Court approves new manager for Dallas-area foster care program after deaths of 2 infants
Read full article: Court approves new manager for Dallas-area foster care program after deaths of 2 infantsAn experienced child welfare manager was appointed to take over case management after “systemic failures” placed children in danger, court records said.
Jace Yarbrough is GOP nominee in North Texas congressional district after second-place finisher bows out
Read full article: Jace Yarbrough is GOP nominee in North Texas congressional district after second-place finisher bows outAfter finishing a distant second in the March 3 primary, Ryan Binkley dropped out of the runoff. Yarbrough is favored to win the general election for the redrawn 32nd District.
Hardline House Freedom Caucus gains ground in Texas GOP primaries
Read full article: Hardline House Freedom Caucus gains ground in Texas GOP primariesIf they win in November, Steve Toth and Brandon Herrera are poised to join the group known for its conservative absolutist approach and willingness to defy GOP leaders.
Nate Sheets promises to fire everyone linked to Sid Miller at Texas agriculture department after primary win
Read full article: Nate Sheets promises to fire everyone linked to Sid Miller at Texas agriculture department after primary winSheets, in an interview with The Texas Tribune, also promised to lower costs for farmers and work with federal officials to beat a parasitic fly heading toward Texas.
School districts can set aside prayer time under a new Texas law. Few have done so.
Read full article: School districts can set aside prayer time under a new Texas law. Few have done so.School boards had until March 1 to decide whether to establish a daily period for students and staff to pray or read religious texts.
Redrawn to favor GOP, Texas’ 35th Congressional District attracts competitive primaries in both parties
Read full article: Redrawn to favor GOP, Texas’ 35th Congressional District attracts competitive primaries in both partiesPresident Donald Trump recently endorsed Air Force veteran Carlos De La Cruz for the seat Texas Republicans drew at his request. Democrats also see a chance to win in November.
The first new Texas state park in nearly 20 years is about to open: All about Palo Pinto Mountains State Park
Read full article: The first new Texas state park in nearly 20 years is about to open: All about Palo Pinto Mountains State ParkFor the first time in 18 years, a brand new state park is set to open in Texas.
North Texas suburb will stay in region’s largest public transit system for now
Read full article: North Texas suburb will stay in region’s largest public transit system for nowThe Plano City Council led an aggressive push to dismantle the Dallas Area Rapid Transit system. The suburb reached an agreement with the agency earlier this year to claw back some tax dollars and other concessions.
Texas AG sues MUD, board over support for Islamic Center Project
Read full article: Texas AG sues MUD, board over support for Islamic Center ProjectTexas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against Double R Municipal Utility District No. 2A of Hunt and Collin Counties, alleging the district and its purported officers took steps to evade state oversight and support the controversial EPIC City development.
Feds launch fair housing probe into North Texas development marketed to Muslims
Read full article: Feds launch fair housing probe into North Texas development marketed to MuslimsHUD is investigating whether the project that had been called the East Plano Islamic Center City discriminated based on race or national origin.
Texas’ GOP Senate nominee will lead the Republican ticket. Who would have the longest coattails?
Read full article: Texas’ GOP Senate nominee will lead the Republican ticket. Who would have the longest coattails?Both John Cornyn and Ken Paxton argue they’re best equipped to carry the torch for Republicans and fight off Democratic headwinds in local races.
Dan Patrick lists property tax cuts, “preventing Sharia law” among priorities for 2027 session
Read full article: Dan Patrick lists property tax cuts, “preventing Sharia law” among priorities for 2027 sessionPatrick’s initial five-item to-do list also included assessing risks posed by hostile foreign entities to the grid’s supply chain and preventing fraud in Texas’ health and human services.
Anti-Islam rhetoric takes center stage in Texas Republican primary
Read full article: Anti-Islam rhetoric takes center stage in Texas Republican primaryAs the GOP and its factions debate what constitutes American identity, opposition to Islam has become a key campaign pillar for some Texas Republicans in statewide races and beyond.
Jasmine Crockett’s pastor, Frederick Haynes III, sees Congress as stage to pursue social justice
Read full article: Jasmine Crockett’s pastor, Frederick Haynes III, sees Congress as stage to pursue social justiceHaynes staked out several progressive policy positions at his recent campaign launch event, including support for Medicare for All and dismantling U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Texas comptroller questions whether some Islamic schools can be excluded from voucher program
Read full article: Texas comptroller questions whether some Islamic schools can be excluded from voucher programActing Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock suggested schools that hosted events for the Council on American-Islamic Relations or are linked to China could be disqualified from the new program.
Houston-area health officials warn of sharp rise in whooping cough cases
Read full article: Houston-area health officials warn of sharp rise in whooping cough casesHouston health officials are sounding the alarm over a dramatic spike in whooping cough cases, with over 3,500 reported across Texas this year.
Texans can use school vouchers for pre-K, but the pool of families who qualify is limited
Read full article: Texans can use school vouchers for pre-K, but the pool of families who qualify is limitedA limited group of families with 3- and 4-year-olds who already qualify for free public pre-K can receive state funds to attend private preschool.
Texas Democrats fill every state and federal race on 2026 ballot, a first for either party
Read full article: Texas Democrats fill every state and federal race on 2026 ballot, a first for either partyTexas Majority PAC and the Texas Democratic Party recruited 104 candidates to fill uncontested races. Gov. Greg Abbott’s strategist said it amounts to a gimmick “if they don’t back it up with serious resources.”
Residents protest high-voltage power lines that could skirt Dinosaur Valley State Park
Read full article: Residents protest high-voltage power lines that could skirt Dinosaur Valley State ParkOne of three possible routes would border the North Texas park. The project is part of a statewide effort to keep pace with Texas’ rapidly growing energy needs.
Rep. Marc Veasey drops bid for Tarrant County judge
Read full article: Rep. Marc Veasey drops bid for Tarrant County judgeThe Fort Worth Democrat had filed to challenge GOP incumbent Tim O’Hare just before last week’s deadline to get on the 2026 ballot. His withdrawal gives Commissioner Alisa Simmons a clear path to the Democratic nomination.
Arlington upholds suspension of protections for LGBTQ+ people
Read full article: Arlington upholds suspension of protections for LGBTQ+ peopleCity Council voted 5-4 to continue the temporary removal of language in its ordinance, which was initiated in September in an effort to avoid losing federal funding.
Tulane tops North Texas 34-21 in American Conference title game for a likely CFP bid
Read full article: Tulane tops North Texas 34-21 in American Conference title game for a likely CFP bidJake Retzlaff rushed for two short touchdowns, Jamauri McClure rushed for 121 yards and a score, and Tulane defeated North Texas 34-21 in the American Conference championship game — a victory that likely secured a College Football Playoff bid.
Texas AG Ken Paxton files second suit targeting Muslim housing project in North Texas
Read full article: Texas AG Ken Paxton files second suit targeting Muslim housing project in North TexasPaxton began investigating the East Plano Islamic Center in March for potential violations of consumer protection laws.
Days before Texas’ “bathroom bill” becomes law, questions remain about how it will be enforced
Read full article: Days before Texas’ “bathroom bill” becomes law, questions remain about how it will be enforcedSome trans Texans worry that the lack of specificity on how the law will be enforced will harm their safety and lives.
Georgia up to No. 3 behind Ohio State, Indiana in Top 25 shuffle as Oregon, Texas Tech also climb
Read full article: Georgia up to No. 3 behind Ohio State, Indiana in Top 25 shuffle as Oregon, Texas Tech also climbTexas A&M is out of the top five in The Associated Press college football poll for the first time in two months.
The Latest: With Texas A&M out of the top 5, Georgia and Oregon climb in the AP Top 25
Read full article: The Latest: With Texas A&M out of the top 5, Georgia and Oregon climb in the AP Top 25Texas A&M dropped out of the top five in the AP Top 25 college football poll for the first time in two months.
Ohio State earns spot in Big Ten title game, Georgia and Alabama meet again in SEC championship
Read full article: Ohio State earns spot in Big Ten title game, Georgia and Alabama meet again in SEC championshipThe final regular season week of college football has set the stage for conference championships.
BUSTED CONQUEST: Two North Texas men charged in federal indictment over Haiti island invasion plan
Read full article: BUSTED CONQUEST: Two North Texas men charged in federal indictment over Haiti island invasion planTwo North Texas men face federal charges after a grand jury indicted them for an alleged plot to invade an island off Haiti, murder the men living there, and enslave women and children.
Abbott sets Jan. 31 special election runoff for North Texas Senate seat
Read full article: Abbott sets Jan. 31 special election runoff for North Texas Senate seatDemocrat Taylor Rehmet and Republican Leigh Wambsganss will face off to succeed Kelly Hancock after winning the most votes in the Nov. 4 election.
LGBTQ+ Texans fought to be recognized. That work is eroding under a conservative pressure campaign.
Read full article: LGBTQ+ Texans fought to be recognized. That work is eroding under a conservative pressure campaign.Conservative activists argue they’re protecting women and rebalancing the law that Democrats tilted in favor of LGBTQ+ people.
AP Top 25 Extra Points: No. 22 North Texas ends FBS' longest ranking dry spell and re-enters CFP mix
Read full article: AP Top 25 Extra Points: No. 22 North Texas ends FBS' longest ranking dry spell and re-enters CFP mixNorth Texas is in The Associated Press college football poll for the first time since 1959.
Georgia up to No. 4 in AP poll, Sooners back in top 10 and Mean Green ranked for 1st time since 1959
Read full article: Georgia up to No. 4 in AP poll, Sooners back in top 10 and Mean Green ranked for 1st time since 1959Georgia has moved up to No. 4 in The Associated Press poll, Oklahoma is back in the top 10 and North Texas is ranked for the first time since 1959.
The Latest: Georgia climbs to No. 4, Oklahoma returns to the top 10 of the AP Top 25
Read full article: The Latest: Georgia climbs to No. 4, Oklahoma returns to the top 10 of the AP Top 25The latest AP Top 25 poll has Georgia moving up to No. 4, Ole Miss entering the top five and Oklahoma climbing to No. 8.
AP Top 25 poll preview: Alabama loss will change the top 5 and USF's loss opens up race for G5 bid
Read full article: AP Top 25 poll preview: Alabama loss will change the top 5 and USF's loss opens up race for G5 bidThe top five of The Associated Press poll is in for a change Sunday after staying the same for three weeks.
Texas State Board of Education advisers signal push to the right in social studies overhaul
Read full article: Texas State Board of Education advisers signal push to the right in social studies overhaulSome advisers have criticized diversity efforts, questioned the historical contributions of people of color, and promoted debunked beliefs.
A near upset in North Texas Senate race jolts frayed Democratic hopes ahead of 2026
Read full article: A near upset in North Texas Senate race jolts frayed Democratic hopes ahead of 2026Democrat Taylor Rehmet came within three percentage points of winning Senate District 9 — which voted for Donald Trump by over 17 points in 2024 — over his two Republican opponents.
North Texas community votes against forming a city to regulate a noisy Bitcoin mine
Read full article: North Texas community votes against forming a city to regulate a noisy Bitcoin mineSome Hood County residents wanted the same power that cities have to set noise limits, but did not secure enough votes.
Fort Worth ISD takeover was largely based on STAAR, despite plans to replace it
Read full article: Fort Worth ISD takeover was largely based on STAAR, despite plans to replace itBoth Republicans and Democrats have said STAAR sets students up for failure, raising questions about basing a state takeover on the test’s results.
What Texans need to know about Prop 16, the constitutional amendment on citizenship and voting
Read full article: What Texans need to know about Prop 16, the constitutional amendment on citizenship and votingThe proposed constitutional amendment would affirm that voters must be citizens, a requirement that’s already in state law.
AI fueling new wave of online child exploitation as 5 men arrested in Harris County sting
Read full article: AI fueling new wave of online child exploitation as 5 men arrested in Harris County stingThe arrest of five men in a Harris County sting underscores a growing crisis as predators increasingly use artificial intelligence to exploit and target children online.
Texas voters have final say on $20 billion package to secure state’s water supply
Read full article: Texas voters have final say on $20 billion package to secure state’s water supplyNo new taxes would be collected for the package that would give the state’s water department $1 billion to spend on projects like cleaning salty water, flood control and reservoirs.
No. 24 South Florida scores 4 TDs in a 3 1/2-minute span and hands North Texas its 1st loss
Read full article: No. 24 South Florida scores 4 TDs in a 3 1/2-minute span and hands North Texas its 1st lossByrum Brown accounted for five touchdowns, Jhalyn Shuler returned a fumble 34 yards for South Florida's fourth TD in span of 3 1/2 minutes and the 24th-ranked Bulls beat North Texas 63-36.
About $675 million earmarked for Texas projects is in limbo as Congress careens toward shutdown
Read full article: About $675 million earmarked for Texas projects is in limbo as Congress careens toward shutdownTexas’ congressional delegation obtained tentative funding for infrastructure improvements, university research and other initiatives, but the nearly 350 earmarks are all in jeopardy.
Christian activist David Barton will advise Texas State Board of Education during social studies overhaul
Read full article: Christian activist David Barton will advise Texas State Board of Education during social studies overhaulBarton’s appointment comes ahead of what is expected to be a politically charged debate over how and what children should learn about history.
How Democrats pressured U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett to step aside for the next generation
Read full article: How Democrats pressured U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett to step aside for the next generationDoggett’s shocking decision to retire signals U.S. Rep. Greg Casar’s growing strength among Democrats in Austin politics and in Congress.
Some Texas counties replace touchscreen voting machines after Trump order
Read full article: Some Texas counties replace touchscreen voting machines after Trump orderCollin, Bastrop and Williamson counties say they’re proactively changing their voting procedures and equipment following a federal attempt to limit barcodes or QR codes on paper ballots.
Man accused of using fake ID to buy nearly $100K in cars in Arlington, caught in Houston
Read full article: Man accused of using fake ID to buy nearly $100K in cars in Arlington, caught in HoustonInvestigators said Gilberto Mojica, 22, was using a fake Texas driver’s license under the name “Jonathan Jaime.” Using that pseudonym, HPD said he had already bought three other cars in Arlington.
Champions of truth and democracy, the Tribune’s fall fellows are eager to represent and serve Texas
Read full article: Champions of truth and democracy, the Tribune’s fall fellows are eager to represent and serve TexasStudent fellows support vital initiatives like the Texas Tribune Festival and provide in-depth coverage of key issues.
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.
Texas redistricting map: How the GOP could increase its stronghold
Read full article: Texas redistricting map: How the GOP could increase its strongholdTexas lawmakers redrew congressional districts in a partisan bid to give Republicans five additional U.S. House seats. The move set off a bipartisan war across the U.S.
Democrats say a GOP plan to redraw House districts in Texas harms Black and Hispanic voters
Read full article: Democrats say a GOP plan to redraw House districts in Texas harms Black and Hispanic votersDemocrats are arguing that a Republican plan for redrawing districts in Texas to create more winnable U.S. House seats for the GOP is an attack on Black and Hispanic voters.
Final suspect in attack on law enforcement outside North Texas ICE detention facility captured
Read full article: Final suspect in attack on law enforcement outside North Texas ICE detention facility capturedThe FBI says the last suspect in an attack on law enforcement outside an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in North Texas on July 4 has been captured.
Man wanted in connection to attack outside North Texas ICE detention center
Read full article: Man wanted in connection to attack outside North Texas ICE detention centerA Blue Alert has been issued and the FBI is offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a man, considered the last suspect on the run following an attack on law enforcement outside a North Texas ICE detention center.
Texas capital murder case attempts to severely punish abortion pill use by treating a fetus as a person
Read full article: Texas capital murder case attempts to severely punish abortion pill use by treating a fetus as a personA North Texas man charged with capital murder after slipping mifepristone into his girlfriend’s food signals another attempt to rein in abortion pills.
Gov. Greg Abbott sets Nov. 4 special election for open state Senate seat
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott sets Nov. 4 special election for open state Senate seatThe contest coincides with the state’s November uniform election, when voters across Texas will already be at the polls to decide local offices and ballot measures.
As appeals court is poised to consider Texas’ Ten Commandments law, other legal challenges mount
Read full article: As appeals court is poised to consider Texas’ Ten Commandments law, other legal challenges mountThe judges opting to hear the cases together marks a significant development in a saga that many believe will reach the U.S. Supreme Court.
Did Texas lawmakers do enough for children with disabilities? These child care advocates say no.
Read full article: Did Texas lawmakers do enough for children with disabilities? These child care advocates say no.Lawmakers added $100 million to a child care scholarship program but failed to expand access to free preschool for children with disabilities.
Jeeno Thitikul stays patient and goes on a birdie streak to take first-round lead at Women's PGA
Read full article: Jeeno Thitikul stays patient and goes on a birdie streak to take first-round lead at Women's PGAJeeno Thitikul made five birdies in a six-hole stretch midway through the first round on way to a 4-under 68 to lead the KPMG Women's PGA Championship.
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.
Bills aimed at studying, restricting “forever chemicals” in Texas fail
Read full article: Bills aimed at studying, restricting “forever chemicals” in Texas failTexas lawmakers bypassed bills that would have restricted “forever chemicals” in sewage sludge, studied health impacts and banned some uses of PFAS-laced firefighting foams.
The fastest-growing city in the U.S. is in Texas, and it’s not the one you’re thinking of
Read full article: The fastest-growing city in the U.S. is in Texas, and it’s not the one you’re thinking ofWith Princeton leading the Texas pack, the state continues to set the pace for the rest of the nation, with seven of the 15 fastest-growing cities.
Why Texas Republicans are trying to rein in high home prices and rents
Read full article: Why Texas Republicans are trying to rein in high home prices and rentsThere’s political urgency for Republicans to deal with housing affordability, especially as surveys find most Texans say housing costs are a top concern.
Court orders immigration officials to restore legal status of three people who came to Texas on student visas
Read full article: Court orders immigration officials to restore legal status of three people who came to Texas on student visasThe three former students went to UT-Arlington and UT-Dallas. While they have prevailed in court so far, many other international students’ education futures remain uncertain.
Five news organizations join Texas Tribune and ProPublica investigative initiative
Read full article: Five news organizations join Texas Tribune and ProPublica investigative initiativeEl Paso Matters, Fort Worth Report, Houston Chronicle, The Texas Newsroom and WFAA will join us to support accountability journalism in Texas.
DOJ drops fight against Texas political maps as Trump administration retreats from voting rights cases
Read full article: DOJ drops fight against Texas political maps as Trump administration retreats from voting rights casesThe Biden administration had challenged a Republican-led redistricting plan that diluted the political power of minorities. Other legal challenges will continue.
Part of pro-Palestinian student art exhibit at UNT removed amid antisemitism complaints by state lawmakers
Read full article: Part of pro-Palestinian student art exhibit at UNT removed amid antisemitism complaints by state lawmakersFive GOP lawmakers who targeted the exhibit also called for the cancellation of the “Palestinian Children and the Politics of Genocide” lecture, which is still scheduled.
Powerful US storms kill 2, bring threats from critical fire weather to blizzard conditions
Read full article: Powerful US storms kill 2, bring threats from critical fire weather to blizzard conditionsPowerful storms have killed two people in Mississippi, torn the roofs off an apartment building and a nursing home in Oklahoma and threatened communities across the nation.
Bexar County hires veteran election official pushed out of previous job amid right-wing criticism
Read full article: Bexar County hires veteran election official pushed out of previous job amid right-wing criticismMichele Carew was unanimously appointed as election administrator for the county that’s home to San Antonio, four years after leaving her post in Hood County.
How the Supreme Court of the United States and federal courts work and affect Texans
Read full article: How the Supreme Court of the United States and federal courts work and affect TexansHere’s how federal courts help determine the fate of controversial issues, such as immigration laws, in Texas and beyond.
Texas now has more top-tier research universities than any other state, report finds
Read full article: Texas now has more top-tier research universities than any other state, report findsThe designations come at a tumultuous time for universities as funding could be cut off and efforts to end tenure continue.
Texas counties left scrambling after critical election equipment loses its certification
Read full article: Texas counties left scrambling after critical election equipment loses its certificationTexas decertified a widely used electronic pollbook after problems in November. Will a fix arrive in time for the next election?
Over 1,600 flights canceled at Dallas-area airports as winter storm moves in
Read full article: Over 1,600 flights canceled at Dallas-area airports as winter storm moves inAs a winter storm moves across Texas, parts of the state are experiencing winter precipitation like snow, sleet, and freezing rain.
The polar vortex sets its sights on Texas and neighboring states, with snow expected
Read full article: The polar vortex sets its sights on Texas and neighboring states, with snow expectedAn area stretching from Texas to Tennessee is bracing for an expected snowstorm even as some other parts of the U.S. hit by the plunging polar vortex this week are beginning to shake off its icy effects.
Mental health advocates ask Texas lawmakers to replace expiring COVID-19 relief funding
Read full article: Mental health advocates ask Texas lawmakers to replace expiring COVID-19 relief fundingTexas received $203.4 million in 2021 to help build community mental health programs at libraries and churches, among other efforts. Those funds expire Dec. 31.
‘The tree clearly won’: Texas police officer ‘A-OK’ after Christmas tree mishap at school
Read full article: ‘The tree clearly won’: Texas police officer ‘A-OK’ after Christmas tree mishap at schoolA Texas police officer is “A-OK” after a Christmas tree toppled over on top of him at a school in North Texas.
High-speed rail efforts in Texas have gained some momentum. The Texas Legislature and Donald Trump may change that.
Read full article: High-speed rail efforts in Texas have gained some momentum. The Texas Legislature and Donald Trump may change that.A yearslong effort to bring high-speed rail to Texas has recently shown signs of life, but state lawmakers have consistently put up roadblocks to keep it from happening.
Texas farmers say sewage-based fertilizer tainted with “forever chemicals” poisoned their land and killed their livestock
Read full article: Texas farmers say sewage-based fertilizer tainted with “forever chemicals” poisoned their land and killed their livestockThe fertilizer was promoted as an environmental win-win for years. An untold number of farmers and ranchers across Texas have spread it on their land.
How David Cook went from Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan’s ally to lead the movement to replace him
Read full article: How David Cook went from Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan’s ally to lead the movement to replace himThe two-term Republican caught many Capitol observers off guard when he emerged as the standard-bearer for a coalition that wants to depose Phelan and reshape how the House operates.
Ken Paxton adds Dallas to list of cities he's sued over marijuana decriminalization
Read full article: Ken Paxton adds Dallas to list of cities he's sued over marijuana decriminalizationDallas is the sixth Texas city the attorney general has sued this year over marijuana decriminalization measures that he says conflicts with state law.
No. 18 Army extends nation's longest winning streak to 13 with 14-3 win over North Texas
Read full article: No. 18 Army extends nation's longest winning streak to 13 with 14-3 win over North TexasQuarterback Bryson Daily ran for 153 yards and two touchdowns, and No. 18 Army extended the nation’s longest winning streak to 13 games with a 14-3 victory over North Texas.