WEATHER ALERT
Attorney General Ken Paxton’s former aides win $6.6 million in whistleblower case
Read full article: Attorney General Ken Paxton’s former aides win $6.6 million in whistleblower casePaxton vowed to appeal the “bogus ruling” that found he improperly fired the four plaintiffs after they reported him to the FBI on allegations of corruption.
Texas bills requiring air-conditioned prisons languish despite temperatures being ruled unconstitutional
Read full article: Texas bills requiring air-conditioned prisons languish despite temperatures being ruled unconstitutionalThe five bills that would require complete air conditioning in state prisons haven’t had a hearing yet, and the money set for the upgrades falls short of the estimated cost.
Tariffs creating uncertainty in Texas as report shows slower revenue growth since late 2024
Read full article: Tariffs creating uncertainty in Texas as report shows slower revenue growth since late 2024Respondents to a Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas survey expressed concern about a reduction in consumer demand and a potential recession.
Ken Paxton’s legal woes are lifting, clearing a path for a likely Senate run
Read full article: Ken Paxton’s legal woes are lifting, clearing a path for a likely Senate runThe federal criminal investigation into corruption allegations was the most serious inquiry Paxton faced. Its end nearly clears his slate of numerous legal battles.
South Texas county leaders will lose some authority over SpaceX launches under new bill
Read full article: South Texas county leaders will lose some authority over SpaceX launches under new billThe lawmakers behind the bill promised there would not be an increase in the number of days the beach is closed.
Despite Texas defendant’s death in Louisiana prison, lawmakers unlikely to end reliance on out-of-state lockups
Read full article: Despite Texas defendant’s death in Louisiana prison, lawmakers unlikely to end reliance on out-of-state lockupsLawmakers are pursuing legislative changes that would keep more people locked up in overcrowded county jails while awaiting resolution to their cases.
Lubbock’s public health director fights to stop measles and build public trust
Read full article: Lubbock’s public health director fights to stop measles and build public trustKatherine Wells was celebrated early during the COVID-19 pandemic. Then public health became a political litmus test.
The Dan Patrick Show: How to build an audience — and political power
Read full article: The Dan Patrick Show: How to build an audience — and political powerIn an interview, the lieutenant governor talks about his recent pop-up investigations and how he uses storytelling to make a political point.
Officer previously accused of excessive force confirmed for state board by Texas Senate
Read full article: Officer previously accused of excessive force confirmed for state board by Texas SenateOne Senate Democrat joined Republicans, providing the margin needed to approve Justin Berry to the state law-enforcement board.
From desalination to water treatment: Bill that prioritizes creating new water supplies get Texas Senate OK
Read full article: From desalination to water treatment: Bill that prioritizes creating new water supplies get Texas Senate OKSenate Bill 7, which won unanimous approval, is among legislation that seeks to avert a looming water crisis as the state’s population booms.
More than 40 people arrested at Texas home amid Tren de Aragua investigation
Read full article: More than 40 people arrested at Texas home amid Tren de Aragua investigationAuthorities did not say how the individuals arrested in Hays County may be tied to the Venezuelan gang. It was also unclear what criminal charges people may face, though drugs were seized.
How couriers changed the playing field of the Texas Lottery
Read full article: How couriers changed the playing field of the Texas LotteryLottery couriers have gained newfound scrutiny in Texas after Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick raised questions about the use of a courier to sell an $83.5 million jackpot ticket.
Legislation creating statewide emergency communication system advances in Texas House
Read full article: Legislation creating statewide emergency communication system advances in Texas HouseThe legislation was written after the state’s largest wildfire scorched more than 1 million acres in the Panhandle last year.
Cornyn wins over Texas GOP leadership after being censured and booed for his gun safety bill
Read full article: Cornyn wins over Texas GOP leadership after being censured and booed for his gun safety billThe senator’s embrace of the state party chair could neutralize a potential threat as Cornyn faces a challenging primary terrain.
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.
Ken Paxton wants Dallas school officials under oath on transgender athlete policy
Read full article: Ken Paxton wants Dallas school officials under oath on transgender athlete policyPaxton’s office launched an investigation into the district’s policy after an administrator was caught on tape discussing a possible loophole in the state’s ban.
“Water is the new oil” as Texas cities square off over aquifer pipeline plans
Read full article: “Water is the new oil” as Texas cities square off over aquifer pipeline plansFast-growing Georgetown plans to pump 89 million gallons a day from the Carrizo Wilcox Aquifer but the project is being fought by Bryan, College Station and Texas A&M University, which depend on the same water.
After years of disappointment at the polls, Texas Democrats will select new party leader
Read full article: After years of disappointment at the polls, Texas Democrats will select new party leaderThe State Democratic Executive Committee will meet on Saturday to elect the successor to party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa.
Texas officials’ claim that school funding is at an all-time high ignores inflation and temporary federal money
Read full article: Texas officials’ claim that school funding is at an all-time high ignores inflation and temporary federal moneyA Tribune analysis also found the state’s share of the funds that schools receive per student significantly decreased in the last decade until recently.
Lawyers for Houston-area midwife accused of illegal abortions condemn state’s investigation
Read full article: Lawyers for Houston-area midwife accused of illegal abortions condemn state’s investigationMaria Rojas’ attorneys got their first chance to address the claims against her Thursday. She was released on bond but a judge ordered the clinics to remain closed.
Abortion opponents laud bill that would clamp down on pill providers and out-of-state abortions
Read full article: Abortion opponents laud bill that would clamp down on pill providers and out-of-state abortionsSome health care providers in support of Senate Bill 2880 said people who are mailed abortion pills aren’t given instructions and do not receive follow-up care.
Amid support from doctors group, bill to clarify Texas’ abortion ban does little to save lives, critics say
Read full article: Amid support from doctors group, bill to clarify Texas’ abortion ban does little to save lives, critics saySenate Bill 31 supporters say it would clarify when doctors should intervene to save a pregnant woman’s life, but critics say its vagueness and a measure to resurrect pre-Roe laws hamper it.
Texas AG investigating insurance company accused of spying on lawmakers, journalists, other Texans
Read full article: Texas AG investigating insurance company accused of spying on lawmakers, journalists, other TexansSuperior HealthPlan’s CEO, whom lawmakers grilled about the company’s alleged hiring of private investigators, was reportedly fired after the inquiry was announced.
NY county clerk refuses to file Texas’ fine for doctor accused of prescribing abortion pills
Read full article: NY county clerk refuses to file Texas’ fine for doctor accused of prescribing abortion pillsA Texas judge last month ordered Dr. Margaret Carpenter, who practices north of New York City, to pay the penalty for allegedly breaking that state’s law by prescribing abortion medication via telemedicine.
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.
Federal judge rules prison heat conditions are unconstitutional, but doesn’t require air conditioning
Read full article: Federal judge rules prison heat conditions are unconstitutional, but doesn’t require air conditioningAbout two-thirds of Texas prisons are not fully air conditioned, and dozens of inmates have died in the sweltering heat.
Gov. Greg Abbott showing no rush to replace late U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott showing no rush to replace late U.S. Rep. Sylvester TurnerRepublicans hold a tiny majority in the House, creating an incentive for Abbott to hold off on calling an election for Turner’s seat, which would likely be filled by a Democrat.
Five ways a funding overhaul has transformed Texas community colleges
Read full article: Five ways a funding overhaul has transformed Texas community collegesMore than a year after Texas’ House Bill 8 took effect, some schools have offered free tuition, grown dual credit programs or helped students’ credits transfer when they move on to four-year schools.
Jewish Texans disagree on how to combat antisemitism in schools during hearing on Senate bill
Read full article: Jewish Texans disagree on how to combat antisemitism in schools during hearing on Senate billLawmakers propose addressing antisemitism by requiring schools to use a set definition. Critics say the measure will stifle speech.
After four prosecutors and nearly six years, El Paso DA decides it’s time to stop pursuing the death penalty for mass shooter
Read full article: After four prosecutors and nearly six years, El Paso DA decides it’s time to stop pursuing the death penalty for mass shooterThe new DA campaigned on seeking the death penalty for the 2019 massacre, but said he offered the gunman a plea deal of life in prison to avoid dragging out the case for several more years.
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.
Federal investigators were preparing two Texas housing discrimination cases — until Trump took over
Read full article: Federal investigators were preparing two Texas housing discrimination cases — until Trump took overThe government spent years probing allegations that a Dallas HOA created rules to kick poor Black people out and that Texas discriminated against minority residents in Houston after Hurricane Harvey, only to suddenly reverse course under Trump.
West Texas lawmakers push bills to divert some oil and gas taxes to help oil-producing counties with roads, other needs
Read full article: West Texas lawmakers push bills to divert some oil and gas taxes to help oil-producing counties with roads, other needsReps. Tom Craddick and Brooks Landgraf want to divert 10% of taxes collected on oil and gas production to help budget-strapped counties keep up with growth.
Interim UT-Austin president seeks to walk fine line between faculty and lawmakers’ concerns
Read full article: Interim UT-Austin president seeks to walk fine line between faculty and lawmakers’ concernsJim Davis told professors he’ll share their concerns with lawmakers about proposals that would increase oversight on curricula and hiring. Elsewhere on campus, former UT-Austin President Jay Hartzell criticized the bills.
Texas A&M can’t ban “Draggieland” drag show, federal judge rules
Read full article: Texas A&M can’t ban “Draggieland” drag show, federal judge rulesJudge Lee H. Rosenthal said the student group that organizes Draggieland, the Queer Empowerment Council, was likely to succeed in showing the ban violates the First Amendment.
Texas’ DEI debate centers on a disagreement about whether programs perpetuate or prevent discrimination
Read full article: Texas’ DEI debate centers on a disagreement about whether programs perpetuate or prevent discriminationSupporters say diversity initiatives close educational and income gaps born from a history of prejudice. Republican officials say they prioritize identity over merit.
Lawmakers push to spend billions of dollars for water projects and debate which ones to prioritize
Read full article: Lawmakers push to spend billions of dollars for water projects and debate which ones to prioritizeGov. Greg Abbott has made water a priority for this legislative session. Lawmakers will debate whether to invest more into new water supplies or repairing old, leaking pipes around Texas.
Republican lawmakers revive effort to give attorney general more power to prosecute election crimes
Read full article: Republican lawmakers revive effort to give attorney general more power to prosecute election crimesCritics fear increased election prosecutions could intimidate voters and local election officials. Attorney General Ken Paxton has long sought more autonomy over election cases.
Parents of Texas child who died of measles stand by decision to not vaccinate
Read full article: Parents of Texas child who died of measles stand by decision to not vaccinateThe measles vaccine has been proven to be safe and effective against the disease, which is highly contagious and can be life threatening.
Texas faculty testify against bills to screen universities’ curriculum for “ideological” bias
Read full article: Texas faculty testify against bills to screen universities’ curriculum for “ideological” biasLawmakers say several bills under consideration Thursday would “address the unchecked authority of faculty.” They would expand university governing boards’ oversight powers.
Texas Senate advances bill to allow smaller homes on smaller lots
Read full article: Texas Senate advances bill to allow smaller homes on smaller lotsLawmakers, who are preempting locals on lot sizes in new subdivisions, have been eyeing ways to allow more homes to be built as the state faces a shortage.
Jackpot withheld, $83 million winner “caught in crossfire” amid lottery courier investigations
Read full article: Jackpot withheld, $83 million winner “caught in crossfire” amid lottery courier investigationsThe winning ticket, purchased online through the courier Jackpocket, is being scrutinized by lawmakers concerned about the legality of third-party services.
Texas AG Ken Paxton accuses Coppell ISD of violating Texas’ “critical race theory” ban
Read full article: Texas AG Ken Paxton accuses Coppell ISD of violating Texas’ “critical race theory” banThe attorney general office’s lawsuit is based on an undercover video published in February by a conservative activist group.
Trump administration drops challenge to Texas law targeting people who illegally cross the border
Read full article: Trump administration drops challenge to Texas law targeting people who illegally cross the borderSenate Bill 4, the Texas law that makes illegally crossing the border a state crime, will continue to be challenged by two immigrant rights groups and El Paso County.
Amanda Edwards to run to succeed the late-U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner
Read full article: Amanda Edwards to run to succeed the late-U.S. Rep. Sylvester TurnerEdwards unsuccessfully ran for the seat twice last year. She faced off against U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee in the 2024 Democratic primary. Jackson Lee won the primary but died before the general election, opening the party’s nomination anew
Bills seek to improve state’s response to wildfires a year after devastation in Panhandle
Read full article: Bills seek to improve state’s response to wildfires a year after devastation in PanhandleA proposal to create a statewide system connecting emergency personnel and agencies is among several bills that target problems exposed in 2024.
Lawmakers want to give schools more leeway to suspend Texas’ youngest and homeless students
Read full article: Lawmakers want to give schools more leeway to suspend Texas’ youngest and homeless studentsThe proposal aims to make working conditions safer for teachers but critics worry it could push the state’s most vulnerable students out of the classroom.
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.
Lawmakers weigh moving bingo operations out of Texas Lottery’s purview amid agency’s uncertain future
Read full article: Lawmakers weigh moving bingo operations out of Texas Lottery’s purview amid agency’s uncertain futureA possible reassignment of the charitable games comes as 15 bills in the Legislature seek to either alter or abolish the troubled agency.
Texas lawmakers seek to transfer University of Houston-Victoria to Texas A&M system
Read full article: Texas lawmakers seek to transfer University of Houston-Victoria to Texas A&M systemSen. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, said Texas A&M is better positioned to grow the Victoria school and serve the region’s petrochemical and agriculture industries.
These are the proposals lawmakers hope will save Texas’ water supply. Track them here.
Read full article: These are the proposals lawmakers hope will save Texas’ water supply. Track them here.Most lawmakers — as well as Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick — want to invest big in water. Here are the proposals that would do it.
Texas school districts hopeful lawmakers will help plug $1.7 billion gap in special education funding
Read full article: Texas school districts hopeful lawmakers will help plug $1.7 billion gap in special education fundingProponents say the changes would better serve special education students with widely varying needs — and help schools pay for it.
Christian Menefee, top civil attorney for Harris County government, announces bid for Sylvester Turner’s congressional seat
Read full article: Christian Menefee, top civil attorney for Harris County government, announces bid for Sylvester Turner’s congressional seatThe district has been a Democratic stronghold, held for decades by Sheila Jackson Lee and most recently by former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, who died March 5.
Texas schools have leaned on uncertified teachers to fill vacancies. Lawmakers want to put a stop to it.
Read full article: Texas schools have leaned on uncertified teachers to fill vacancies. Lawmakers want to put a stop to it.Underprepared teachers have been tied to student learning losses. But amid a teacher shortage crisis, school leaders fear the restrictions will lead to fewer instructors in their classrooms.
Texas Republicans seek to clarify when doctors can intervene under abortion bans
Read full article: Texas Republicans seek to clarify when doctors can intervene under abortion bansA Senate bill filed Friday does not expand abortion access, but aims to give doctors clarity while operating under laws that come with up to life in prison.
Paxton says trans Texans can’t use court orders to change sex on driver’s licenses, birth certificates
Read full article: Paxton says trans Texans can’t use court orders to change sex on driver’s licenses, birth certificatesPer the attorney general’s nonbinding opinion, state agencies should change gender markers on government documents back to a person’s sex assigned at birth.
University of North Texas and Rice University under federal investigation for “race-exclusionary practices”
Read full article: University of North Texas and Rice University under federal investigation for “race-exclusionary practices”The Texas universities are among dozens accused of violating the law by partnering with a group that had sought to increase diversity in graduate programs.
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.
Feds are opening more detention centers in Texas as Trump administration steps up deportations
Read full article: Feds are opening more detention centers in Texas as Trump administration steps up deportationsThe feds are adding thousands of beds to hold families in Texas, which reportedly holds the most immigrants of any state at its 21 detention centers.
Texas lawmakers are pushing harsher criminal penalties while prison and jail populations soar
Read full article: Texas lawmakers are pushing harsher criminal penalties while prison and jail populations soarProposed legislation includes increased penalties for retail theft, car burglaries and forgery, among others.
Texas lawmakers will debate saving the state’s water supply after key legislation is introduced
Read full article: Texas lawmakers will debate saving the state’s water supply after key legislation is introducedThe state House and Senate have similar proposals to solve the state's water crisis, but there are stark differences on how to invest billions of dollars to resolve.
Texas bill would increase oversight of universities’ hiring, curriculum and compliance
Read full article: Texas bill would increase oversight of universities’ hiring, curriculum and complianceSenate Bill 37 would create a state office to investigate complaints against universities and require governing boards to ensure courses don’t endorse certain ideologies.
Orator, conscience, advocate: State lawmakers honor Sylvester Turner with bipartisan accolades in Capitol ceremony
Read full article: Orator, conscience, advocate: State lawmakers honor Sylvester Turner with bipartisan accolades in Capitol ceremonyTurner, who spent nearly three decades in the Texas House and died last week, was remembered as a passionate Democrat committed to working across the aisle.
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.
FEMA wants the names and addresses of migrants helped by Texas nonprofits and local governments that got federal grant money
Read full article: FEMA wants the names and addresses of migrants helped by Texas nonprofits and local governments that got federal grant moneyA letter sent this week claims the grant recipients, including many Texas cities and counties, may have illegally “induced” undocumented immigrants to enter the country.
Paxton investigates Dallas for alleged sanctuary city policies
Read full article: Paxton investigates Dallas for alleged sanctuary city policiesAttorney General Ken Paxton said a recent statement by Dallas’ interim police chief raised concerns that the city might be violating a state law against so-called sanctuary city policies.
In lawsuit settlement, Texas Tech’s med school promises it won’t consider race in admissions
Read full article: In lawsuit settlement, Texas Tech’s med school promises it won’t consider race in admissionsGeorge Stewart sued Texas Tech University Health Science Center and five other medical schools claiming they rejected him in favor of lesser qualified students of color.
Texas is running out of water. Here’s why and what state leaders plan to do about it.
Read full article: Texas is running out of water. Here’s why and what state leaders plan to do about it.The state’s water supply faces numerous threats. And by one estimate, the state’s municipal supply will not meet demand by 2030 if there’s a severe drought and no water solutions are implemented.
In Texas, private firms cash in on property tax late fees, piling debt onto struggling homeowners
Read full article: In Texas, private firms cash in on property tax late fees, piling debt onto struggling homeownersTexans who fall behind on their property taxes face one of the most punitive systems in the nation, where private collection companies can tack up to 20% onto their bill.
Texas Tech officials trying to determine what caused explosion and fires that prompted campus closure
Read full article: Texas Tech officials trying to determine what caused explosion and fires that prompted campus closureA day after the incident in which green flames could be seen coming out of manholes, 40% of the university in Lubbock remains without power.