Government and Politics

Starting April 1, Texans will no longer be allowed to use food stamps to buy sweetened beverages and candy.

Senate Bill 12, passed in the 2023 Texas Legislative session is set to go into effect for the first time tomorrow. Our reporter Samantha Larned explains the so-called 'drag ban bill' has been blocked from enforcement for two years. The Texas Supreme Court has ruled that state Attorney General Ken Paxton can obtain records from LGBTQ+ advocacy group PFLAG. The Texas Newsroom’s Lucio Vasquez reports it’s part of an investigation tied to Texas’ ban on gender-affirming medical care for minors.

Texas is already poised to break a record this year for the largest turnover in its congressional delegation in a single cycle – either because of voluntary retirements or reelection losses. Houston Public Media’s Andrew Schneider reports that will hurt Texas’ ability to address its needs in Washington. And KTTZ's Mia Shephard reports on Covenant Children’s new Small Baby Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, designed for infants born before 30 weeks of gestation.

New state rules change how THC levels are calculated and raise fees on hemp businesses by as much as 4,000%

According to the City of Lubbock, the City Council will set a special election date at its next regular meeting. Rose will remain until his successor is elected.

Officials in Corpus Christi expect a “water emergency” within months and to fully run out of water next year. That would halt jet fuel supplies to Texas airports, trigger a surge in gasoline prices and result in an “economic disaster” without precedent, former officials said.

Texas State Representative Brent Money has formed the Sharia Free Texas Caucus, aligning with previous efforts by Texas Republicans targeting the Muslim community.

Farmers are waiting longer for U.S. Department of Agriculture services. Harvest Public Media’s Macy Byars reports that more than a quarter of USDA employees have left their jobs since late 2024. More than four million Texans cast ballots in this year’s primary elections. The Texas Newsroom’s Lucio Vasquez reports Democratic turnout more than doubled compared with recent primaries and Republican turnout remained strong and consistent.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection this week quietly updated its "Smart Wall" map to remove two "primary border barrier system" projects in the Big Bend area, including one recently slated for Big Bend National Park. Other projects are still listed for parts of Presidio, Jeff Davis and Hudspeth counties.

The San Antonio Republican says he will end his campaign after Republican House leadership called on him to do so amid an ethics investigation.