Houston on April 26, 2026. A DACA recipient and mother of four children, Viera had her commercial license revoked late last year and is now finding work as an Uber driver.

Texas News

Texas took their licenses. Now these immigrant truckers face lost livelihoods, sense of betrayal

Texas was among the first states to heed Trump administration directives to revoke commercial driver’s licenses from some immigrants as a safety measure.

By Colleen De Guzman and Alex NguyenMay 11, 2026May 11, 2026

Rena Schroeder poses for a portrait on her ranch where she runs an equine learning nonprofit and cares for rescue livestock in Lott on May 4, 2026.

Texas News

Texas Republicans have a data center problem

Data center construction is unpopular among locals, and a majority of the facilities are being proposed in red, rural counties. That puts Texas Republicans in a tough spot, as the White House has encouraged states to let the centers flourish.

By Taylor GoldensteinMay 7, 2026May 7, 2026

State Rep. Salman Bhojani is sworn in on floor of the Texas House of Representatives.

Texas News

‘McCarthyism with a Texas accent’

Texas State Representative Salman Bhojani on the (not so) new rise of politicized Islamophobia.

by Gus Bova, The Texas Observer May 6, 2026May 6, 2026

A man stares at damage caused by the Fourth of July flood in Ingram on July 5, 2025.

San Antonio News

Texas legislators investigating July 4 floods to hold first hearings

The two-day hearing marks the first public session for the joint state House and Senate flood investigating committees. Members previously visited Camp Mystic, where 27 girls and the director died.