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Around Texas 

1. Trial to begin for police officer charged in delayed response to Uvalde school shooting

Former Uvalde, Texas, schools police officer Adrian Gonzales was among the first officers to arrive at Robb Elementary after a gunman opened fire on students and teachers.

Prosecutors allege that instead of rushing in to confront the shooter, Gonzales failed to take action to protect students. Many families of the 19 fourth-grade students and two teachers who were killed believe that if Gonzales and the nearly 400 officers who responded had confronted the gunman sooner instead of waiting more than an hour, lives might have been saved.

2. Texas law reducing inventory tax burden takes effect

Voters approved the constitutional amendment Proposition 9 in November, raising the inventory tax exemption for small to medium-sized businesses by more than $120,000 effective Jan. 1, 2026.

However, some lawmakers and business owners are concerned the relief could ultimately create a big tax burden for consumers.

3. Toppin, Anderson lead No. 15 Texas Tech with double-doubles in 102-80 win vs. Oklahoma State

JT Toppin had 23 points and 14 rebounds for his 39th career double-double, Christian Anderson had 19 points and a career-high 13 assists, and No. 15 Texas Tech beat Oklahoma State 102-80 on Saturday.

The Red Raiders (11-3, 1-0 Big 12) never trailed after the game’s opening minute. LeJuan Watts finished just shy of Tech’s third double-double of the game at 19 points and nine rebounds. Donovan Atwell had 15 points on five 3-pointers, and Jaylen Petty had 12 points on four 3s.

Around The Nation

1. Tesla loses title as world’s biggest electric vehicle maker as sales fall for second year

2. Rubio says U.S. won’t govern Venezuela but will press for changes through oil blockade

3. Many states increase minimum wage for 2026

Deep in the Heart of Texas 

Students walk around the campus of Texas Southern University Wednesday, July 9, 2008 in Houston. (AP Photo/Pat Sullivan)

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick calls audit of Texas Southern University financials ‘beyond disturbing’

Texas Southern University has “significant” financial weaknesses, the result of whole departments bypassing established purchase guardrails and the university failing to enforce established contract and accounting procedures, a state audit released this week reveals.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick on Wednesday called the audit “beyond disturbing.” He added that his office, together with Gov. Greg Abbott and House Speaker Dustin Burrows, has ended any spending by TSU on contracts other than ongoing university expenses needed to keep the school open.