State 977
Border Security and Illegal Immigration: A 2024 Year in Review
Illegal immigration and the southern border are central to the American political conversation. A multitude of events, both in Texas and across the nation, have highlighted the complexity and urgency of addressing border security, the social impacts of immigration, and the challenges of crafting solutions to this deeply divisive issue. January marked the beginning of […]
‘Merry Christmas Bill’ Protects Holiday Celebrations at Texas Schools
The holiday season is filled with a variety of different traditions and celebrations, and back in 2013, Texas’ then-Gov. Rick Perry signed into law a bill ensuring that schools are able to display “scenes or symbols” associated with these holidays. House Bill (HB) 308, otherwise known as the “Merry Christmas bill,” enshrined into Texas law […]
Texas Tradition: Tamales at Christmastime
Native Texans know it is not Christmas without tamales. The tender meat-filled masa dough surrounded by a corn husk is a true Texas Christmas tradition. It is likely that the staple of Tex-Mex cuisine originated with the Aztecs, who are said to have served tamales to Spaniards when they came to Mexico in the mid-1500s. […]
The Texas House’s Festive Christmas Tree Ornament Tradition
Presents, ornaments, and a giant pine tree are not what one might expect to see on the floor of the Texas House, but it has become one of the most celebrated practices under the Pink Dome. Every December, the lower chamber of the Texas Legislature continues its long-honored tradition of adorning a Christmas tree on […]
Robert Roberson Does Not Appear at Texas House Committee Hearing
The Texas House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee held a hearing with death row inmate Robert Roberson subpoenaed to appear, but just hours before the hearing was set to take place, the Texas Office of the Attorney General (OAG) cast doubt on his appearance. On the evening prior to the committee hearing, Attorney General Ken Paxton sent […]
Texas Lawmakers Target Misconduct from Public School Contractors After Recent Incidents
A bipartisan group of state lawmakers are seeking ways to crack down on the hiring of public school contract employees who may pose a danger to students following scandals involving inappropriate sexual behavior. Last year, police arrested Austin Independent School District (AISD) tutor Isaiah Xavier Smith for indecency with a child at Akins High School. […]
SpaceX’s ‘Starship’ Water Deluge System Faces Another Environmental Lawsuit
While billionaire Texan Elon Musk continues to launch rockets at his South Texas “Starbase,” new lawsuits from environmental groups are launching allegations against the space exploration company — and now a state regulator tasked with approving permitting for the operation. The South Texas Environmental Justice Network, in partnership with the Carrizo/Comecrudo Tribe of Texas, has […]
House Bill Seeks to Clarify Legality Surrounding Texas Abortion Law
State Rep. Ann Johnson (D-Houston) filed a bill to “ensure medically necessary exceptions” for Texas’ abortion laws by clarifying healthcare providers’ liability when performing abortions for various motivations — alleging that Gov. Greg Abbott banned abortions in Texas with no exceptions. “Texas women were robbed of their freedom. Some were even robbed of their lives. […]
Amarillo Conservative Donor Starts $20 Million Fund to Target 2026 Primary and General Election
Alex Fairly, health care businessman and conservative megadonor from Amarillo, has launched a new initiative to target the 2026 Republican primary and general elections. The Texas Republican Leadership Fund (TRLF) was created with the Texas Ethics Commission on Tuesday, as Fairly’s release said, “out of concern that the Texas House still lacks a united Republican […]
New ‘Make Texans Healthy Again’ Initiative Launches Advocacy Campaign
The “Make America Healthy Again” movement has sparked a nationwide focus on wellness, and a new group in Texas is carrying the torch with a fresh initiative. “Make Texans Healthy Again” or MTHA is a new project started by political consultant Travis McCormick. × This page requires Javascript. Javascript is required for you to be […]
Interview: Chairman Dustin Burrows on the Texas House Speaker Race and Next Session
Chairman Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock) spoke with The Texan on Friday about his candidacy for Texas House speaker, a chaotic weekend in the race, and his policy hopes for the 89th Legislative Session in 2025. Last weekend, Burrows declared he had the votes to be speaker next year while state Rep. David Cook (R-Mansfield) won the […]
Dan Patrick to Purchase Border Wall Materials Auctioned Off by Federal Government
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said in a conversation with Fox News host Laura Ingraham that Texas will begin to make plans to purchase materials for the southern border wall and “give it to [President-elect Donald] Trump.” “I got a billion dollars in my pocket to do it,” Patrick said. “I will go in and buy […]
