Austin, TX
Leadership of Speaker Dustin Burrows marks a new chapter in Texas House history
AUSTIN, Texas — House Speaker Dustin Burrows was elected speaker with the support of Democrats, who favored him over Mansfield Rep. David Cook.
“Make sure that our speaker is selected by the caucus, is selected by Republicans. And so that’s what we expect of each other. So I was disappointed in that,” said North Texas Rep. Andy Hopper.
Cook won the GOP House Caucus nomination, but Burrows continued his campaign for the chair. His success is a failure for farther right members of the party, who are now threating political retribution.
“We will see how our next primaries are going to be,” said Texas Republican Chair Abraham George.
Many supporters of Cook blame Burrows’ predecessor and ally Beaumont Rep. Dade Phelan for the impeachment of Attorney General Ken Paxton and failure to pass a private school voucher bill.
Under Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s leadership, the Senate acquitted Paxton and passed multiple versions of a school voucher plan.
“Patrick understands if he is going to get his legislation passed, he needs to work with the House of Representatives. He has to play the hand that he’s dealt,” said St. Edward University professor of political sciences Brian Smith.
Without Cook leading the House, Patrick is perceived to have less control over the lower chamber’s actions. Patrick said in a statement, “The voters will hold our new speaker accountable to keep his promise of being the most conservative speaker in Texas history.”
The House Democratic Caucus is taking credit for Burrows’ win. Houston-area Rep. Gene Wu, the chair, says they protected the integrity of the People’s House.
“I feel like there’s a glimmer of hope that Texas can move forward, and we can actually take care of business,” Wu said.
Burrows expressed confidence in the House’s ability to govern.
“Our strength lies not in conformity, but in how we harmonize these diverse perspectives into service for this great state,” he said.
Many of Patrick’s priorities are shared with Burrows, including school vouchers and decreasing property taxes.
“There’s certainly going to be friction, but because they’re both Republicans, there’s going to be a lot more that they agree on,” said Smith.
Republicans in Burrows’ corner are confident in a more positive relationship between the two chambers.
“Policy is what brings us together. And I think that’s what’s going to happen this session,” said Frisco Rep. Jared Patterson.
Next week, the House will debate chamber rules, which will include who chairs committees. Lt. Gov. Patrick is vocally against minority party chairs, but Speaker Burrows signaled a willingness to work across the aisle.
Join several Austin labor unions and community members to honor Lorenzo Salgado Araujo’s life and the countless immigrants who have been impacted by ICE.
The community vigil will take place at the Wildflower Church on Saturday, July 11th starting at 6 PM. All are welcome to bring flowers and candles as we honor the loss of life and grieve the separation of families.
Community Vigil Details
🗓️ July 11, 2026 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM
🗺️ 1314 E Oltorf St, Austin, TX 78704
🚗 Public transit and rideshare encouraged! Limited parking available and overflow parking may be available at Travis High School.
Please consider donating to the family’s GoFundMe if you are able: https://bit.ly/atx4lorenzo
AUSTIN (KXAN) — A report released by the think tank Texas 2036 claims that ten state laws implemented between 2019 and 2025 led to “one of the nation’s most comprehensive strategies for connecting education to careers.”
The report is titled “The Next Generation of the Texas Miracle.” It can be read below.
Mary Lynn Pruneda, Texas 2036’s director of education and workforce policy, said in an announcement accompanying the report that the reforms have been steps in the right direction.
“Texas has a bright economic future ahead of it, but we have to make sure that Texas students are equipped to share in this prosperity,” she said. “Texas needs to double down on improving and investing in high-quality career pathways so that all Texas students can take part in the Texas Miracle. Thankfully, due to the Legislature’s great work over the past four sessions, we are on our way to that critical goal.”
The report gives several data points, such as a 532% increase in high schoolers earning “post-secondary credentials” since 2018, or that community colleges awarded 140,000 “credentials of value” in 2024.
It paints a rosy picture of the future Texas economy, but doesn’t source its data or explain how it reached these conclusions. It’s apparent that the think tank wants further laws related to Texas’ workforce and education.
“Texas 2036 is actively engaged in that process, pushing for data modernization and interoperability reforms that would allow the state to track whether credentials are meeting real employer needs in communities across the state,” said the think tank in its announcement.
Grace Atkins, policy advisor of postsecondary education for Texas 2036, called the think tank’s report “encouraging.”
“The early results are encouraging: more students are earning credentials that can help them move into good jobs, and that is real progress,” she said. “For students and families, these pathways can be the difference between getting by and getting ahead. The next step is making sure more Texans can earn credentials that lead to strong wages, real career options and greater economic mobility.”
AUSTIN, Texas — After Senator Charles Perry vowed to introduce another bill to ban THC in Texas next legislative session, an Austin cannabis shop owner is urging lawmakers to find a middle ground.
Estella Castro owns Austinite Cannabis Co., a family-owned shop that makes and sells cannabis and hemp products.
Austinite Cannabis Co. (Photo: CBS Austin/Audrey Wong)
Her business has faced a potential THC ban before. During the 2025 legislative session, Senate Bill 3 attempted to enact a broad ban on all cannabinoids except CBD and CBG.
Castro says she was most worried for her customers. “It was a big initial hit of like, what are we gonna do? How are we gonna pivot? How are we gonna keep the doors open for everybody to keep their jobs?” she said.
RELATED | Texas state senator plans to introduce new THC ban bill in upcoming session
That bill passed, but was later vetoed by Governor Greg Abbott. Similar legislation failed to pass during the subsequent special session.
However, the possibility of a total ban bill being introduced and passed next session could spell trouble for Austinite Cannabis.
During a hearing Tuesday, July 7, Senator Charles Perry vowed to present such a bill next session as public officials, medical experts, and others discussed THC’s medical uses, effects on minors, and regulation.
Castro says over half of the store’s revenue comes from products that contain THC.
“I would say it’s about a 60/40 split: 60% THC and 40 CBD… So feel like it is a huge number that affects my store in so many ways,” she said.
ALSO | Texas French Bread reopens dining room four years after fire
She feels that a total ban on THC would negatively affect multiple parties.
“Banning it is just hurting the consumer,” she said. “Making the consumer go and find a street dealer… killing any dispensaries… it’s gonna hurt your small business owner.”
If another THC ban bill is written, it will be introduced during the next legislative session, which begins in January 2027.
In the meantime, Castro’s two stores will continue to operate as normal. She hopes lawmakers will think twice about instituting a complete ban on THC.
“I feel like we’re better than that, you know, we’re Texas,” she said. “We need to find some middle ground where it’s not a complete ban, and we can still be able to come together.”
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