Texas
Texas Democrats hope to keep committee chairs with new House speaker
Rep. Dustin Burrows takes the oath of office after being elected Texas House speaker on Jan. 14, 2025.
AUSTIN, Texas – Rep. Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock) won the Texas House speaker’s gavel Tuesday during the opening session.
The win left some GOP leaders fuming over his win. They wanted Rep. David Cook (R-Mansfield) to win the gavel.
What’s next:
Burrows’ win came from support from the Democratic side of the aisle, where 49 Democrats voted alongside 36 Republicans.
The next fight will be if Democrats can keep their committee chair positions.
The House has a unique situation where a few Democrats lead committees despite being in the minority.
Members will debate House rules next week.
There is some pressure on Burrows to stop the tradition of giving Democrats power, but some Republicans think Burrows will still give some committee chairs to Democrats.
What they’re saying:
Some Republicans think the end of Democratic chairs is coming.
“I think that for the first time in the history of Texas, the Senate and House will neither have Democratic chairs this session,” Rep. Jared Patterson (R-Frisco) said.
Others think the Democrats will still have a voice.
“I think that time is coming to an end, but the minority party still has to have a voice and how that voice reflects and represents we will see this session,” Rep. Mano DeAyala (R-Houston) said.
North Texas Democrats think Borrows will still let them have a voice.
“I think [Burrows] is open and willing to let every member have an opportunity to get things done for their districts,” Rep. Toni Rose (D-Dallas) said.
Some believe they will keep some chairs.
“That’s a real possibility, I feel strongly about it,” Rep. Rhetta Bowers (D-Garland) said. “Just receiving an appointment myself today, I look forward to what the days will bring.”
The other side:
The floor debate on the rules is Wednesday.
Over in the Senate, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says he’s willing to work with the House, but he will only pass what he considers conservative legislation.
The Source: Information in this article comes from FOX 4 interviews.
BREMOND, Texas (KWTX) – Early Friday morning, an 18-wheeler slammed on its breaks to avoid a herd of runaway cows, in turn causing a communitywide effort to drive the cattle back through town to their home.
According to a Facebook post from the Bremond Volunteer Fire Department, at around 5:45 a.m., the driver of the 18-wheeler noticed a herd of cattle in the road and slammed on the breaks to avoid hitting them.
Unfortunately, several cattle were hit and killed.
“The community rallied quickly,” the post said, “using their vehicles to help herd the remaining cattle through town.”
Some cows were in backyards, residential gardens, or on railroad tracks. Local cowboys and cowgirls even came to help.
Despite the sadness for the lost cattle, the post described the chaos of the incident as a “heartwarming sight,” with everyone “coming together to safely guide the rest of the herd home.”
Copyright 2026 KWTX. All rights reserved.
AUSTIN, Texas — Looking for weekend plans?
From free concerts and cultural celebrations to shopping events and community festivals, here are six events happening across Central Texas this weekend.
Austin Swappin’ returns Saturday
- Ready to refresh your wardrobe without spending a fortune?
- Austin Swappin’, the city’s largest clothing and accessories swap, returns Saturday to Wanderlust Wine Co. in East Austin.
- For $10 and 10 gently used items, attendees can trade for new-to-them clothing, shoes, jewelry, books, and more. The event also features giveaways, a photo booth, food vendors, matcha drinks, and a fill-a-bag thrift sale benefiting local nonprofit Thrift-ish.
Music Under the Star kicks off Friday night
- Free live music is back at the Texas Capitol Mall.
- The Bullock Texas State History Museum’s “Music Under the Star” concert series begins Friday evening with performances by indie-folk acts The 44-11 and Elijah Delgado.
- The free event also includes food trucks, drinks, and views of Austin’s downtown skyline. Music begins at 7 p.m.
Waterloo Greenway opens The Confluence
- A major new public space is opening in downtown Austin.
- The newest phase of Waterloo Greenway, known as The Confluence, officially opens Saturday. The project transforms a once-flood-prone section of Waller Creek into a new gathering space that connects nature and downtown Austin.
- The free grand opening celebration runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and includes a ribbon-cutting ceremony, live music, food, family activities, and opportunities to explore the new trails and park features.
Jane Austen Improv celebrates three years
- The award-winning Jane Austen Improv troupe is celebrating its third anniversary with a special performance at the Long Center.
- Known for blending Regency-era romance with improvised comedy, the group will perform Saturday evening.
- The 6 p.m. show is nearly sold out, but tickets remain available for the 8:30 p.m. performance.
Round Rock Pride marks five years
- Round Rock Pride is celebrating a milestone anniversary this weekend.
- The festival marks its fifth year and is expected to bring thousands of people to downtown Round Rock for live entertainment, food, local vendors, and community celebration.
- The free event takes place Saturday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Centennial Plaza.
Mexican American Cultural Center reopens
- After nearly three years of renovations and expansion, Austin’s Mexican American Cultural Center is reopening its doors.
- The grand reopening celebration, called “Juntos de Nuevo,” takes place Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Visitors can enjoy live music, dance performances, art exhibits, hands-on workshops, food trucks, an artisan market, and tours of the newly renovated facility. The event is free and open to the public.
Know about a great weekend event?
Email details to jcestrada@cbsaustin.com or ammiller@cbsaustin.com for possible inclusion in a future Weekend Check segment on CBS Austin.
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