Tensions flare as Texas House panel hears a “bathroom bill” for first time in eight years
Read full article: Tensions flare as Texas House panel hears a “bathroom bill” for first time in eight yearsSenate Bill 8 would restrict which bathrooms in government buildings transgender people would be allowed to use. Testimony drew expletives and anger.
East Texas lawmaker, with governor’s blessing, wants to stop proposed water deal
Read full article: East Texas lawmaker, with governor’s blessing, wants to stop proposed water dealDallas businessman Kyle Bass has proposed exporting millions of gallons of water from East Texas to other parts of the state.
Texas Senate takes up GOP congressional map, last stop before Abbott’s desk
Read full article: Texas Senate takes up GOP congressional map, last stop before Abbott’s deskRepublican lawmakers are poised to push the map through over fierce Democratic opposition, positioning the GOP to net up to five additional seats in Texas.
In response to failures and grieving parents, Texas lawmakers advance flood bills
Read full article: In response to failures and grieving parents, Texas lawmakers advance flood billsHere’s where the proposed laws to address camp safety, flood warnings and emergency response stand in the Legislature.
Doggett won’t seek reelection to Congress if new district is upheld by courts, paving way for Casar
Read full article: Doggett won’t seek reelection to Congress if new district is upheld by courts, paving way for CasarDoggett has represented his hometown of Austin for over 50 years, in both the Legislature and Congress, surviving numerous Republican redistricting efforts to target his seat.
Hill Country nonprofit pledges $40 million to help rebuild flood victims’ homes
Read full article: Hill Country nonprofit pledges $40 million to help rebuild flood victims’ homesThe Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country has a four-pronged recovery plan: rebuilding homes, supporting mental health, economic recovery, and reviving the area’s quality of life.
Former Speaker Dade Phelan won’t seek reelection to Texas House
Read full article: Former Speaker Dade Phelan won’t seek reelection to Texas HouseAs speaker, Phelan oversaw passage of numerous conservative priorities, but he gave up the gavel under pressure from the far right over the House’s impeachment of Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Hurricane Harvey destroyed this Texas county’s courthouse. Eight years later, it’s still not finished.
Read full article: Hurricane Harvey destroyed this Texas county’s courthouse. Eight years later, it’s still not finished.The Aransas County courthouse was supposed to open in 2023. But officials have faced voter backlash and a constant stream of design and construction problems that have delayed the opening.
TSU’s Ocean of Soul honors Kerr County at Pepsi Battle of the Bands 2025: ‘We need to honor those without a voice’
Read full article: TSU’s Ocean of Soul honors Kerr County at Pepsi Battle of the Bands 2025: ‘We need to honor those without a voice’Get ready, Houston! The 2025 Pepsi National Battle of the Bands takes over NRG Stadium August 22-24, featuring powerhouse HBCU bands like Texas Southern’s Ocean of Soul — who’ll bring music, tradition, and a heartfelt tribute to local flood victims. Beyond the epic performances, enjoy community events, career fairs, and more.
GOP state Rep. Briscoe Cain files for redrawn 9th Congressional District
Read full article: GOP state Rep. Briscoe Cain files for redrawn 9th Congressional DistrictThe Houston-area district, currently occupied by Democratic Rep. Al Green, is being redrawn by GOP lawmakers to favor Republicans and cover almost entirely new territory.
UT System nixes faculty senates, approves restrictions on campus protests
Read full article: UT System nixes faculty senates, approves restrictions on campus protestsThe changes are in response to new state laws seeking to limit faculty’s influence and put guardrails on campus demonstrations.
18th Congressional District candidates drop out of race, endorse Christian Menefee
Read full article: 18th Congressional District candidates drop out of race, endorse Christian MenefeeIt’s unclear what the announcement could entail, but Menefee's team says it will demonstrate “strong unity in the face of Republican redistricting efforts.”
Lawmakers are debating GOP congressional maps. What does redistricting mean for Texans?
Read full article: Lawmakers are debating GOP congressional maps. What does redistricting mean for Texans?From urban cores to rural regions, Texans' needs differ. Experts worry new districts encompassing geographically distant communities will dilute their voices.
Health insurance carriers request raising ACA premiums by more than 20% on average in Texas
Read full article: Health insurance carriers request raising ACA premiums by more than 20% on average in TexasHealth insurers are hiking policy premiums in response to proposed federal cuts and rising costs in various parts of the health care sector.
Gov. Greg Abbott asks for new penalties for lawmakers who flee to halt legislative sessions
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott asks for new penalties for lawmakers who flee to halt legislative sessionsThe governor announced he was expanding his special session agenda shortly after the Texas House passed a congressional map that Democrats had delayed by leaving the state.
Death row inmate Robert Roberson claims judicial misconduct in bid for new trial
Read full article: Death row inmate Robert Roberson claims judicial misconduct in bid for new trialA new petition claims Anderson County judges acted unconstitutionally multiple times in both Roberson’s case and in recognizing custody of his daughter.
“My daughter was stolen from me": Grieving parents point to Texas camp failures at Capitol hearing
Read full article: “My daughter was stolen from me": Grieving parents point to Texas camp failures at Capitol hearingSenate Bill 1, which would require more oversight of emergency plans and evacuation procedures at summer camps, was advanced after the emotional hearing Wednesday.
El Paso judge blocks Ken Paxton from taking legal action against Beto O’Rourke’s political group
Read full article: El Paso judge blocks Ken Paxton from taking legal action against Beto O’Rourke’s political groupThe order bars Paxton from prosecuting O’Rourke’s nonprofit or otherwise bringing legal action aimed at revoking Powered by People’s charter.
Camp Mystic flood victim families testify during Texas Senate committee hearing
Read full article: Camp Mystic flood victim families testify during Texas Senate committee hearing“Our children’s lives were cut short because the safeguards in place were not enough,” a spokesperson for the Campaign for Camp Safety said in a news release. “We are asking lawmakers to make sure no other family ever has to endure the pain we have lived with every day since July 4th.”
Texas House approves GOP congressional map after two-week delay from Democrats’ walkout
Read full article: Texas House approves GOP congressional map after two-week delay from Democrats’ walkoutRepublican lawmakers are pursuing the unusual mid-decade redistricting plan amid pressure from President Donald Trump to protect the GOP’s slim majority in the U.S. House.
From Fort Worth to McAllen, Texans could lose clout in Washington if GOP changes political lines
Read full article: From Fort Worth to McAllen, Texans could lose clout in Washington if GOP changes political linesThe GOP push to redraw the state’s congressional maps isn’t just a partisan move but one that deeply affects how Texans are represented in Congress.
Lawsuit settled in 2022 shooting death of a migrant in West Texas, but no criminal charges filed yet
Read full article: Lawsuit settled in 2022 shooting death of a migrant in West Texas, but no criminal charges filed yetThe victims sued the employer of the alleged shooter, the former warden of a migrant detention center. Three different prosecutors have so far opted not to file criminal charges.
Confusion reigns as Texas colleges scramble to comply with ban on in-state tuition for undocumented students
Read full article: Confusion reigns as Texas colleges scramble to comply with ban on in-state tuition for undocumented studentsThe state isn’t providing schools with guidance and advocates say students who still qualify for lower rates are being asked to pay thousands more.
Texas Senate fast tracks THC ban, flood prep and bathroom restrictions for transgender people
Read full article: Texas Senate fast tracks THC ban, flood prep and bathroom restrictions for transgender peopleSenators moved fast on Gov. Greg Abbott’s agenda for the second special session. With House Democrats back in Texas, bills can now move through that chamber.
Fifth Circuit halts West Texas A&M drag show ban as free speech lawsuit continues
Read full article: Fifth Circuit halts West Texas A&M drag show ban as free speech lawsuit continuesIn a split decision, a three-judge panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals blocked the school’s prohibition on drag performances, finding students are likely to prove it violates the First Amendment.
Texas to invest over $146 billion in 10-year plan to improve state roads
Read full article: Texas to invest over $146 billion in 10-year plan to improve state roadsGov. Greg Abbott announced the plan Monday which is meant to invest in state roadways to meet the demands of Texas’ growing population and economy.
Texas redistricting map: How the GOP could increase its stronghold
Read full article: Texas redistricting map: How the GOP could increase its strongholdTexas is on the brink of redrawing congressional districts in a partisan bid to give Republicans five additional districts. The move is setting off a bipartisan war across the U.S.
Debates over THC, abortion pills, STAAR and more resume as Democrats return for second special session
Read full article: Debates over THC, abortion pills, STAAR and more resume as Democrats return for second special sessionNow that the Texas House has a quorum following Democrats’ two-week absence, lawmakers are back to debate a wide range of issues, including redrawing congressional maps to benefit Republicans.
Texas House Democrats return to Capitol, ending walkout over redistricting plan
Read full article: Texas House Democrats return to Capitol, ending walkout over redistricting planAfter two weeks out of state, Democratic lawmakers returned to Austin, paving the way for Republicans to pass their proposed congressional map.
Vaccine exemption requests in Texas spike in July, as some experts fear more families will opt out
Read full article: Vaccine exemption requests in Texas spike in July, as some experts fear more families will opt outFederal funding cuts to immunization efforts and a new law that allows exemption forms to be downloaded, instead of mailed, could drive up exemptions in the future.
Lamar Little League eliminated from World Series after Saturday loss
Read full article: Lamar Little League eliminated from World Series after Saturday lossThe Lamar Little League team's journey in the Little League World Series has concluded following their elimination by New England on Saturday afternoon.
Texas Tech Masked Rider taken to hospital after riding incident on campus
Read full article: Texas Tech Masked Rider taken to hospital after riding incident on campusThe university confirmed the incident and said the masked rider was transported to a hospital for evaluation where she is recovering and is in good spirits.