The Texan Podcast - Daily Rundown - January 13, 2026

Episode Date: January 13, 2026

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Howdy folks, today is Tuesday, January 3rd, and you're listening to The Texans Daily Rundown. I'm the Texans Managing Editor Rob Laus, and here is the rundown of today's news in Texas politics. First up, Governor Greg Abbott has volunteered Texas assistance to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. In identifying fraud in federal housing programs, after the agency identified at least $5 billion in potentially erroneous payments, last year. According to a letter sent to HUD's secretary Scott Turner on Monday, Abbott offered state participation in a pilot fraud identification program through the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. The governor wrote, quote, we will gladly work with you to develop fraud prevention measures that ensure federal taxpayer funds, like those in the rental-based assistance

programs, are not taken advantage of by bad actors. Turner, a former Texas state, representative who was appointed by President Donald Trump to head HUD last year, published a financial analysis of the agency that warned of fraud and a lack of internal controls. Using AI, HUD reported finding more than 30,000 deceased persons either actively enrolled in a rental assistance program or who had received assistance after they died. Turner's financial report also warned that his staff had identified examples of noncompliance with standards of internal controls under the Biden administration. In other news, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton says that First Amendment rights were violated in the prohibition of religious advertisements in official mailings and in the Texas

Driver Handbook published by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Paxton filed a lawsuit last week in Travis County District Court against the DPS over the alleged ban. He argued that it infringes on First Amendment rights and discriminates against religious groups. Paxton cited in the filing, quote, defendants continue to administer the religious ads prohibition. Thus, the denial of Texas citizens' constitutional rights is ongoing. The lawsuit cited Title 37 of the Texas Administrative Code, which includes the language, quote, all advertisements solicited by the department must be in good taste and must be approved by the appropriate department authority

prior to use in the handbook or mailings. The rule also prohibits, quote, religious ads, controversial organizations, ballot measures, tobacco ads, ads contrary to agency goals, political ads, gambling ads, controversial issues, alcoholic beverage ads, personal or offensive ads, and ads which mention the department anywhere in the advertisement. Additionally, it is noted that the department reserves the right to add exclusions if warranted

to be in the public's best interest. Last but not least, the Texas Education Agency released its final proposed required literary works list on January 9th, which will be voted on by the State Board of Education at the end of the month. The list outlines books and literary sources for kindergarten through 12th grade and would be required reading for all Texas public and open enrollment charter schools. The TEA compiled a list of over 10,000 titles from various states, educational institutions, and organizations, and cross-reference them with a survey of over 5,700 teachers in January and February 2025. Literary texts were evaluated on multiple factors, such as Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills or Teaks alignment, text compatibility, suitability using the SBOE's rubric for evaluating instructional materials,

cross-curricular connections, and statutory compliance. The proposed list is a minimum requirement and provides optional short-supportive literary works for 6th through 12th graders. Local school systems can add additional text to their curriculum, and students are always able to self-select books to read. The TEA said its proposed list has a, quote, smaller number of required works per grade than what is typically taught. Thanks for listening. To support the Texan, please be sure to visit the texan.news and subscribe to get full access to all of our articles, newsletters, and podcasts.