UT-Austin cutting majors centering Latino, Black, women and gender studies, email shows
The University of Texas at Austin rejected a department’s plan to keep the majors, a decision that came without public knowledge, an interim department chair told faculty.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick calls on ERCOT to reverse 30% pay raise for board members
Patrick has also rebuked ERCOT’s board for approving and then backtracking on a contract that would allow ERCOT’s CEO to earn $6.4 million in 2027.
Texas freezes installation of Flock cameras along state roads
Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the state Department of Transportation to stop issuing permits for automated license plate readers.
John Cornyn says he won’t vote for Bo French as backlash to racist post rises
The outgoing U.S. senator called the Texas Railroad Commission candidate “an embarrassment to the Republican Party.”
One group has stayed mostly mum on Bo French’s racist post — Texas’ oil and gas industry
One of the state’s largest oil and gas industry groups condemned French’s comments about South Asian students. They have not pulled their endorsement.
Trump’s EPA reforms are a huge boost to manufacturers, but there’s more red tape to cut: expert
trump The Trump administration’s move to eliminate a swath of Biden-era power plant emissions standards will be a game changer for the U.S. economy, National Association of Manufacturers CEO Jay Timmons told Fox News Digital. Timmons hailed EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin for the move announced this week but noted that even more red tape remains to be cut. “It really sent a signal to manufacturers that the administration was listening to our concerns,” Timmons said of the cuts to power plant emissions standards. TRUMP’S EPA CHIEF PUSHES BACK ON CLIMATE SKEPTICS BEING LABELED ‘SCIENCE DENIERS’ He said NAM and other groups had objected to former President Joe Biden’s 2024 standards “very, very clearly” at the time, saying the standards were “simply unworkable.” “The timeline that they had proposed was just, it wasn’t feasible. Not that the aspirations for, you know, for cleaner air and a healthier environment aren’t good aspirations,” Timmons said. “I think we all share that. I know the current EPA and Administrator Zeldin certainly share those objectives, but how you get there really matters and whether manufacturers are able to meet the challenge. Timmons noted that the Biden administration had heard its concerns but simply disagreed. TRUMP-APPROVED ENERGY PROJECTS AT RISK OF SUDDEN DEATH BY NEXT HOSTILE PRESIDENT The emissions regulations cut this week were removed by executive fiat, but Timmons says more lasting change must come through Congress as manufacturers hope to avoid regulatory whiplash between administrations. “Uncertainty is the absolute worst enemy for manufacturers because manufacturers are on a very long-term horizon when it comes to planning and strategy, product development, research development. So, when administrations change, there has often been kind of that pendulum swing,” Timmons said. SEN KEVIN CRAMER: CHINA BUILDS FOR WAR WHILE AMERICA WAITS ON PERMITS One area he said could use further reform is permitting. NAM polling found that 80% of manufacturers say the length and complexity of the permitting process is harmful to increasing investment. As many as 87% of manufacturers told NAM they would expand business operations, hire more workers or increase wages and benefits if the permitting process was more streamlined. SENATE MOVES TO UNSHACKLE AMERICA’S DRIVERS FROM CALIFORNIA’S ‘CLIMATE ZEALOTS’ Timmons said it is critical for Congress to hear directly from manufacturers when drafting legislation, however. “There needs to be more opportunities for business to be at the table. To really explain what the art of the possible is. No one is saying that we should not be working hard to achieve cleaner air, cleaner water, healthier communities. In fact, we’re saying exactly that. We should be part of the solution to make that happen,” he said.
Mike Huckabee calls out Macklemore on antisemitism: ‘Voice’ of ‘Jew hatred’
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee called out Macklemore for antisemitism on Thursday, saying he supports NFL owners pushing to cancel Macklemore’s performances. Huckabee made the statement in an interview with Fox News Digital, saying his time living in Israel has shown him the vast majority of criticisms against Israel are misguided and unfounded. “It’s really unfortunate that Malcklemore has decided that he’s going to become the voice, if you will, of Jew hatred, and I don’t understand why it’s entertainers like him think that it is entertaining to go and take a pro-Hamas position, a position that supports people that viciously raped, beheaded babies, burned elderly people in their wheelchairs and did unthinkable and unspeakable things to innocent civilians as Hamas came across the border from Gaza and butchered, massacred 1,200 people, and then took 251 people hostage, including many Americans,” Huckabee said. ROBERT KRAFT, GILLETTE STADIUM BOOT MACKLEMORE FROM ED SHEERAN TOUR OVER ‘FREE PALESTINE’ RANT “The fact that there’s a pushback against that, why not? I think most of us would say that, you know, you have free speech, but that doesn’t mean that you can say anything you want anytime you want, anywhere you want without consequences. The people that own these stadiums, the people that have promoted the concerts, weren’t promoting a pro-Hamas rally,” he added. Huckabee went on to address reports of rising antisemitism in Canada and calls for President Donald Trump’s administration to take on the issue. FROM AUSCHWITZ, HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR ISSUES URGENT WARNING OVER RISING ANTISEMITISM IN CANADA Huckabee referenced a letter sent to Trump by the National Association of Christian Lawmakers earlier this month calling on the administration to allow Jewish Canadians to more easily obtain visas to enter the U.S. “I think we’ve all seen and, frankly, been quite alarmed at some of the extraordinary Jew hatred that is taking place in Canada, and many Canadian Jewish people are really concerned and afraid for their lives,” Huckabee said. “And they fear that they might be the subject of some violent attack or a terror attack. The rhetoric in the country has gotten very, very harsh, and President Trump, as you may remember, took the letter from the NACL, and he published it and said that he would certainly look into it.” BILL MAHER RIPS MACKLEMORE’S GAZA STANCE, SAYS CELEBRITY ‘MORAL CONFUSION’ IS FUELING ANTISEMITISM The ambassador also addressed the latest developments in the conflict with Iran, namely the Iran-backed Houthi offensive against Saudi-backed government forces in Yemen. Asked whether Israel may be interested in assisting Saudi forces in the conflict, Huckabee said Israel has made it clear it wants to improve relations with all of its close neighbors in the Middle East. “Would Israel be willing to bring some assistance? I think they would. Whether they have been asked? That’s something to ask the Saudis or to ask the Israelis. Wouldn’t be for me to say what has been done or what has been requested. But there is a growing sense that Israel isn’t the problem over here. Israel isn’t trying to take anybody else’s land,” he said. Fox News’ Eric Mack contributed to this report.
Unearthed clip exposes what ‘DEI Queen’ in razor-thin House race thought of ‘Back the Blue’ law
FIRST ON FOX: Christina Bohannan, an Iowa state legislator and the Democratic nominee in one of the country’s most competitive districts, once opposed an Iowa Back the Blue law passed in the wake of the 2020 George Floyd riots, calling it an “overreaction.” “I think that we’re seeing a backlash and, frankly, an exaggerated backlash, an overreaction to all of that,” Bohannan said at a 2021 virtual legislative forum on social justice issues. “That’s what’s happening. A lot of this is happening because they just don’t have a lot of minorities in their districts. They don’t interact with people on any kind of regular basis, and, so, they don’t see these issues.” To some onlooking critics, her resurfaced comments are further proof of what they’ve characterized as her soft-on-crime stances, positions they believe are at odds with the electorate of the Hawkeye State as she wages her third campaign to unseat Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa. WATCH: BATTLEGROUND DEMOCRAT CALLED IOWA A ‘BACKWATER’ OVER TRANSGENDER ATHLETES BAN “Christina Bohannan achieved the ultra rare final boss level of woke where police are bad, criminals are good and anyone who disagrees is racist,” Zach Kraft, a spokesperson for the Republican National Committee, said in a statement to Fox News Digital. “There is a reason why this DEI queen has been rejected twice by voters. She is straight up nuts, and her soft-on-crime agenda would endanger all Iowans.” Bohannan launched her career in education, teaching at the University of Iowa College of Law, where she remained until 2020, when she won a seat in the Iowa House of Representatives, unseating a 20-year Democratic incumbent. Bohannan has run for Congress before. In 2022, she lost to Miller-Meeks in a 53.4% to 46.6% contest. She tried again in 2024 and got closer, losing by a fraction of a percent, 50.0% to 49.8%, and by just 799 votes. VANCE, CRUZ, HEAD TO IOWA ON 2026 MISSIONS AS 2028 GOP RACE TO SUCCEED TRUMP HEATS UP In all three races, Republicans have attacked her for her statements as an academic and her voting record as a state legislator, painting her as a soft-on-crime candidate. In the resurfaced clip, Bohannan was referring to Senate File 342, signed by Gov. Kim Reynolds in 2021. Among other provisions, the bill raised penalties for rioting, making it a class D felony punishable by five years behind bars, and implemented more stringent punishments for unlawful assembly. The law came amid a wave of anti-police sentiment that swept the country after George Floyd, a Black man from Minneapolis, died after Officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck area during a restraint. The incident sparked widespread debate about law enforcement safety and profiling. Where states like Minnesota and Washington passed restrictions on police and other law enforcement officers, Iowa lawmakers rallied to their support. Iowa Rep. Jarad Klein, a Republican and the bill’s sponsor, framed the legislation as a clear way to support embattled public servants in a floor speech. “Let me be clear: If you support law enforcement, truly support law enforcement, you will be voting ‘yes’ tonight. If you stand up and say you support law enforcement, your words will become meaningless with a ‘no’ vote. Actions speak louder than words,” Klein said. Gov. Reynolds echoed that thinking at her signing. “I made it clear in my Condition of the State Address that Iowa’s law enforcement will always have my respect, and I will always have their back. Today’s bill embodies that commitment in a historic way. The public peace is too important, and the safety of our officers too precious to tolerate destructive behavior,” Reynolds said in a press release. For her part, Bohannan said she opposed the legislation, arguing it went too far. “The bill that’s coming over to the House from the Senate about the protestors actually would make it OK for a person to drive negligently or grossly negligently and hit a protester, and there would be immunity for that. It’s sick. These are kids, mostly,” she said. UNEARTHED CLIP EXPOSES MORE ANTI-POLICE RHETORIC AS EL-SAYED GETS GRILLED FOR DELETING SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS The final version of the bill does have a provision that protects drivers from civil liability. But it only applies to drivers “exercising due care” and who cause injury to someone engaging in disorderly conduct by blocking traffic on a public street or highway. Bohannan’s campaign did not respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital on her statements from 2021 or whether she stood by her views of the Back the Blue bill.
House GOP lawmaker under fire by fellow Republicans after ad bashing Trump on immigration
FIRST ON FOX: A House GOP lawmaker’s pointed message to President Donald Trump criticizing his immigration policy is under fire from her Republican colleagues. Rep. María Elvira Salazar, R-Fla., released a campaign ad Thursday that attacked Trump’s handling of immigration enforcement, specifically arguing he has gone too far in pursuing people without criminal records. “President Trump’s immigration enforcement efforts should be applauded and continue as is,” House Freedom Caucus leaders said in an official statement first shared with Fox News Digital. “Any alien who enters this country illegally has committed a crime. The United States should deport every illegal alien. This is America, and this government should be ensuring the dignity of American citizens. Illegal aliens can enjoy dignity in their home country or come to this country legally. GOP INFIGHTING ERUPTS OVER IMMIGRATION BILL THAT WOULD SHIELD MILLIONS FROM DEPORTATION “Granting illegal aliens any legal status to remain in the United States is amnesty. We reject amnesty. The House Freedom Caucus stands with President Trump: secure the border, enforce the law, and lock these policies into statute, so no future administration can erase them with a pen.” TRUMP DHS CHIEF UNDER FIRE FROM CONSERVATIVES AFTER IMMIGRATION SPEECH IGNITES BACKLASH The ad takes place outside the White House, with Salazar directly addressing the camera. “Mr. President, some of your immigration enforcement efforts have gone too far,”Salazar said. “Be careful what your advisors are telling you about immigration policy. The same Hispanics who helped you get to the White House in 2024 feel betrayed today. “You can be for immigration what Lincoln was for slavery and Reagan was for communism. I’m not talking about giving them amnesty. I’m talking about giving them a dignified life in this promised land. And only you can do that.” TRUMP-BACKED REPUBLICAN SURVIVES PRIMARY AFTER BUCKING HIM ON DEPORTATIONS It’s a notable choice of words, given that her district voted for Trump by double digits in 2024. But she’s one of several Hispanic lawmakers in the House GOP who have been warning their party could be alienating Hispanic and Latino voters who were critical to Republican wins in recent years. Salazar’s South Florida district is rated R+6 by the nonpartisan Cook political report, meaning it’s likely to stay in Republican hands. But Democrats are targeting her seat as a potential pickup opportunity as they work to win back control of the House. She previously took heat from the Freedom Caucus over her bipartisan legislation to reform the asylum process and give a legal pathway to undocumented people already in the U.S. who have not committed crimes. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) also pushed back on Salazar, telling Fox News in a statement, “DHS is focused on delivering the most HISTORIC mass deportation campaign in American history — exactly as President Trump promised. “Whether Congresswoman Salazar likes it or not, the men and women of ICE are enforcing the laws passed by Congress. To be clear: The only thing America should be giving illegal aliens is a one-way ticket home or a generous $3,000 check for them to self-deport immediately. We will not ignore the rule of law.”
‘Gone too far:’ GOP candidate runs to Trump’s left on signature issue in deep red district
Rep. María Elvira Salazar, a Republican who represents a solidly red district in Miami, has broken with the president on immigration as the midterms cycle hits a fever pitch. “Mr. President, some of your immigration enforcement efforts have gone too far,” Salazar said in a newly released campaign advertisement. “Be careful what your advisors are telling you about immigration policy. The same Hispanics who helped you get to the White House in 2024 feel betrayed today. You can be for immigration what Lincoln was for slavery and Reagan was for communism. “I’m not talking about giving them amnesty. I’m talking about giving them a dignified life in this promised land.” THE HISPANIC VOTE IS UP FOR GRABS IN 2026; CANDIDATES WHO IGNORE IT WILL LOSE A Fox News poll released Wednesday found President Donald Trump’s overall approval rating at 39%, with 61% of registered voters disapproving of his job performance. Voters disapprove of Trump generally by a margin of 61% to 39%, according to the poll. On immigration, however, only 56% of voters are unhappy with the president’s performance, beating out his handling of the economy and foreign policy. VOTERS SAY REPUBLICANS OUTDO DEMOCRATS ON THESE KEY ISSUES: FOX NEWS POLL Salazar’s break with the president on immigration follows a legislative record that has combined tougher enforcement measures with support for legal status reforms. During her time in Congress, Salazar has supported tougher border enforcement while also backing legislation that would provide legal status to some long-term noncitizens, including through the bipartisan DIGNITY Act. She also voted for the 2023 Secure the Border Act and the 2025 Laken Riley Act, which expanded immigration enforcement and required the detention of certain undocumented immigrants accused of crimes. TRUMP ADMIN MARKS 15 STRAIGHT MONTHS WITH ZERO BORDER RELEASES AS APPREHENSIONS PLUNGE 94% Trump’s hardline stance on immigration, likewise, is nothing new. The issue defined his initial rise to power during the 2016 presidential election, and he leaned heavily into promises of deportations while on the campaign trail in 2024. Amid the president’s hawkish rhetoric, Hispanics in places such as the Miami metropolitan area and along the Southern border shifted heavily to the right. Trump has endorsed Salazar’s bid for re-election. The Salazar campaign did not respond to a request for comment when reached by Fox News Digital on Thursday.