The governor of Texas is detailing where he stands on a renewed push in the legislature to ban most consumable hemp products, seemingly departing from a proposal that advanced through a Senate committee this week by calling for regulated access to low-THC hemp items for adults.

Gov. Greg Abbott said responding to the devastating July 4 floods is his top priority for a special legislative session that began Monday, including providing relief to victims and improving early warning systems.

The flood disaster that struck Texas over Independence Day weekend was beyond the state’s ability to predict or fully manage, the state emergency management chief told the legislature on

President Donald Trump is seeking to pick up at least four, potentially five, Texas congressional seats for Republicans in a midterm election cycle that ordinarily would favor the Democrats. Gov. Greg Abbott has obliged Trump by adding redistricting to a crowded special session that also includes disaster recovery and preparedness.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said search and rescue efforts continue after the deadly floods in Central Texas as crews work to remove debris from roads and bridges. The governor said search parties still include many out-of-state volunteers and dog teams.