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MustReadTexas.com [ [link removed] ] – @MustReadTexas [ [link removed] ]
BY: @MattMackowiak [ [link removed] ]
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THURSDAY || 8/7/2025
Good Thursday afternoon.
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P.S. Some personal news: Amy and I are expecting [ [link removed] ] our first child -- a boy!
“If something of importance is known in Texas, Matt knows it. With a decline in the number of credible news organizations, the Must Read Texas morning email is indispensable for anyone that wants to continue to be informed.” – Former U.S. Senator Phil Gramm (R-TX)
AUSTIN NEWSLETTER LAUNCHED
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TOP NEWS
“Harris County spent $900K on Lina Hidalgo's security detail, more than all commissioners combined,” Houston Chronicle's John Lomax V -- "Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo spent more on security in 2024 [ [link removed] ] than every other member of Commissioners Court combined, according to records obtained by the Houston Chronicle.
Hidalgo spent $903,000 for security personnel — more than half the amount budgeted for all five members of Commissioners Court. All four members of the court's Democratic super majority were allotted six-figure security budgets, records indicated. Commissioner Tom Ramsey, the lone Republican, was the sole member [ [link removed] ] whose office did not spend any funds on personal security in 2024.
Hidlago's office said the expense is necessary in today's political climate.
“We have a duty of care to elected officials, to staff, to the public and to the broader community that would bear the consequences if something were to happen. While we do not disclose active threats or operational details for safety reasons, the threat of political violence is real in today’s climate," a spokesperson for Hidalgo's office said in a statement. "Given Judge Hidalgo’s national profile and high public visibility, she uses security detail for the protection of her and her staff. When it comes to safety and security, the cost of inaction far outweighs the cost of prevention."
The Chronicle reached out to the Harris County Sheriff's Office for information regarding threats made against Hidalgo and other officials, but a representative directed the request to the Precinct 1 Constable's Office, which did not respond.
Ramsey said in a statement that he enjoyed the same protection from area law enforcement that a typical Harris County resident received, and that outside of extraordinary circumstances he did not believe it was a necessity.
"Extra security, in my opinion, is something that is on an 'as needed basis' and in the situations I’m aware of is not needed," the statement read. "It costs taxpayers more and keeps us from hiring officers who take care of all of us."
A spokesperson for Commissioner Adrian Garcia said he views his security details as a necessary precaution that he employs while in Harris County to ensure the safety of himself and his staff." Hou Chron [ [link removed] ] ($)
FREE SUBSCRIPTIONS HAVE ENDED: As of July 11, 2022, we have moved to a paywall for free subscribers. Free subscribers will only receive the top story in their morning email. Free subscribers will need to become paid subscribers to receive full story summaries.
#TXLEGE
“Texas Senate OKs stricter limits on city, county property tax revenue” Texas Tribune [ [link removed] ]
STATE GOVERNMENT
“Bruce Bugg, banker and chair of state transportation agency, has died” SAEN [ [link removed] ] ($)
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
“Dallas looks at cutting jobs, closing pools to balance next year’s budget” DMN [ [link removed] ] ($)
“Houston ISD is aiming for up to 10 school closures, plans to build $180M career center, Miles says” Hou Chron [ [link removed] ] ($)
“Mayor wants to pause Project Marvel plans — but City Council majority resists” SAEN [ [link removed] ] ($)
Greg Brockhouse guest column: “San Antonio must stand strong in negotiations with the Spurs” SAEN [ [link removed] ] ($)
TEXANS IN DC
“John Cornyn says FBI has granted his request to help track down Texas House Democrats” AAS [ [link removed] ] ($)
BUSINESS NEWS
“D-FW real estate giants sell one of country’s largest ranches, last priced at $115M” DMN [ [link removed] ] ($)
NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE
> TX TRIB: "Abbott’s bid to expel the House Democratic leader goes to a court filled with his appointees" TX TRIB [ [link removed] ]
> HOU CHRON: "Texas wants to tighten RV park safety rules after Kerr County flood deaths" HOU CHRON [ [link removed] ]
> HOU CHRON: "Falkenberg: Democrats fleeing redistricting didn’t abandon us. Abbott did." HOU CHRON [ [link removed] ]
> HOU CHRON: "IRS decision to share data with ICE could cost Texas billions in tax revenue" HOU CHRON [ [link removed] ]
> SA REPORT: "New maps could make San Antonio delegation more red than blue" SA REPORT [ [link removed] ]
> SAEN: "Texas House Democrats evacuated from hotel in Illinois after bomb threat" SAEN [ [link removed] ]
> WACO TRIB: "Texas governor asks court to remove House Democratic leader from office over walkout" WACO TRIB [ [link removed] ]
> THE TEXAN: "Paxton Launches Investigation Into Beto O’Rourke Organization for Alleged Bribery of ‘Runaway’ Democratic Lawmakers" THE TEXAN [ [link removed] ]
> THE TEXAN: "Texas Senate Proceeds With Redistricting, Other Special Session Items Amid Quorum Break" THE TEXAN [ [link removed] ]
> THE TEXAN: "Paxton Launches Investigation Into Beto O’Rourke Organization for Alleged Bribery of ‘Runaway’ Democrat Lawmakers" THE TEXAN [ [link removed] ]
> COMMUNITY IMPACT: "Texas House committee discusses flood disaster planning bills amid quorum break" COMMUNITY IMPACT [ [link removed] ]
> THE TEXAN: "Texas House Democrats' Quorum Bust Presents Unprecedented Legal Battle" THE TEXAN [ [link removed] ]
> THE TEXAN: "REDACTED #072: The Changing Nature of Contentious Words" THE TEXAN [ [link removed] ]
> EP TIMES: "Gov. Greg Abbott targets El Paso Rep. Vince Perez in Texas redistricting arrest push" EP TIMES [ [link removed] ]
> EP TIMES: "ICE detention facility at Fort Bliss opens Aug. 17 under Trump-era executive order" EP TIMES [ [link removed] ]
> KXAN: "Law scholars say Gov. Abbott’s bid to oust Rep. Wu is unprecedented, lacks legal basis" KXAN [ [link removed] ]
> THE TEXAN: "Tarrant County Votes to Eliminate Human Services Department" THE TEXAN [ [link removed] ]
> HOU CHRON: "Texas DPS director’s son is still an active trooper weeks after injuring bystander in 101 mph crash" HOU CHRON [ [link removed] ]
> FWST: "19-year-old, teen die in motorcycle crash, Texas cops say. ‘So much life ahead’" FWST [ [link removed] ]
> HOU CHRON: "Is a Caribbean hurricane coming? Here's why Texas can't be sure" HOU CHRON [ [link removed] ]
> FWST: "15 suspects charged in $2.9M money laundering scheme, Texas officials say" FWST [ [link removed] ]
> THE TEXAN: "Tarrant County Moves to Dismiss Lawsuit Against Its Precinct Redistricting Map" THE TEXAN [ [link removed] ]
> FWST: "Parker County crash leaves 2 dead, 2 critically injured, Texas DPS says" FWST [ [link removed] ]
> FWST: "3 Fort Worth restaurants closed; inspections find dirty toilet, rodents, roaches" FWST [ [link removed] ]
> FWST: "61-year-old inmate dies after medical emergency in Tarrant County Jail" FWST [ [link removed] ]
> MY RGV: "Mission man admits to murder of woman during fight with boyfriend" MY RGV [ [link removed] ]
> SA REPORT: "Save some money this weekend with Texas’ tax-free holiday on back-to-school gear" SA REPORT [ [link removed] ]
> COMMUNITY IMPACT: "Fort Bend ISD to offer competitive incentives aimed at recruiting bilingual teachers" COMMUNITY IMPACT [ [link removed] ]
> KXAN: "LIVE: Kristen’s Classroom: Historic August hurricanes" KXAN [ [link removed] ]
EXTRA POINTS
Last night's Texas sports scores:
> MLB: New York (Y) 3, Texas 2
> MLB: Miami 6, Houston 4
Tonight's Texas sports schedule:
None.
Tomorrow's Texas sports schedule:
> 6:05pm: MLB: Houston at New York (Y)
> 6:30pm: WNBA: New York at Dallas (ION)
> 7:05pm: MLB: Philadelphia at Texas
HOUSTON ASTROS: "Marlins hold off late Astros rally to avoid sweep" Reuters [ [link removed] ]
TEXAS RANGERS: "The Garcia problem: Struggles of Texas Rangers’ key pieces prove costly in loss to Yankees" DMN [ [link removed] ] ($)
DALLAS COWBOYS: "Schottenheimer, Cowboys coaches voice displeasure with performance in scrimmage vs. Rams" DMN [ [link removed] ] ($)
HOUSTON TEXANS: "Houston Texans safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson suffers leg injury at training camp" Hou Chron [ [link removed] ] ($)

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