Texas sent the first TEFA payments on July 1, funding nearly 73,000 accounts and opening a marketplace with more than 54,000 approved items for families.

El Paso ISD trustees approved a final round of budget-related layoffs across dozens of campuses as the district works to close a large shortfall. Officials say classrooms will be monitored to limit disruptions.

Estrella del Paso says months of unpaid federal reimbursements have left it facing closure; providers filed a contempt motion and a July 16 hearing is scheduled.

A proposed interlocal agreement would let police route some crisis calls to a 24/7 diversion center run with Emergence Health Network instead of booking people into jail.

El Paso’s city council will consider a resolution to force bilingual fraud warnings and a 15‑second delay on crypto ATMs as officials try to blunt kiosk scams. The draft would also create fines and possible misdemeanor penalties for repeat noncompliance.

DOJ announced it will close the La Tuna federal prison complex in Anthony, citing a $4B maintenance backlog and staffing shortfalls. Staff transfers and reductions are expected.

Border-region lawmakers told Border Report Live on June 29 they’ll coordinate with federal agencies as new barrier plans and enforcement surges reshape Texas border communities.

Texas lawmakers approved HB 27 to make a half‑credit personal finance course a graduation requirement for ninth graders entering in 2026–27. Schools will need curricula, teachers and time to roll it out.

Gina Hinojosa put up billboards in Corpus Christi accusing Gov. Greg Abbott of steering no‑bid contracts as Abbott presses election‑security messaging ahead of November.

The SBA opened a Veterans Business Outreach Center at St. Philip’s College as federal and local procurement rules pivot toward veteran-owned firms. Local leaders say the center aims to speed veterans from training to contracts.

State figures for May show roughly 14.42 million nonfarm jobs and about 15.21 million Texans working; the governor’s claim tracks those levels but needs context.

CBP reported an 11% rise in southwest border encounters in May, with the Rio Grande Valley seeing the largest uptick and fentanyl seizures spiking.

A notice to recall El Paso District 4 Rep Cynthia Boyer Trejo was filed after last week’s council vote on the Meta data center; organizers now have 60 days to collect 4,232 signatures.