Independents Certified and Other News for June 27

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Texas Sen. José Menéndez is defending a 2023 law that lets cities like San Antonio reinvest state tourism and hotel tax revenue into major projects, including a proposed $1.3 billion Spurs arena, saying it keeps the city competitive with others that have used similar funding to spur growth. Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico, speaking in Fort Worth recently, cast himself as an independent voice challenging both parties and billionaires’ influence, as his tight primary race with Colin Allred gains national attention. Meanwhile, Attorney General Ken Paxton has sued Indiana resident Malcolm Tanner, accusing him of trying to take over Loving County by luring out-of-state residents with false promises of free homes in unsafe desert conditions.

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Austin-based energy startup Base Power announced it has raised $1 billion in new funding to expand its residential battery leasing business, positioning itself at the center of Texas’ fast-growing clean energy sector as demand surges nationwide. Meanwhile, Gov. Greg Abbott has authorized hundreds of Texas National Guard soldiers have been deployed to Illinois to assist federal immigration authorities in Chicago. And in education, Texas selected Odyssey, a national tech firm, to design and administer its new $1 billion school voucher program, the Texas Education Freedom Accounts.

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Walmart has announced plans to eliminate synthetic dyes and over 30 other ingredients from its U.S. private brand food products such as Great Value, Marketside, Freshness Guaranteed, and Bettergoods, with a target completion date of January 2027, as outlined in a recent corporate statement.

The Details:

• The initiative removes 11 synthetic dyes, such as Red No. 40 and Yellow No. 5, along with preservatives and artificial sweeteners, responding to customer demand for simpler ingredients while maintaining taste and value.
• The move affects all Walmart U.S. food private brands, supporting a more transparent food system and aligning with evolving health-conscious trends.
• Walmart President and CEO John Furner said, “Our customers want products with familiar ingredients, and we’re delivering on that promise.”
• The transition will leverage natural alternatives, with the company collaborating with suppliers to meet the 2027 deadline.

“Our customers have told us that they want products made with simpler, more familiar ingredients - and we’ve listened. By eliminating synthetic dyes and other ingredients, we’re reinforcing our promise to deliver affordable food that families can feel good about.”

- John Furner, President and CEO, Walmart U.S.

Why It Matters:
This shift could set a new standard for the U.S. food industry, boosting consumer trust and influencing market trends.

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