WEATHER ALERT
How thousands of Houston families on housing waitlist can move up faster in the line
Read full article: How thousands of Houston families on housing waitlist can move up faster in the lineHouston residents seeking affordable housing will soon have a new opportunity through the Houston Housing Authority’s (HHA) latest rent relief initiative.
TEA reveals updated A-F ratings for Texas schools following months of legal delays
Read full article: TEA reveals updated A-F ratings for Texas schools following months of legal delaysThe Texas Education Agency has released updated A-F ratings for public schools and districts, after legal delays. The new accountability system shows a drop in student growth scores compared to 2022, leading to lower ratings for many.
Houston’s iconic ‘Darth Vader’ house sold for $3.35 Million—it’s becoming ‘The Black Bull House’
Read full article: Houston’s iconic ‘Darth Vader’ house sold for $3.35 Million—it’s becoming ‘The Black Bull House’The infamous 'Darth Vader House' in Houston has officially sold for $3.35 million! Discover the transformation ahead, including its new owner, international sculptor Enrique Cabrera, and what’s next for this architectural gem. Read on to learn how this iconic home went from a local legend to the 'Black Bull House'!
Dan Patrick endorses Texas House’s voucher plan, clearing path to final approval
Read full article: Dan Patrick endorses Texas House’s voucher plan, clearing path to final approvalThe lieutenant governor proposes that the Texas Senate adopt the House bill, which would eliminate a negotiation over the two versions and cement the victory for supporters.
Democrats flood competitive Michigan district as GOP incumbent seeks governor's office
Read full article: Democrats flood competitive Michigan district as GOP incumbent seeks governor's officeA number of Democrats are launching bids in a suddenly competitive House district in Michigan after the Republican incumbent earlier this week announced a run for governor.
Republican-led House passes bill to limit nationwide orders from federal district judges
Read full article: Republican-led House passes bill to limit nationwide orders from federal district judgesThe House has passed a bill that limits the authority of federal district judges to issue nationwide orders.
Correction: Congress-Overdraft Fees story
Read full article: Correction: Congress-Overdraft Fees storyIn a story published April 9, 2025, about a House vote on bank overdraft regulations, The Associated Press erroneously reported that Rob Nichols is president and CEO of the American Banking Association.
House GOP holdouts threaten Trump’s ‘big, beautiful’ budget and tax cut bill as votes are postponed
Read full article: House GOP holdouts threaten Trump’s ‘big, beautiful’ budget and tax cut bill as votes are postponedHouse Republicans have abruptly postponed a late evening vote on their budget framework as grave misgivings from conservative GOP lawmakers threw it in flux.
Senate GOP approves framework for Trump's tax breaks and spending cuts after late-night session
Read full article: Senate GOP approves framework for Trump's tax breaks and spending cuts after late-night sessionThe Republican-controlled Senate has approved a budget framework that includes multitrillion-dollar tax breaks and spending cuts.
Republicans moving ahead with Trump's 'big' bill of tax breaks and spending cuts amid tariff uproar
Read full article: Republicans moving ahead with Trump's 'big' bill of tax breaks and spending cuts amid tariff uproarAfter a long wait, the Senate is launching action on President Donald Trump’s ”“big, beautiful bill” of tax breaks and spending cuts.
Georgia Democrats' frustration with anti-transgender bills boils over into a walkout
Read full article: Georgia Democrats' frustration with anti-transgender bills boils over into a walkoutBoxed into a vote on outlawing spending on gender affirming care for transgender prisoners, Georgia Democrats chose a third option Wednesday.
Trump gives GOP senators his support as they charge ahead on tax package and spending cuts
Read full article: Trump gives GOP senators his support as they charge ahead on tax package and spending cutsRepublican senators unveiled a budget proposal that’s central to President Donald Trump’s agenda of tax breaks, spending cuts and border security.
Speaker Johnson suffers a defeat in his push to block parents in the U.S. House from proxy voting
Read full article: Speaker Johnson suffers a defeat in his push to block parents in the U.S. House from proxy votingHouse Speaker Mike Johnson suffered a decisive defeat after he tried and failed to squash a proposal for new parents in Congress to able to vote by proxy, rather than in person, as they care for newborns.
Private school voucher bill clears first test in Texas House
Read full article: Private school voucher bill clears first test in Texas HouseThe House Public Education Committee voted to advance a pair of priority bills to create education savings accounts and to raise how much state money public school districts receive.
Georgia bill to codify IVF heads to governor after getting overwhelming support in both chambers
Read full article: Georgia bill to codify IVF heads to governor after getting overwhelming support in both chambersA Georgia bill to codify the right to in vitro fertilization got overwhelming in the state Senate and will likely go to Gov. Brian Kemp’s desk for his signature soon.
Georgia House approves the second part of sweeping plan to limit lawsuits
Read full article: Georgia House approves the second part of sweeping plan to limit lawsuitsThe second part of Georgia Republican Gov. Brian Kemp’s top priority to limit lawsuits and large verdicts won final approval from the House on Thursday.
Trump withdraws Rep. Elise Stefanik's nomination for UN ambassador, citing tight GOP House margin
Read full article: Trump withdraws Rep. Elise Stefanik's nomination for UN ambassador, citing tight GOP House marginThe White House has pulled Rep. Elise Stefanik’s nomination to be U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says he’ll push for special session if THC ban, bail changes fail
Read full article: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says he’ll push for special session if THC ban, bail changes failOnly Gov. Greg Abbott can call for a special session. But in his role presiding over the Texas Senate, Patrick can block any bill from passing, giving him leverage to compel overtime sessions by killing must-pass legislation.
Billions more for tax relief and border security under budget approved by Texas Senate
Read full article: Billions more for tax relief and border security under budget approved by Texas SenateNext step will be action in the state House, where budget writers have different plans for distributing property tax help.
New Hampshire town elections offer a preview of citizenship voting rules being considered nationwide
Read full article: New Hampshire town elections offer a preview of citizenship voting rules being considered nationwideNew Hampshire has tested out its new law requiring people to show proof of citizenship before registering to vote.
AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Pennsylvania's state legislative special elections
Read full article: AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Pennsylvania's state legislative special electionsVoters in two Pennsylvania state legislative districts will elect new members in special elections Tuesday.
Democrats clashed over their shutdown strategy. But the party's identity crisis runs far deeper
Read full article: Democrats clashed over their shutdown strategy. But the party's identity crisis runs far deeperDemocrats are confronting stark divisions within their party as leaders grapple with their losses in the 2024 election cycle and how to confront an emboldened Trump administration.
Texas bill would ban K-12 students from using cell phones during school hours
Read full article: Texas bill would ban K-12 students from using cell phones during school hoursIf the proposal becomes law, Texas would follow in the footsteps of several Democrat- and Republican-led states that have enacted similar bans.
Kentucky GOP lawmakers vote to protect conversion therapy
Read full article: Kentucky GOP lawmakers vote to protect conversion therapyKentucky’s Republican lawmakers have passed a bill that protects conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ youths They want to undo restrictions that Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear placed on the practice.
What is the FURRIES Act? Lawmakers target non-human student behavior in schools
Read full article: What is the FURRIES Act? Lawmakers target non-human student behavior in schoolsIs it just an expression of freedom or a distraction? Lawmakers want to crack down on students acting like their furry friends during school.
Schumer to advance GOP funding bill, unwilling to risk government shutdown as deadline nears
Read full article: Schumer to advance GOP funding bill, unwilling to risk government shutdown as deadline nearsSenate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer has announced he's ready to start the process of considering a Republican-led spending bill to prevent a midnight Friday government shutdown.
South Carolina House Republicans fight with each other over the budget
Read full article: South Carolina House Republicans fight with each other over the budgetAt least three-quarters of South Carolina’s House members approved the more than 100 sections of the state’s $14 billion spending plan this week.
Democrat David Gottfried easily wins Minnesota House special election, restoring a 67-67 power split
Read full article: Democrat David Gottfried easily wins Minnesota House special election, restoring a 67-67 power splitVoters in a Minnesota House district at the center of a post-election drama have decisively chosen Democrat David Gottfried in a race that leaves control of the House tied.
House passes bill to fund federal agencies through September, though prospects unclear in Senate
Read full article: House passes bill to fund federal agencies through September, though prospects unclear in SenateThe House has passed legislation to avert a partial government shutdown and fund federal agencies through September.
House GOP campaign chairman says voters will 'reward us' for the Trump-Musk DOGE cuts
Read full article: House GOP campaign chairman says voters will 'reward us' for the Trump-Musk DOGE cutsThe chairman of the House Republican campaign committee is already predicting his party will pick up seats in the midterm election that are some 20 months away.
House Republicans unveil bill to avoid shutdown and they're daring Democrats to oppose it
Read full article: House Republicans unveil bill to avoid shutdown and they're daring Democrats to oppose itHouse Republicans have unveiled a 99-page spending bill that would keep federal agencies funded through Sept. 30.
AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Minnesota's special state House election
Read full article: AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Minnesota's special state House electionVoters in Minnesota will choose a new representative in a heavily Democratic state House district at the center of a post-Election Day drama to control the chamber.
Transgender staffer navigates Texas Capitol with guarded care amid growing hostilities
Read full article: Transgender staffer navigates Texas Capitol with guarded care amid growing hostilitiesMo Jenkins is one of only a few openly transgender staffers working in the Capitol as lawmakers are making headway in restricting rights for LGBTQ+ Texans.
Houston Rep. Al Green shouts down Trump during presidential address, may face censure by House for the outburst
Read full article: Houston Rep. Al Green shouts down Trump during presidential address, may face censure by House for the outburstRep. Al Green said afterward it was worth it to make his point — even if he is punished by House leaders, who later called for the congressman to be censured.
Rep. Al Green shouts down Trump and may face censure by the House for the outburst
Read full article: Rep. Al Green shouts down Trump and may face censure by the House for the outburstRep. Al Green of Texas wasn’t the first lawmaker ever to blurt out a protest during a presidential address to Congress.
In early sign of dissent, Democratic Rep. Al Green removed from House chamber after disrupting Trump address to Congress
Read full article: In early sign of dissent, Democratic Rep. Al Green removed from House chamber after disrupting Trump address to CongressIn early sign of dissent, Democratic Rep. Al Green removed from House chamber after disrupting Trump address to Congress.
Trump vows to press ahead on reshaping America in speech to Congress as Democrats register dissent
Read full article: Trump vows to press ahead on reshaping America in speech to Congress as Democrats register dissentPresident Donald Trump vowed to keep up his campaign of “swift and unrelenting action” in reorienting the nation’s economy, immigration and foreign policy as he delivered an unyielding address Tuesday night to Congress and the nation.
Georgia lawmakers push to ban automated speed cameras near schools
Read full article: Georgia lawmakers push to ban automated speed cameras near schoolsSome Georgia lawmakers are trying to get rid of automated cameras that enforce school zone speed limits, saying the cameras are more about making money than the safety of children.
Texas House and Senate lawmakers have laid out their property tax cut proposals. How do they compare?
Read full article: Texas House and Senate lawmakers have laid out their property tax cut proposals. How do they compare?House and Senate lawmakers plan to spend at least $6 billion on property tax cuts, but haven't yet agreed on how much relief should go to homeowners over businesses.
Texas Legislature proposes $400 million cut to higher ed as Dan Patrick threatens university budgets over DEI
Read full article: Texas Legislature proposes $400 million cut to higher ed as Dan Patrick threatens university budgets over DEIAt a public event last week, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said higher ed would get less funding if they don’t “kick DEI out of their schools,” a few weeks after lawmakers proposed a massive cut to public universities.
Another $500M for Hurricane Helene relief in North Carolina passes key hurdle
Read full article: Another $500M for Hurricane Helene relief in North Carolina passes key hurdleAnother $500 million would be spent toward Hurricane Helene recovery efforts in North Carolina in legislation approved unanimously by the state House.
Republicans are pursuing separate paths to get Trump's priorities through Congress
Read full article: Republicans are pursuing separate paths to get Trump's priorities through CongressSenate Majority Leader John Thune has teed up a vote on a budget plan that sets the stage for a massive boost in defense and border security spending, and leaves a looming tax cut fight for later this year.
Texas Senate approves school funding proposal focused on teacher raises
Read full article: Texas Senate approves school funding proposal focused on teacher raisesTeachers with three and five years of experience would qualify for raises under Senate Bill 26. Instructors in smaller school districts would get bigger pay bumps.
Republicans consider cuts and work requirements for Medicaid, jeopardizing care for millions
Read full article: Republicans consider cuts and work requirements for Medicaid, jeopardizing care for millionsRepublicans are weighing billions of dollars in cuts to Medicaid, jeopardizing health care coverage for some of the 80 million U.S. adults and children enrolled in the safety net program.
Winners and losers: Who came out on top — and who didn’t — in the Texas House’s committee assignments
Read full article: Winners and losers: Who came out on top — and who didn’t — in the Texas House’s committee assignmentsThere were only so many chair positions to go around, with 30 committees for 88 Republicans, making it inevitable that some would miss out on plum appointments.
Georgia Senate bill would cut funding for adult gender-affirming care, but it may have cloudy future
Read full article: Georgia Senate bill would cut funding for adult gender-affirming care, but it may have cloudy futureGeorgia’s state Senate has passed a bill that would cut off public funding for gender affirming care for adults.
With vouchers fast-tracked, other Texas public education issues to watch this session
Read full article: With vouchers fast-tracked, other Texas public education issues to watch this sessionFrom teacher pay and preparation to special education and DEI, here are issues Texas lawmakers are prioritizing this legislative session.
House Republicans mull taxes on scholarships and changes to student loan programs
Read full article: House Republicans mull taxes on scholarships and changes to student loan programsAs Republicans in Congress look for ways to slash spending, some legislators are floating new taxes on college scholarships, an end to student loan repayment plans and a big hike in taxes on university endowments.
States absorb big increases in Medicaid for sicker-than-expected enrollees after COVID-19 pandemic
Read full article: States absorb big increases in Medicaid for sicker-than-expected enrollees after COVID-19 pandemicStates are absorbing substantial increases in health care costs for the poor, as they realize that the people remaining on Medicaid rolls after the COVID-19 pandemic are sicker than anticipated and costlier to care for.
The NCAA settles lawsuit with Tennessee and Virginia over compensation rules for recruits
Read full article: The NCAA settles lawsuit with Tennessee and Virginia over compensation rules for recruitsThe NCAA has settled the lawsuit with the attorneys general of Tennessee and Virginia and other states over its rules prohibiting name, image and likeness compensation for recruits.
Abbott expected to promote vouchers and other highlights of his 2025 agenda in Sunday speech
Read full article: Abbott expected to promote vouchers and other highlights of his 2025 agenda in Sunday speechAfter successful campaigns for House allies, the governor is in a position to set an ambitious course for the legislative session.
South Carolina treasurer calls questions of his role in $1.8 billion accounting error a witch hunt
Read full article: South Carolina treasurer calls questions of his role in $1.8 billion accounting error a witch huntSouth Carolina Treasurer Curtis Loftis says calls for him to resign over an accounting error that left the state sorting out what happened to a $1.8 billion fund amounted to a witch hunt.
Texas Ethics Commission dismisses complaint against state GOP chair, lawmaker says
Read full article: Texas Ethics Commission dismisses complaint against state GOP chair, lawmaker saysRep. Cody Harris had accused Abraham George of improperly threatening to send mailers and censure lawmakers who backed Rep. Dustin Burrows as House speaker.
As college sports move toward pay for play, Title IX looms as another hurdle for the NCAA
Read full article: As college sports move toward pay for play, Title IX looms as another hurdle for the NCAAA court settlement that would require colleges to pay athletes billions for their play is not going to settle the debate over amateurism in NCAA sports.
Speaker Johnson removes chair of powerful House Intelligence Committee
Read full article: Speaker Johnson removes chair of powerful House Intelligence CommitteeHouse Speaker Mike Johnson is removing the GOP chairman of the powerful House Intelligence Committee, who was a vocal supporter of assistance for Ukraine and held other views that put him at odds with President-elect Donald Trump.
Texas Legislature faces flurry of proposals in 89th session, including immigration, education, and electric grid
Read full article: Texas Legislature faces flurry of proposals in 89th session, including immigration, education, and electric gridAs the Texas legislature kicks off the 89th session, lawmakers have introduced more than 2,400 bills across both the House and Senate. There was a flurry of bills filed November 12, 2024, the first day lawmakers could file.
Supreme Court upholds a North Dakota state House district on an American Indian reservation
Read full article: Supreme Court upholds a North Dakota state House district on an American Indian reservationThe Supreme Court has upheld a North Dakota state House district on an American Indian reservation, rejecting a challenge by local Republican officials.
No Jan. 6 disruptions are expected as Trump's win boosts Republicans' faith in elections -- for now
Read full article: No Jan. 6 disruptions are expected as Trump's win boosts Republicans' faith in elections -- for nowFour years ago, then-President Donald Trump rallied his supporters to march to the U.S. Capitol and urged his vice president to stop the congressional certification of Democrat Joe Biden's victory.
Trump endorses Mike Johnson to stay on as House Speaker despite government funding turmoil
Read full article: Trump endorses Mike Johnson to stay on as House Speaker despite government funding turmoilPresident-elect Donald Trump has endorsed House Speaker Mike Johnson, providing crucial backing as the Louisiana Republican prepares for what is expected to be another contentious speakership race this week.
Changes coming to Texas law in 2025; here’s how they could affect you
Read full article: Changes coming to Texas law in 2025; here’s how they could affect youStarting January 1, 2025, Texas will implement several legislative changes, including the elimination of annual safety inspections for non-commercial vehicles under House Bill 3297, though emissions testing may still be required in certain counties.
Texas vehicle safety inspections going away in 2025. Here’s what you should know
Read full article: Texas vehicle safety inspections going away in 2025. Here’s what you should knowTexas is no longer requiring drivers to get a vehicle safety inspection in order to get their car registered with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
Shutdown saga exposes new fault lines for Speaker Johnson and tests his grip on the gavel
Read full article: Shutdown saga exposes new fault lines for Speaker Johnson and tests his grip on the gavelOne of the most turbulent sessions of Congress in the modern era is about to make way for the next one.
What to know about the debt ceiling debate as a government shutdown looms in Washington
Read full article: What to know about the debt ceiling debate as a government shutdown looms in WashingtonA debate over the debt ceiling is at the center of a dispute over funding that is pushing the possibility of a federal government shutdown to the brink in Washington.
Millions of people may get expanded Social Security benefits. Who are they and how would it happen?
Read full article: Millions of people may get expanded Social Security benefits. Who are they and how would it happen?Nearly 3 million people could receive a boost in Social Security payments under legislation that's set for a final vote in the Senate.
Senate passes defense bill that will raise troop pay and aims to counter China's power
Read full article: Senate passes defense bill that will raise troop pay and aims to counter China's powerThe Senate has passed a defense bill that authorizes significant pay raises for junior enlisted service members and boosts overall military spending to $895 billion.
Texas GOP threatens House members who support Dustin Burrows in speaker race with attack mailers
Read full article: Texas GOP threatens House members who support Dustin Burrows in speaker race with attack mailersThis is the latest example of the Republican Party of Texas spending its resources attacking its own members.
Texas revenge porn bill with AI focus gains momentum after Senate approval
Read full article: Texas revenge porn bill with AI focus gains momentum after Senate approvalSenator Ted Cruz is advocating for the House to pass the "Take It Down Act," a bill aimed at tackling revenge porn and AI-generated explicit material, following its unanimous approval in the Senate.
House approves $895B defense bill with military pay raise, ban on transgender care for minors
Read full article: House approves $895B defense bill with military pay raise, ban on transgender care for minorsThe House has passed a measure that authorizes a 1% increase in spending this fiscal year and a double-digit pay raise for about half of the enlisted service members in the military.
New California Sen. Adam Schiff wants to be more than a Trump antagonist
Read full article: New California Sen. Adam Schiff wants to be more than a Trump antagonistAs California’s newest senator, Democrat Adam Schiff says he’s not going to shy away from familiar territory — opposing Donald Trump when he feels it is necessary.
Michigan Democrats move to protect reproductive health data before GOP takes control of House
Read full article: Michigan Democrats move to protect reproductive health data before GOP takes control of HouseDemocrats in Michigan are pressing to pass reproductive health care legislation before the party loses its majority with the new legislative session next year.
Trump names billionaire investment banker Warren Stephens as his envoy to Britain
Read full article: Trump names billionaire investment banker Warren Stephens as his envoy to BritainPresident-elect Donald Trump has named billionaire investment banker Warren Stephens as his envoy to Britain, a prestigious posting for the Republican donor whose contributions this year included $2 million to a Trump-backing super PAC.
Minnesota Republicans sue to force election rerun in tight House race where 20 ballots are missing
Read full article: Minnesota Republicans sue to force election rerun in tight House race where 20 ballots are missingMinnesota Republicans are suing to try to force a rerun of a state House race where the incumbent Democrat won by 14 votes but investigators concluded that election workers probably destroyed 20 valid absentee ballots after failing to count them.
Trump claims a win on immigration after a call with Mexico's president. But she suggests no change
Read full article: Trump claims a win on immigration after a call with Mexico's president. But she suggests no changePresident-elect Donald Trump is declaring a win on stopping illegal immigration through Mexico after talking with that country’s leader.
House Republicans signal support for proposal to ban bathroom access for 1st transgender member
Read full article: House Republicans signal support for proposal to ban bathroom access for 1st transgender memberHouse Speaker Mike Johnson signaled support for a Republican effort to ban Democrat Sarah McBride — the first transgender person to be elected to Congress — from using women’s restrooms in the Capitol once she’s sworn into office next year.
Virginia Democrats advance efforts to protect abortion, voting rights, marriage equality
Read full article: Virginia Democrats advance efforts to protect abortion, voting rights, marriage equalityDemocratic lawmakers who wield control of the Virginia Legislature are hoping to make good on promises made on the campaign trail, including becoming the first Southern state to expand constitutional protections for abortion access.