Why the proposed Texas congressional map may not be a lock to net five new GOP seats

The new proposed lines would also prevent few, if any, opportunities for Democrats hoping that an aggressive gerrymander could backfire on Republicans.
Top two Kerr County emergency officials say they were asleep as July 4 floods struck

Their statements to state legislators marked the first time county officials have spoken publicly about what they were doing the morning of the disaster that killed more than 100 people in the county.
“Nobody came”: Hill Country flooding survivors recount anguish, neglect during emotional hearing

Residents told state lawmakers about what they’ve lost and the hardships they’re experiencing almost a month after the July 4 disaster devastated the region.
Kerr County officials failed to follow certain aspects of disaster plan during Texas floods

The five-year-old plan, required by the state, detailed when additional monitoring was to take place and who was responsible for alerting the public to evacuate.
Former Sid Miller allies told police the ag commissioner feared the DEA, told a friend to get rid of marijuana

Miller denies wrongdoing after allegations surfaced during an investigation into one of his aides, who pled guilty to bribery. The agriculture commissioner has not been charged with a crime.
Texas Senate advances bill to ban THC — again

The Senate’s decision signals another potential standoff with Gov. Greg Abbott, who vetoed a similar ban earlier this year as he called for more regulations instead.
Texas Senate once again tries to give the attorney general authority to prosecute election crimes

A similar proposal stalled out earlier this year over disagreements between the House and Senate. This time, lawmakers might clash over whether to approve the new bill along with a constitutional amendment.
Newsom will move to redraw California map if Texas redistricts, teeing up national fight

The governor plans to go through the Legislature to usher in a map with more Democratic seats if Texas tilts its map to the right, according to a person with knowledge of Newsom’s thinking.
As the floods hit, Kerrville officials’ messages show lack of information about what was coming

Lawmakers plan to hear testimony Thursday in Kerr County. Questions remain about how state and local entities responded to flood warnings.
Texas Court of Criminal Appeals pushes death row inmate’s case back to trial court

Dissenting judges expressed frustration over a lack of clarity on why the case of David Leonard Wood, whose execution in March was halted, was remanded to the lower court.