Government and Politics

The House of Representatives was sent home for the duration of the government shutdown. Members returned to the Capitol Wednesday with a lot on their minds.

The new race and gender policy has garnered condemnation from educational rights advocates, including the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, which sent a letter to the board of regents earlier this week arguing that the policy amounted to censorship.

The issue roiled Texas politics earlier this year when Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed a ban on THC products spearheaded by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.

The City of Lubbock will be removing crosswalk artwork in compliance with state and federal mandates. Our Samantha Larned reports that includes those honoring Buddy Holly. Jodey Arrington, U.S. representative for parts of West Texas including Lubbock, confirmed yesterday that he will not be seeking re-election in 2026.

The U.S. agricultural industry depends on undocumented immigrants, but President Trump's immigration crackdown is further depleting an already tight workforce. The labor crisis may be setting the stage for big changes to a federal program that allows foreign workers into the country legally.

After a crackdown on non-standard roadway markings at the federal and state level, the City of Lubbock will be removing public art from several crosswalks, including those paying tribute to Buddy Holly. City officials see the impact in Lubbock as a side-effect of lawmakers’ attempts to target “political messaging” in major cities.

A federal appeals court has ruled that Texas can enforce Senate Bill 12, which restricts "sexually oriented performances" in front of kids. The judges said drag shows aren't necessarily sexual, and the plaintiffs, including a drag performer and two entertainment companies, may not be harmed by the law.

The U.S. House Budget Committee chairman announced he will not be seeking re-election in 2026, just days after his office reported an endorsement from President Donald Trump.

Gov. Greg Abbott formally announced his fourth gubernatorial run in Houston on Sunday. The incumbent Republican, who currently has around $87 million in his campaign war chest, will face two opponents in the 2026 party primary election.

Two members of the Texas Republican Party reportedly were resigned this week. KERA's Penelope Rivera reports the shakeup comes amid a Democratic wave in elections across the U.S. Meanwhile, Texas Tech fans are gearing up for Saturday's home football game against BYU. Our reporter Bishop Van Buren breaks down the top-ten matchup.