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New Texas law will require Ten Commandments to be posted in every public school classroom
Read full article: New Texas law will require Ten Commandments to be posted in every public school classroomTexas will require all public school classrooms to display the Ten Commandments under a new state law that will make the state the nation’s largest to attempt to impose such a mandate.
Texas bill banning grade school students from using cell phones during school hours signed into law
Read full article: Texas bill banning grade school students from using cell phones during school hours signed into lawA Texas bill which would ban K-12 students from using cell phones during school hours has been signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott.
As Musk's 'robotaxi' rollout approaches, Democratic lawmakers in Texas try to throw up a roadblock
Read full article: As Musk's 'robotaxi' rollout approaches, Democratic lawmakers in Texas try to throw up a roadblockA group of Democratic Texas lawmakers is asking Elon Musk to delay his rollout of driverless ‘robotaxis’ in the state this weekend to assure the vehicles are safe enough.
Supreme Court clears the way for temporary nuclear waste storage in Texas and New Mexico
Read full article: Supreme Court clears the way for temporary nuclear waste storage in Texas and New MexicoThe court’s decision is not a final ruling in favor of the licenses, but it removes a major roadblock.
Texas awards over $481 million in merit pay to more than 42,000 teachers
Read full article: Texas awards over $481 million in merit pay to more than 42,000 teachersOver 42,000 Texas teachers will receive merit pay in the 2024-25 school year, with $481 million allocated to increase teacher retention.
Former Texas state Sen. Kelly Hancock to become acting comptroller, run for permanent job
Read full article: Former Texas state Sen. Kelly Hancock to become acting comptroller, run for permanent jobHancock, a North Richland Hills Republican, announced his candidacy shortly after being sworn in as chief clerk at the comptroller’s office.
Gov. Abbott signs $20 billion ‘generational investment’ in Texas’ water infrastructure bill into law
Read full article: Gov. Abbott signs $20 billion ‘generational investment’ in Texas’ water infrastructure bill into law“Water is a critical need for all Texas,” Governor Abbott said in part. “In my State of the State Address, I called on the Texas legislature to make the largest investment in water in Texas history...With this law, we will secure Texas' water future for generations to come.”
Amid Trump immigration crackdown, Texas reins in border spending and shifts focus to deportations
Read full article: Amid Trump immigration crackdown, Texas reins in border spending and shifts focus to deportationsWith border crossings at record lows, state authorities are being sent to arrest people accused of committing crimes in Texas after entering the country illegally.
CenterPoint Energy reaches $3.2 billion resiliency plan settlement to improve Houston’s electric system
Read full article: CenterPoint Energy reaches $3.2 billion resiliency plan settlement to improve Houston’s electric systemThis investment promises to install automation devices, replace 130,000 storm-resistant poles, and significantly reduce outages by 1 billion minutes.
Texas again lowers restrictions on certain firearms, passes on regulations
Read full article: Texas again lowers restrictions on certain firearms, passes on regulationsLawmakers passed a handful of bills aimed at easing access to guns as a new pediatric study links state legislation to increased firearm deaths.
Katy man released after arrest linked to Texas Capitol threat
Read full article: Katy man released after arrest linked to Texas Capitol threatRobert Bowers, a 45-year-old from Katy, was arrested during a traffic stop in La Grange after allegedly making a threat that led to the evacuation of the Texas State Capitol.
With only 8% built, Texas quietly defunds state border wall program
Read full article: With only 8% built, Texas quietly defunds state border wall programTexas officials suggested the federal government could pick up construction. However, during President Trump’s first term, his administration built about one-third of what the state was able to put up in the same amount of time.
Texas made sweeping changes to bail and parole, along with increasing penalties for stolen goods
Read full article: Texas made sweeping changes to bail and parole, along with increasing penalties for stolen goodsTexas lawmakers approved a sweeping package to overhaul the state’s bail system, a longtime priority of Gov. Greg Abbott’s.
Activists, families worry about record-number of bills deemed anti-LGBTQ+ filed in Texas legislature
Read full article: Activists, families worry about record-number of bills deemed anti-LGBTQ+ filed in Texas legislature“Knowing Texas, specifically the Texas government, doesn’t want people like my kids to exist publicly... to get the healthcare that they need,” a mother of two transgender children explained. "That does hurt.”
Gov. Abbott to sign record-breaking property tax relief bills into law
Read full article: Gov. Abbott to sign record-breaking property tax relief bills into lawHomeowners are one step closer to property tax relief with Governor Greg Abbott set to sign two bills after lawmakers approved $22.7 billion in property tax cuts this session.
Here are some of the Texas Democrats eyeing statewide runs in 2026
Read full article: Here are some of the Texas Democrats eyeing statewide runs in 2026Democrats will need to sort through a pileup of potential candidates who see an opportunity to harness backlash to the Trump administration in next year’s midterms.
Thousands take to Houston streets for ‘No Kings’ protests with no incidents
Read full article: Thousands take to Houston streets for ‘No Kings’ protests with no incidents“Your commitment to exercising your First Amendment rights with respect, dignity, and unity reflects the very best of our city,” the City of Houston shared in a social media post. “No arrests. No serious injuries. Just one strong, united message — delivered peacefully.“
As Trump celebrates military, Texans protest president’s aggressive immigration enforcement
Read full article: As Trump celebrates military, Texans protest president’s aggressive immigration enforcementDemonstrations in McAllen, Midland, Odessa, Austin and elsewhere in Texas have been largely peaceful, as some protests are expected to go well into the night.
Marines take over some security in LA while cities across US prep for 'No Kings' rallies
Read full article: Marines take over some security in LA while cities across US prep for 'No Kings' ralliesAfter a week of protests over federal immigration raids, about 200 Marines have moved into Los Angeles to guard a federal building and personnel in the city.
Nationwide protests against immigration raids escalate, leading to arrests and curfews
Read full article: Nationwide protests against immigration raids escalate, leading to arrests and curfewsProtests over federal immigration enforcement raids are flaring up around the country, and officials in cities large and small are preparing for major demonstrations against President Donald Trump this weekend.
Gov. Abbott will deploy more than 5,000 National Guard troops across Texas during protests
Read full article: Gov. Abbott will deploy more than 5,000 National Guard troops across Texas during protestsThe governor also shared a video on social media as he signed a law for law enforcement officials at the protests "to ensure they can use every tool available to combat criminals without being targeted by rogue prosecutors."
Gov. Abbott deploys over 5,000 Texas National Guard troops ahead of planned 'No Kings' protests
Read full article: Gov. Abbott deploys over 5,000 Texas National Guard troops ahead of planned 'No Kings' protestsTexas Gov. Greg Abbott says he has ordered the deployment of more than 5,000 Texas National Guard troops across the state, along with more than 2,000 state police.
Homeland Security secretary pledges to carry on with Trump’s immigration crackdown
Read full article: Homeland Security secretary pledges to carry on with Trump’s immigration crackdownHomeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is promising to move forward with the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown in Los Angeles despite the waves of unrest.
Gov. Abbott announces over $2.4M in career training grants for Gulf Coast area schools
Read full article: Gov. Abbott announces over $2.4M in career training grants for Gulf Coast area schoolsGov. Greg Abbott announced Wednesday over $2.4 million have been awarded to 10 schools in the Gulf Coast area to train students for high-demand, good-paying jobs after graduation.
Gov. Greg Abbott to deploy 5,000 Texas National Guard to sites of planned immigration protests
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott to deploy 5,000 Texas National Guard to sites of planned immigration protestsDemonstrations against immigration raids began in Los Angeles last week and have spread across the country, including to Texas. More are planned this weekend.
Texas governor to deploy the National Guard across the state during protests
Read full article: Texas governor to deploy the National Guard across the state during protestsThe governor also shared a video on social media as he signed a law for law enforcement officials at the protests "to ensure they can use every tool available to combat criminals without being targeted by rogue prosecutors."
With Rick Perry’s backing and $50 million from the state, Texas set to become a leader in psychedelics research
Read full article: With Rick Perry’s backing and $50 million from the state, Texas set to become a leader in psychedelics researchLawmakers have approved funding clinical trials for ibogaine as a treatment for addiction and brain trauma. It comes as Texas contemplates banning THC.
Los Angeles-area mayors demand that Trump administration stop stepped-up immigration raids
Read full article: Los Angeles-area mayors demand that Trump administration stop stepped-up immigration raidsDozens of mayors from across the Los Angeles region banded together to demand that the Trump administration stop the stepped-up immigration raids that have spread fear across their cities and sparked protests across the U.S. They also called on President Donald Trump to pull back from using troops alongside immigration agents during the raids.
Amarillo breaks ground on psychiatric hospital, part of the state’s $1.5B investment in mental health
Read full article: Amarillo breaks ground on psychiatric hospital, part of the state’s $1.5B investment in mental healthThe facility will bring mental health resources closer to the largely rural region that’s home to nearly 436,000 people.
Protests over immigration raids pop up across the US with more planned
Read full article: Protests over immigration raids pop up across the US with more plannedProtests over federal immigration enforcement raids and President Donald Trump’s move to mobilize the National Guard and Marines to Los Angeles are spreading nationwide and are expected to continue into the weekend.
Los Angeles leaders impose curfew as protests against Trump's immigration crackdown continue
Read full article: Los Angeles leaders impose curfew as protests against Trump's immigration crackdown continueCalifornia Gov. Gavin Newsom said President Donald Trump is “pulling a military dragnet” across Los Angeles during a brief public address on Tuesday.
Hundreds protest in Austin against nationwide ICE detentions
Read full article: Hundreds protest in Austin against nationwide ICE detentionsThirteen people were arrested on various charges during the protest Monday, which ended when officers fired tear gas into a crowd that neared a federal building.
Texas foster care agency chief to step down this summer
Read full article: Texas foster care agency chief to step down this summerTwo years after Stephanie Muth became Department of Family and Protective Services commissioner, staff turnover is down and the number of children without a placement has dropped.
Texas’ GOP congressional delegation meets to discuss redrawing districts ahead of midterms
Read full article: Texas’ GOP congressional delegation meets to discuss redrawing districts ahead of midtermsThe proposal would require the Texas Legislature to return for a special session to carry out the rare move of reshaping the state’s political boundaries mid-decade.
EXPLAINER: Here’s how the president could deploy National Guard troops in Texas
Read full article: EXPLAINER: Here’s how the president could deploy National Guard troops in TexasAs tensions grow between demonstrators and the White House's immigration policies, questions may arise over the president's ability to deploy the National Guard.
School choice forum to help Houston families understand Texas’ new voucher program
Read full article: School choice forum to help Houston families understand Texas’ new voucher programHAPPENING TODAY! The Frederick Douglass Freedom Alliance (FDFA) will host a FREE forum at the Christian Bible Church in Missouri City from 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Hundreds gather in Houston and San Antonio to protest immigration crackdowns in workplaces, courthouses
Read full article: Hundreds gather in Houston and San Antonio to protest immigration crackdowns in workplaces, courthousesThe protests in Texas followed days of unrest in Los Angeles, where President Donald Trump sent National Guard troops in response to demonstrations.
Gov. Abbott activates state emergency resources ahead of anticipated severe weather
Read full article: Gov. Abbott activates state emergency resources ahead of anticipated severe weatherGovernor Greg Abbott has activated additional state emergency response resources as the state anticipates incoming severe weather, which could include flooding and thunderstorms.
Texas Republicans pioneered in-state tuition for undocumented students. Now they’re celebrating its end.
Read full article: Texas Republicans pioneered in-state tuition for undocumented students. Now they’re celebrating its end.In 2001, Texas Republicans saw expanding college access for certain undocumented students as a way to build an educated workforce. Now, some GOP lawmakers feel only U.S. citizens should receive those benefits.
Speaker Dustin Burrows, once tagged as “liberal,” kept skeptics at bay by leaning into a conservative agenda
Read full article: Speaker Dustin Burrows, once tagged as “liberal,” kept skeptics at bay by leaning into a conservative agendaAt the same time, some Democrats acknowledged the Lubbock Republican let them leave their mark on some of the GOP bills they disagreed with.
One bill addressing student absences becomes law
Read full article: One bill addressing student absences becomes lawLawmakers tried to tackle the problem of truancy and chronic absenteeism in Texas during the last legislative session, but many proposed laws failed to pass. However, one bill is now on Governor Greg Abbott’s desk waiting to be signed.
What to know as Trump administration targets tuition breaks for students without legal status
Read full article: What to know as Trump administration targets tuition breaks for students without legal statusThe quick end to a Texas law that granted in-state public university tuition prices to students who lack legal resident status stunned immigrant advocates and state Democrats, who call it a cruel punishment for hardworking students that will ultimately hurt the state’s economy.
Gov. Greg Abbott signs $8.5 billion public education funding plan into law. Here’s how it works.
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott signs $8.5 billion public education funding plan into law. Here’s how it works.The spending package will give schools more money for staff pay raises, operational expenses, special education and more.
Voters will have final say on billions of tax cuts for Texas homeowners, businesses
Read full article: Voters will have final say on billions of tax cuts for Texas homeowners, businessesTexas is slated to spend $51 billion on property tax cuts over the next two years. Some worry that’s unsustainable.
Texas considers banning products infused with THC derived from hemp, and retailers are worried
Read full article: Texas considers banning products infused with THC derived from hemp, and retailers are worriedTexas lawmakers have approved banning gummies, drinks and vapes infused with THC, the compound that gives marijuana its psychoactive properties.
‘It feels like we’re not crazy anymore’ Crime victim families join governor as he signs bail reform package
Read full article: ‘It feels like we’re not crazy anymore’ Crime victim families join governor as he signs bail reform packageGovernor Greg Abbott is expected to sign a bail reform package in Houston on Tuesday.
Texas lawmakers voted to ban consumable THC products. Will Gov. Greg Abbott sign — or veto — the bill?
Read full article: Texas lawmakers voted to ban consumable THC products. Will Gov. Greg Abbott sign — or veto — the bill?Abbott faces pressure from both sides of the aisle. The prohibition was a priority for Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, but some hemp farmers and veterans want it killed.
Texas is poised to become the latest GOP state to exert control over university curriculum
Read full article: Texas is poised to become the latest GOP state to exert control over university curriculumUniversity boards appointed by the Texas governor soon could have new powers to control the curriculum required of students and eliminate degree programs.
School vouchers, THC ban, property tax cuts: Here’s what Texas lawmakers did in the 2025 regular session
Read full article: School vouchers, THC ban, property tax cuts: Here’s what Texas lawmakers did in the 2025 regular sessionThe Legislature wrapped up without the same drama that defined the end of the last two sessions, with state GOP leaders checking off nearly everything on their to-do lists.
Texas property tax cut bills that could save homeowners $500 per year headed to governor’s desk
Read full article: Texas property tax cut bills that could save homeowners $500 per year headed to governor’s deskA set of property tax cut bills in Texas Legislature, Senate Bill 4 and Senate Bill 23, are now headed to Governor Greg Abbott’s desk for signature.
Bill that would ban cellphones in Texas public schools heads to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk
Read full article: Bill that would ban cellphones in Texas public schools heads to Gov. Greg Abbott’s deskResearch shows cellphones interfere with students' ability to focus in class. Texas would join at least nine other states that ban students from using their phones during the school day.
Controversial Texas school discipline bill heads to governor’s desk, but critics say it misses the mark
Read full article: Controversial Texas school discipline bill heads to governor’s desk, but critics say it misses the markA new bill aimed at curbing the rise in violent and disruptive incidents in Texas schools is now awaiting Governor Greg Abbott’s signature—but some parents and educators say the proposed legislation falls short of solving the deeper issues at play.
Texas Legislature passes bill to ban all THC products: What’s next for the industry?
Read full article: Texas Legislature passes bill to ban all THC products: What’s next for the industry?Senate Bill 3, a controversial measure that would ban all THC products in Texas, has officially passed both chambers of the Texas Legislature. The bill is now on Governor Greg Abbott’s desk, where he will make the final decision on whether it becomes law.
Texas Legislature approves $8.5 billion boost for public schools after years of stagnant funding
Read full article: Texas Legislature approves $8.5 billion boost for public schools after years of stagnant fundingGov. Greg Abbott has already said he intends to sign the bill, which will give schools funding for salary increases, special education, teacher preparation and operational costs.
Automatic denial of bail for some migrants fails to pass Texas House
Read full article: Automatic denial of bail for some migrants fails to pass Texas HouseSupporters said the proposal, which sought to amend the state constitution, would improve safety. Critics said it would violate due process and unfairly target minority groups.
Governor Abbott signs bill mandating stricter controls for online app stores; parents and kids react
Read full article: Governor Abbott signs bill mandating stricter controls for online app stores; parents and kids reactTexas Governor Greg Abbott signed the App Store Accountability Act yesterday, mandating stricter controls on mobile app marketplaces to protect minors from online predators and safeguard their personal data.
‘Welcome to Texas. Here’s your Death Penalty’: Gov. Greg Abbott calls for death penalty in Grapevine Lake jet ski crash
Read full article: ‘Welcome to Texas. Here’s your Death Penalty’: Gov. Greg Abbott calls for death penalty in Grapevine Lake jet ski crashTexas Governor Greg Abbott took to social media to comment on the death of a kayaker who was killed on Lake Grapevine by a jet ski.
Once again, Texas Legislature unlikely to pass ethics legislation this year
Read full article: Once again, Texas Legislature unlikely to pass ethics legislation this yearLawmakers filed dozens of bills that would increase transparency around spending in elections and strengthen penalties for campaign and lobbying violations. None are poised to pass.
Texas lawmakers expand medical marijuana program eligibility amid looming hemp ban
Read full article: Texas lawmakers expand medical marijuana program eligibility amid looming hemp banHouse Bill 46, which awaits Gov. Greg Abbott’s approval, would include more patients with chronic pain and allow for prescribed vaporized and aerosol products, such as vapes.
TribCast: Dan Patrick and Greg Abbott are getting what they want this legislative session
Read full article: TribCast: Dan Patrick and Greg Abbott are getting what they want this legislative sessionIn this week’s episode, Matthew and Eleanor talk with politics reporter Jasper Scherer about education funding, a THC ban and the success of conservative priorities this year.
Bill that gives Texas increased oversight of largest energy users wins Legislature’s approval
Read full article: Bill that gives Texas increased oversight of largest energy users wins Legislature’s approvalSenate Bill 6, which now heads to the governor’s desk, gives the state’s electricity managers the ability to shut power to large consumers during emergencies.
‘Audrii’s Law’ officially signed by Governor Abbott, set to take effect this fall
Read full article: ‘Audrii’s Law’ officially signed by Governor Abbott, set to take effect this fallGovernor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 2000, known as Audrii’s Law, which mandates sex offender registration for child grooming offenses in Texas.
Ban on THC products in Texas heads to Gov. Abbott’s desk after Senate agrees to House changes
Read full article: Ban on THC products in Texas heads to Gov. Abbott’s desk after Senate agrees to House changesThe governor has not addressed whether he supports the ban, as hemp industry leaders have urged him to veto Senate Bill 3.
After years of tension, Texas House emerges as cooperative partner for Dan Patrick and his conservative agenda
Read full article: After years of tension, Texas House emerges as cooperative partner for Dan Patrick and his conservative agendaA 2024 war among Republicans tilted the House to the right. Now more closely aligned with the Senate, Speaker Dustin Burrows has accelerated action on bail, school vouchers and social issues.
Texas is closer to putting the Ten Commandments in classrooms after a key vote
Read full article: Texas is closer to putting the Ten Commandments in classrooms after a key voteA push to put the Ten Commandments on display in all Texas public school classrooms is closer to reaching Republican Gov. Greg Abbott's desk.
Texas will require public school classrooms to display Ten Commandments under bill signed by governor
Read full article: Texas will require public school classrooms to display Ten Commandments under bill signed by governorGov. Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 10, even though a similar Louisiana law was deemed unconstitutional. Supporters say Christianity is core to U.S. history.
Bill to give political appointees more oversight over Texas universities wins final passage
Read full article: Bill to give political appointees more oversight over Texas universities wins final passageThe latest version of the proposal eliminates language that would have required university curricula not to advocate that “any race, sex, ethnicity or religious belief is inherently superior to another.”
Overriding a Texas governor’s veto can be impossible. Lawmakers are trying to change that.
Read full article: Overriding a Texas governor’s veto can be impossible. Lawmakers are trying to change that.The state constitution’s legislative calendar — not a vote threshold — makes it hard to overrule the governor. Legislators are crafting an amendment that would make more overrides possible.
Bill to teach Texas kids the dangers of communism — but not fascism — clears the Legislature
Read full article: Bill to teach Texas kids the dangers of communism — but not fascism — clears the LegislatureThe bill won bipartisan support despite efforts from multiple Democrats that would have also required students to learn about fascism and Nazism.
$12 billion added to congressional spending bill to reimburse states like Texas for border spending
Read full article: $12 billion added to congressional spending bill to reimburse states like Texas for border spendingThe U.S. House approved the budget reconciliation bill, which also includes preservation of 2017 tax cuts and changes to Medicaid and SNAP.
Water bills face deadline threat as Texas lawmakers negotiate spending priorities
Read full article: Water bills face deadline threat as Texas lawmakers negotiate spending prioritiesGov. Greg Abbott and other leaders have called for a major investment to save the state’s water supply. How to spend the money has caused friction at the Capitol.
A Texas bill to clarify exceptions to the state's abortion ban clears a key hurdle after rocky path
Read full article: A Texas bill to clarify exceptions to the state's abortion ban clears a key hurdle after rocky pathTexas lawmakers have advanced a bill to clarify medical exceptions under one of the most restrictive abortion bans in the U.S. The approval in the Texas House on Wednesday puts the GOP-backed proposal on the brink of reaching Republican Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk.
Charges dropped against conservative activist in Texas over false voter fraud claim
Read full article: Charges dropped against conservative activist in Texas over false voter fraud claimTexas prosecutors have dropped charges against a prominent conservative activist in Houston related to allegations he was part of what authorities have called a baseless voter fraud conspiracy theory.
The revival of an old program delegates Trump immigration enforcement to local police
Read full article: The revival of an old program delegates Trump immigration enforcement to local policeThe agency responsible for immigration enforcement has aggressively revived and expanded a decades-old program that delegates immigration enforcement powers to state and local law enforcement agencies.
Vacant offices, strip malls may get new life as housing in Texas’ largest cities
Read full article: Vacant offices, strip malls may get new life as housing in Texas’ largest citiesThe bill is part of a suite of GOP proposals aimed at curbing the state’s high housing costs — chiefly by allowing more homes to be built.
The 2025 Texas Legislature is over. See how far some of the most consequential bills made it.
Read full article: The 2025 Texas Legislature is over. See how far some of the most consequential bills made it.Get up to date on the status of the session’s major bills, including some on their way to the governor’s desk.