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WhatsApp Usernames Are Coming as App Adds New Privacy Option

Que Onda Editorial
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WhatsApp Usernames Are Coming as App Adds New Privacy Option

WhatsApp usernames are coming later this year, giving users a new way to connect without sharing phone numbers. The Meta-owned messaging app is preparing a global rollout that could change how more than 3 billion people find and message each other.

WhatsApp Usernames Aim to Protect Phone Numbers

The new feature will allow users to create a unique username tied to their WhatsApp account. Instead of giving out a phone number, a person could share a username with someone they want to message.

The change addresses a long-running privacy concern on WhatsApp. The app has traditionally relied on phone numbers as the main way to identify users.

That setup works well for close contacts. However, it can feel risky when messaging businesses, online sellers, community groups or people someone does not know personally.

With usernames, WhatsApp users will have another option. The feature is designed to reduce the need to expose a personal phone number in every conversation.

How Username Reservations Will Work

According to reports, WhatsApp will let users reserve usernames before the feature fully launches. The reservation process is expected to begin through the app’s settings.

Users should be able to check for the option by opening WhatsApp and going to Settings, then Account, then Username. Availability may depend on app version and rollout timing.

The usernames are expected to be between 3 and 35 characters. Because WhatsApp has billions of users, many common names and short handles may be claimed quickly.

Meta is also expected to give users a chance to claim usernames they already use on Facebook or Instagram. That could help people and brands keep a consistent identity across Meta platforms.

No Public Username Directory

WhatsApp says usernames will not turn the app into a public social network. Users will need to know the exact username before starting a chat.

There will not be a public searchable directory or broad username browsing system. That design keeps the focus on private messaging rather than discovery.

WhatsApp is also expected to reserve some high-profile names to reduce impersonation risks. That could help protect public figures, businesses and widely recognized accounts.

The feature will be optional. Users who prefer to keep using phone numbers can continue doing so.

Extra Security With Username Keys

WhatsApp is also adding another control called a username key, according to reports. This optional key would give users more control over who can contact them through a username.

The feature could help prevent unwanted messages. A person may need both the username and the key before reaching the account.

That extra step could be useful for people who want privacy but still need to share contact information in public or semi-public spaces.

It may also help creators, small businesses and community organizers manage incoming messages more safely.

What It Means for Users

For everyday users, WhatsApp usernames could make contact sharing easier and safer. A person could share a username with a new acquaintance, marketplace buyer or business contact without immediately revealing a phone number.

For businesses, usernames could make WhatsApp feel more like a professional contact channel. A recognizable username may be easier for customers to remember than a phone number.

The update also brings WhatsApp closer to privacy features already seen on other messaging apps. Signal introduced usernames in 2024, allowing users to connect without exposing phone numbers by default.

WhatsApp has not made usernames available to everyone yet. The feature is expected to roll out gradually, so some users may see the option before others.

The arrival of WhatsApp usernames marks a major shift for one of the world’s most used messaging apps. For users who value privacy, the update could make everyday conversations feel a little less tied to personal phone numbers.

Harris County News Roundup: Legal Aid, Public Safety and Health Updates

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Harris County News Roundup: Legal Aid, Public Safety and Health Updates

Harris County news this week includes major developments in local government, public safety and public health. County residents are watching a court fight over immigration legal aid, new gun violence data and summer safety preparations.

Harris County News on Immigration Legal Aid

The Texas Supreme Court temporarily blocked Harris County’s $1.3 million Immigrant Legal Services Fund on Friday, June 27. The program helps pay legal costs for low-income immigrants facing deportation.

The court also halted county funding for the Immigration Resource Hotline. That hotline connects residents with legal aid providers and immigrant rights organizations.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued Harris County over the program in November 2025. His office argued the county was using public money illegally.

County officials said the decision is temporary and said they will continue defending the program. County Attorney Abbie Kamin said the services help residents who often do not have access to legal representation in immigration court.

Gun Crime Charges Declined in 2025

New data shared with Axios Houston shows firearm-related violent felony charges fell in Harris County last year. Prosecutors filed 3,452 violent felony charges involving firearms in 2025, down from 3,870 in 2024.

That marks an 11% decline. Separate weapons charges also dropped by about 11%, from 5,980 in 2024 to 5,325 in 2025.

District Attorney Sean Teare said more work remains. He announced plans to join Prosecutors Against Gun Violence, a national group focused on policy changes, enforcement and firearm safety.

The decline comes as local officials continue treating gun violence as both a law enforcement issue and a public health concern.

Public Health Focuses on Summer Safety

Harris County Public Health is also urging residents to prepare for summer heat. Officials warned that packed events, outdoor activities and FIFA World Cup crowds could increase heat-related risks.

The department encouraged residents to stay hydrated, find cooling spaces and watch for signs of heat illness. Those warnings are especially important for outdoor workers, children, older adults and people with health conditions.

Health officials have also launched Ebola-related monitoring information ahead of World Cup events. County and city officials said there are currently zero Ebola cases in Harris County and that public risk remains low.

The dashboard is meant to track travelers arriving from affected regions and provide clear public information.

Public Safety Cases Draw Attention

A toddler died Sunday evening after being found unresponsive in a swimming pool in the Huffman area, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies responded to the 500 block of Lago Trace Drive around 6:15 p.m.

The child was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead. Authorities said they were still investigating how the child reached the pool. No criminal charges had been announced as of the latest report.

In another public safety update, the Texas Department of Public Safety said two children tied to a statewide AMBER Alert were found safe in Houston. DPS said investigators used automated license plate reader data to help track a suspect vehicle.

County Meetings Ahead

Harris County Commissioners Court remains a key place for residents to follow local decisions. The court votes on major county business, including budgets, tax rates, contracts, personnel and public services.

The next regular meeting is scheduled for July 9 at 9 a.m. Residents can attend, submit comments or watch online through the county agenda portal.

For Harris County residents, the week’s updates show several issues moving at once. Court decisions, public safety cases and summer health planning will continue shaping local conversations across the county.

Voodoo Doughnut Houston Closures Leave Chain With One Area Location

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Voodoo Doughnut Houston Closures Leave Chain With One Area Location

Voodoo Doughnut Houston closures have reduced the Portland-based chain’s local footprint once again. The company has quietly closed its Montrose and Katy shops, leaving only its Washington Avenue location operating in the Houston area.

Voodoo Doughnut Houston Closures Confirmed

The closed shops were located at 1214 Westheimer Road in Montrose and 1301 North Fry Road in Katy, according to Chron. A visit to both sites showed the storefronts were no longer open.

At the Montrose shop, the brand’s bright pink windows were covered. At the Katy location, the drive-thru menu had been removed and marked with graffiti.

The closures appear to have happened without a major public announcement. Staff at the remaining Washington Avenue shop declined to comment to Chron and referred questions to Voodoo Doughnut’s corporate office.

As of Monday, June 29, the company had not responded to Chron’s request for comment.

One Houston-Area Shop Remains Open

The closures leave Voodoo Doughnut with one Houston-area location: 3715 Washington Avenue. That shop opened in 2020 and was the company’s first store in the city.

The Washington Avenue location helped introduce Houston customers to Voodoo’s colorful doughnuts, pink boxes and late-night service. The chain built its reputation on playful flavors, bold toppings and a quirky brand identity.

The shop now operates as an all-day location. Chron reported its hours as 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

Chain Had Expanded Across the Area

Voodoo Doughnut started in Portland, Oregon, in 2003. The chain later expanded into several U.S. markets, including Texas.

Houston became part of that expansion in 2020. The brand later added more area shops, including locations in Montrose, Katy and Cypress.

The Montrose shop gave the brand a presence in one of Houston’s busiest dining corridors. The Katy store extended the chain’s reach into the western suburbs.

However, the local footprint has narrowed in recent years. Voodoo Doughnut also closed its Cypress location in 2024 after roughly two years in business.

A Quiet Shift in Houston’s Doughnut Scene

The Voodoo Doughnut Houston closures come as Houston remains a competitive market for doughnut shops. Local favorites, regional chains and national brands all compete for morning customers, late-night crowds and delivery orders.

Voodoo stood out with novelty doughnuts and a strong visual identity. Its menu has included items such as the Voodoo Doll, Bacon Maple Bar and The Homer, along with vegan options.

Still, novelty alone does not guarantee long-term success in a crowded food market. Houston diners have many options, from classic glazed doughnuts to kolaches and specialty pastries.

The closures also show how quickly restaurant and dessert chains can adjust their local presence. Some locations open with major buzz, then close quietly when business conditions change.

What Customers Should Know

Customers looking for Voodoo Doughnut in the Houston area now have one remaining option on Washington Avenue. The company has not publicly detailed why the Montrose and Katy locations closed.

For now, the chain’s Houston presence is smaller but not gone. The Washington Avenue shop remains the local stop for fans of the brand’s signature pink boxes and over-the-top doughnuts.

The closures mark another change in Houston’s fast-moving food scene. Diners who followed Voodoo Doughnut’s local expansion will now have to head closer to the city’s core for a box.

Brazil vs Japan Houston Match Ends With Late Brazil Winner

Michael Esparza
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Brazil vs Japan Houston Match Ends With Late Brazil Winner

Brazil vs Japan Houston delivered a dramatic World Cup knockout match Monday at Houston Stadium. Brazil came from behind to beat Japan 2-1 after Gabriel Martinelli scored the game-winning goal deep into stoppage time. As a result, the five-time champions advanced to the Round of 16 after surviving a major scare.

Brazil vs Japan Houston Draws a Sellout Crowd

Houston Stadium hosted 68,777 fans for the Round of 32 match, according to the Houston Chronicle. Meanwhile, the sellout crowd created one of the loudest atmospheres of Houston’s World Cup schedule.

Brazil fans filled sections of the stadium in yellow and green. Japan supporters, however, answered with chants, flags, and steady noise throughout the match.

The energy also spread beyond the stadium. In addition, fans gathered at the FIFA Fan Festival in EaDo, where thousands watched the match on big screens despite the summer heat.

Japan Takes a Stunning Lead

Japan opened the scoring in the 29th minute through Kaishu Sano. The midfielder struck from distance to give Japan a 1-0 lead and, in turn, put Brazil under immediate pressure.

The goal shifted the rhythm of the first half. Although Brazil controlled long stretches of possession, Japan stayed compact and defended with discipline.

Goalkeeper Zion Suzuki also made important stops. Because of his work, Japan carried its lead into halftime.

Brazil Responds After Halftime

Brazil came out stronger in the second half. Then, Casemiro tied the match in the 55th minute with a header from a Gabriel Magalhães delivery.

The equalizer changed the mood inside the stadium. After that, Brazil pushed forward with more urgency and forced Japan to defend deeper.

Vinícius Júnior nearly gave Brazil the lead soon after. However, his shot hit the post after Suzuki got a touch on the attempt.

Martinelli Scores the Winner

The match appeared headed toward extra time before Brazil found one final chance. Finally, Gabriel Martinelli scored in the sixth minute of stoppage time to seal the 2-1 win.

The late goal sent Brazil into the Round of 16. At the same time, it ended Japan’s tournament after a disciplined and determined performance.

Brazil’s comeback showed its depth and patience under pressure. Still, Japan’s performance showed why the team entered the knockout stage with confidence.

Houston Gets a World Cup Thriller

The match gave Houston one of its biggest soccer moments of the tournament. Overall, fans saw a tight knockout game with a stunning opener, a second-half response, and a stoppage-time winner.

Brazil now moves forward with momentum. However, questions remain after a difficult match against a well-organized Japan team.

Japan exits after pushing one of the tournament favorites to the final moments. For Houston, the game delivered what World Cup knockout soccer promises: pressure, noise, drama, and a finish that fans will remember.

House of the Dragon Season 3 Episode 2 Sends Rhaenyra Back to the Iron Throne

Michael Esparza
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House of the Dragon Season 3 Episode 2 Sends Rhaenyra Back to the Iron Throne

House of the Dragon Season 3 Episode 2 delivers a major turning point in the Targaryen civil war. The episode, titled “Queen’s Landing,” follows Rhaenyra as grief hardens into action and King’s Landing becomes the center of the conflict.

House of the Dragon Season 3 Episode 2 Recap

The episode picks up after the devastating Battle of the Gullet. Rhaenyra faces the loss of her son Jacaerys, whose death leaves Team Black shaken at a critical moment.

That grief does not stop the war. Instead, it pushes Rhaenyra toward a more decisive path. Her claim to the Iron Throne becomes more urgent, and her patience with the Greens begins to disappear.

At Dragonstone, the mood is heavy. The battle has taken a personal and political toll. Rhaenyra must mourn while also leading a divided realm through a war that keeps growing more brutal.

Rhaenyra Moves Toward King’s Landing

Rhaenyra’s return to King’s Landing becomes the episode’s biggest moment. The capital, long held by the Greens, starts to shift as loyalties weaken.

The City Watch plays an important role in the takeover. Support inside King’s Landing helps Rhaenyra and Daemon move with less resistance than expected.

Still, the episode does not present victory as simple. Rhaenyra enters the city carrying grief, anger and the weight of her claim. Her return to the throne room feels powerful, but it also feels unstable.

The Iron Throne is not just a prize. It is a trap, a symbol and a burden.

Otto Hightower’s Fate Changes the War

One of the episode’s most dramatic moments comes with Otto Hightower. The former Hand of the King is found imprisoned, turning his political decline into a final reckoning.

Rhaenyra’s decision to execute Otto marks a sharp change in her rule. It shows a queen no longer willing to rely only on restraint or negotiation.

Otto’s death also deepens the emotional divide between Rhaenyra and Alicent. Their shared history has always shaped the series. Now, that past becomes even harder to separate from the bloodshed around them.

The execution sends a message to the realm. Rhaenyra has returned, and her rule will not begin with forgiveness.

Alicent Faces a Broken Future

Alicent spends much of the episode trying to protect what remains of her family. Her position has grown weaker as the Greens fracture from within.

Her attempt to escape King’s Landing with Helaena shows how far her power has fallen. Once a central force in court, Alicent now moves through the Red Keep with fear and urgency.

By the end, she faces Rhaenyra under terrible circumstances. The personal and political wounds between them are no longer hidden behind court language.

Their conflict remains one of the show’s strongest emotional anchors. It also shows how family, duty and ambition have destroyed nearly every path to peace.

Why the Episode Matters

House of the Dragon Season 3 Episode 2 changes the shape of the war. Rhaenyra may have taken King’s Landing, but the conflict is far from over.

Aemond, Aegon and the remaining Green forces still pose major threats. The realm remains divided, and dragons continue to make every political move more dangerous.

The episode also pushes Rhaenyra into a darker phase. Her victory carries the cost of death, trauma and fear. That makes her return to the Iron Throne feel less like triumph and more like the start of another crisis.

For fans following the Dance of the Dragons, “Queen’s Landing” is a major chapter. The war has entered a new stage, and the fight for power is becoming more personal with every loss.

Comcast NBCUniversal Spinoff Would Create Separate Media Company

Michael Esparza
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Comcast NBCUniversal Spinoff Would Create Separate Media Company

Comcast announced plans Monday for a Comcast NBCUniversal spinoff that would separate NBCUniversal and Sky into a new public company. The move would split Comcast’s media assets from its broadband, wireless and technology businesses.

Comcast NBCUniversal Spinoff Plan

The proposed transaction would create two independent publicly traded companies. Comcast said shareholders would own shares in both Comcast and NBCUniversal after the separation.

The new NBCUniversal company would include Universal film and television studios, NBC, Telemundo, Peacock, Bravo, Universal theme parks and Sky. Comcast would continue to focus on broadband, wireless, business services and entertainment platforms.

Comcast said the tax-free spinoff is expected to close in about one year. The deal still needs final Comcast board approval, tax opinions, regulatory approvals and financing arrangements.

Leadership Changes Ahead

Mike Cavanagh, Comcast’s co-chief executive officer, would become CEO of NBCUniversal after the split. Former Comcast Chief Financial Officer Michael Angelakis would become CEO of Comcast.

Brian L. Roberts, Comcast chairman and co-CEO, is expected to remain involved with both companies. Comcast said he would work with the leadership teams at Comcast and NBCUniversal.

The company said the split would give each business more focus. Comcast said media and communications markets continue to change because of technology, competition and consumer habits.

What NBCUniversal and Sky Would Include

NBCUniversal would become a global media and entertainment company with major film, television, streaming, sports, news and theme park assets. Sky would also be part of that company.

Sky is Comcast’s European media business. Comcast bought Sky in 2018, giving the company a larger international television and entertainment footprint.

The NBCUniversal side would also include Peacock, Comcast’s streaming platform. Streaming has become a central part of the media business as traditional cable television faces pressure.

What Comcast Would Keep

The remaining Comcast company would focus on internet, wireless and business services. It would also continue operating entertainment platform services tied to its technology business.

Comcast said its network reaches more than 65 million homes and businesses. The company also pointed to its wireless growth and business services platform as key parts of its future.

The company expects to keep up to a 19.9% stake in NBCUniversal for up to one year after the spinoff. Comcast said it plans to monetize that stake over time in a tax-efficient way.

Why the Split Matters

The announcement comes as major media companies rethink their structures. Cable television has lost viewers to streaming services, while broadband and wireless remain core businesses for Comcast.

Comcast already moved to separate several cable networks into Versant, including CNBC, MSNBC, USA Network, E!, Syfy and Golf Channel. The new announcement goes further by separating NBCUniversal and Sky from Comcast’s technology-focused business.

For viewers, the immediate impact may be limited. NBC, Telemundo, Peacock, Universal and Sky would continue operating under NBCUniversal. However, the company’s strategy, investments and partnerships could change after the separation.

The Comcast NBCUniversal spinoff marks one of the biggest media restructurings in years. The final outcome will depend on approvals, timing and market conditions, but the plan shows how sharply the media and technology businesses are moving in different directions.

Supreme Court Mail Ballot Ruling Allows States to Count Some Ballots After Election Day

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Supreme Court Mail Ballot Ruling Allows States to Count Some Ballots After Election Day

The Supreme Court mail ballot ruling gives states room to count certain mailed ballots that arrive after Election Day. The 5-4 decision, issued June 29, upheld a Mississippi law covering ballots postmarked by Election Day and received up to five business days later.

Supreme Court Mail Ballot Ruling Centers on State Deadlines

The case, Watson v. Republican National Committee, focused on whether federal Election Day laws require mailed ballots to arrive by Election Day.

Justice Amy Coney Barrett wrote the majority opinion. Chief Justice John Roberts and the court’s three liberal justices joined her.

The court said federal law sets the deadline for voters to cast ballots. However, it does not set one national deadline for when mailed ballots must be received.

Mississippi’s law allows certain absentee ballots to count if they are postmarked by Election Day and arrive within five business days. The court said that rule does not conflict with federal law.

Why the Ballot Case Matters

The Republican National Committee, the Mississippi Republican Party and others challenged the law. They argued that counting ballots after Election Day violated federal statutes.

A federal appeals court had sided with the challengers. The Supreme Court reversed that decision.

The ruling matters beyond Mississippi. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, several states allow at least some mail ballots to arrive after Election Day if voters mailed them on time.

The decision does not require every state to accept late-arriving ballots. Instead, it allows states to set their own receipt deadlines, as long as voters cast the ballots by Election Day.

What the Court Said

The majority said the key act in an election is the voter’s choice. In mail voting, that choice happens when the voter casts the ballot.

The court also pointed to federal laws for military and overseas voters. Those laws often refer to state deadlines for receiving ballots.

Justice Samuel Alito wrote the main dissent. He argued that federal Election Day laws should require ballots to arrive by Election Day.

The dissent warned that longer receipt windows could raise concerns about public confidence in elections. The majority said those policy arguments should go to lawmakers, not courts.

What It Means for Texas Voters

The decision does not change who can vote by mail in Texas. Texas limits mail voting to voters who meet specific eligibility rules, including voters age 65 or older, voters with disabilities, certain voters outside their county, eligible jailed voters and voters expecting to give birth near Election Day.

Texas also has its own ballot return rules. State guidance says a domestic mail ballot with a valid postmark or delivery receipt showing it was submitted by 7 p.m. on Election Day must arrive by 5 p.m. the next business day.

That means Texas voters should still follow state and county election deadlines closely. A postmark alone may not be enough if the ballot arrives after the state deadline.

Election Officials Prepare for 2026 Voting

The ruling arrives ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. It gives election officials clearer guidance in states with postmark-based mail ballot rules.

For voters, the safest option remains simple. Mail ballots early, track them when possible and check county election guidance before deadlines.

The Supreme Court mail ballot ruling keeps state-level ballot deadlines in place for now. Texas voters should confirm their local rules before every election.

Gulf Freeway Construction Worker Killed During Overnight Houston Project

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Gulf Freeway Construction Worker Killed During Overnight Houston Project

A Gulf Freeway construction worker killed during an overnight project in Houston died after being struck by a work vehicle, according to police. The crash happened late Sunday, June 28, near the Dixie Farm Road exit.

Houston police said the worker was part of a crew handling a lane closure on the southbound Gulf Freeway. The worker died at the scene.

Gulf Freeway Construction Worker Killed Near Dixie Farm Road

The incident happened around 11 p.m. in the southbound lanes of I-45, also known as the Gulf Freeway. Investigators said a work vehicle was backing up when it struck the worker.

The vehicle was described by local reports as a Scorpion truck. That type of truck is commonly used in road work zones as a crash attenuator. It helps protect crews from traffic impacts.

Police said the driver worked for the same construction company as the worker who died. The driver and a passenger stayed at the scene and cooperated with investigators.

Authorities also said workers at the site were wearing required safety gear, including high-visibility clothing.

Investigation Remains Ongoing

As of Monday morning, officials had not released the worker’s identity. Authorities typically wait until family members are notified before releasing a name.

Houston police are continuing to review what happened before the crash. No charges had been announced in initial reports.

Investigators are expected to examine the work zone, the vehicle’s movement, and statements from people at the scene. Police have not said whether speed, visibility, equipment failure, or other factors played a role.

Work Zone Death Highlights Roadway Risks

The fatal crash comes during a busy period for highway construction across the Houston area. Many crews work overnight to reduce traffic delays and protect drivers during major lane closures.

However, overnight work also carries serious risks. Crews often operate near moving traffic, large vehicles, heavy equipment, and limited visibility.

Work zones depend on clear communication, safe vehicle movement, and driver caution. Even inside a closed lane, construction workers can face hazards from work trucks and passing vehicles.

Drivers Urged To Use Caution Near Crews

The Gulf Freeway remains one of the region’s busiest corridors. Construction zones can change quickly, especially at night.

Drivers should slow down near lane closures, watch for workers, and follow posted signs. Extra caution can help protect crews who maintain and improve Houston-area roads.

The death is a reminder that roadway construction affects real families and workers across the community. Anyone driving through a work zone should stay alert and give crews space.

Texas Becomes First State to Require Bible Readings in Public Schools

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Texas Becomes First State to Require Bible Readings in Public Schools

Texas Bible required reading rules are set to begin in public schools after the State Board of Education approved a statewide literary list Friday. The decision makes Texas the first known state to require students to read direct Bible passages as part of a required public school reading list.

The Republican-led board approved the list in a 9-5 vote. The new requirements are expected to roll out in phases beginning with elementary students during the 2030-2031 school year.

Texas Bible Required Reading List Approved

The required literary list covers students from kindergarten through high school. It includes nearly 200 works, with about a dozen Bible passages and Bible-based stories.

The list includes stories such as “David and Goliath” and “Daniel and the Lion’s Den” for younger students. Older students are expected to encounter selections from Genesis, Job, Lamentations and New Testament passages.

The reading list will also be tied to annual standardized exams. That means the selected works will become part of the state’s broader academic expectations.

Texas created the list under a 2023 law that called for at least one required literary work at each grade level. The final list goes much further, setting a larger statewide reading framework.

Supporters Say Bible Passages Add Historical Context

Supporters of the measure argue that biblical texts shaped American history, literature and civic life. They say students should understand references that appear throughout major works and public documents.

Backers also describe the list as literary and historical, not devotional. They say the goal is to teach cultural context rather than promote religious practice.

The vote comes as Texas leaders have pushed several measures involving religion in public schools. In recent years, the state allowed districts to hire chaplains and required public schools to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms.

Supporters say those efforts reflect the role of faith traditions in public life. They also say the Bible remains one of the most influential texts in Western literature.

Critics Raise Church-State Concerns

Critics argue the required list favors Christianity over other religions. They also say it could blur the line between public education and religious instruction.

Some educators and advocacy groups have questioned why the list includes Bible passages but does not give similar attention to other faith traditions. They also raised concerns about specific translations and how teachers will explain religious material in diverse classrooms.

Opponents say the state should allow local districts and teachers to choose reading materials. They argue that a statewide mandate limits classroom flexibility and may crowd out other books.

Some teachers also warned that the list could be difficult to complete within one school year. They said the number of required texts may reduce time for writing, discussion and locally selected reading.

New Rules Could Shape Classrooms Beyond Texas

Texas has one of the largest public school systems in the country, with about 5.5 million students. Because of that size, state curriculum decisions often draw national attention.

Education groups are expected to watch how districts prepare teachers for the new list. Legal challenges are also possible, especially from groups concerned about religious freedom and the separation of church and state.

For now, Texas schools have several years before the requirements begin. Families, educators and state officials will likely continue debating how Bible passages should be taught in public classrooms.

The decision marks a major shift in Texas education policy. It also places the state at the center of a national debate over religion, literature and public school instruction.

Harris County Immigrant Legal Services Program Paused During Court Fight

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Harris County Immigrant Legal Services Program Paused During Court Fight

The Harris County immigrant legal services program is on hold after the Texas Supreme Court issued a temporary order Friday, June 26. The order blocks county officials from funding legal aid for immigrants facing deportation cases while the state’s lawsuit continues.

Texas Supreme Court Pauses Harris County Immigrant Legal Services

The Texas Supreme Court said Harris County must stop disbursing funds tied to the program “until further order.” The court did not make a final ruling on whether the program is legal.

Instead, the order keeps the program paused while a state appeals court continues reviewing the case. The court said there is serious doubt about whether Harris County has the authority to operate the program.

The case centers on the county’s Immigrant Legal Services Fund. The program supports nonprofit organizations that help eligible residents navigate immigration court and deportation proceedings.

Paxton Lawsuit Challenges County Funding

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued Harris County in November 2025. His office argued that the county improperly used more than $1.3 million in public funds for private legal services.

Paxton’s lawsuit claims the program violates the Texas Constitution’s ban on certain gifts of public funds. His office argues the county has no legal authority to spend taxpayer money on deportation defense.

Harris County officials have defended the program. They argue that legal representation helps residents follow court processes and supports due process in a complex federal system.

The county has also said the program includes oversight rules. Those include eligibility checks, monthly reporting, invoices, audits and county review before payments are approved.

Earlier Courts Allowed the Program to Continue

Before Friday’s order, Harris County had won key rulings in lower courts. District judges rejected Paxton’s efforts to block the program.

The 15th Court of Appeals also denied the state’s request for emergency relief earlier this year. In that ruling, the court said the state had not shown that the program caused actual harm to Harris County residents or Texas.

The appeals court also noted that Texas has recognized legal help for low-income people in civil cases as a public service. Immigration court is civil, not criminal, although deportation cases can carry major consequences for families.

The Texas Supreme Court’s new order changes the program’s status for now. However, it does not settle the larger constitutional question.

What the Program Does

Harris County created the Immigrant Legal Services Fund in 2020. The county initially allocated $2.5 million to help people facing immigration proceedings.

The program has worked with organizations including BakerRipley, the Galveston-Houston Immigrant Representation Project, Justice for All Immigrants, KIND and the Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Service.

According to court findings reported by The Texas Tribune, the program has helped 373 people over five years. Many closed cases ended in removal or voluntary departure from the United States.

Supporters say the program helps people understand their rights and responsibilities in immigration court. Opponents say county tax dollars should not fund legal defense in deportation cases.

Court Battle Still Continues

The pause leaves the program’s future uncertain. The Texas Supreme Court ordered the appeals court to continue reviewing the case.

That means Harris County’s immigrant legal services funding could remain frozen until the courts issue further direction. A final ruling could affect similar local programs across Texas.

For immigrant families and service providers, the immediate impact is clear. Legal aid tied to the Harris County program cannot move forward while the temporary order remains in place.

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