We are well into the 2025-2026 school year and the new state law in Texas banning cell phones in the classroom is in full effect. 

To date, it has not yet led to the downfall of humanity— or so it seems.

By AUSTIN LEWTER, Director, Texas Center for Community Journalism

At the Lewter house, Jennifer says she misses being able to text the kids during the school day, but the kids admit they are getting more done in the classroom than ever before. 

In-state tuition guidance creating confusion

Advocates for undocumented college students claim some students have been told incorrectly they are no longer eligible for low in-state tuition rates, the Texas Tribune reports. They are asking for clear guidance on the issue.

In June a federal court ruled unconstitutional the Texas Dream Act, a state law which granted in-state college tuition rates for undocumented college students. The June court ruling came after the state declined to defend a suit filed by the U.S. Justice Department. 

DPS officers arrest thousands of undocumented immigrants

In an operation being called “Lone Star 2.0,” more than 3,000 undocumented immigrants have been arrested by Texas Department of Public Safety officers this year, according to records obtained by The Texas Tribune. As illegal border crossings plunge, state police are shifting their energies toward aiding the Trump administration’s mass deportation effort.

I specialize in training community journalists, both college students and professionals. This is of special interest to me, because I am — admittedly — still a student of the industry. If we are still doing, we are still learning.

By Austin Lewter, director, Texas Center for Community Journalism

I am one of those academics who is also a practitioner. I am right there in the trenches with you in my capacity as owner/publisher of the Whitesboro News-Record.

The Hallmark Channel wrapped up its movie lineup for those who love to celebrate Christmas in July. With fall now upon us, it is the time to start planning keepsake year-end editions. Seize the opportunity to produce solid content and generate revenue.

By Jim Pumarlo, consultant

Many operations may gasp at the thought of producing another special section. Begin taking baby steps now, and the task will not seem so foreboding.

Abbott limits THC products to those 21 and older

After two special sessions ended without lawmakers agreeing on how to regulate the state’s THC market, Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order restricting the use of products infused with the psychoactive cannabis compound to adults age 21 and older, The Dallas Morning News reported.

Second special session gaveled to a close

The second special session of the Texas Legislature ended last Thursday with a new congressional map, flood relief and safety measures but  a stalemate on whether to ban or regulate THC. The Dallas Morning News reported that lawmakers approved most of the legislative priorities Gov. Greg Abbott listed for the special session. 

EDITORS: This is an updated version of Capital Highlights for the week of Sept. 1 - 5. It includes the governor’s signing of the redistricting bill.

Abbott signs redistricting bill; lawsuit challenges it

Gov. Greg Abbott signed legislation redrawing Texas’ congressional map on Friday. A lawsuit challenging the redrawn districts as being racially discriminatory was filed even before the bill became law.

Editor's Note: This is an early bulldog edition of Capital Highlights to accommodate early holiday deadlines. It will be updated Sunday if needed.

Redistricting bill sent to Abbott; lawsuit challenges it

Redistricting bill heads to Abbott’s desk

Both the Texas House and Senate have passed a mid-decade redistricting bill that positions the GOP to pick up five additional congressional seats next year. Passage came after House Democrats ended their quorum-breaking walkout while still vowing to pursue legal challenges.