Opinion

Texas will need to invest $174 billion over the next 50 years to keep up with water demand, according to a draft 2027 state water plan approved last week, the Austin American-Statesman reported. That is more than twice the projected cost in the previous state water plan published in 2022.

SUBHED: BORDER WALL THROUGH BIG BEND APPARENTLY ON HOLD After public outcry, a physical border wall through Big Bend National Park appears to be on hold, The Texas Tribune reported. In February, the Trump administration waived more than two dozen environmental laws to clear the way for a 150-mile-long wall through West Texas, including Big Bend and the adjoining state park.

As we watch over our government, it’s often about the money. Are taxpayer dollars being spent wisely on social programs, road projects and employee pay? Can we view government contracts with outside organizations? What are the details of bond proposals on the election ballot? Long-established state open government laws – the Texas Public Information Act and the Texas Open Meetings Act – help us answer these questions and root out malfeasance.

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn last week reversed his opposition to changing the Senate’s filibuster rules, writing in an op-ed that legislation in that chamber should pass with a simple majority, the San Antonio Express-News reported.

Nearly 4.5 million Texans voted in the Democratic and Republican primaries, according to The Texas Tribune, surpassing recent turnout numbers. A total of 2.3 million ballots were cast in the Democratic primary and 2.2 million in the Republican primary, marking the first time Democratic turnout was higher since 2020. Texas has 18.7 million registered voters, so turnout was just under 25%.

TEXANS URGED TO HEED TRAVEL WARNINGS ABOUT MEXICO Texans planning to travel to Mexico or currently visiting there are urged to closely follow warnings from the U.S. Department of State, which advises U.S.

Don’t look at me … Steve started it. Oh yes, it’s still us, the supreme court of coffee and anything ridiculous. And yes, we’re ensconced once again within the hallowed halls of the Mule Barn coffee shop. Just about like every morning. But today, Steve, our beloved ranch cowboy and fine-feathered farrier, broke into song to bring back memories of high remote camps, log-sitting around fires, and trips to town and whatever girls we might scare up.