November 16, 2025
NEWS DIGEST
by Brandon Waltens
Good morning,
Texas is stepping up its border security efforts by surveying state-managed lands for possible cartel smuggling tunnels.
Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham has directed the Texas General Land Office to identify high-risk properties—particularly in places like Hudspeth County, where officials previously found a human-smuggler campsite 30 miles north of the border. GLO field officers will now use drones and aerial surveillance during routine inspections to detect potential tunnel activity.
Buckingham said, “The cartels are constantly adapting … and we will not cede an inch of land to these violent illegal criminals.”
The move comes as the Department of Homeland Security expands its national tunnel-detection system, following discoveries of sophisticated man-made tunnels in San Diego and El Paso earlier this year—including one in El Paso equipped with lighting, ventilation, and wooden supports.
Commissioner Buckingham added that protecting Texas’ safety and sovereignty is “non-negotiable,” saying Texans expect action—and are getting it.
Featured
A proposed Islamic-focused development in North Texas may be moving forward soon under a new name, according to local officials—despite past claims from the governor that the project has been “halted.”
The controversial community known as EPIC City is planned for property located in unincorporated areas of Collin and Hunt counties, just north of the city of Josephine.
State
Abbott Pledges To ‘Drive a Stake Through’ Property Tax Hikes in Fourth-Term Bid
If Greg Abbott wins again, he would be on track to become the longest-serving governor in Texas history.
Tarrant County GOP Chairman Bo French Announces Run for Railroad Commission
In his announcement, French said he would bring his “America First” approach to the Railroad Commission.
Secretary of State Commits Over $1 Million To Fight Texas GOP Over Closed Primaries
73 percent of Republican voters supported a 2024 ballot proposition calling for closed primaries.
Texas A&M Regents Restrict Ideological Advocacy in Classroom
Curriculum reviews will be done every semester.
Local
Celina ISD Coach Hit With Federal Child Exploitation Charges
Now-former Moore Middle School coach Caleb Elliott faces eight federal felony charges of sexually exploiting children on top of three prior state charges.
Grieving Families Sue Camp Mystic after July 4 Flood Tragedy
Three lawsuits were filed on Monday related to the catastrophic flood.
Houston Mayor Rebukes Critics, Defends Police Coordination With ICE
Mayor John Whitmire defended his administration’s cooperation with federal immigration authorities, just days after admitting publicly that the city cooperates with ICE.
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