Beto O'Rourke Returns to Campaign Trail, Gov. Greg Abbott's Domestic Terrorism Task Force, Dallas Tax Hike

Good morning! Here are the top political headlines from Austin, Washington, the campaign trail and Dallas. 🔎 Prefer the online view? It's here.Points from the Trail1. Beto O'Rourke will return to the campaign trail on Thursday, ending a 12-day hiatus that began when 22 people were gunned down in a bustling Walmart in his hometown of El Paso. Todd J. Gillman reports that he'll start with a speech in El Paso. His campaign aims to capitalize on his renewed attention following the shooting. After months of treading water, O'Rourke's poll numbers have been stuck in the low single digits.2. White House hopeful Julián Castro of Texas is telling President Donald Trump that "Americans were killed" in El Paso "because you stoked the fire of racists." Tom Benning reports that the former San Antonio mayor is seeking to say it to the president's face. Castro has purchased a TV ad that will air Wednesday on Fox News -- Trump's favorite channel -- in Bedminster, N.J., where Trump is vacationing this week at his golf course. The 30-second spot will focus on Trump's rhetoric.3. State Sen. Royce West of Dallas is talking up his longtime experience in the Texas Legislature as he campaigns for the Democratic nomination to challenge Republican U.S. Sen. John Cornyn. West pointed to his efforts to address problems with healthcare, education and policing throughout his 26-career in the Texas Senate. Paul Cobler reports that in a crowded primary field, West is trying to close the door on the possibility of a competitive race for the Democratic nomination, saying it would send a strong message to Cornyn if he wrapped up the nomination without a runoff.  Continue reading...