Paxton Hopes To Unify Republicans After Runoff

Attorney General Ken Paxton and his allies began working to repair fissures among GOP voters after he routed incumbent U.S. Sen. John Cornyn in the March 26 runoff, The Dallas Morning News reported. Both Paxton and his general election opponent, Democratic nominee James Talarico, swiftly went on the attack in what promises to be the most expensive Senate general election race in history.

“The future of Texas and the future of America is on the line, and I intend to do everything I can to expand our movement,” Paxton told supporters in Plano.

Talarico is seeking to appeal to Republicans and independents who balked at supporting Paxton during the primary campaign. The attorney general has been enveloped in several scandals since being elected in 2014. Talarico called his opponent “morally unfit” for office.

“This November, working Texans — Democrats, independents and Republicans alike — are going to come together to defeat the most corrupt politician inAmerica and the broken political system that he represents,” Talarico said.

Abbott Again Orders Colleges To Keep Tuition Rates Flat Gov. Greg Abbott ordered all public universities and colleges to keep tuition flat for the upcoming academic year, the Austin American- Statesman reported. Abbott first mandated the tuition freeze in 2023. His order also applies to public health institutions and community colleges.

“Higher education must be attainable for Texas students and families,” Abbott wrote. “Access to affordable, high-quality higher education is essential to ensure Texans learn the skills needed to secure family-sustaining jobs and meet the demands of a growing workforce.”

Most Texas public universities charge between $10,000 and $12,000 for annual in-state tuition, according to Robert Kelchen, a higher education professor at the University of Tennessee specializing in finance.

“Overall, Texas is in a pretty enviable position for higher education funding,” Kelchen said, nothing “the state funds higher ed pretty well, tuition is fairly modest, and then all the money coming from the oil fund.”

Hill Country Ranch To Become Second-Largest State Park Nearly 54,000 acres of a former Hill Country ranch will soon become the second-largest park in Texas, The Texas Tribune reported. The former Silver Lake Ranch features steep canyons and rolling hills about 150 miles west of San Antonio, between Rocksprings and Uvalde in Kinney and Edwards counties.

It is the first land purchase made under a $1 billion Centennial Parks Conservation Fund established by the Legislature and approved by voters in 2023. Previously, the ranch was partially owned by the Moody Foundation, which donated its 88% share. Texas Parks and Wildlife purchased the remainder of the property for $11.85 million.

“Silver Lake Ranch represents the natural beauty, history and spirit of our state, and we are honored to make this gift to Texas Parks and Wildlife to ensure it remains protected and enjoyed by all Texans for years ahead,” foundation trustee Ross Moody said.

The future park, to be named Silver Lake State Park, features a 30-acre spring-fed lake and miles of frontage along the West Nueces River.