POLITICS
Is Texas prepared for natural disasters?
| July 15, 2025
Local and statewide officials have come under scrutiny over their preparedness and response to the deadly flash flood in Central Texas.
As lawmakers prepare for a special session that starts July 21, Gov. Greg Abbott said the state’s response to natural disasters will be a top priority.
Cruz, Cornyn voted to slash weather forecast funding ahead of Texas floods
| July 15, 2025
Sen. Ted Cruz inserted language into President Trump’s budget bill cutting $150 million in funding for weather forecast improvements.
Why children might need help coping with Texas Hill Country floods trauma
| July 14, 2025
Children are facing lasting trauma from the Texas Hill Country floods. Experts warn the emotional toll—from nightmares to anxiety—will echo far beyond the disaster.
What to know about the flash floods in Texas that killed more than 80 people
| July 7, 2025
Flash floods in Texas killed at least 82 people over the Fourth of July holiday weekend and left others still missing, including girls attending a summer camp. The devastation along the Guadalupe River, outside of San Antonio, has drawn a massive search effort as officials face questions over their preparedness and the speed of their initial actions.
How to fight Texas’ ‘trash’ school library censorship policies
| July 3, 2025
bannedbooks | EXCO-Player | old texas | public education | public school | TEXAS | TEXAS LEGISLATURE | TEXAS POLITICS | TEXAS SENATE | youtube
Senate Bill 13, which literacy advocates say will destroy public school libraries and make book banning easier in Texas, takes power away from public school librarians and gives it to school boards and parents instead.
But local advocates like Laney Hawes, co-director of the Texas Freedom to Read Project, are fighting back.
SB 13 creates an advisory committee made up of parents that school boards can delegate decision making to, but there’s an option in the new law that allows districts to not adopt the council.
“ Our recommendation is, to districts, do not approve the library council in your school districts because it doesn't work,” Hawes told COURIER Texas. “It wasn't written to work. Don't do it. It's too many steps, and it’s going to destroy your school library.”