News from Southern Arkansas University   MAGNOLIA, AR (08/18/2026) SAU Theatre & Dance students have traveled the country this summer to gain hands-on experience through numerous summer intensives. From Arkansas to New York and cities in between, Muleriders took to the boards to learn from the best in the business. Four SAU students were selected…

By Matthew Watkins, The Texas Tribune August 18, 2026 In this week’s episode of The Texas Tribune’s podcast, host Matthew Watkins speaks with James Henson, director of the Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas at Austin about the polls showing a tight race for U.S. Senate. Are they reliable? Could James Talarico really…

By Ayden Runnels, The Texas Tribune May 18, 2026 Gov. Greg Abbott on Tuesday set a special election to replace former Texas Sen. Brian Birdwell for Election Day after the five-term Granbury Republican resigned in May to serve as a U.S. assistant secretary of defense. Candidates for the special election in Senate District 22 must…

By Alex Nguyen, The Texas Tribune August 18, 2026 Minnesota leaders on Tuesday sued Gov. Greg Abbott to force the extradition of a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer who is accused of injuring a Venezuelan man in Minneapolis earlier this year and lying about the circumstance leading up to the shooting.  The federal lawsuit,…

By Megan Menchaca, The Texas Tribune August 18, 2026 Texas public schools couldn’t sponsor H-1B visas to hire foreign workers under a ban Gov. Greg Abbott proposed Tuesday. As part of an effort to target foreign influence in the state’s education systems, Abbott said he wants legislation to ensure “exactly zero” Texas public school employees…

By Jessica Priest, The Texas Tribune July 2, 2026 Nearly 100 employees at UT Tyler accepted buyouts expected to save the university $9.6 million in the coming fiscal year as officials aim to keep the East Texas school affordable. Along with 99 staffers accepting the buyouts, University of Texas at Tyler officials paused salary increases…

Lobby groups are spending big to stop bipartisan legislation aimed at lowering the exorbitant “swipe fees” charged by the credit card industry. By Carter Dougherty | August 19, 2026 When a powerful industry rakes in billions for doing something that should have a negligible cost, it will say almost anything to keep that river of…

August 18, 2026 Español The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) announced Michelle Kranes as deputy commissioner of the Strategy and Performance Division on August 17. Kranes will oversee the division that supports TDI’s strategic planning, performance and risk management, and process improvement through technology, automation, and business innovation. “Michelle brings fresh energy and a strong…

The program, in collaboration with the National Volunteer Fire Council, provided a total of $1.5 million to 150 volunteer fire departments nationwide   Eight volunteer fire departments in Texas were among 150 nationwide recipients of a $10,000 grant through the State Farm® Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program. The program, in collaboration with the National Volunteer Fire…

By Dr. Billy Holland Do you remember that old song in Vacation Bible School that said, “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my heart? Do you still have it today? I hope you do, because as God’s children we have lots to be joyful about. Be edified as you read I Thessalonians…