I would like to start by saying thank you to the TPA board and members for allowing me to serve as your 147th president. I am honored to have the opportunity and I am excited to work for you so that you get as much as you want from your Texas Press Association.
By LISA CHAPPELL, TPA President 2025-26
Kerr County death toll tops 100, with 161 still missing
Search teams have recovered 103 bodies in Kerr County after the devastating July 4 floods along the Guadalupe River, with Gov. Greg Abbott saying at least 161 people were still unaccounted for.
Death toll climbs in Hill Country flooding; legislators will investigate response to crisis
Gov. Greg Abbott said Sunday he’s likely to instruct the Texas Legislature to investigate early warning systems and other governmental responses to July 4 flash flooding that killed at least 82 people in the Hill Country.
Lawmakers are set to convene in Austin on July 21. Meanwhile, as of late Sunday an additional 41 people were still missing. In addition to local first responders, more than 1,300 state personnel were dispatched to the scene.
EDITORS: This is a special bulldog edition of Capital Highlights to accommodate early holiday deadlines. It will be updated if needed on Sunday.
Vouchers could change homeschool landscape
The passage of the state’s first voucher program means homeschool families in Texas will soon be eligible for up to $2,000 to use toward educational costs such as tutoring or curriculum. From 500,000 to 600,000 Texas children are being homeschooled — between 8% and 10% of all school-aged children, the Houston Chronicle reported.
Abbott vetoes THC ban, calls special session
Gov. Greg Abbott just before the midnight deadline Sunday vetoed a bill on THC products and said he would call a special legislative session to regulate products containing the substance, the Austin American-Statesman reported. The veto angered the bill’s chief champion, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.
Abbott calls latest session his ‘best’
Gov. Greg Abbott says he got everything he pushed for during the Legislature’s 89th session, which ended on June 2.
The Dallas Morning News reported that the governor believes the “school choice” bill that passed will rejuvenate the state’s education system.
TARLETON – A publisher called the center last week with a problem. Always happy to help, we listened. The question started out short, but the answer took some time to unpack.
By AUSTIN LEWTER, Texas Center for Community Journalism director
“What is your view on articles sent by community contributors that use AI to write it?” they asked. “I just received an article from a teacher that is 100% AI.”
My how time flies when you’re having fun! The first half of 2025 has flown by! I want to thank each of you for allowing me to serve as your TPA president. This organization has great leadership, a great board and most importantly an enthusiastic, engaged, and excited membership!
By BILL PATTERSON, TPA President 2024-25
The entire TPA staff deserves a big “thank you” for all they do for our organization and Texas newspapers. Thanks to Mike, Joel, Fred, Donnis, Sue, Stephanie, Priscilla, Candace, and Joanna.
Abbott has until June 22 to sign or veto bills
Texas legislators wrapped up the 89th session last week, passing more than 1,200 bills — 800 of which were sent to Gov. Greg Abbott in the last 10 days of the session, The Dallas Morning News reported.
Legislative session wraps up
The dust hasn’t quite settled on the 2025 legislative session, but here’s a sampling of bills already sent to Gov. Greg Abbott.
• A ban on clubs supporting gay teens in public schools won final legislative passage on Saturday. The measure sponsored by state Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, would prohibit schools from authorizing or sponsoring student clubs based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Several Democrats argued passionately against the bill, the Texas Tribune reported.