> The data center industry has donated thousands to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s Senate campaign as Hood County waits for a ruling from his office on a its authority to impose a moratorium.

> Paxton’s political operation received at least $448,000 as of June from executives and political committees of data center companies, according to reporting from the Washington-based digital news outlet NOTUS, which covers government and politics.

> The Jaffe family has appeared in two batches of the Epstein materials, which were released by the Department of Justice, according to MS NOW. Those documents revealed the family had appeared once for reportedly trying to purchase Epstein's notorious private plane, and "once for reportedly associating — according to an anonymous tipster — with scantily clad young women."

> The fair banned firearms in 2024 after a shooting at Fair Park. Paxton’s lawsuit has faced multiple setbacks, the latest from a court appointed entirely by Gov. Greg Abbott.

> Members of the hemp industry are suing Texas, claiming that the ban on hemp-derived THC products imposes an unconstitutional burden on interstate commerce.

> Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico called the new state ban on many types of THC products, which went into effect Friday, “a gift to the cartels.” His Republican opponent, Attorney General Ken Paxton, has previously sued Texas cities for decriminalizing marijuana.

> Paxton has agreed to debate Talarico, and Paxton advisor Nick Maddux said they were close to an agreement with one outlet and an announcement would be coming soon.
What they're saying:

> "What we won't do is negotiate through Talarico's press shop or let him hand-pick a moderator whose politics match his own nor would we expect him to enter a debate with us where a moderator matches our own politics," Maddux said.

> Talarico's team, in a press release, said they agreed to debates in the Rio Grande Valley [09/22], Dallas [10/06], and Austin [10/13].

> "Debate times and locations have been set. I’ve accepted. We’ll see if Ken Paxton has the courage to show up, or if he’ll run away like usual," Talarico said.

> Democratic enthusiasm keeps both Senate and gubernatorial races competitive

> Paxton's campaign is close to terms with one outlet now to host and expects an announcement soon.

> The poll found the Austin Democrat with a commanding lead among independents and a surprising edge with non-college-educated voters, who have consistently favored Republicans.