Texas governor

The first small modular nuclear reactor could be powering an industrial plant in Texas early in the next decade. And the state is pushing to become the leading site for testing and building the technology.

Sterile flies tinted with a fluorescent dye are now being released in Texas as the harmful parasite inches close to the U.S.-Mexico border.

Gov. Greg Abbott was endorsed by Texas Teamsters, a labor union that has historically supported Democrats. Other large unions still back his Democratic opponent.

The move comes as the state's education agency unveils a new enforcement role to oversee investigations into alleged misconduct by Texas teachers.

The preemptive declaration will establish a joint Texas New World Screwworm Response Team.

Last year, Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed funding for a summer food assistance program despite Texas's high rates of food insecurity, citing concerns over matching federal funds. Advocates want the state to reconsider, highlighting concerns about how food insecurity rates are expected to increase when students are on summer break.

The Republican governor accused Democratic leaders in Minnesota of inciting violence. Democrats in Texas have condemned the shooting of demonstrator Alex Pretti.

The Texas governor expects an action plan later this week, saying he doesn’t see “any reason” visa holders should be employed in schools.

A federal appeals court will hear arguments in lawsuits seeking to block Texas and Louisiana from requiring classroom displays of the Ten Commandments.

In a letter sent to state officials Friday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said he wants state agencies to investigate the Medicaid program after the Trump administration identified potential fraud in other states. He directed the agencies to implement several additional anti-fraud measures in the program.