August 24, 2025
NEWS DIGEST
by Brandon Waltens
Good morning,
A new congressional map designed to add five new Republican seats is finally making its way to the governor.
Just hours after the Texas House approved the plan, Gov. Greg Abbott announced he was expanding the ongoing special session agenda to include three additional priorities. Most notably among them: punishments for lawmakers who break quorum.
The move comes on the heels of the Democrats’ high-profile walkout earlier this month, when more than 50 House members fled to Illinois and other states to stall Republican redistricting efforts. Their absence deprived the chamber of the two-thirds quorum required to conduct business, effectively shutting down the first special session.
Abbott said the state cannot afford a repeat.
“Today I am expanding the agenda for the second special session to include important issues that will benefit Texas,” Abbott declared. “First, we need to ensure that rogue lawmakers cannot hijack the important business of Texans during a legislative session by fleeing the state. Additionally, Texans should have increased access to the benefits of Ivermectin. Finally, we need to ensure appropriate studies are conducted to protect the health of East Texas aquifers.”
According to Abbott’s proclamation, the new items on the call include:
• Legislation to impose penalties or punishments for legislators who willfully absent themselves during a session.
• Legislation to authorize a person to purchase Ivermectin at a pharmacy.
• Legislation relating to a groundwater study of East Texas aquifers by the Texas Water Development Board prior to the issuance of permits or permit amendments by certain groundwater conservation districts.
Featured
A Republican plan to redraw Texas congressional districts ahead of the 2026 midterm elections is on its way to the governor’s desk after passing the Senate early Saturday morning, paving the way for a shake-up in the state’s U.S. House delegation.
Senators passed the congressional redistricting plan on a party-line, 18-11 vote, following hours of debate and a threatened filibuster that fizzled.
The new map, drawn to improve Republican political performance, adds five new GOP-opportunity seats.
Real Texans
In Sunday's edition of REAL TEXANS, Michael visits with Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock as he settles into the job while seeking the GOP nomination. They talk about how his faith and experience shapes his approach to policy.
New interviews with REAL TEXANS every Sunday!
State
Dade Phelan Calls It Quits One Session After Speakership Collapse
The former speaker of the House will not be seeking re-election.
Texas Democrat Slams Megadonors, Cashes Check From Casino Billionaire
James Talarico’s largest donation in 2024 came from Texas Sands, run by billionaire Miriam Adelson.
AG Paxton Moves to Block Mailed Abortion Drugs
Pro-life activists are urging passage of the Woman and Child Protection Act to better safeguard Texas mothers and unborn children from abortion drugs.
Local
Hood County Judge Accused of Election Interference
Mitchell Bend resident Cheryl Shadden claims Hood County Judge Ron Massingill unlawfully invalidated an incorporation election at the request of a bitcoin company.
Houston Man Caught Smuggling Dozens of Illegals Across Texas Border
Kenneth Gamboa faces up to 10 years in federal prison for human smuggling.
South Texas Judge Suspended After Indictment for Cattle Theft
Kenedy County Justice of the Peace Jerry Miller has been suspended without pay following an indictment by a grand jury for cattle theft.
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