Texas
Why North Texas Republicans say they back different presidential candidates
NORTH TEXAS – After months of campaigning in the Hawkeye State, Republican voters in Iowa are set to hold caucuses and decide who will win the first-in-the-nation contest for President.
Heading into the caucuses, the Real Clear Politics average of polls between January 5th and 14th shows former President Donald Trump in first place by a wide margin at 52.5%, continuing a months-long trend.
Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, who served as Trump’s U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, has risen to second place with 18.8%, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has dropped to third place with 15.7%.
Tech billionaire Vivek Ramaswamy remains in fourth at 6.8%.
We spoke with four North Texas Republicans who each support a different candidate and asked them why they believe their candidates are best positioned to beat President Joe Biden in November.
Orlando Salazar, who supports Trump said, “He was terrific the first time around. He fulfilled a lot of the promises that he said he was going to do. He moved Israel’s, our embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, which many, many presidents had promised to do, and he actually did it. He shut down the border. Our economy was terrific. He rebuilt our military.”
Sanjay Narayan, who backs Ramaswamy said, “I think President Trump has a fantastic record to run on, which is one of the ironies of this because I think Vivek is one of the best defenders of President Trump’s legacy and has the ability to not only defend that but also move America first to the next iteration which is how do we bring the country together by addressing what is really at the core crux of the issue, a loss of national identity.”
Tina Aviles, who supports Haley said, “Poll after poll is showing that Nikki Haley is surging because she is a voice of reason in this fray, and that is what Americans are looking for, and the way that we’re seeing this. We’re looking at some critical swing states that are going to decide the vote. And in poll after poll is showing that Nikki Haley will be able to be the one who could beat Joe Biden in those critical swing states.”
Jonathan Boos, who believes DeSantis should become the nominee said, “Ron DeSantis is best positioned to do that for a couple of reasons. First, I think he’s one of the few candidates that can unite both the Donald Trump wing of the party and then maybe Nikki Haley, Chris Christie wing of the party. Ron DeSantis won his reelection overwhelmingly in the State of Florida. So, between those two things and just his record that he’s able to run on and being able to just relate to kind of an average person, I think he’s going to be the strongest candidate in November against Joe Biden.”
There are no caucuses for Iowa Democrats this year because President Biden wanted South Carolina, a more diverse state, to be his party’s first Presidential contest.
Iowa Democrats can vote for their preferences by mail and results will be announced on Super Tuesday, March 5, the same day Texas holds its primary.
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Texas
Painted Tree Boutiques abruptly closes all locations nationwide, including final Texas stores
Painted Tree Boutiques has abruptly closed all of its stores nationwide, blaming rising costs, shifting market conditions and changes in consumer shopping behavior.
The company, which grew to more than 60 locations nationally, leased booth space to vendors and took a commission on their sales, most often from craft and handmade items.
Texas’ stores included six in North Texas – Frisco, Grapevine, Highland Village, Lewisville, Mansfield and North Richland Hills – along with others in the Austin, San Antonio, Tyler and Houston areas.
Closure announced in company message
Painted Tree announced the closures in a message expressing gratitude to shoppers, vendors, and employees, noting its last day of business was Monday.
The Arkansas-originated company emphasized that Painted Tree was “never just a store,” but a community hub and launchpad for local makers.
“We are heartbroken by this outcome,” the company said.
“This decision has not come lightly, and it represents the end of a chapter that has meant everything to us,” the company said in a statement. “To our shoppers – you have made every single day worthwhile. You came to us not just to shop, but to discover, to support local makers, and to find something truly one-of-a-kind.
“To our dedicated team members – past and present – your commitment, creativity, and care have shaped everything we’ve accomplished. You showed up every day with kindness and purpose, and we are deeply thankful for every hour you gave to this community.”
Vendors told to retrieve inventory
Vendors were instructed to retrieve all inventory by April 24.
Texas
Gov. Abbott to tour South Plains College, discuss Texas Jobs Council
LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Gov. Greg Abbott is scheduled to tour the Automotive Technology and Welding Facility at South Plains College on Tuesday, April 14, and deliver remarks on the creation of the Texas Jobs Council and the state’s investments in career and technical education.
Abbott will be joined by Teamsters Local 988 President Robert Mele, South Plains College President Robin Satterwhite and Texas Association of Community Colleges President and CEO Ray Martinez III.
Copyright 2026 KCBD. All rights reserved.
Texas
Texas AG opens investigation into Austin over APD guidance on ICE warrants
AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Attorney General’s Office is launching an investigation into the City of Austin over recent changes to Austin Police Department policy involving immigration enforcement.
A news flash obtained by CBS Austin and sent to Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and city council confirms the review focuses on updated guidance for how officers handle administrative ICE warrants.
The investigation comes as the state claims those changes may violate Texas Senate Bill 4, a law banning sanctuary cities in the state.
The policy change follows the addition of more than 700,000 ICE administrative warrants to a national law enforcement database earlier this year. According to the city, the revised policy creates a process for officers who encounter a person with an ICE administrative warrant and allows officers to provide “reasonable or necessary assistance,” while taking into consideration legal constraints and limited police resources.
MORE NEWS | Texas higher-ed leaders urge lawmakers to reassess support ahead of midterms
City leaders maintain the policy is lawful.
“We believe our general orders are consistent with SB4 and will cooperate with the Attorney General’s investigation,” said the newsflash.
Officials say the changes were designed to provide clearer guidance for officers while balancing public safety priorities and constitutional requirements.
CBS Austin has reached out the Attorney General’s Office for comment.
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