The Texan Podcast - Daily Rundown - June 3, 2026

Episode Date: June 3, 2026

The Texan’s Daily Rundown brings you a quick recap of the latest stories in Texas politics so you can stay informed with news you can trust.Want more resources? Visit The Texan for complete access to our in-depth articles, newsletters, videos, podcasts, and more.Enjoy what you hear? Be sure to follow us and leave a review!

Well, howdy folks. Today is Wednesday, June 3rd, and you're listening to the Texans' Daily Rundown. I'm the Texan senior editor Rob Lauchess, and here is the rundown of today's news in Texas politics. First up, as countries in the Persian Gulf increasingly pursue unconventional natural gas extraction, Texas is playing a role in reshaping relations between the U.S. and Gulf states. The United Arab Emirates withdrawal from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, or OPEC on May 1st marked a significant shift for the 12-member group and especially Gulf oil moguls. It also marked an important moment for Texas shale extraction experts as the UAE recruits specialists, along with the help of Houston-based company EOG Resources in its effort to grow its national, unconventional gas production capacity. EOG Resources currently operates in Texas Delaware Basin, Eagle Ford,

and Dorado, where they focus on shale extraction. a type of unconventional gas extraction. They, along with others in the state, have pioneered the shale market, and their methods are now being exported globally. Unconventional gas, according to the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, is, quote, natural gas that is trapped in tight underground geological formations and requires specialized advanced technologies, such as hydraulic fracking, to extract it. Gulf states are increasingly seeking Texas expertise as they transition from focusing on conventional oil reservoirs to unconventional extraction methods like hydraulic fracking, horizontal wells, and rapid drilling cycles, methods which Texas has long mastered since the original fracking boom

during the late 1990s. In other news, the Texas Education Agency announced the launch of the educator misconduct dashboard, which shows over 13,000 reports for fiscal year 2026, and was, quote, designed with parents and taxpayers in mind. The dashboard is housed in the TEA's new Student Protection Resource Center, which the agency describes as a, quote, one-stop hub consolidating critical information and tools related to student safety, educator accountability, and disciplinary actions. It also includes the educator certification lookup,

the do not hire registry, and instructions on how to report abuse, neglect, and misconduct. The dashboard contains data for fiscal years 2025 and 26. The Texan spoke with TEA Inspector General of Educator Misconduct Levi Fuller, who said he wants the public to know, quote, how much we care about what they have told us. In 2025, the agency received almost 6,500 misconduct reports. So far in 2026, that number has more than doubled to almost 14,000 reports. Fuller said this increase is due to multiple factors, such as a number. has increased penalties for failure to report and a more convenient reporting process, with

superintendents accessing a common portal. Last but not least, the Texas Department of Public Safety will now only offer commercial driver's license and permit exams in English, after previously offering them in both English and Spanish. The change comes amid an increased focus on such driver's proficiency, or lack thereof, in English, the U.S.'s current official national language under President Donald Trump's administration. CDLs are required for operating vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of over 26,000 pounds, or which were designed to carry 16 passengers or more, or any vehicles transporting hazardous materials requiring placarding, such as semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, buses, or dump trucks. DPS announced on Monday that both CDL and commercial

learner permit knowledge examinations will be offered solely in English. They clarify, that the quote, hands-on CDL skills test, which includes pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and the road test, end quote, has remained only available in English and will continue to be so. A spokesperson for the federal motor carrier safety administration lauded this change in a statement to the Texan on Tuesday. Quote, the Texas Department of Public Safety is taking all the right steps to keep American roads safe. The broader impact of these changes is safer drivers and safer roads. for everyone. Thanks for listening. To support the Texan, please be sure to visit the texan. news to get full access to all of our articles, newsletters, and podcasts.