An emerging Texas megadonor just pledged $20 million to “expand a true Republican majority”

Alex Fairly is an Amarillo businessman and father of a state House member who has previously given millions to West Texas A&M University, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Texas GOP threatens House members who support Dustin Burrows in speaker race with attack mailers

This is the latest example of the Republican Party of Texas spending its resources attacking its own members.
Texas school districts asked to return $16 million in federal funding for special education services

The request comes after an audit found Texas improperly billed the federal government for reimbursements related to Medicaid-eligible students.
Texas House panel subpoenas death row inmate Robert Roberson a second time

The new subpoena comes after lawmakers say Ken Paxton’s office stalled a previous effort to get Roberson’s legislative testimony about his conviction in “shaken baby” case.
A school voucher program in Texas is more likely than ever. Can lawmakers craft a bill they agree on?

Some voucher opponents are ready to compromise; others are hoping supporters will fumble over the program’s size, eligibility and accountability.
After learning hard lessons in Austin, Greg Casar to take Congressional Progressive Caucus in new direction

The freshman congressman will lead the influential progressive caucus next year with plans to focus on working class and economic issues instead of culture wars.
Texas regulators report more than 250 new cases of groundwater contamination

An annual report documents 2,870 active cases of groundwater contamination around the state. Groundwater provides more than half of the state’s water supply.
Growing oil industry support for methane reduction rule could help it survive Trump’s return

Texas regulators are taking public comment about how they should implement an EPA rule to reduce methane leaks from the oil and gas industry.
Dustin Burrows walks a tightrope seeking Republican and Democratic support for Texas House speaker bid

Five years after weathering a major Republican House leadership controversy, Burrows finds himself at the center of another skirmish — this time as he seeks the speaker’s gavel himself.
Expanding college financial aid will help Texas meet workforce needs, new higher ed chief says

In his new role, Rosser will be responsible for helping Texas meet its goal to increase the number of Texans ages 25 to 34 with a postsecondary credential to 60%by 2030.