Freeman Martin selected to lead the Texas Department of Public Safety
Martin, a senior official, takes the helm of the agency on Dec. 1, replacing retiring director Steve McCraw.
UT System will expand free tuition and fees to all undergraduates whose families make $100,000 or less
The Board of Regents is lifting the income threshold to expand eligibility across all nine of its UT System campuses.
Texas Tech wants permission to pay college athletes as a part of its recruitment efforts

State law prohibits schools from making direct name, image and likeness deals with athletes. Texas Tech says it puts them at a disadvantage as the university recruits athletes for fall 2025.
Feds approve Texas’ plan for $3 billion to expand broadband access

The federal investment follows the $1 billion approved by Texas taxpayers to help connect the state.
Trump’s first Texas visit after historic Rio Grande Valley win spurs mix of excitement, trepidation
The president-elect was in South Texas to witness a test flight at SpaceX, whose founder, Elon Musk, is co-leading Trump’s government efficiency commission.
Donald Trump boosted mental health efforts in Texas in his first term. Will he do it again?
The president-elect previously supported community mental health programs in Texas, the 988 hotline and addressed the opioid crisis, but his plan to address homelessness threatens that legacy.
Texas offers Starr County ranch to Trump for mass deportation plans

Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham said the state’s recently-purchased 1,400-acre ranch could be used as a deportation hub.
State Board of Education signals support for Bible-infused curriculum

Critics say the curriculum overemphasizes Christianity. The board is expected to officially vote on whether to approve the materials later this week.
UNT faculty slam university for removing references to race and equity in course names

Professors and instructors say the university is preemptively censoring itself after administrators removed references to race and equity in dozens of College of Education course titles and descriptions.
As Trump administration takes shape, Texas takes a back seat

So far Trump has looked elsewhere for his earliest cabinet and high-level staff appointments, in some cases passing over Texans who were in the mix.