Hill Country News 3160
Texas A&M Joins UNT, UT in Raising Threshold for ‘Free’ Undergraduate Tuition
Texas A&M University (TAMU) has joined a wave of public universities in Texas decreasing costs for incoming college students by offering “free” tuition, as higher education policies in the state government continue to diffuse through public institutions. In an announcement released last month, TAMU stated they are taking “two major steps” to keep “Aggie education
Texas House and Senate Priorities Compared and Contrasted in 2026 Interim Charges
Both chambers of the Texas Legislature released interim charges last week, their leadership-designated focuses for the following months leading up to the 90th Legislative Session, with many similarities and some contrasting priorities. The Texas House of Representatives placed a particular emphasis on oversight of passed legislation and state agencies, while the Texas Senate leaned more
The Trump EPA official in charge of the gas regulations assisted in creating an oil business challenge.
An effort to release regulations on methane pollution is being led by associate administrator at the Environmental Protection Agency, Aaron Szabo. Bloomberg/Getty Graphics Unknown author of important industry arguments against those exact rules, who was a member of the Trump administration’s lobbying team, was an unnamed author who was leading an effort to loosen the
Target The Texas Offshore Spring “Wake Up”
There’s a point every year when things begin to shift offshore along the Texas coast. It’s not dramatic, and it doesn’t happen overnight, but if you spend enough time on the water you can feel it. The cold, inconsistent days of late winter start giving way to longer stretches of stable weather, water temperatures creep
Texas Man, Convicted Rapist Pleads Guilty to Involvement in Online Child Sex Abuse Network
A Texas man has pleaded guilty to his participation in an expansive child sexual abuse network, after being named in a federal indictment while already serving out a sentence for child rape. Twenty-six-year-old Kaleb Christopher Merritt from Spring pleaded guilty to a count regarding his involvement from 2019 to 2022 in CVLT, pronounced “cult,” which
Most Consumable Hemp Products Become Illegal in Texas Today
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) announced new rules regarding consumable hemp products, and published an official program rule text which will go into effect on Tuesday, March 31. Consequently, certain consumable hemp products will be affected in Texas, including popular smokable products like THCa flower and pre-rolled joints. × This page requires
Here’s a Look at the Public Education Priorities in the Texas Legislature Interim Charges
Both the Texas House and Senate released their 2026 interim charges last week, with some mutual educational priorities and other chamber-specific areas of focus. Interim charges outline what lawmakers in the Texas House and Senate will focus on leading up to the next legislative session, and provide a way for legislators to examine specific issues
Free Gulf Great White Shark Day Coming To Port Arthur
The Museum of the Gulf Coast in Port Arthur, TX will host an exciting, family-friendly event celebrating one of the ocean’s most fascinating predators during “Great White Sharks in the Gulf Family Day” on Saturday, June 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public. Fittingly, June 20 is
Fort Bend County Judge KP George Stripped of Signing Authority After Money Laundering Conviction
Following the felony conviction of Fort Bend County Judge KP George, the county commissioners court re-assigned the judge’s signing authority and voted to designate Commissioner Grady Prestage (D-Pct. 2) as the presiding officer should George be found ineligible to serve. Last week, a jury found George guilty on felony counts of money laundering and tampering
Here’s a Closer Look at the Texas House Interim Charges
Among the Texas House’s interim charges released by House Speaker Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock) on Thursday are several broaching issues related to artificial intelligence (AI), foreign actors, health and social policy, criminal justice, the Texas workforce, and the state’s economy as a whole. These charges will shape the House members’ next several months leading up to
Hunt County Officials Deny Plat Application Approval for ‘EPIC City,’ ‘The Meadow’ Subdivision
The Hunt County Commissioners Court passed a resolution this week denying approval for the subdivision plat application for the proposed subdivision connected to the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) called The Meadow, formerly known as EPIC City. The proposal involves 402 acres in Hunt and Collin counties and would house a mosque, a K-12 school,
Dan Patrick Releases Second Round of Senate Interim Charges Ahead of 90th Legislative Session
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has released a more extensive list of Texas Senate interim charges, addressing a number of issues including data center growth, criminal justice, surrogacy exploitation, prediction market gambling, Texas’ electric grid, and government accountability. Similar to the Texas House’s interim charges released on Thursday, Patrick included a focus on identifying and weeding
