Lead: Texas state officials ordered a financial investigation of Texas Southern University after an audit found bookkeeping inconsistencies, expired-contract invoices and late financial statements totaling hundreds of millions of dollars in questionable entries. Governor Greg Abbott and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick flagged the audit’s findings and signaled a possible freeze of state funding pending the probe. The auditor identified 700 invoices tied to expired contracts and another 800 dated before procurement approvals, attributing errors to staffing gaps, weak contracting controls and asset oversight. TSU administrators said they’ve implemented corrective measures, including a new procurement system, and pledged cooperation with state auditors. For trustees and presidents, the episode is a reminder that fiscal controls, procurement systems and transparent reporting are critical for institutional stability and state funding relationships—especially at public HBCUs where funding interruptions can immediately affect operations, payroll and student services.