Lucio Vasquez |The Texas Newsroom

The lawsuit, the fifth against the camp, alleges that failures by camp leadership led to the death of 8-year-old Cecilia Steward, who remains missing more than seven months after the flood.

The move comes as the state's education agency unveils a new enforcement role to oversee investigations into alleged misconduct by Texas teachers.

Applications will close March 17, with funding notifications sent to families beginning in early April. The rollout follows a years-long battle at the Capitol and marks a major victory for the governor after repeated failed attempts to pass similar legislation.

State Rep. James Talarico of Austin and U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas' 30th congressional district are vying for the Democratic nomination for the seat, which has been held by Republican Sen. John Cornyn. The debate is this Saturday at 2 p.m.

Abbott issued disaster declarations Thursday for more than 130 counties ahead of a winter freeze expected to sweep into Texas over the coming days. "The goal is to make it through with no life lost," the governor said.

Subfreezing temperatures are expected by Friday as arctic air moves into Texas, with some areas possibly staying below freezing through Monday before warming into the lower 40s on Tuesday.

The case centers on the Texas Heartbeat Act, a 2021 law that bans abortions after cardiac activity is detected and lets private citizens enforce the ban through lawsuits.

Court records say a Florida woman created GoFundMe and Spotfund fundraisers while posing as Matthew Childress in the days after the death of his 18-year-old daughter, Chloe Childress, at Camp Mystic.

The Texas Education Agency received more than 350 complaints involving teachers and staff who commented on the assassination of Charlie Kirk on social media.

Senate Bill 17, which took effect in September, bars people with citizenship, permanent residence or political ties to China, Russia, Iran and North Korea from acquiring most types of real estate in Texas.