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Devine Intermediate School Supply List 2025-2026

Third Grade

Collected Class Supplies:
48 (#2) Ticonderoga Pencils (no mechanical)
8 Glue Sticks
2 Highlighters (assorted colors)
4 Plastic Folder with brads and pockets
(1-yellow, 1-red, 1-green, 1-of student choice)
8 Dry Erase Makers (student use)
2 Boxes of Crayons (24 count)
4 Large Boxes of Tissues
1 Pkg of WIDE Ruled Notebook Paper
4 Spiral Notebooks
1 Roll of Paper Towels
3 Pkgs of Cap Erasers
1 Box Snack Size Baggies
Girls: 1 box of Gallon Baggies
1 box of Quart Baggies
Boys: 1 bottle of Hand Sanitizer
1 container of Antibacterial Wipes

Kept with Student:
1 Backpack
1 pair of Earbuds or Headphones (no Bluetooth)
2 boxes (10 count) of Fine Line Skinny Markers
1 school box or pouch
1 pair of pointed scissors
Fourth Grade

Collected Class Supplies:
48 (#2) Ticonderoga Pencils (no mechanical)
24 Glue Sticks
4 Highlighters
8 Dry Erase Markers (student use)
2 100 count 3×5 Index Cards
2 Large Tissue Boxes
2 Rolls of Paper Towels
Girls: 1 container of Clorox Wipes
Boys: 1 bottle of Hand Sanitizer

Kept with Student:
1 Backpack
1 Pkg of Cap Erasers
1 Pair of Pointed Scissors
1 Zippered Pencil Pouch (no boxes)
5 Composition Books (Wide rule, no spirals)
5 Plastic Folders
2 Boxes (10 count) Crayola Fine Line/Skinny Markers
2 (24 count) Crayola Crayons
1 Personal Pencil Sharpener with cap

Fifth Grade

Collected Class Supplies:
48 (#2) Ticonderoga Pencils (no mechanical)
24 Glue Sticks
2 Highlighters (reading)
4 pkgs of Wide-Ruled Notebook Paper
2 Pkgs Pencil Top Erasers
3 Rolls of Paper Towels
2 Lg Boxes of Tissues
3 Pkgs of 3”x5” Notecards (science)
1 Plastic Folder with brads

Kept with Student:
1 Large Backpack
1 Pencil Pouch
1 Pair of Pointed Scissors
1 Box of Colored Pencils
1 Box of Markers
3 Composition Books (no spirals)
1 Pair of wires Earbuds or Headphones
1 Pencil Sharpener with cap
1 Plastic Folder with brads
2 Three Ring Binders (1 inch)
2 Pkgs of Dividers (5 dividers)
Suggestion – 1 wireless mouse

Natalia Supply List 2025-2026

ECC Pre-K 3 & 4
For Ms. Smith and Mrs. Gonzales’ class only
1 Clear Backpack
1 Water Bottle
1 Blue Spiral Notebook
1 Red Spiral Notebook
1 Vinyl Pocket Folder with brads
1 School Box
4 Glue Sticks
4 Boxes of Crayons (Crayola 24 count)
1 Set of Watercolors
1 Box of Markers
(Label all of the above with student’s name)
1 Pkg of Play Doh
1 Pkg of Thin Paper Plates (for crafts)
1 Box of Ziploc Bags (boys-gallon, girls-quart)
1 Pkg of Flushable Wipes
1 Box of Tissues
1 Pkg of Dry Erase Makers
1 Extra change of clothes (label with student’s name and place in Ziploc bag)
1 Nap Mat (fabric nap mats are recommended because they can be sent home to be washed. A small blanket is also acceptable. Please label with student’s name)

Kindergarten
Clear Backpack
1 Set of Headphones
12 Ticonderoga Pencils
1 Pair of Scissors (blunt tip)
1 Pencil Box
1 Glue Bottle
12 Glue Sticks
4 Boxes of Crayola Crayons (24 count)
2 Packs of Crayola Classic Markers
2 Large Pink Erasers
3 Folder with brads and pockets (1 blue, 1 yellow, 1 green)
1 Pkg of Dry Erase Markers (4 pack)
2 Play-Doh cans
1 Box of Ziploc Bags (girls-sandwich, boys-gallon)
2 Containers of Clorox Wipes
1 extra change of clothes (must follow dress code)
1 Art Sketchbook

First Grade
Clear Backpack
1 Set of Headphones (no ear buds)
3 Wide Ruled Composition Notebooks (no spiral notebooks)
3 Poly Folders with brads and pockets (blue, green, red)
24 Ticonderoga Pencils
1 Plastic Supply Box
1 Pair Scissors (blunt tip)
18 Glue Sticks
2 Black Dry Erase Markers
2 Boxes of Crayola Markers (classic colors)
3 Boxes of Crayola Crayons (classic colors)
2 Containers of Clorox Wipes
2 Boxes of Kleenex
1 Box of Ziploc Bags (girls-sandwich, boys-gallon)
Primary Writing Journal (blank at the top for drawing, lines on bottom)
1 Art Sketchbook

Second Grade
Clear or Mesh Backpack
1 Pencil Box (no locks)
5 Pocket Folders with brads, yellow, green, blue, purple, and red (no designs – plastic are more durable)
4 Wide-Ruled Composition Notebooks (black & white preferred – no spiral notebooks)
2 Boxes No. 2 Pencils (24 count) – Ticonderoga/USA Gold preferred
3 White Erasers (they are more durable)
1 Pair of Scissors (labeled with child’s name)
2 Pkgs of Glue Sticks (6 count)
2 Boxes of Colored Pencils (12 count)
2 Boxes of Crayons (24 count)
4 Boxes of Kleenex (square or 3 rectangular)
1 Set of over the ear Headphones (NO earbuds)
1 Box of Gallon Ziploc Bags (BOYS only)
1 Box of Quart Ziploc Bags (GIRLS only)
3 Containers of Clorox Wipes (75+ count)
1 pack of BLACK THIN Dry Erase Markers (4 count)
1 Chromebook cover (11-11.6 size) – optional
1 Wireless Mouse – optional

Third Grade
Clear or Mesh Backpack
2 Boxes of No. 2 Pencils (24 count) – Ticonderoga preferred
4 Plastic Folders with brads – yellow, green, blue and red (no designs)
1 Pencil Box (no locks)
2 Pkg of Glue Sticks (6 count)
2 Boxes of Colored Pencils
2 Boxes of Crayons
1 Pkg of Yellow ONLY Highlighters
2 Boxes of Markers
1 Pair of Scissors
3 Large White Erasers
4 Boxes of Kleenex
1 Bottle of Hand Sanitizer (12 oz or larger)
4 Wide Ruled Composition Notebooks (do not send spirals)
1 Set of Over the Ear Headphones
2 Boxes of Gallon Ziploc Bags
3 Containers of Clorox Wipes
2 Pkg of BLACK THIN Dry Erase Markers (4 count)

Fourth Grade
Clear or Mesh Backpack
2 Pkgs of 24 count pencils
2 Pkgs of Loose Leaf Notebook Paper
1 Pair of Scissors
2 Composition Notebooks (used for Math and Science)
2 Folders
1 Box Markers
1 Box Colored Pencils
2 Pkgs of 4 count Glue Sticks
2 Boxes of Tissues
2 Containers of Clorox Wipes
Earbuds or headphone to use with Chromebook
1 Bottle of Hand Sanitizer
4 Count Dry Erase Markers
Bedford’s Life Skills Class Supply List
Clear or Mesh Backpack
3 Ring Binder
4 Journals (different colors)
2 Folders (red, purple)
Pencil Box
5 Sets of Crayons
2 Sets of Markers
2 Pkgs of Glue Sticks
Pack of Play-Doh
2 Pkgs Wipes
2 Kleenex Boxes
2 Clorox Wipes
2 Pkg Pencils
Headphones
Water Bottle

Jr High – Fifth Grade
1 Clear / See Through or Mesh Backpack
1 Headphone for Chromebook
1 Mouse (optional for Chromebook use)
2 Boxes of Tissues
1 Hand Sanitizer
5 Composition Books
1 Pencil Pouch
2 Boxes #2 Pencils (24 count)
1 Scissors
4 Pocket Folders with brads
1 Pkg Highlighters
1 Pkg Glue Sticks
2 Containers Antibacterial Wipes
1 Pkg Thin Markers (10 pack)
1 Pkg Colored Pencils (12 pack)
4 Pink or White Erasers
Girls – 1 Quart size Ziploc Bags
Boys – 1 Gallon size Ziploc Bags

Sixth Grade
1 Clear / See Through or Mesh Backpack
1 Headphone for Chromebook
1 Mouse (optional for Chromebook use)
2 Boxes of Tissues
1 Hand Sanitizer
5 Composition Books
2 Pkg Wide Ruled Paper
1 Scissors
3 Pkgs Pencils
1 Pkg Colored Pencils
1 Pkg Glue Sticks
3 Highlighters
1 Pkg Erasers
1 Pencil Pouch
2 Binders with dividers
1 Pkg Markers
2 Wide Ruled Notebooks

Seventh Grade
1 Clear / See Through or Mesh Backpack
1 Headphone for Chromebook
1 Mouse (optional for Chromebook use)
2 Boxes of Tissues
1 Hand Sanitizer
5 Composition Books
2 Spiral Notebooks (wide ruled)
1 Scissors
3 Highlighters
1 Pkg Colored Pencils
3 Pkgs Pencils
2 Pkgs Wide Ruled Paper
1 Pkg Graph Paper
1 Pencil Pouch
2 Binders with dividers
1 Pkg Glue Sticks
1 Pkg Markers

Eighth Grade
1 Clear / See Through or Mesh Backpack
1 Headphone for Chromebook
1 Mouse (optional for Chromebook use)
2 Boxes of Tissues
1 Hand Sanitizer
5 Composition Books
1 Scissors
1 Pkg Colored Pencils
3 Highlighters
1 Pkg Red Pens/Pencils
2 Pkgs Notebook Paper
3 Pkgs Pencils
2 Binders with dividers
1 Pencil Pouch
2 Wide Ruled Notebooks
1 Pkg Markers
1 Folder with pockets
1 Pkg Glue Sticks
*Please note that teachers may request additional items for their class as needed.

John J. Ciavarra Elementary2025-2026 School Supply List

Headstart
Towel for nap time
(large bath towel or beach towel is best)
Complete change of clothing (including underwear and socks)
Backpack

Kindergarten
6 boxes of crayons (Crayola – 24 count, no twistable)
1 dozen No. 2 pencils – plain (Ticonderoga preferred)
18 glue sticks – large
1 pair of scissors (Fiskars children’s are best)
1 small school box
2 pkgs markers (8 count)
1 backpack (no rollers)
1 coloring book
1 water color set
1 spiral notebook
1 box Ziploc bags (girls – gallon; boys – quart)
1 plastic folder with brads
3 disinfectant wipes
1 (3-ring) binder pencil pouch – clear
2 rolls of paper towels
2 lg boxes of Kleenex
1 bottle hand sanitizer
1 pack of 2 expo markers
No pencil sharpeners
No small end-of-pencil erasers
Headphones

First Grade
15 glue sticks
2 rolls of paper towels
1 pair of Fiskar scissors (blunt tipped)
3 boxes of Crayons (24 count)
2 boxes markers (8) (Crayola brand preferred)
2 primary composition books (no spiral notebooks)
2 plastic pocket folders (with 3 holes) no brads
1 backpack with name
2 boxes of Kleenex
1 school box (small)
2 lg containers disinfectant wipes
4 lg pink erasers
1 watercolor set
1 pkg quart Ziplock bags – boys
1 pkg gallon Ziplock bags – girls
1 white binder with pockets
1 bottle of hand sanitizer
1 set of headphones (no earbuds, please)
4 pack of dry erase markers

Second Grade
12 glue sticks
3 plastic pocket folders with holes and no brads (solid colors)
2 dozen No. 2 pencils – plain (Ticonderoga preferred)
1 pkg of colored pencils
1 pair Fiskars pointed school scissors
3 boxes (24 count) Crayons
2 composition notebooks
1 small school box
1 watercolor set
3 boxes Kleenex
4 highlighters
2 pkgs Cayola Washable Markers
(2) 1 inch view 3 ring binder
2 pkgs dry erase markers
2 pkgs pencil top erasers
Bottle of hand sanitizer
1 box Ziploc bags (boys-gallon; girls-quart)
2 roll paper towels
2 containers disinfectant wipes
1 backpack with name (new or used)
1 set of headphones (no earbuds please)
No pencil sharpeners

Devine Middle School Supply List 2025-26

Shared Supplies: These supplies will be turned in to a designated teacher and distributed among all teachers/classrooms for sudents use throughout the year.
Supplies:
Kleenex – 4 boxes per semester
Disinfectant Wipes – 2 containers
Hand Sanitizer – 1 container
Quart Ziploc Bags – 2 boxes
Expo Markers – 1 pack of 4 markers

Backpacks & Supplies: These supplies are expected to be kept by the sudent and available as needed in each class and will need to be replenished throughout the year.
Supplies:
Backpack – 1
Student Daily Planner – 1 for 6th grade only
Wide-Ruled Notebook Paper – 1 pack with sutdent at all times (2-3)
Pencil/Supply Bag for Binder – 1
Glue Stick – 3
Washable Markers – 2 packs
Hi-Lighter – 2 pack
Black or Blue Pen – 2-3 with student at all times
Eraser – 1
Spirals – 3 70-page wide ruled
Folders with Pockets & Brads – 4-5 (see below for 7th grade)
Scissors – 1
Pencils – 2-3 with student at all times
Composition Book – 5-6 (see below for 7th grade)

7th Grade (items per subject):
ART 1 – 7th Grade & Art II 8th Grade supplies – Pentel Polymer Eraser (large white) & 1 ream of copy paper
PE/Pre-Athletics – Workout uniforms (T-shirt – gray for girls; gray/white for boys – plain Hanes or Fruit of the Loom undershirts work best; Athletic Shorts – Maroon, gold or gray – shorts must stay up at the waist with elastic and/or drawstring; Socks – must be worn at all times with shoes; Tennis shoes – 2 pair required – one pair must be court shoes for inside gym use only and one pair will be used for outside activities & everyday school use; Deodorant – 2 deodorants – keep one in gym locker for personal use & one to coaches for extra supply. During colder days solid colored warn-up pants are allowed to be worn over or in place of shorts.) NOTE: 6th Grade must bring combination padlock with number dial.
Shop – 8th Grade – 1 Carpenter Pencil
7th & 8th Grade Band – Hard cover black binder, 3 ring, 1 – 1.5 inches
8th Grade Math – Graphing Calculator (optional) TI-84 or TI-84 Plus CE & 3 ring binder, 1-1.5 inches

Local School Information Start Dates – Natalia starts Aug. 4, Lytle starts Aug. 11, Devine begins Aug. 12

Devine ISD staff development is Monday, August 4 through Monday, August11.
Student classes begin Tuesday, August 12

Natalia ISD staff development is Monday, July 28 through Thursday, July 31.
Student classes begin Monday, August 4
Natalia High School Volleyball will begin practice on Friday, August 1.

Lytle ISD staff development is Friday, August 1 through Friday, August 8.
Student classes begin Monday, August 11
Junior High / High School Meet the Teacher Night is Wednesday, August 6 from 5 to 7 pm
Lytle Pirate Community Pep Rally @ Lytle High School on Wednesday, August 13 from 6 to 8 pm

Medina Valley ISD staff development is Friday, August 1 through Monday, August 11.
Student classes begin Tuesday, August 12

Natalia Summer Band Camps

PERCUSSION CAMP will be Monday, July 14 through Thursday, July 17 for DrumLine/Front Ensemble ONLY. The DrumLine will be from 8:00AM – 12:00PM, while the Front Ensemble will be from 1:00PM – 5:00PM.
ROOKIE CAMP will be Monday, July 14 through Thursday, July 17 from 9:00AM to 12:00PM. Rookie camp is for all students who are new to the high school band (incoming 8th Graders and all new members). We will be learning all our marching fundamentals as well as sectional work on our show music.
Summer Band 2025 – FULL BAND (Woodwind/Brass/Percussion/Color Guard) will practice from 9:00AM to 3:30PM on July 21 – 24 (Monday-Thursday) and July 28 – 31 (Monday – Thursday).
● 9:00AM – 12:30 (Full Band)
● 12:30PM -1:30PM Lunch (You may bring your lunch and eat it in the band hall. If you leave off campus, you must have parent permission.)
● 1:30PM -3:30PM Sectionals – Brass (Ensemble Room), Woodwinds (Mariachi Room), Percussion (Band Hall), and Color Guard (Gym).
Friday, August 1
● 5:00PM – 6:15PM Show music / Stand tune music rehearsal (Inside Band Hall)
● Color Guard – Choreography (Show)
● 6:30PM – 9:00PM Drill rehearsal (Outside on marching field)

5th Annual Summer Festival in Moore on July 19

Moore Community Improvement Club presents the 5th annual summer festival on Saturday, July 19 featuring live music, raffle, water slide, BBQ, games and vendors from noon to 10 p.m. at 647 CR 1543 in Moore, Texas.
Residents of Moore can expect an evening of fun for the whole family with a water slide, BBQ cook off contest, and margarita contest. Fans of live music can enjoy tunes by Los Kamaradas del Norte, Aaron Copeland, Kevin Langley, Randy Brown and James Robert from 4-10 p.m. For even more fun, look forward to the corn hole silent auction and dessert walk kids games.
Those looking to participate in the BBQ cook off must check in July 18 with an entry fee of $150. Awards and cash prizes will be given out July 19. Areas of competition are brisket, pork ribs, chicken, dessert, and chef’s choice. No electric grills or smokers, wood burning and charcoal only.
Contact Richard 210 365 0132 or Jesse 210 326 6320 to register.

Uvalde County New World screwworm workshop scheduled July 23

By Sarah Fuller
Experts from various state, federal and private agencies will discuss wildlife surveillance, economic impacts and the latest news about the New World screwworm during the “Preparing for Screwworms in South Texas: Training Workshop for Ranch Managers, Wildlife Managers and Livestock Producers” on July 23 in Uvalde.
The free workshop will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Uvalde County Event Center, 215 Veterans Lane. Registration for the event is required at https://tx.ag/UvaldeWorkshop, and lunch will be provided.
The workshop will offer two general and one integrated pest management continuing education units, CEUs, from the Texas Department of Agriculture for pesticide applicators who attend all workshop sessions.
The event is organized through a collaborative effort among Uvalde County, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, East Foundation, Uvalco Supply, Texas Farm Store, Texas Wildlife Association, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Texas Animal Health Commission.
“This workshop is a great example of the importance of a unified approach to tackling the New World screwworm threat,” said Roel Lopez, Ph.D., director of the Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute and head of the Texas A&M Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management. “By bringing together a range of stakeholders, participants will learn about specific resources and best practices for livestock and wildlife surveillance, reporting and response measures.”
Topics covered
The workshop will feature expert speakers from various state and federal agencies, as well as private operations. Topics include:
Learn more about screwworms
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has released an updated fact sheet about the New World screwworm.
Read the fact sheet at https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/new-world-screwworm/
Screwworm background and status update – Neal Wilkins, Ph.D., president and CEO, East Foundation.
Economic impacts – David Anderson, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension livestock and food marketing economist and professor, Texas A&M Department of Agricultural Economics.
Agency role in New World screwworm response – Luisa Collins, DVM, USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
Livestock surveillance, reporting and response measures – Sandra Leyendecker, DVM, regional director, Texas Animal Health Commission.
Wildlife surveillance, reporting and response measures – Kory Gann, big game program director, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and Lopez.
Preventive treatments and animal husbandry – Jason Sawyer, Ph.D., chief science officer, East Foundation.
New advancement in research and development – Phillip Kaufman, Ph.D., professor and department head, Texas A&M Department of Entomology, and Kim Lohmeyer, Ph.D., research entomologist, USDA Agricultural Research Service.
A panel discussion and Q&A session will follow the presentations.
For questions or additional event details, contact Noel Troxclair, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension agriculture and natural resources agent in Uvalde County, at Noel.Troxclair@ag.tamu.edu, or Parr Rosson, Ph.D., professor and associate department head for AgriLife Extension in the Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management, at parr.rosson@ag.tamu.edu.

Production outlook optimistic for Texas cotton amid low prices

By Adam Russell
Production expectations are good for Texas cotton, but low prices may stymie positive outcomes for growers.
John Robinson, Ph.D., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service economist in the Texas A&M Department of Agricultural Economics, said growing conditions are much better than in recent years due to drought, but prices are low and could decline further.
In 2022, Texas cotton growers experienced widespread crop losses, Robinson said. Two out of three acres planted with cotton were abandoned due to unrelenting drought.
Subsequent years produced below-average results for growers, he said. In 2023 and 2024, winter and springtime rains provided decent planting conditions before arid weather set in. High temperatures and little to no rain led to lower yields in dryland and irrigated fields, while late-season rains delayed harvests in some areas and hurt lint quality.
“Most cotton growers across Texas have taken a punch in the gut the last few years and are looking for that season to make up for it,” he said. “Conditions around the state should provide that kind of optimism, but unfortunately, the other important profit factor – prices – are pretty weak.”
Cotton prices slide
A June 30 report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated national cotton acreage would be 10.1 million acres, down 10% compared to last year. Cotton acres in Texas, the nation’s leading producer, were expected to be down over 4% — 5.7 million acres compared to 5.95 million acres in 2024.
Robinson said low prices, coupled with wet weather and delayed plantings in the Mississippi Delta region, likely factored into the decline. The lower acre estimates did not result in a price boost at market.
Before the report was released, there were some expectations that cotton plantings could be closer to 9 million acres.
Cotton prices have taken a…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $36 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!

Kerr County death toll tops 100, with 161 still missing

Search teams have recovered 103 bodies in Kerr County after the devastating July 4 floods along the Guadalupe River, with Gov. Greg Abbott saying at least 161 people were still unaccounted for.
President Donald Trump visited the area on Friday to survey the damage, the San Antonio Express-News reported. The president promised the federal government would “fully fund” recovery efforts. 
The statewide total of flooding deaths stood at 126 as of Sunday, including eight recovered in neighboring Kendall County from the Guadalupe River flooding, and separate flooding incidents in Travis, Williamson and Burnet counties.
Forecasts by the National Weather Service predicted much less rainfall than actually fell in Kerr County, with early predictions having the storm hit hardest near the Rio Grande. Two days before the flood, the Texas Division of Emergency Management staged rescue equipment and personnel in San Antonio, according to the head of the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Free legal resources are available to low-income individuals affected by the Central Texas counties, according to the State Bar of Texas. That assistance includes assistance in securing government benefits, help with insurance claims, and other issues. Texas RioGrande Legal Aid can be contacted toll-free at 833-329-8752.
Mexican firefighters assist in flood recovery
A 13-person crew from Mexico joined Texas firefighters in rescue efforts in the Texas Hill Country, the Texas Standard reported. The firefighters are highly trained in search-and-rescue efforts and have volunteered all over the world.
The crew is composed of members from the Rescate Acuático de Protección Civil y Bomberos de Acuña, Coahuila, in coordination with Fundación 911. Ismael Aldaba is president of the foundation.
“Our guys have experienced [missions] worldwide. They’ve been traveling to earthquakes. They’ve been traveling to tsunamis in other parts of the world,” he said. “This is way different. This is the worst we’ve seen.”
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum praised the crew for its work in Texas.
“The sense of solidarity and brotherhood characterizes us and must always characterize us,” she said. “No matter the circumstances, Mexicans lend a hand to those who suffer, to those left behind.”
Flood response now tops special session agenda
The July 21 special session called by Abbott includes addressing the July 4 flood, including improving early warning systems and infrastructure in flood zones, beefing up emergency communications, funding for affected areas and updating state preparedness and recovery procedures, The Dallas Morning News reported.
“We delivered on historic legislation in the 89th Regular Legislative Session that will benefit Texans for generations to come,” Abbott said in a proclamation issued last week. “There is more work to be done, particularly in the aftermath of the devastating floods in the Texas Hill Country. We must ensure better preparation for such events in the future.”
A total of 18 items are on the special session agenda, including congressional redistricting, regulation of hemp-derived products, and further reducing property taxes. Redistricting is sure to spark controversy, as the Republican majority seeks to expand its grip on the state’s congressional seats. Any new redistricting maps almost certainly would face legal challenges.
Only the governor can call a special session, which is limited to 30 days, though he can call as many as he wants between regular biennial sessions.
Angela Paxton files for divorce from Texas AG Paxton
State Sen. Angela Paxton last Thursday filed for divorce from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, the Austin American-Statesman reported. The McKinney legislator cited “recent discoveries” and “biblical grounds” in a statement on the social media site X.
“I believe marriage is a sacred covenant and I have earnestly pursued reconciliation,” she wrote. “But in light of recent discoveries, I do not believe that it honors God or is loving to myself, my children, or Ken to remain in the marriage.”
The announcement came just weeks after Paxton announced he is running against incumbent U.S. Sen. John Cornyn in next spring’s GOP primary.
The divorce filing accused Paxton of adultery and says the couple stopped living together in June 2024. She is seeking what the petition calls a “disproportionate share” of the couple’s assets because of her husband’s alleged fault in the breakup of the marriage.
The attorney general issued a statement about 20 minutes after his wife.
“After facing the pressures of countless political attacks and public scrutiny, Angela and I have decided to start a new chapter in our lives,” he wrote.
Perry wants to build nuclear complex in West Texas
Former Gov. Rick Perry has co-founded a company he says plans to build the country’s largest nuclear complex on nearly 6,000 acres owned by Texas Tech University, according to the Houston Chronicle. Perry, who also served as energy secretary during Trump’s first term, is promoting the Advanced Energy and Artificial Intelligence Center.
His company, Fermi America, claims it would be the world’s largest data center campus. Tech companies would be able to rent space to pursue artificial intelligence efforts. Fermi America’s executive chairman, Toby Neugebauer, said tech companies are desperate for electricity. The company plans to construct four large-scale nuclear reactors, capable of generating sufficient electricity to power approximately 1 million homes.
“Fermi America is in the artificial intelligence creation business. We’re not in the power business,” Neugebauer said. He added that what is missing in artificial intelligence is not chips or algorithms — it’s the power needed to fuel data centers.
The ambitious project faces hurdles. The country’s nuclear energy industry has built just one nuclear plant in the past 35 years, in Burke County, Georgia. That project ended up seven years late and $17 billion over budget. In contrast, China has built 22 nuclear reactors to power AI, Perry said in a company statement.
“We’re behind, and it’s all hands on deck,” he said.
Gary Borders is a veteran award-winning Texas journalist. He published a number of community newspapers in Texas during a 30-year span, including in Longview, Fort Stockton, Nacogdoches, Lufkin, and Cedar Park. Email:gborders@texaspress.com.