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Faith Bugenhagen

@fbugenhagen.bsky.social
667 followers 191 following 64 posts

reporter @ Austin American-Statesman 👩🏻‍💻 | formerly Chron|Houston Press Emerson College alum | 💌 send tips Faith.Bugenhagen@statesman.com

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Faith Bugenhagen @fbugenhagen.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
NEW: National rhetoric over election integrity continues to trickle down to affect local and statewide election operations—Travis County is not immune So, how do Travis County officials confront it? First set of features out w/ the Austin American-Statesman www.statesman.com/news/politic...
statesman.com
The ‘odd couple of democracy’ behind Travis County’s ballot count
In Travis County, a Democrat and a Republican review ballots together, offering a rare window into how election integrity works on the ground.
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Faith Bugenhagen @fbugenhagen.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
Hi 👋 longtime no see @bsky.app I am back on apologizes for the hiatus, returning with some news to share, I've relocated to Austin within the last month and started working as a breaking news reporter at the Austin American-Statesman. My coverage will largely stay the same, just in a new place!
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Mid terms are November 3rd 2026. Go register voters. @usrbinr.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
@fbugenhagen.bsky.social is leaving houston -- week ruined. #htx
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gwen howerton @kissphoria.bsky.social · 01/10/2025
Good stuff from @fbugenhagen.bsky.social: Chloe Cole says TCU cancelled her event with the local TPUSA chapter. But TCU says the event wasn't cancelled — because it was never actually booked. www.chron.com/politics/art...
chron.com
Conservative activist says TCU canceled her Turning Point talk
"This is how free speech dies."
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MaddowBlog @maddowblog.bsky.social · 19/08/2025
"I'm not going to be part of that process that gives [Trump] more reinforcement to harm my community and my people." Texas State Rep. Nicole Collier is being held in the State Capitol for refusing to comply with a Republican demand that she allow herself to be chaperoned by police.
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Faith Bugenhagen @fbugenhagen.bsky.social · 19/08/2025
NEW: @genefortexas.bsky.social talks to @chron.com talks about his night spent in support of Nicole Collier's protest refusing a DPS escort www.chron.com/politics/art...
chron.com
'I would not use the word slept': Inside the all-nighter at the Texas Capitol
This extra bit of humiliation of [us]...was too much for [Collier]..."
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Faith Bugenhagen @fbugenhagen.bsky.social · 08/07/2025
BREAKING: Houston City Council At-Large member Letitia Plummer wants Harris County's top job—and a new direction for the county. She exclusively discusses her plans and campaign as she officially launches her bid for county judge @chron.com www.chron.com/politics/art...
chron.com
Letitia Plummer launches bid for Harris County's top job
"I am in this race to ensure there will be a true Democrat in this seat..."
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Faith Bugenhagen @fbugenhagen.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
NEW: In an apparent circulated text message, State Rep. Steve Toth appears to have accidentally launched his campaign for U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw's congressional seat @chron.com www.chron.com/politics/art...
chron.com
Texas lawmaker may have just spilled plans to take on Dan Crenshaw
The race for Texas District 2 might've just started—by accident.
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Faith Bugenhagen @fbugenhagen.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
NEW: Spoke with Democrat @bobbyfortx.bsky.social, who launched his campaign for Texas governor on Monday. He describes himself as a "traditional Democrat," drawing inspiration from the Lone Star State's own Lyndon B. Johnson. @chron.com www.chron.com/politics/art...
chron.com
Can an East Texas farmer upset Greg Abbott for governor?
Abbott is "tearing up everything we've built, kissing up to bullies and billionaires..."
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Dan Carson @dcarson.bsky.social · 23/06/2025
Interesting approach! ✍️ @fbugenhagen.bsky.social www.chron.com/politics/art...
chron.com
Dan Patrick dares Texans to vote him out over THC ban
"What kind of state do we want?... Do we want everybody high?
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gwen howerton @kissphoria.bsky.social · 23/06/2025
In the recording, which we at @chron.com were also sent, Ogg, who is gay, ranted about how she doesn't know what all the letters in "LGBTQ+" mean, which I interpreted as a dig at the increased visibility of transgender people:
"I don't know what all the letters mean. I don't care what all the letters mean." with respect to being gay in politics. 

 "I spent most of my life pushing back against labels, and I'd say that that's a big part of the problem. It got crammed down people's throats. Americans didn't like it. They still don't like it, and I think that's part of the backlash culturally that helped elect Donald Trump."
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Faith Bugenhagen @fbugenhagen.bsky.social · 20/06/2025
NEW: Mattress store mogul turned GOP activist Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale is set to be the keynote speaker at next month's launch of the Harris County MAGA PAC The PAC seeks to restore "American Exceptionalism" principles in Harris County @chron.com www.chron.com/politics/art...
chron.com
Mattress Mack's latest bet? Turning Harris County red
"Together, we can take back Harris County!"
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Faith Bugenhagen @fbugenhagen.bsky.social · 18/06/2025
ICYMI: At a closed-door meeting of local Republicans, former Harris County DA Kim Ogg condemned Democratic leadership and urged for the GOP to dominate Harris County in 2026 @chron.com www.chron.com/politics/art...
chron.com
Kim Ogg goes full red: Calls for GOP takeover of Harris County
"Over the last eight years, we've had hell in Texas, here in Harris County."
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Faith Bugenhagen @fbugenhagen.bsky.social · 30/05/2025
NEW: Former U.S. Rep. Colin Allred's new mission: Saving the Democratic Party's "man problem." How? A project with a $20 M sticker price. @chron.com www.chron.com/politics/art...
chron.com
Some Democrats think a Texas politician (and $20M) can fix their man problem
Colin Allred joins Democratic project to draw in young male voters following the GOP young male voter wave of the 2024 election cycle.
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Faith Bugenhagen @fbugenhagen.bsky.social · 27/05/2025
Cabell Hobbs, who's worked for some of the most notable GOP names, joined Harris County judge GOP hopeful Aliza Dutt's ranks. Hobbs has been tied to a number of PACs and organizations embroiled in FEC complaints. @chron.com www.chron.com/politics/art...
chron.com
Elon Musk-backed operative crashes Harris County judge race
Aliza Dutt, a GOP candidate for Harris County Judge, has appointed Cabell Hobbs to be her campaign's treasurer.
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Faith Bugenhagen @fbugenhagen.bsky.social · 07/05/2025
NEW: Clay Jackson, a Dallas-based lawyer for Fidelity National Financial, helped an immigrant family. Weeks later, he was out of his job. “I'm going to not in any way shy away from doing what I believe is my duty as a lawyer,” @clayjak.substack.com told @chron.com www.chron.com/politics/art...
chron.com
Texas attorney says he lost job after aiding immigrant family
Last week, Clay Jackson, an attorney with Fidelity National Financial, was fired after he assisted an immigrant family.
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Faith Bugenhagen @fbugenhagen.bsky.social · 01/05/2025
NEW: A former member of TPUSA at Texas A&M leaked messages sent in a group chat that show transphobic, racist texts, including memes mocking George Floyd. The ex-member exposed the group ahead of TPUSA's founder Charlie Kirk's visit to campus. @chron.com www.chron.com/politics/art...
chron.com
Leaked messages expose Texas A&M group's racist, transphobic chats
Amid Charlie Kirk's visit earlier this week, an ex-member of Texas A&M's Turning Point USA chapter exposed the group's racist, anti-LGBTQ behavior.
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gwen howerton @kissphoria.bsky.social · 01/05/2025
Incredible work from @fbugenhagen.bsky.social here, who has been working on this for weeks ⬇️
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gwen howerton @kissphoria.bsky.social · 29/04/2025
also good morning to you. Secretary of Agriculture and C/O 1994 Brooke Rollins, and Secretary of HHS RFK Jr. will be visiting my alma mater, Texas A&M University in College Station. @fbugenhagen.bsky.social will have more on the visit, which coincides with Trump's 100th day in office:
kbtx.com
Trump administration officials to visit Texas A&M on milestone day
U.S. Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins, along with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., will visit Texas A&M to discuss food security and agricultural innovation.
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Chron.com @chron.com · 24/04/2025
BREAKING: The Texas Senate has officially approved a historic, $1 billion proposal allowing families to use public dollars to send their children to private schools. The bill now goes to Gov. Greg Abbott's desk for signature. www.chron.com/news/article...
BREAKING NEWS 
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Texas Senate Approves historic private school voucher bill

The $1 billion bill now heads to Gov. Greg Abbott's desk.
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Leah Vann @lvannsports.bsky.social · 24/04/2025
Astros win 3-1 to sweep the Blue Jays. Canada couldn’t pay the Astros’ pitching tariff with enough hits. #Astros
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Faith Bugenhagen @fbugenhagen.bsky.social · 23/04/2025
Texas leaders condemn Tennessee Congresswoman for racist, anti-LGBTQ+ comments: "This is not as simple as a cane and a comment," said @algreen.house.gov @chron.com www.chron.com/politics/art...
chron.com
'Gosh dang it, boy': GOP rep's words ignite outrage from Texas leaders
On Tuesday, Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis rushed to defend U.S. Rep. Al Green against comments made by a Tennessee Congresswoman.
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Faith Bugenhagen @fbugenhagen.bsky.social · 20/04/2025
Conservative activist Dr. Steven Hotze is at the center of the latest legal battle over Obamacare that could put cancer screenings and medications that prevent the transmission of HIV on the chopping block. @chron.com www.chron.com/politics/art...
chron.com
Houston right-wing activist’s lawsuit puts preventative health care at risk
Houston GOP activist Steven Hotze is tied up in the latest legal battle against Obamacare.
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Faith Bugenhagen @fbugenhagen.bsky.social · 16/04/2025
It's a huge day for school choice. The latest on today's Texas House action on vouchers: President Donald Trump intervenes in a last-ditch effort to move Gov. Greg Abbott's priority issue one step closer to the finish line. #txlege @chron.com www.chron.com/politics/art...
chron.com
Texas lawmakers in all-out war over school vouchers as vote hits House
The Texas House will debate and vote on school choice on Wednesday with tensions between GOP and Democratic lawmakers boiling to a head.
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gwen howerton @kissphoria.bsky.social · 10/04/2025
We've updated our story on Texas international students who have quietly had their visas revoked. That includes: Four students at Texas Woman's, three at Texas Tech, two former students and two current students at UTSA @fbugenhagen.bsky.social has it ⬇️
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Faith Bugenhagen @fbugenhagen.bsky.social · 08/04/2025
INBOX: Texas A&M has had nine students with Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) records terminated by the U.S. government as of Monday morning.
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Faith Bugenhagen @fbugenhagen.bsky.social · 08/04/2025
Student visas quietly revoked at UT Austin, Texas A&M @chron.com www.chron.com/politics/art...
chron.com
Student visas quietly revoked at UT Austin, Texas A&M
Several international students at UT Austin and Texas A&M had their visas quietly revoked.
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Faith Bugenhagen @fbugenhagen.bsky.social · 26/03/2025
The latest in suburban education news: Katy ISD discretely removed a book exploring how parents can talk to their children about race and racism @chron.com www.chron.com/news/houston...
chron.com
Houston-area school district quietly removes book about racism
Katy ISD placed four titles on the district's removed book list this week, one of which was about how to discuss racism with children.
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Faith Bugenhagen @fbugenhagen.bsky.social · 20/03/2025
BREAKING: Congressional candidate Isaiah Martin + Martin's campaign sued by D.C. tech company @chron.com www.chron.com/politics/art...
chron.com
Candidate for Sylvester Turner's seat sued over alleged unpaid fees
On Wednesday, a lawsuit was filed against Texas 18th Congressional candidate Isaiah Martin.
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Faith Bugenhagen @fbugenhagen.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
. @akedwardstx.bsky.social talks with me abt her bid for Texas' 18th Congressional District + Houston City Council At-Large member Letitia Plummer tells @chron.com she is "strongly considering" the position—the latest on CD18 www.chron.com/politics/art...
chron.com
Battle for Texas Congressional District 18 ignites as Abbott stalls election
Amanda Edwards, a former Houston City Council At-Large member, is doubling down on her ambitions to become the next representative for the district.
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Chron.com @chron.com · 18/03/2025
Houston lawyer Tony Buzbee had to exit the legal battle involving Sean "Diddy" Combs after court documents revealed that Buzbee isn't actually able to practice law in New York: www.chron.com/news/article...
chron.com
Houston's Tony Buzbee steps away from Diddy case over ability to practice
On Monday night, Tony Buzbee filed a notice to withdraw from a lawsuit involving Sean Combs over his inability to practice in court.
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Faith Bugenhagen @fbugenhagen.bsky.social · 17/03/2025
I spoke with @cdmenefee.bsky.social about his bid for Congress, what it means to have the support of @repericaleecarter.bsky.social & what his plans are for the residents of Texas' 18th Congressional District. @chron.com www.chron.com/politics/art...
chron.com
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Faith Bugenhagen @fbugenhagen.bsky.social · 15/03/2025
Good morning from The Church Without Walls ⛪️ where memorial services will be held this afternoon for late mayor & congressman Sylvester Turner @chron.com
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gwen howerton @kissphoria.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
my bestie @fbugenhagen.bsky.social out with another good piece today:
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Faith Bugenhagen @fbugenhagen.bsky.social · 11/03/2025
Houston and Harris County politicians joined residents to remember late mayor Sylvester Turner. "He treated everyone with equality and inclusion," Mayor John Whitmire said. "That's what made him really special." shoutout to the incomparable @kissphoria.bsky.social www.chron.com/news/houston...
chron.com
Houstonians mourn former Mayor Sylvester Turner at City Hall
Houstonians mourned former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner as he laid in state at City Hall.
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gwen howerton @kissphoria.bsky.social · 11/03/2025
fun to take photos with @fbugenhagen.bsky.social this morning
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gwen howerton @kissphoria.bsky.social · 11/03/2025
good morning, i'm at Houston City Hall this morning with @fbugenhagen.bsky.social to see former Congressman and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner lie in state.
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Faith Bugenhagen @fbugenhagen.bsky.social · 07/03/2025
Isolated a part of the recent Texas Politics Project poll, which found that a plurality of Texas voters do not support President Donald Trump's push to end birthright citizenship. Cited work by @paoramos.bsky.social (one of my favs) who is doing incredible work. www.chron.com/news/article...
chron.com
Texas voters reject Trump's effort to end birthright citizenship
A poll by The Texas Politics Project released on Thursday found that 48 percent of voters oppose ending birthright citizenship.
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Faith Bugenhagen @fbugenhagen.bsky.social · 05/03/2025
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo spoke to me on Wednesday about her relationship with late Congressman Sylvester Turner amid news of his passing. "We would look for each other wherever we went," Hidalgo said. @chron.com www.chron.com/politics/art...
chron.com
'He always came to my defense': Lina Hidalgo mourns Sylvester Turner's death
On Wednesday, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo spoke out about the death of her long-time colleague, Congressman Sylvester Turner.
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Faith Bugenhagen @fbugenhagen.bsky.social · 05/03/2025
Texas senators fast track Ten Commandment and school prayer time legislation During Tuesday's senate committee hearing, Middleton asserted things "started to go downhill in America" when public schools took prayer away. @chron.com www.chron.com/politics/art...
chron.com
Ten Commandments in Texas schools advances to Senate
Texas senators advanced legislation that would bring the Ten Commandments and designated prayer time out of committee to the full Texas Senate for consideration
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Faith Bugenhagen @fbugenhagen.bsky.social · 21/02/2025
Sometimes, people ask me why I continue to cover Conroe ISD, pulling this nugget from the story below to provide at least one answer to that extremely layered question. @chron.com
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Faith Bugenhagen @fbugenhagen.bsky.social · 19/02/2025
Conroe ISD superintendent Dr. Curtis Null withdrew the recommendation to end the district's dual language program. He admitted to those who unanimously supported the program that the approach to proposing the decision was wrong. @chron.com www.chron.com/news/houston...
chron.com
Conroe ISD reverses course on cutting beloved dual language program
Conroe ISD reversed course on weighing whether to end the dual language program at Tuesday night's board meeting.
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Faith Bugenhagen @fbugenhagen.bsky.social · 18/02/2025
Parents of students enrolled in Conroe ISD's dual language program described the decision to consider ending the program as "sudden and abrupt." The board is set to vote on the matter tonight @chron.com www.chron.com/news/houston...
chron.com
Conroe ISD considers cutting popular dual language program
After reading the upcoming school board meeting agenda, community members involved in Conroe ISD's dual language program found out that the program may end.
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Chron.com @chron.com · 10/02/2025
Rhea Young, the Montgomery County Memorial Library System Director, was abruptly terminated after a coordinated influence campaign to oust her by local conservative groups. The local blogger behind the campaign has called librarians "groomerbrarians": www.chron.com/news/houston...
chron.com
Montgomery Co. library director fired amid conservative influence campaign
Montgomery County Library Director Rhea Young is navigating unemployment after suddenly being terminated due to a growing effort to crack down on censorship.
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Faith Bugenhagen @fbugenhagen.bsky.social · 11/02/2025
First, they came for the schools. Now, they're coming for the public libraries... Montgomery County residents pushing back on censorship efforts say one group paved the way for Montgomery County library director Rhea Young's abrupt termination. @chron.com www.chron.com/news/houston...
chron.com
Montgomery Co. library director fired amid conservative influence campaign
Montgomery County Library Director Rhea Young is navigating unemployment after suddenly being terminated due to a growing effort to crack down on censorship.
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Chron.com @chron.com · 05/02/2025
The Texas Canon: Nearly three decades ago, Tejano star Selena Quintanilla's performance at the Astrodome cemented her in Texans' hearts forever, making her our "Amor Eterno." By @fbugenhagen.bsky.social: www.chron.com/culture/musi...
chron.com
How Selena's Houston rodeo concert made her Texas' 'Amor Eterno'
Nearly three decades ago, Tejano star Selena Quintanilla's performance at the Astrodome cemented her in Texans' hearts forever.
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Chron.com @chron.com · 04/02/2025
Lt. Gov Dan Patrick says Texas senators are set to send their proposal for school choice like a "rocket ship" over to the Texas House this week. By @fbugenhagen.bsky.social: www.chron.com/politics/art...
chron.com
A fast-tracked school vouchers bill will head to Texas House this week
The Texas Senate is set to discuss its proposal for school choice on Wednesday, while opponents warn of potential harm to public schools.
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Chron.com @chron.com · 31/01/2025
North Texas resident Jenny Cudd, one of the more than 1,500 January 6th rioters pardoned by President Donald Trump, is building a "healing" retreat for other rioters in the Texas Hill Country. www.chron.com/politics/art...
chron.com
Pardoned Texas woman builds 'healing' retreat for other Jan. 6 rioters
Jenny Cudd, one of the more than 1,500 J6 rioters who President Donald Trump pardoned, is now opening her North Texas home to other rioters.
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Eric Killelea @erickillelea.bsky.social · 29/01/2025
My latest in @chron.com In Texas, Christian Republicans introduced bills that propose prayer and Bible time in public schools and require classrooms to display Ten Commandments. Story w/ @fbugenhagen.bsky.social www.chron.com/culture/reli...
chron.com
New Texas bill proposes prayer and Bible time in public schools
Republican lawmakers in North Texas introduced bills requiring public schools to allow students and staff to pray and display the Ten Commandments.
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Faith Bugenhagen @fbugenhagen.bsky.social · 22/01/2025
The Texas House and Senate released their proposed budgets for the 2026-2027 biennium. Among the higher-funded issues were under-the-radar priorities, including Dementia research investment and film production incentives. www.chron.com/politics/art...
chron.com
Major takeaways from the Texas 2026 budget
On Wednesday, Texas' legislative chambers unveiled their 2026-2027 budgets, signaling priorities such as property tax cuts, school choice, and border security.
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