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Paxton sides with Texas GOP, against secretary of state in lawsuit seeking to close primaries
Read full article: Paxton sides with Texas GOP, against secretary of state in lawsuit seeking to close primariesSecretary of State Jane Nelson said in a filing that Paxton’s office gave her less than an hour’s warning that they’d be siding against her agency in court.
“My child was screaming like crazy:” West Texas parents outraged over alleged abuse of kids
Read full article: “My child was screaming like crazy:” West Texas parents outraged over alleged abuse of kidsThe Midland school district has said it has followed the law. Six teachers and the school principal have either resigned or been fired over the alleged abuse of special needs students.
Texas court blocks execution of death row inmate Robert Roberson
Read full article: Texas court blocks execution of death row inmate Robert RobersonRoberson was scheduled to be executed Oct. 16 after being convicted of capital murder in 2003 for the death of his two-year-old daughter Nikki.
Some Texas community colleges remove course materials amid broader push to limit gender identity discussions
Read full article: Some Texas community colleges remove course materials amid broader push to limit gender identity discussionsAt least two community colleges, Alvin and Blinn, are also considering what they can and can’t teach to high schoolers enrolled in their fast-growing dual credit courses.
A North Texas community will vote to form a city in an effort to quiet down a crypto mine
Read full article: A North Texas community will vote to form a city in an effort to quiet down a crypto mineLeaders of the effort say they moved to rural Hood County for its quiet country charm, which was shattered by what locals call “that roar” from the facility.
South Texas students have a new chance to taste the race for space
Read full article: South Texas students have a new chance to taste the race for spaceIn the shadow of SpaceX, Rio Grande Valley students will have a chance to build their own rockets and launch them 11,000 feet in the air, under a program that hopes to spark interest in aerospace jobs.
Texas GOP to consider blocking lawmakers from 2026 primary ballot in first test of new censure rule
Read full article: Texas GOP to consider blocking lawmakers from 2026 primary ballot in first test of new censure ruleThe state party’s governing board will meet Saturday to decide whether 10 Texas House Republicans tried to thwart GOP priorities during this year’s legislative session.
The stage is set: Our full 2025 Texas Tribune Festival lineup is here
Read full article: The stage is set: Our full 2025 Texas Tribune Festival lineup is hereTim Walz, Carol Alvarado, Vicente Fox, Ruth Simmons, Bill Kristol and Christine Brennan join our biggest TribFest yet, for can’t miss conversations about Texas, our nation and the world
“Why Sergio?”: Deportation ends 36-year dream for celebrated Waco chef
Read full article: “Why Sergio?”: Deportation ends 36-year dream for celebrated Waco chefSergio Garcia built a wide following for his regional Mexican cuisine over the decades, becoming a favorite of the White House press corps visiting Waco during the Bush presidency. Then in March, ICE came looking for him.
$68 million COVID-era federal funding loss and other potential cuts threaten Texas opioid fight
Read full article: $68 million COVID-era federal funding loss and other potential cuts threaten Texas opioid fightIn addition to the cuts, local nonprofits are also having problems accessing federal help for opioid reversal medication, such as Narcan.
Texas Tech system’s vague guidelines on gender identity spur more questions than answers
Read full article: Texas Tech system’s vague guidelines on gender identity spur more questions than answersFaculty have spent weeks seeking clarity on new restrictions, which have often been issued by word of mouth. A written Q&A was rescinded.
Texas selects company that will help develop its school voucher program
Read full article: Texas selects company that will help develop its school voucher programFinance and technology company Odyssey will help design the application process, manage payments and review complaints for the state’s education savings accounts.
Texas physicians group is undermining federal COVID vaccine recommendations, Paxton says
Read full article: Texas physicians group is undermining federal COVID vaccine recommendations, Paxton saysTexas Medical Association has nudged physicians to consider COVID vaccine recommendations from other medical groups.
Texas GOP lawyer and former FEC chair Trey Trainor announces run for Chip Roy’s seat in Congress
Read full article: Texas GOP lawyer and former FEC chair Trey Trainor announces run for Chip Roy’s seat in CongressThe longtime GOP operative has spent decades as a lawyer for Texas Republicans and conservative causes.
Texas stock exchange gets federal approval as state tries to compete with New York heavyweights
Read full article: Texas stock exchange gets federal approval as state tries to compete with New York heavyweightsThe Texas Stock Exchange is expected to launch in Dallas next year, as economists wait to see if “Y’all Street” is big enough to support the exchange and challenge New York’s dominance in the financial sector.
Greg Abbott authorizes Trump to deploy Texas National Guard to other states
Read full article: Greg Abbott authorizes Trump to deploy Texas National Guard to other statesThe governor posted a photo Monday showing guardsmen deploying but did not mention a destination. Trump called for troops to deploy to Illinois and Oregon, where a judge temporarily blocked their arrival.
Former state lawmaker Tommy Williams named interim president of Texas A&M
Read full article: Former state lawmaker Tommy Williams named interim president of Texas A&MWilliams replaces former president Mark A. Welsh III, who resigned amid the fallout over a viral video showing an A&M student confronting a professor over a gender-identity discussion.
Renewed focus on Roberson case is latest in deluge of political pressure aimed at Texas judiciary
Read full article: Renewed focus on Roberson case is latest in deluge of political pressure aimed at Texas judiciaryThe latest calls to stave off the politically charged execution come after a summer where GOP leaders asked the state courts to kick Democrats out of office and throw Beto O’Rourke in jail.
Texas attorney general tells 4 cities to drop tax hikes amid investigations into incomplete audits
Read full article: Texas attorney general tells 4 cities to drop tax hikes amid investigations into incomplete auditsMost of the cities — Odessa, La Marque, Tom Bean and Whitesboro — said they are following the law and Ken Paxton’s office is jumping the gun on enforcing new state rules.
Economic boom or environmental disaster? Rural Texas grapples with pros, cons of data centers
Read full article: Economic boom or environmental disaster? Rural Texas grapples with pros, cons of data centersLocal leaders see data centers, which help power the world’s shift to artificial intelligence, as a way to keep their towns open. Residents worry their way of life — and water — is at stake.
Republican Carlos De La Cruz announces run for redrawn 35th Congressional District
Read full article: Republican Carlos De La Cruz announces run for redrawn 35th Congressional DistrictU.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz's brother is the latest to enter a GOP primary field vying for the San Antonio-area district newly gerrymandered to favor Republicans.
UT-Austin considering offer to adopt Trump priorities for funding advantages
Read full article: UT-Austin considering offer to adopt Trump priorities for funding advantagesThe funding deal would reportedly ask the university to adopt a stricter definition of gender and a tuition freeze, among other conditions.
Texas launches task force to target repeat criminal offenders in Houston area
Read full article: Texas launches task force to target repeat criminal offenders in Houston areaGov. Greg Abbott said state troopers and local law enforcement will start an effort in Harris County that he hopes to duplicate in other parts of Texas.
ICE complies with judge’s order and quickly releases El Paso DACA recipient
Read full article: ICE complies with judge’s order and quickly releases El Paso DACA recipientThe El Paso federal judge said the Trump administration is violating the constitutional rights of Catalina “Xochitl” Santiago, a DACA recipient who has lived in the U.S. for two decades.
Talarico outraises Allred with massive fundraising haul to kick off Senate Democratic primary
Read full article: Talarico outraises Allred with massive fundraising haul to kick off Senate Democratic primaryThe Austin state lawmaker took in $6.2 million in the three weeks since he launched his bid, outpacing the $4.1 million Allred raised over the last three months.
What we know about Texas colleges reviewing courses amid push to limit gender identity instruction
Read full article: What we know about Texas colleges reviewing courses amid push to limit gender identity instructionThe federal and state governments want restrictions on recognizing trans and nonbinary people. Here’s how Texas’ higher education leaders are responding.
TribCast: Will the Texas renewable energy powerhouse survive?
Read full article: TribCast: Will the Texas renewable energy powerhouse survive?This week, Matthew and Eleanor speak with Eric Goff, founder of an energy policy advising firm, about the growth of wind and solar power in Texas and whether it will continue after recent federal efforts targeting the industry.
Texans ask for eligibility fixes, stronger accountability in school voucher program
Read full article: Texans ask for eligibility fixes, stronger accountability in school voucher programFor the first time since Texas authorized the program, the state heard public testimony from people concerned about pre-K funding, special education provisions and data reporting.
Trump administration could process new DACA applications after Texas’ lawsuit paused enrollment
Read full article: Trump administration could process new DACA applications after Texas’ lawsuit paused enrollmentIf a judge accepts the plan, the Trump administration will reopen new applications for DACA for the first time in four years — but Texas applicants would no longer receive work permits.
Central Texas floods reveal need to shore up disaster response in unincorporated areas
Read full article: Central Texas floods reveal need to shore up disaster response in unincorporated areasAlmost one-third of Americans live in areas like Travis County’s Sandy Creek, where disaster aid can be spotty.
Texas investigation into teachers’ posts after Charlie Kirk’s death violates their free speech, experts say
Read full article: Texas investigation into teachers’ posts after Charlie Kirk’s death violates their free speech, experts sayFree speech experts say that when teachers speak in their personal capacity, even on school grounds but outside their official duties, they retain their right to comment on matters of public concern.
Democratic Rep. Jon Rosenthal will run for Texas Railroad Commission
Read full article: Democratic Rep. Jon Rosenthal will run for Texas Railroad CommissionThe day after the four-term Houston lawmaker launched his statewide bid, his former chief of staff, Odus Evbagharu, announced he was running to succeed his former boss in the Texas House.
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.
Can Texas use its new congressional map for 2026? A trio of judges will decide.
Read full article: Can Texas use its new congressional map for 2026? A trio of judges will decide.The same plaintiffs who are challenging the state’s 2021 maps have asked the court to block the new GOP-approved districts from being used in the fast-approaching midterms.
Anti-DEI crusader Sid Miller urged UT to enroll student emphasizing her race and socioeconomic status
Read full article: Anti-DEI crusader Sid Miller urged UT to enroll student emphasizing her race and socioeconomic statusIn May 2023, Miller wrote a letter urging university leaders to reconsider admitting a student whom he described as a “biracial Latina,” who was also the daughter of his political associate.
Texas State University professor reinstated by court after being fired for “inciting violence”
Read full article: Texas State University professor reinstated by court after being fired for “inciting violence”Thomas Alter, who was fired for comments he made during an online socialist conference, won’t be allowed to teach but will be reinstated with pay, the university said.
Texas A&M System regents authorize settlement with former president
Read full article: Texas A&M System regents authorize settlement with former presidentDetails of the agreement with Mark A. Welsh III, who resigned as leader of the flagship university on Sept. 19, will not be revealed until it is finalized.
State approves $562 million Texas Energy Fund loan for power plant near Baytown
Read full article: State approves $562 million Texas Energy Fund loan for power plant near BaytownThe low-interest loan to NRG Energy for a gas-fired power plant is the largest of three loans approved through the $7 billion fund since its creation in 2023.
Texas Tech’s limits on gender identity discussion deepen fears of politics breaching academic freedom
Read full article: Texas Tech’s limits on gender identity discussion deepen fears of politics breaching academic freedomProfessors are afraid to publicly speak out, system leaders left key questions unanswered and advocates worry for LGBTQ+ students’ mental health.
Texas’ guidance on end of in-state tuition for undocumented students doesn’t clear confusion, advocates say
Read full article: Texas’ guidance on end of in-state tuition for undocumented students doesn’t clear confusion, advocates sayThe state is being criticized for advising colleges to verify students’ status with immigration authorities, which could put them at risk.
Angelo State University bans classroom discussions of transgender identities, stirring criticism and confusion
Read full article: Angelo State University bans classroom discussions of transgender identities, stirring criticism and confusionInstead of a campus-wide announcement, faculty members say the restrictions have trickled down through department chairs and college meetings.
Texas Democratic Party’s move to Dallas prompts top staff exodus, roils organization ahead of 2026
Read full article: Texas Democratic Party’s move to Dallas prompts top staff exodus, roils organization ahead of 2026Party insiders said the way the move was handled undercuts Chair Kendall Scudder’s rhetoric about winning back working class voters, who lurched to the right in 2024.
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.
Texas death row inmate Robert Roberson will not seek clemency ahead of October execution
Read full article: Texas death row inmate Robert Roberson will not seek clemency ahead of October executionRoberson, convicted of capital murder in 2003 for the death of his 2-year-old daughter, will continue to push for a new trial. He has maintained his innocence.
Shooter’s notes say he intended to target ICE officers, authorities say
Read full article: Shooter’s notes say he intended to target ICE officers, authorities sayFederal authorities said the notes indicate the 29-year-old who killed an ICE detainee and wounded two others expressed hatred for the federal government and acted alone.
Cornyn nabs endorsements from 15 former GOP members of Congress in primary vs. Paxton
Read full article: Cornyn nabs endorsements from 15 former GOP members of Congress in primary vs. PaxtonIt’s a further sign of how the Washington establishment has consolidated behind the senior Texas senator, who is being backed by the Senate GOP’s campaign arm in his primary.
Starbase will take partial control of beach near Elon Musk’s SpaceX launch site
Read full article: Starbase will take partial control of beach near Elon Musk’s SpaceX launch siteThe deal between the new South Texas city and Cameron County mirrors a similar agreement with South Padre Island and requires a plan to combat beach erosion.
Texas teachers, parents fear STAAR overhaul won’t take testing pressure off kids
Read full article: Texas teachers, parents fear STAAR overhaul won’t take testing pressure off kidsSkeptics of the replacement, which requires three exams throughout the year, want to see less restrictions on testing day and more teacher input.
“Unthinkable”: Camp Mystic parents condemn reopening plans after devastating floods
Read full article: “Unthinkable”: Camp Mystic parents condemn reopening plans after devastating floodsDespite a plea by the family of a camper who is still missing to halt all discussions of reopening and memorials to those who died, Mystic officials say they’ll proceed with their plans.
Texas health agency adopts emergency rule banning consumable hemp sales to anyone under 21
Read full article: Texas health agency adopts emergency rule banning consumable hemp sales to anyone under 21Two state agencies have now adopted the temporary rule while they work to adopt formal rules to limit who can buy THC products.
West Texas wants to sell its natural gas to AI data centers, but has few options for transporting it
Read full article: West Texas wants to sell its natural gas to AI data centers, but has few options for transporting itOther smaller oil and gas producing regions in the state are better poised to help power the growing data center market, a new report found.
Major statewide propositions will be on the Nov. 4 ballot. Here are your voting rights in Texas.
Read full article: Major statewide propositions will be on the Nov. 4 ballot. Here are your voting rights in Texas.Learn more about all the ways you can register to vote, cast your ballot and protect your rights at the polls.
17 statewide propositions will appear on the November ballot. Here’s what Texas voters need to know.
Read full article: 17 statewide propositions will appear on the November ballot. Here’s what Texas voters need to know.A majority of the proposed constitutional amendments address tax cuts for homeowners and businesses.
While praising Charlie Kirk’s commitment to free speech, Texas leaders move to punish students celebrating his death
Read full article: While praising Charlie Kirk’s commitment to free speech, Texas leaders move to punish students celebrating his deathGov. Greg Abbott called for a student to be expelled for celebrating Kirk’s death. Legal experts say the student’s speech is likely constitutionally protected.
Texas Republicans say Charlie Kirk’s death is galvanizing young conservatives
Read full article: Texas Republicans say Charlie Kirk’s death is galvanizing young conservativesThousands gathered at a North Houston suburb for the summit, where speaker after speaker memorialized Kirk and encouraged young attendees to rise in his place.
How a secret recording of a gender identity lecture upended Texas A&M
Read full article: How a secret recording of a gender identity lecture upended Texas A&MOfficials have struggled to detail the exact reasons for the A&M professor’s termination, citing a technical issue with her course description. Faculty say the move was politically motivated.
Regents name sole finalist for president of newly acquired Texas A&M University-Victoria
Read full article: Regents name sole finalist for president of newly acquired Texas A&M University-VictoriaThe selection of Christian Hardigree, regional chancellor for the University of South Florida St. Petersburg, was one of several shakeups at the Texas A&M System on Thursday.
Texas A&M President Mark A. Welsh III to step down after a week of turmoil over viral classroom video
Read full article: Texas A&M President Mark A. Welsh III to step down after a week of turmoil over viral classroom videoCalls for Welsh’s ousting intensified over his handling of a student’s complaints about gender identity discussions in a children’s literature class.
Students and professors defend Texas A&M President Mark Welsh amid calls for his ousting
Read full article: Students and professors defend Texas A&M President Mark Welsh amid calls for his oustingSome lawmakers have called for Welsh to be fired over his handling of a student’s complaints about gender identity content being taught in a children’s literature class.
Judge dismisses environmental lawsuit against FAA over failed SpaceX launch
Read full article: Judge dismisses environmental lawsuit against FAA over failed SpaceX launchThe suit, filed in 2023 after the launch of SpaceX's Starship in Boca Chica ended in an explosion, accused the agency of not properly assessing environmental impacts.
Ken Paxton’s legal crusade against Beto O’Rourke is faltering before an all-Republican appeals court
Read full article: Ken Paxton’s legal crusade against Beto O’Rourke is faltering before an all-Republican appeals courtThe court, appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott, recently allowed O’Rourke to continue raising and dispersing donations, and cast doubt on Paxton’s main arguments.
Texas GOP may be banking on low Hispanic turnout in new map
Read full article: Texas GOP may be banking on low Hispanic turnout in new mapRepublicans note that some of the districts they intend to flip were redrawn to become majority-Hispanic. Democrats say the GOP made sure to add Hispanic Texans who are unlikely to vote.
Student who mocked Charlie Kirk’s death “no longer” at Texas State University as clampdowns continue
Read full article: Student who mocked Charlie Kirk’s death “no longer” at Texas State University as clampdowns continueThe university's announcement came hours after Gov. Greg Abbott called for the student's expulsion.
Lina Hidalgo, Harris County chief executive, won’t seek reelection
Read full article: Lina Hidalgo, Harris County chief executive, won’t seek reelectionThe progressive Democrat’s upset win at the age of 27 established her as a rising star. But her ascent was stunted in recent years amid clashes with fellow Democrats and unwavering GOP scrutiny.
James Talarico’s progressive take on Christianity made him an online sensation. Will it translate to his Texas Senate bid?
Read full article: James Talarico’s progressive take on Christianity made him an online sensation. Will it translate to his Texas Senate bid?The Austin lawmaker says his faith fuels his vision of a Democratic Party that “fights back” against billionaires. Republican critics say his stances are at odds with Scripture.
“Our girls are still dead”: Camp Mystic parents pushed for laws to protect kids at camp. But their pain remains.
Read full article: “Our girls are still dead”: Camp Mystic parents pushed for laws to protect kids at camp. But their pain remains.Two dads helped lead Camp Mystic parents to advocate for new camp rules in the Texas Legislature. What they wanted most was to have their daughters back.
Roughly 350 complaints filed against Texas teachers for alleged comments on killing of Charlie Kirk
Read full article: Roughly 350 complaints filed against Texas teachers for alleged comments on killing of Charlie KirkSeveral school districts have already taken disciplinary action against staff for comments made about the Christian conservative activist’s death.
Faculty, advocacy groups fear Texas A&M firing threatens academic freedom
Read full article: Faculty, advocacy groups fear Texas A&M firing threatens academic freedomThe firing happened over two years after Texas A&M stressed its support for academic freedom and amid a changing higher education landscape.
ICE seeks to deport DACA recipient after arrest at El Paso airport
Read full article: ICE seeks to deport DACA recipient after arrest at El Paso airportAn immigration judge ruled ICE can’t deport Catalina “Xochitl” Santiago, who has permission to be in the country, unless the agency can provide evidence that her legal status was revoked.
Federal loopholes may have opened the door for sports betting alternatives that skirt Texas’ gambling ban
Read full article: Federal loopholes may have opened the door for sports betting alternatives that skirt Texas’ gambling banWhile the state's strict ban on gambling hasn’t changed, fast-growing daily fantasy sports and prediction market apps are giving Texans new ways to wager without leaving home.
Longtime GOP Rep. Michael McCaul says he will not seek reelection to Congress
Read full article: Longtime GOP Rep. Michael McCaul says he will not seek reelection to CongressThe Austin lawmaker, first elected in 2004, chaired the influential House Foreign Affairs and Homeland Security committees. He is the second Texas Republican this week to bow out of Congress.
State Board of Education OKs Texas-heavy social studies plan, setting stage for clash over history lessons
Read full article: State Board of Education OKs Texas-heavy social studies plan, setting stage for clash over history lessonsEducators worry the plan will deemphasize topics like world geography, history and cultures. The board aims to vote on what specific content social studies lessons will include by next summer.
Texas legislative committees will study freedom of speech on college campuses in wake of Charlie Kirk killing
Read full article: Texas legislative committees will study freedom of speech on college campuses in wake of Charlie Kirk killingThe committees were made to honor slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk and come as university faculty have come under online scrutiny.
Democratic voters favor undeclared candidates O’Rourke and Crockett in hypothetical Senate primary, poll finds
Read full article: Democratic voters favor undeclared candidates O’Rourke and Crockett in hypothetical Senate primary, poll findsThe survey found many Texas voters are either undecided or would support candidates who haven’t actually entered the race. It also showed GOP Sen. John Cornyn leading Attorney General Ken Paxton.
“Operation Lone Star 2.0”: DPS arresting thousands of undocumented immigrants across Texas to aid Trump’s mass deportation
Read full article: “Operation Lone Star 2.0”: DPS arresting thousands of undocumented immigrants across Texas to aid Trump’s mass deportationThe Department of Public Safety has shifted from Biden-era border enforcement to helping expel people from the country, a job once exclusively done by federal authorities.
Providing basic care to students does not violate Texas’ parental consent law, state guidance to schools says
Read full article: Providing basic care to students does not violate Texas’ parental consent law, state guidance to schools saysThe guidance comes in response to confusion over a new state law requiring schools to notify parents whenever students need health care services.
Republican U.S. Rep. Morgan Luttrell will not seek third term in Congress
Read full article: Republican U.S. Rep. Morgan Luttrell will not seek third term in CongressThe Houston-area Republican’s departure continues the drain of tenure from Texas’ GOP delegation, which was already poised to add several freshmen in the midterms.
Texas solar program left in limbo after Trump administration pulls the plug on $250 million grant
Read full article: Texas solar program left in limbo after Trump administration pulls the plug on $250 million grantTexas’ Solar for All program was intended to bring solar panels and batteries to low-income neighborhoods and create jobs by training workers to install the technology.
“This is going to be hard”: Texas public radio stations fighting to stay on the air after budget cuts
Read full article: “This is going to be hard”: Texas public radio stations fighting to stay on the air after budget cutsThirty stations must figure out how to make up for the loss of at least $17.7 million in federal funding that came at the direction of the president without wearing out supporters.
Texas State fires professor accused of trying to incite political violence in video
Read full article: Texas State fires professor accused of trying to incite political violence in videoThomas Alter’s lawyer said the professor would seek legal action for being fired after allegedly violating university policy in a video posted on social media.
Texas A&M professor fired after viral video disputes termination
Read full article: Texas A&M professor fired after viral video disputes terminationAn attorney for Melissa McCoul, seen in a video clashing with a student over gender-identity content in her class, said the professor is weighing her legal options.
Gov. Greg Abbott orders minors banned from THC products
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott orders minors banned from THC productsLt. Gov. Dan Patrick on Friday called Abbott’s decision a pathway to full legalization of cannabis, including marijuana which is still federally illegal. Hemp-derived THC is legal.
Deb Haaland, Joan Huffman and Jake Tapper join this year’s TribFest lineup
Read full article: Deb Haaland, Joan Huffman and Jake Tapper join this year’s TribFest lineupThe history-making former interior secretary, Houston’s longtime state senator and CNN’s lead DC anchor join us in Austin this November
Texas lawmakers limit use of parent-child reunification therapy in custody battles
Read full article: Texas lawmakers limit use of parent-child reunification therapy in custody battlesOpponents of reunification therapy say it can psychologically harm children, while supporters say it’s unnatural for children to reject parents.