Former Lt. Gov. nominee Mike Collier sues over Texas’ onerous rules for independent candidates
By Eleanor Klibanoff, The Texas Tribune June 16, 2026 Mike Collier, the two-time Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor, has filed a lawsuit seeking to overturn Texas’ system for independent candidates to get on the ballot. The federal lawsuit, filed in Austin last week, says that the bar for an independent candidate to get on the…
Read MoreNewly announced TribFest speakers grapple with the country’s hardest questions
By Matt Ewalt, The Texas Tribune June 16, 2026 As we approach the nation’s 250th anniversary, the questions at the heart of American democracy feel more urgent than ever. When we gather for The Texas Tribune Festival this September 24-26 in Austin, we’ll bring together voices who are living those questions with their work, helping…
Read MoreScenes from the Juneteenth Celebration
Kilgore College Rangerettes select 30 freshmen for 87th line
Thirty young women were named the newest members of the world-famous Kilgore College Rangerettes during a closed ceremony June 13 in Dodson Auditorium. The announcement concluded the Rangerettes’ annual tryout week, during which candidates competed for a spot on the renowned dance and drill team. The new Rangerettes will join 34 sophomores to make a…
Read MoreUSDA has new partners in the fight against screwworm — drones, dogs and fungi
By Berenice Garcia, The Texas Tribune June 16, 2026 McALLEN — The U.S. Department of Agriculture is doubling down on its fight against screwworm. On Tuesday, the USDA announced new approaches to combat screwworm, including using AI drones to monitor wildlife and enlisting the help of 40 research projects that would be funded via a grant…
Read MoreAs data centers seek to tap Texas’ energy, grid regulators are close to approving a new way of vetting requests
By Paul Cobler, The Texas Tribune June 17, 2026 If you look at recent forecasts for future demand on Texas’s energy grid, the state must find a way to more than quadruple its energy production in the next six years or risk high energy prices and blackouts. However, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, the…
Read MoreFormer employee’s ethics complaint alleges age discrimination in Rep. Troy Nehls’ office
By Gabby Birenbaum, The Texas Tribune June 17, 2026 WASHINGTON — Rep. Troy Nehls is facing an age discrimination complaint from a former employee, who told the House Ethics Committee that he is one of three staffers alleged to have faced unfair treatment over their age while working for the Richmond Republican. Kevin Countie, who…
Read MoreTribCast: Deep in the heart of the Texas GOP convention
by Eleanor Klibanoff, The Texas Tribune June 16, 2026 The GOP convention just wrapped in Houston. The biennial affair was marked by high-powered elected officials, low turnout from the base and robust calls for unity — whether or not they were heard by all. Texas Tribune politics reporter Alejandro Serrano and lead Blast writer…
Read MoreCoast Guard to lead maritime safety, security during Sail250 Virginia celebrations in Norfolk
June 16, 2026 NORFOLK, Va. — In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, the U.S. Coast Guard will oversee comprehensive maritime safety and security operations alongside local, state and federal partners during Sail250 Virginia, which is scheduled to be held in Norfolk, June 19-23. Sail250 Virginia, a massive maritime celebration to commemorate the nation’s semiquincentennial and…
Read MoreOP-ED: GET IN GEAR BOY
Proverbs 4: 1-5 “Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law. For I was my father’s son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain…
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