Governor Abbott sent a letter to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on October 15, 2026, requesting federal disaster tax relief for individuals and businesses affected by severe storms and flooding that began on July 14, 2026.
$Abbott requests temporary suspension of federal tax filing and payment deadlines and waiver of late fees and penalties for taxpayers in all 62 counties affected by July storms.
Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas; Scott Bessent, U.S. Treasury Secretary
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced his office sent letters to 156 data center developments across Texas requiring them to provide accurate, up-to-date information about water usage. The letters are part of an investigation launched in September into data center compliance with Texas water use reporting requirements.
Ken Paxton, Texas Attorney General; James Talarico, Democratic opponent in U.S. Senate race
Republican leaders spoke at a Texas Youth Summit for conservative youth, urging attendees to vote for Attorney General Ken Paxton in the upcoming Senate race against Democrat James Talarico. Paxton and other GOP leaders framed the election as a significant contest for Texas's future.
Ken Paxton, Attorney General, Republican Senate candidate; James Talarico, Democratic state Senator, Senate candidate; Walker Doner, Conference attendee and 3 more
A hazmat spill occurred on Interstate 45 southbound at Rayford Road in Montgomery County on Monday morning. Four right lanes and the right shoulder closed for cleanup; all lanes reopened by 2:20 p.m.
Houston TranStar, reported accident and lane status
The Texas Renaissance Festival returns for its 52nd season starting October 10, 2026. The 70-acre festival in Todd Mission will run on weekends through November 29 and on Thanksgiving Friday, with eight themed weekends featuring stages, shops, vendors, entertainment and food.
$$16 to $40 for ticket price
Texas Renaissance Festival, event; George Coulam, founder in 1974; Paladin, the Errant Fool, new wandering jester performer and 2 more
The Texas Supreme Court heard arguments on whether AI-generated transcripts of witness depositions can be used as evidence. The case involves a Montgomery County employee's wrongful termination claim; the trial court had struck an AI-generated transcript because it was not prepared by a certified shorthand reporter, and the appeals court affirmed that decision.
Texas Supreme Court, Heard arguments on the issue; Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock, Texas Supreme Court justice; Justice Jane Bland, Texas Supreme Court justice and 3 more