Largest figure in the news

$104.9 billion

State education budget for K-12. Read the fact sheet

Elections

Ken Paxton says Trump's convention and D.C. control hurt his Senate campaign

In leaked audio recordings from a private Washington fundraiser on Sept. 24, Texas Attorney General and Republican Senate nominee Ken Paxton said the Republican convention in Dallas "dropped our numbers" and complained that Washington D.C. controls his campaign messaging rather than his own team.

$ upward of $200 million for republican-aligned ad spending supporting Paxton

Ken Paxton, Texas Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate nominee; James Talarico, Democratic U.S. Senate nominee, state representative from Austin; Donald Trump, President

Reported by 45 outlets   Facts and sources

Elections

Angela Paxton backs Republican ticket in ad without naming husband

Texas State Senator Angela Paxton, estranged wife of Republican Senate nominee Ken Paxton, released an advertisement stating she will vote for the Republican ticket on November 3. She did not mention her husband by name in the ad. Paxton filed for divorce from Ken Paxton in July 2025, citing adultery.

$ $131 million for super PAC spending on Texas Senate race

Angela Paxton, Texas State Senator; estranged wife of Ken Paxton; Ken Paxton, Republican Senate nominee; Texas Attorney General; James Talarico, Democratic Senate nominee

Reported by 25 outlets   Facts and sources

Elections

October 5 is final day to register to vote in Texas midterm elections

October 5, 2026 was the final deadline for Texas voters to register or update their registration for the November 3, 2026 midterm general election. Texas counties experienced a significant backlog of voter registration forms due to hundreds of thousands of records sent by the Texas Department of Public Safety about two weeks prior.

$ Not stated for grants to Texas elections offices

Texas Department of Public Safety, sent backlog of voter registration records to elections offices; Celia Israel, Travis County Tax Assessor and former State Rep.; Chris McGinn, executive director of Texas Association of County Election Officials

Reported by 15 outlets   Facts and sources

Courts, Big Bend sector, West Texas (covers more than 500 miles of Rio Grande corridor in Texas)

Federal judge halts border barrier construction in Big Bend region

U.S. District Judge Kathleen Cardone issued a preliminary injunction on October 2, 2026, blocking border barrier construction and ground-disturbing activities across the Big Bend sector. The injunction covers five contracted border wall projects and nullifies federal waivers suspending 28 environmental and historic preservation laws.

$ over $7.5 billion for government contracts for border barrier infrastructure totaling

U.S. District Judge Kathleen Cardone, issued preliminary injunction; Center for Biological Diversity, filed lawsuit and obtained injunction; Friends of the Ruidosa Church, plaintiff in lawsuit

Reported by 8 outlets   Facts and sources

Elections, Federal

Ken Paxton raises $18 million in third quarter for Senate race

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton raised $18 million in the third quarter of 2026 for his U.S. Senate campaign against Democrat James Talarico. The haul more than doubled his second-quarter fundraising of $9 million.

$ $18 million for third-quarter campaign funds raised

Ken Paxton, Texas Attorney General, Republican U.S. Senate candidate; James Talarico, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate, Austin state representative; Nick Maddux, Paxton senior adviser

Reported by 7 outlets   Facts and sources

Elections, Federal

CNN analyst says Texas Senate race key to Democratic Senate control

CNN data analyst Harry Enten said the Democratic chances of winning the U.S. Senate depend heavily on Texas. He put James Talarico's odds of beating Ken Paxton at 70%, and said a Talarico victory would give Democrats a 78% chance of winning Senate control.

$ $31 million for ad spending by Talarico

Harry Enten, CNN chief data analyst; James Talarico, Democratic state representative, Texas Senate candidate; Ken Paxton, Texas Attorney General, Republican Senate candidate

Reported by 6 outlets   Facts and sources

State Government

Flock Safety pauses camera payments as Abbott funding freeze takes effect

Gov. Greg Abbott halted state funding for Flock Safety cameras in late August. Flock Safety responded by pausing certain agencies' payments for 90 days, allowing Dallas, Addison, New Braunfels, and Johnson County to keep cameras that would otherwise be removed. Abbott also directed TxDOT to pause installation of new license plate readers.

$ Undisclosed total; at least $30 million devoted toward 3,200+ cameras for State funding for Flock cameras

Gov. Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas; halted state funding for Flock cameras; Flock Safety, Surveillance camera company; paused payments for 90 days; Dallas Police, City agency; met with Flock CEO; announced deal to keep cameras

Reported by 6 outlets   Facts and sources

State Government

Governor Abbott announces $31 million in veterans assistance grants applications open

Governor Greg Abbott announced that applications opened for an estimated $31 million in Fund for Veterans' Assistance (FVA) grants administered by the Texas Veterans Commission. Nonprofit organizations and local government agencies providing direct services to veterans may apply.

$ $31 million for fund for Veterans' Assistance grants

Governor Greg Abbott, Announced grant funding; Texas Veterans Commission (TVC), Administers the grants; Laura Koerner, TVC Chairwoman and Navy veteran

Official record and 4 more   Facts and sources

State Government, Lake Palestine, Henderson County, approximately 18 miles west of Tyler and 20 miles east of Athens

Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation purchases 650-acre ranch on Lake Palestine

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation sealed a deal Thursday to purchase a 650-acre ranch on Lake Palestine in Henderson County. The property will eventually become a Texas state park, with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department expected to purchase it from the foundation in late 2027.

$ more than $10 million for purchase price of property

Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, Purchaser of property; Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Will purchase property in late 2027; Anne Brown, Executive director of Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation

Reported by 5 outlets   Facts and sources

Schools

Texas Comptroller announces spending review of four school districts

Texas Comptroller Don Huffines announced Monday that four Texas school districts—Austin ISD, Barbers Hill ISD, El Paso ISD, and Prosper ISD—will undergo detailed reviews of their spending practices. The reviews will examine whether district spending complies with state law and whether funds go toward students, classrooms, and teachers rather than administrative expenses.

$ $104.9 billion for State education budget for K-12

Don Huffines, Texas Comptroller; Greg Abbott, Texas Governor; Sarah Eckhardt, State Senator, D-Austin; 2026 Democratic candidate for Comptroller

Reported by 5 outlets   Facts and sources

Public Safety, Tarrant County, Texas

Charleston White arrested in Tarrant County on drug possession charges

Charleston White, a 49-year-old Fort Worth native and internet personality, was arrested October 4 in Tarrant County on charges of possession of a controlled substance under one gram and possession of marijuana under two ounces. Bond was set at $1,500 for the controlled substance charge and $500 for marijuana possession.

$ $1,500 for bond for possession of controlled substance charge

Charleston White, person arrested

Reported by 4 outlets   Facts and sources

Elections

Texas voter registration software errors affect hundreds of thousands of voters

A software bug in Texas's voter registration system led to at least 590,000 voter registrations not being sent to county officials for processing. The Texas Election Administration Management (TEAM) system, rolled out in July 2025, has experienced multiple errors and data consistency problems that county officials say stem from fundamental system architecture failures.

$ $17 million for contract amount for TEAM system overhaul

Civix, Louisiana-based technology and consulting firm that rolled out the TEAM system overhaul; Texas Secretary of State's office, State agency overseeing voter registration system; Texas Association of County Election Officials, Organization of county election officials

Reported by 4 outlets   Facts and sources

Elections

October New York Times poll shows tighter Texas Senate and governor races

A New York Times/Siena College poll conducted Sept. 21-30 showed Democrat James Talarico leading Republican Ken Paxton 51%-45% in the Texas Senate race, reversing a June tie. In the governor's race, Democrat Gina Hinojosa led incumbent Republican Gov. Greg Abbott 49%-46%, within the margin of error. Early voting begins Oct. 19.

Ken Paxton, Republican Senate candidate; James Talarico, Democrat Senate candidate; Greg Abbott, Republican governor incumbent

Reported by 13 outlets   Facts and sources

State Government

Texas Attorney General Paxton launches investigation into UnitedHealth Group

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton opened an investigation into UnitedHealth Group over allegations of deceptive insurance practices and improper denial of medically necessary care to Texas patients. Paxton's office issued Civil Investigative Demands seeking records and information from the company.

Ken Paxton, Texas Attorney General; UnitedHealth Group, Subject of investigation

Reported by 11 outlets   Facts and sources

Border & Immigration, Rio Grande Valley and Starr County, Texas

U.S. deploys 500 soldiers to Rio Grande Valley after Coast Guard shooting

On September 26, Coast Guard personnel conducting joint interdiction operations near Garceno in Starr County came under fire from the Mexican side of the Rio Grande. U.S. forces returned fire with no reported injuries or damage. In response, U.S. Northern Command announced deployment of approximately 500 soldiers to the Rio Grande Valley as part of Operation Unified Resolve, launched October 2.

U.S. Northern Command, Announced military deployment; Joint Task Force - Southern Border (JTF-SB), Conducting Operation Unified Resolve; U.S. Coast Guard, Personnel targeted in shooting

Reported by 9 outlets   Facts and sources

Courts, Galveston Independent School District; Statewide (re: SB10)

Texas judge orders Galveston school district to display Ten Commandments posters

District Judge Jeth Jones ruled that Galveston Independent School District must display Ten Commandments posters in all classrooms within 10 days and scheduled a non-jury trial for June. This follows a lawsuit by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton against the school board for violating state law SB10, which requires conspicuous display of Ten Commandment posters in public school classrooms.

District Judge Jeth Jones, Judge who issued the ruling; Ken Paxton, Texas Attorney General who sued the school district; Galveston Independent School District, School district ordered to comply

Reported by 7 outlets   Facts and sources

Schools, Blue Ridge ISD, Collin County

North Texas football coach placed on leave over player eligibility violations

Jason Russell, head football coach and athletic director at Blue Ridge ISD, was placed on administrative leave while the district investigates eligibility violations on its football roster. The school discovered the violations during its initial investigation and says it will comply with any forfeitures required by the UIL.

Jason Russell, Head football coach and athletic director at Blue Ridge ISD; Blue Ridge ISD, School district conducting investigation; Dr. Matthew Brown, Superintendent of Blue Ridge ISD

Reported by 6 outlets   Facts and sources

Economy & Jobs

David Borde named president and CEO of Entergy Texas

David Borde has been named president and CEO of Entergy Texas, effective Oct. 5, 2026, succeeding Eliecer Viamontes, who departed for other opportunities. Borde previously served as vice president of utility strategy and regulatory initiatives at Entergy.

David Borde, President and CEO of Entergy Texas; Eliecer Viamontes, Former president and CEO of Entergy Texas; Drew Marsh, Chair and CEO of Entergy

Reported by 5 outlets   Facts and sources

Public Safety, El Paso County

El Paso County tax office employee arrested for tampering with vehicle records

An El Paso County tax office deputy was arrested on charges related to tampering with vehicle title records. The arrest involved allegations of altering nearly 400 vehicle records.

El Paso County tax office deputy, employee arrested

Reported by 5 outlets   Facts and sources

Courts, Harris County

Federal judge upholds Harris County cashless bail policy for misdemeanors

U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal denied requests to end the 2019 O'Donnell consent decree, which allows most people facing misdemeanor charges in Harris County to be released without paying cash bail. The four judges and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton have appealed the ruling to the 5th Circuit.

U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal, issued ruling denying request to vacate consent decree; Ken Paxton, Texas Attorney General requesting to vacate consent decree; Paula Goodhart, Harris County Criminal Court-at-Law Judge requesting to vacate consent decree

Reported by 4 outlets   Facts and sources

Local Government, Lubbock County

Lubbock County Clerk launches free property fraud alert service

The Lubbock County Clerk's office announced a new free service called Fraud Notify, provided through Tyler Technologies, that sends email alerts when documents are recorded under a registered name. The service covers deeds, deeds of trust, liens, and notices but excludes court case filings.

Lubbock County Clerk's office, launched the service; Kelly Pinion, County Clerk who announced the service; Tyler Technologies, provider of Fraud Notify service

Reported by 4 outlets   Facts and sources

Elections

Texas Tribune expands ballot tool to include local races for 16 million voters

The Texas Tribune announced an expansion of its sample ballot tool to include local elections and propositions for voters in the state's 50 most populous counties. The expanded tool now covers races from U.S. Senate to constables and school board trustees, as well as local propositions and bond elections.

The Texas Tribune, organization that expanded ballot tool

Reported by 4 outlets   Facts and sources

Public Safety, Amarillo, Texas (Potter County); 3100 block of Orange Street

Amarillo police arrest man, recover buried Colorado woman's body

Amarillo police arrested Leonard Torres, 48, and discovered the body of Faith Smith, 31, a Colorado resident, buried behind a detached garage under construction on Orange Street. Police received information Oct. 1 that a woman had been shot and buried in Amarillo following an incident in a vehicle.

Leonard Torres, Arrested suspect, 48 years old; Faith Smith, Victim, 31-year-old Colorado resident; Amarillo Police Department, Law enforcement investigating

Reported by 4 outlets   Facts and sources

State Government, Nacogdoches, East Texas

East Texas Water Institute launches to address water research and workforce

The East Texas Water Institute launched as a partnership between Angelina College, Stephen F. Austin State University, and the T.L.L. Temple Foundation, based in Nacogdoches. Drew Gholson, a former Mississippi State professor, was named executive director. The institute will focus on water data, education, applied research, workforce training, and regional coordination.

Drew Gholson, Executive director of the East Texas Water Institute; Charlie Glover, CEO of the T.L.L. Temple Foundation; Kelley Holcomb, General manager of Angelina & Neches River Authority and institute advisory board member

Reported by 3 outlets   Facts and sources

Elections

Cowboys legend Randy White backs Ken Paxton in Texas Senate race

Cowboys legend Randy White endorsed Ken Paxton in the Texas Senate race. The race has been described as tightening.

Randy White, Cowboys legend; Ken Paxton, Texas Senate candidate

Reported by 3 outlets   Facts and sources

Public Safety, Brushy Creek near Fort Worth / Montague County (near Bowie), Texas

Flight attendant's body confirmed in Texas creek over one year after disappearance

Flight attendant Rana Nofal Soluri's body was discovered in Brushy Creek in June 2026, more than one year after she went missing in March 2025. DNA testing confirmed the remains in early October 2026. Her former roommate Dennis William Day, 67, was arrested and charged with her murder; a second person, Joni Thomas, 63, was charged with tampering with evidence.

Rana Nofal Soluri, Victim, Envoy Air flight attendant; Dennis William Day, Arrested, charged with murder; Joni Thomas, Charged with tampering with evidence

Reported by 3 outlets   Facts and sources

Elections

Three candidates vie for Texas attorney general seat in 2026

Three candidates are running for Texas attorney general in 2026 as incumbent Ken Paxton leaves to run for U.S. Senate. Republican state Sen. Mayes Middleton, Democratic state Sen. Nathan Johnson, and Libertarian Tom Oxford are competing for the office, with some polls showing Johnson within five points of Middleton.

Ken Paxton, Incumbent Attorney General leaving office to run for U.S. Senate; Mayes Middleton, Republican state senator and candidate for Texas attorney general; Nathan Johnson, Democratic state senator and candidate for Texas attorney general

Reported by 3 outlets   Facts and sources

Schools

Schools banned record 12,000 books in a year, report says

Schools across the United States banned a record 12,000 books in a year, according to an annual report. Texas was among the leading states in book bans.

PEN America, organization that issued annual report

Reported by 3 outlets   Facts and sources

Public Safety, Houston area, Harris County

Family sues ex-Harris County deputy, county, dating app over alleged assault

A family sued a former Harris County Sheriff's Office deputy, Harris County, and a dating app over an alleged sexual assault of a 13-year-old.

Family of 13-year-old, Plaintiffs; Former HCSO deputy, Defendant; Harris County, Defendant

Reported by 3 outlets   Facts and sources

Other, Lubbock (Texas Tech)

Colorado's playbook found by Texas Tech fans before 29-7 loss

Texas Tech fans reported finding approximately 25 pages of Colorado's offensive game plan at the Buffaloes' team hotel bar before Saturday's game. Colorado lost to No. 12 Texas Tech 29-7, with the Red Raiders recording four interceptions.

Deion Sanders, Colorado head coach; Texas Tech Red Raiders, opposing team; Colorado Buffaloes, team that lost playbook

Reported by 3 outlets   Facts and sources

Elections, Texas (Rio Grande Valley, 34th Congressional District)

Republican redistricting in Texas faces tougher races than anticipated

Republicans redrew Texas congressional districts hoping to gain up to nine seats combined with Florida, but candidates face tougher races than expected due to public dissatisfaction with Trump, the economy, the Iran war, and immigration policies. Vice President JD Vance campaigned in Texas for Republican candidate Eric Flores.

Eric Flores, Republican candidate for Congress in 34th Congressional District; JD Vance, Vice President, appeared at campaign event in Texas; Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, Democratic incumbent in 34th Congressional District

Reported by 3 outlets   Facts and sources

Public Safety, Houston (west Houston apartment, 8100-block of Richmond Avenue)

Two charged with capital murder in sister's death in Houston apartment

A 20-year-old woman and her partner were arrested and charged with capital murder in connection with the death of the woman's 27-year-old sister, found dead in a west Houston apartment. Court records indicate the two robbed and killed the sister.

Aveyia Webb, Victim, found dead in apartment; Alaya Jones, Arrested and charged with capital murder; Kaleb Maglott, Arrested and charged with capital murder

Reported by 3 outlets   Facts and sources

Schools, Davila Middle School

Texas A&M Formula SAE team visits Davila Middle School with race car

The Texas A&M Formula SAE IC team brought its race car to Davila Middle School on Thursday morning. Students viewed the car in groups and spoke with team members including chief engineer Dylan Gregg and lead driver Kenneth Ajoku.

Texas A&M Formula SAE IC team, brought race car and crew to school; Dylan Gregg, Chief engineer; Kenneth Ajoku, Lead driver

Reported by 2 outlets   Facts and sources

Schools, Fort Bend County, Texas

Fort Bend ISD board to vote on rezoning middle and high schools

The Fort Bend Independent School District Board will vote on changing attendance boundaries at multiple schools to relieve overcrowding at Austin, Elkins, and Travis high schools and improve feeder alignment. The proposed high school scenario two would rezone about 1,500 students, including moving Quail Valley Middle School students to Dulles High School and some Elkins High School students to Clements High School.

Fort Bend Independent School District Board, voting on attendance boundary changes

Reported by 2 outlets   Facts and sources