state-government20.54 min read
TX lawmakers push to drop fiber-optic rule for summer camps
20 days ago•Source: The Texas Tribune
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33.99 min•27 days ago
Camp Mystic director apologizes as Texas flood investigation unfolds
At a state House and Senate flood hearing, Camp Mystic director Edward Eastland apologized to families whose children died in last year’s flood, saying they tried their hardest and regretting not communicating sooner. Lawmakers heard harrowing accounts from grieving parents, assessed the camp’s preparedness and evacuation plans, and debated license renewal with the Texas Department of State Health Services, with some suggesting shutdown if deficiencies aren’t fixed. The testimony underscored the trauma for survivors and the political pressure surrounding Camp Mystic’s future.
25.85 min•1 month ago
Texas governor withholds millions to press cities on ICE policy
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Md. Moves Glock-Switch Handgun Ban, Bill Heads to Governor
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Texas hemp groups sue to block smokeable-ban and licensing spike
Texas hemp industry leaders have sued the state to halt new regulations from the Department of State Health Services and the Health and Human Services Commission that ban natural smokeable hemp products and sharply raise licensing fees; they argue the agencies overstepped their authority by redefining hemp and by counting total THC (including THCA) for compliance, which would ban popular products like THCA flower and pre-rolled joints and jack up fees for facilities and retailers, while state officials cite youth-safety concerns and rising cannabis-poisoning calls as justification.
Texas Schools Ordered to Omit Cesar Chavez from Lessons
The Texas Education Agency directs all public schools to remove mentions of Cesar Chavez from lesson plans and to cancel or redirect Chavez Day events amid sexual abuse allegations; the move accompanies ongoing revisions to Texas social studies standards, with districts like Austin shifting observances to Dolores Huerta and Houston renaming Chavez Day to Farmworkers Day.
Abbott presses Corpus Christi over looming water crisis with threat of state takeover
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott criticized Corpus Christi leaders for delaying action on a looming water shortage and warned the state may intervene to ensure residents have reliable taps; the city has about $1 billion in supply projects coming online later this year or next, but ongoing industrial demand, drought and past planning missteps could trigger shortages within a year, prompting conservation measures and new desalination efforts that are years away.
Abbott, Patrick cruise to GOP primaries, shaping Texas reelection race
Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick easily won their Republican primaries, keeping their bids for reelection alive; Democrat Gina Hinojosa captured the nomination to challenge Abbott, while Austin's Vikki Goodwin led the Democratic field for lieutenant governor. Abbott framed the race around conservative governance and tax restraint, with Patrick touting his leadership in the Texas Senate and alignment with Trump. Democrats hope the high-profile U.S. Senate contest could bolster turnout down the ticket.
Texas Lt. Gov. presses to delay Camp Mystic reopening until flood probe concludes
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick urged the Texas Department of State Health Services to withhold Camp Mystic’s summer license renewal until a legislative inquiry into the July 4 Guadalupe River flood deaths is finished, amid a federal lawsuit accusing state officials of failing to enforce evacuation rules; Camp Mystic plans to reopen on a separate Cypress Lake property, prompting criticism from families and lawmakers about safety and regulatory oversight.
Maryland Moves to End Local ICE 287(g) Collaborations
Maryland’s Legislature approved emergency bills to bar local governments and police from partnering with ICE through the 287(g) program, which allows jail staff to check immigration status and detain noncitizens for up to 48 hours. The Senate passed the measure 32-12 and the House 99-40; eight counties already participate, with Wicomico County newly joining. Gov. Wes Moore has criticized ICE, and the 287(g) ban could take effect immediately if signed. A separate Senate measure banning law enforcement from wearing face coverings also passed, but faces potential constitutional challenges and would be a civil offense with a $1,500 fine.
Texas Education Agency warns districts could face state takeover over student walkouts
The Texas Education Agency issued guidance warning that districts could be taken over by the state, lose funding, or face other penalties if they facilitate student walkouts or “inappropriate political activism,” a response to Gov. Greg Abbott’s directive to have Education Commissioner Mike Morath investigate AISD protests. The guidance lists consequences such as unexcused absences, educator investigations, and potential replacement of elected school boards, as walkouts and related actions spanned multiple districts and drew political pressure from state leaders.
WA Governor Proposes Budget Cuts and Reserve Fund Use to Address $2.3B Gap
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson proposes using reserve funds, climate law revenues, and spending cuts to address a $2.3 billion budget shortfall without raising taxes, while also supporting increased spending on public services and infrastructure. The plan includes controversial moves like redirecting climate auction proceeds and making across-the-board cuts to education and government programs, with Republican critics dismissing it as accounting tricks.
Governor Phil Murphy's Official Website
Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey declared a State of Emergency due to the suspension of federal SNAP benefits by the Trump Administration, affecting over 800,000 residents. The state is taking emergency measures to ensure food access, including allowing access to existing benefits, encouraging use of school meal programs, and providing resources through NJ 211 and food pantries. The situation remains dynamic, and residents are advised to stay informed about their benefits and available assistance.
Flags to Fly Half-Staff to Honor Fallen Firefighters and WWII Veteran in Multiple States
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has ordered all U.S. and Ohio flags at public buildings and grounds to be flown at half-staff on May 7 in recognition of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service. The annual event held in Emmitsburg, Maryland, honors and remembers firefighters who lost their lives over the previous year as well as those in previous years who will be honored at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial.