Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced appointments for judicial roles and committees, including Judy Parker as Chief Justice of the Seventh Court of Appeals and others in various positions with terms ending from 2026 to 2031.

A judge granted a conditional injunction against Sunrise Navigation Center — but the order only works if Texas funds a new site and extra security. The ruling leaves services in limbo.

UT Austin won a $10M NEH grant to create Great Books and Strategy & Statecraft majors, funding 16 new faculty and targeting a fall 2027 launch.

An Austin trans‑owned label says the FDA warned its Bareskin binders may be medical devices; founders call the timing deliberate as they negotiate with regulators.

The U.S. Coast Guard approved a plan for a fixed-span bridge to replace the I-5 drawbridge over the Columbia River, supporting improved travel between Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington.

An Austin appeals court ruled Planned Parenthood affiliates can continue a challenge to Texas' private‑enforcement abortion law, saying the threat of lawsuits has chilled care.

Nashville receives Digital Inclusion Trailblazer title for the third year from the NDIA for its digital equity efforts.

L.A.’s budget office revised its plan to waive building and plan‑check fees for Palisades fire survivors, cutting the city’s estimated tab to about $90 million and sending the proposal to the council.

Arizona Senators propose the Stop Excessive Force in Immigration Act to align ICE use-of-force policies with the DOJ, increase accountability, and prioritize de-escalation.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass renews a partnership with Enterprise Singapore to boost jobs, innovation, and investment, continuing successful economic collaboration.

Arizona Senators Gallego and Kelly have obtained over $32 million in federal funding for state projects, focusing on improving public safety, flood control, and rural water management.

Multnomah County offices close on MLK Day to honor Dr. King's legacy, affecting health clinics, tax services, and library operations. Normal operations resume Jan. 20.

Sen. Mark Kelly led a Senate session to mark 16 years since the Citizens United ruling, discussing its negative impact on democracy and the need for reform in campaign finance.