Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick continued their back-and-forth via social media Tuesday over the veto of Senate Bill 3, a measure championed by Patrick that would have completely banned THC products in the state and was denied passage late Sunday night by Abbott’s, a move that reverberated throughout the Lone Star State.
It marks one of the most public ruptures in the Abbott‑Patrick partnership, a dynamic that has typically operated in harmony despite being elected separately. Abbott maintains they’ve worked closely for much of the year, but Patrick clearly disagrees on this issue—calling Abbott’s timing unfair and accusing him of undermining a shared conservative agenda.
It’s the kind of ideological and strategic split that could have lasting implications for their working relationship, especially with the Legislature set to revisit the matter July 21. While Abbott prefers a regulatory framework, Patrick is holding firm behind prohibition—their split demonstrating both policy tensions and personal distrust.
“His late-night veto, on an issue supported by 105 of 108 Republicans in the legislature, strongly backed by law enforcement, many in the medical and education communities, and the families who have seen their loved ones’ lives destroyed by these very dangerous drugs, leaves them feeling abandoned.” — Lt. Governor Dan Patrick
This dispute underscores a broader debate in Texas: whether to outright ban hemp-derived THC products, or to regulate them to allow economic growth while maintaining public safety. With the special session looming, their relationship may once again be tested as they attempt to reconcile these conflicting visions—or possibly deepen an already visible divide between the state’s top executive leaders.
Meanwhile, A 2023 Arkansas bill banning THC consumables, referenced by Gov. Greg Abbott as an example of why Texas’ ban required a veto, was upheld by a federal court on Tuesday.
A former elementary school teacher in Eanes ISD has been indicted for multiple charges related to possession of child pornography.
Austin police released more information about Sunday morning’s homicide behind an Apple Mart gas station on Wickersham Lane, Austin’s 30th murder of 2025.
One person is dead after a crash on Interstate 35 in Round Rock on Tuesday night.
The Round Rock Police Department said the single-vehicle crash happened on the northbound I-35 frontage road at McNeil Road. (KVUE-TV)
Mustang Ridge authorities responded to an accident yesterday that seriously injured one person.
A septic truck driving on the southbound flyover of State Highway 130 in Georgetown malfunctioned early Tuesday morning, ending in a crash that left one person injured. (CBS Austin)
An iconic hamburger restaurant escaped damage yesterday after smoke was reported coming from inside.
CapMetro rail service was temporarily disrupted Tuesday morning after a pedestrian was struck by a freight train.
A 58-year-old Burnet County man was sentenced to 70 years in prison Tuesday after pleading guilty to manufacturing and delivering methamphetamine. (FOX 7 Austin)
Williamson County officials are searching for a missing teen.
The Austin Police Department has arrested Brian Johnson, known online as the social media influencer “Liver King,” according to Travis County Jail records.
He faces one charge of Terroristic Threat, a Class B Misdemeanor.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, in his latest Watson Wire post online, talks about his bulldog’s health struggles and a recent visit to Tampa for the annual Conference of Mayors.
Texas Parks and Wildlife held a community meeting Monday to share what it learned following the Rolling Pines fire of 2022, and changes they’ve made to ensure prescribed burns don’t get out of control when they return to Bastrop County parks this fall.
WEATHER
Starting next school year, Texas students will no longer be allowed to use personal communication devices, like phones, smartwatches, and tablets, during the school day.
Governor Greg Abbott has signed legislation to continue the Texas Lottery for four more years, implementing new restrictions after some lawmakers sought to abolish it. (Texas Tribune)
Political newcomer Bobby Cole, an East Texas farmer and retired firefighter, has become the first Democrat to officially launch a challenge for Gov. Greg Abbott’s seat in 2026. (Chron)
Both parents of a female infant who was reportedly found deceased in a Houston motel room a year ago have been charged with her murder.
An individual believed to be connected to the mass shooting threats of a Jewish center in San Antonio is in custody, according to a statement from the FBI. (My San Antonio)
The Texas Department of Safety announced the arrest of a wanted fugitive.
SPORTS
MLB: The Texas Rangers got a win at steamy Camden Yards in Baltimore last night to even the series.
Evan Carter slid safely home in the top of the 10th inning, lifting the Texas Rangers to a 6-5 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday night. (Yahoo! Sports)
A win for the Astros in Philadelphia Tuesday night.
Cooper Hummel hit a solo home run in the eighth inning and Framber Valdez and two relievers combined for a four-hitter in the Houston Astros’ 1-0 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday night. (Yahoo! Sports)
ON THE SCHEDULE:
Tales of the Texas Rangers a 20th century Western old-time radio and television police procedural drama which originally aired on NBC Radio from 1950 to 1952 and later on CBS Television from 1955 to 1958.
Enjoy this episode, “Joy Ride”, from May 27, 1951.
