Cornyn and Paxton bury each other in negative ads as Senate GOP runoff enters final stretch
Read full article: Cornyn and Paxton bury each other in negative ads as Senate GOP runoff enters final stretchThe incumbent senator and his allies have massively outspent the pro-Paxton side, though polling points to a tight finish in the May 26 election.
Here are the megadonors and dark money groups boosting James Talarico’s anti-billionaire Senate bid
Read full article: Here are the megadonors and dark money groups boosting James Talarico’s anti-billionaire Senate bidAs the Austin Democrat campaigns against big money in politics, he is being supported by a super PAC bankrolled by several billionaires, as well as nonprofits that do not have to disclose their funders.
Denise Powell wins Democratic primary in Nebraska’s ‘blue dot’ 2nd District
Read full article: Denise Powell wins Democratic primary in Nebraska’s ‘blue dot’ 2nd DistrictDenise Powell has won the Democratic primary in Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District in a contest focused on the state’s “blue dot” status in presidential elections.
China's Xi warns Trump that differences over Taiwan could lead to conflict
Read full article: China's Xi warns Trump that differences over Taiwan could lead to conflictChina’s Xi Jinping has warned President Donald Trump that their two countries could clash over Taiwan if the issue is not handled properly.
Lutnick backs away from his Epstein 'blackmail' claim in interview with House committee
Read full article: Lutnick backs away from his Epstein 'blackmail' claim in interview with House committeeCommerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has backed away from a previous claim that convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein blackmailed people.
Parts of Texas immigration law are likely unconstitutional, federal judge signals
Read full article: Parts of Texas immigration law are likely unconstitutional, federal judge signalsThe law, which gives state law enforcement and judges a role in immigration enforcement, is set to go into effect in two days.
Greg Abbott expands task force targeting repeat offenders from Houston to other large cities
Read full article: Greg Abbott expands task force targeting repeat offenders from Houston to other large citiesThe effort, which combines federal, state and local law enforcement, will expand to the Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth and San Antonio metro areas.
US and China seek to repair damage from tariff war that sent trade into a freefall
Read full article: US and China seek to repair damage from tariff war that sent trade into a freefallPresident Donald Trump's trade war with Beijing has sent U.S.-China trade into a freefall and forced companies on both sides of the Pacific to regroup.
Louisiana advances plan for new US House districts as Georgia joins redistricting effort for 2028
Read full article: Louisiana advances plan for new US House districts as Georgia joins redistricting effort for 2028Republican senators in Louisiana have advanced a plan to eliminate one of two majority-Black U.S. House districts for this year's elections.
The Latest: Trump in China for Xi meeting to focus on Iran war, trade and US arms sales to Taiwan
Read full article: The Latest: Trump in China for Xi meeting to focus on Iran war, trade and US arms sales to TaiwanU.S. President Donald Trump has arrived in Beijing for his highly anticipated summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping at a restless moment for a world worried about war, trade and artificial intelligence.
Inside the furor plaguing Democratic National Committee leader Ken Martin
Read full article: Inside the furor plaguing Democratic National Committee leader Ken MartinDemocratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin is losing the confidence of some Democratic officials, who are concerned about the direction of the party's political machine barely a year into his term.
For Texas GOP, immigration politics show signs of fading potency
Read full article: For Texas GOP, immigration politics show signs of fading potencyTexas voters have listed immigration and border security among their top issues for years, but recent polling found they are less of a priority than at any point in recent history.
Immigration a flashpoint in Allred-Johnson Democratic runoff
Read full article: Immigration a flashpoint in Allred-Johnson Democratic runoffJulie Johnson labels her opponent a “flip-flopper.” Colin Allred said previous votes reflected Rio Grande Valley frustration with Biden-era border policies.
After being deported, allowed to return, then detained again, a Texas DACA recipient fears what’s next
Read full article: After being deported, allowed to return, then detained again, a Texas DACA recipient fears what’s nextJosé Contreras Díaz was one of hundreds of DACA recipients the Trump administration targeted for deportation. He’s one of a few the federal government has allowed to return.
From 'The Hills' villain to LA mayoral contender: Spencer Pratt’s viral video-fueled campaign
Read full article: From 'The Hills' villain to LA mayoral contender: Spencer Pratt’s viral video-fueled campaign“The Hills” reality television show villain Spencer Pratt is running for mayor of Los Angeles, positioning himself as a savior and promising to tackle the city's disorder and dysfunction.
Corpus Christi moves toward mandatory 25% cut in water use if emergency is declared
Read full article: Corpus Christi moves toward mandatory 25% cut in water use if emergency is declaredFinal approval of the curtailment plan is expected at a future City Council meeting. Experts predict that, without significant rainfall, a water emergency could arrive by September.
As Trump heads to China, past US flubs on US policy toward Taiwan can be a warning
Read full article: As Trump heads to China, past US flubs on US policy toward Taiwan can be a warningAmerican presidents have navigated a verbal tightrope for nearly 50 years regarding official U.S. policy toward Taiwan and China.
Former Texas lottery director was indicted by grand jury before case got dismissed
Read full article: Former Texas lottery director was indicted by grand jury before case got dismissedThe indictment accused Gary Grief of misusing his position to defraud the state in a highly scrutinized $95 million 2023 Lotto Texas drawing.
Barack Obama appears with James Talarico and Gina Hinojosa at Austin restaurant
Read full article: Barack Obama appears with James Talarico and Gina Hinojosa at Austin restaurantThe former president greeted patrons while stopping for tacos near the University of Texas at Austin campus — a notable show of support for the Democrats atop the ticket this fall.
Appeals court spares Trump from paying $83 million defamation award to E. Jean Carroll — for now
Read full article: Appeals court spares Trump from paying $83 million defamation award to E. Jean Carroll — for nowPresident Donald Trump won't have to pay an $83 million defamation award to a longtime advice columnist until the U.S. Supreme Court gets a chance to review the case or reject an appeal.
Christian Menefee, Alex Mealer lead Houston-area congressional runoffs, new poll finds
Read full article: Christian Menefee, Alex Mealer lead Houston-area congressional runoffs, new poll findsThe two contests are among the most closely watched U.S. House runoffs in Texas. Menefee, newly elected to Congress, faces longtime Democratic Rep. Al Green in a matchup spawned by GOP redistricting.
Companies moving their legal homes to Texas is good PR, but don’t expect many new jobs
Read full article: Companies moving their legal homes to Texas is good PR, but don’t expect many new jobsA company’s legal home determines which state taxes and laws governing corporations it will be subject to. Some are fleeing Delaware in search of a friendlier environment in Texas.
Texas Republicans spent years courting Indian voters. Then came talk of the “Indian takeover.”
Read full article: Texas Republicans spent years courting Indian voters. Then came talk of the “Indian takeover.”A North Texas city has become the epicenter of a collision between the GOP’s efforts to win over Indian American voters and some conservatives’ nativist agenda.
Hegseth gets bipartisan grilling on rising costs of the Iran war and Trump's end game
Read full article: Hegseth gets bipartisan grilling on rising costs of the Iran war and Trump's end gameDefense Secretary Pete Hegseth has faced tough questions from Republican and Democratic lawmakers about the Trump administration’s end game for the Iran war, the rising cost of the conflict and its impact on diminishing U.S. weapons stockpiles.
Democratic primary for Nebraska's 'blue dot' US House seat is too early to call
Read full article: Democratic primary for Nebraska's 'blue dot' US House seat is too early to callThe Democratic primary for a key U_S_ House seat in Nebraska is too early to call As of late Tuesday, two candidates were separated by a narrow margin in a contest that could decide the fate of the state’s “blue dot."
Trump's redistricting push fizzles in South Carolina Senate but wins in Missouri's top court
Read full article: Trump's redistricting push fizzles in South Carolina Senate but wins in Missouri's top courtPresident Donald Trump's efforts to reshape U.S. House districts have seen mixed outcomes.
UT-Austin defends its handling of pro-Palestinian protest in federal trial
Read full article: UT-Austin defends its handling of pro-Palestinian protest in federal trialStudent Ammer Qaddumi is suing the university after he was suspended for his involvement in the 2024 demonstrations, calling it a violation of his free speech rights.
Trump administration cancels rule that made conservation a 'use' of public lands
Read full article: Trump administration cancels rule that made conservation a 'use' of public landsThe Interior Department is canceling a rule that put public lands conservation on equal footing with development.
With Trump and Talarico aligned on a gas tax holiday, Cornyn gets on board
Read full article: With Trump and Talarico aligned on a gas tax holiday, Cornyn gets on boardJames Talarico, the Democratic U.S. Senate nominee, has pushed to suspend the federal gas tax amid soaring fuel costs. Cornyn previously opposed the idea.
Supreme Court halts order for Alabama to use US House map with 2 largely Black districts
Read full article: Supreme Court halts order for Alabama to use US House map with 2 largely Black districtsThe U.S. Supreme Court has set the stage for Alabama to get rid of one of two largely Black congressional districts before this year’s midterm elections.
Excessive heat suspected as cause of death after six bodies found in rail car near Laredo
Read full article: Excessive heat suspected as cause of death after six bodies found in rail car near LaredoOfficials said one victim found in a Union Pacific car was from Mexico and another was from Honduras. Five men and a woman are among the dead.
Democrats ask the Supreme Court to halt a Virginia ruling blocking new congressional districts
Read full article: Democrats ask the Supreme Court to halt a Virginia ruling blocking new congressional districtsDemocrats have filed an emergency appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court seeking to halt a redistricting rule by Virginia’s top court.
Supreme Court temporarily extends women's access to a widely used abortion pill
Read full article: Supreme Court temporarily extends women's access to a widely used abortion pillThe Supreme Court is leaving women’s access to a widely used abortion pill untouched until at least Thursday, while the justices consider whether to allow restrictions on the drug, mifepristone, to take effect.
Federal appeals court temporarily halts execution of Texas death row inmate Edward Busby
Read full article: Federal appeals court temporarily halts execution of Texas death row inmate Edward BusbyThursday’s execution was blocked by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals “pending further order” from the court.
The Latest: Trump rejects Iran’s latest response to ceasefire proposal ahead of his trip to China
Read full article: The Latest: Trump rejects Iran’s latest response to ceasefire proposal ahead of his trip to ChinaIran and the United States have reached an impasse again over how to end their war while their ceasefire grew increasingly shaky.
Voter confusion and headaches for election officials follow hasty GOP push to redraw US House seats
Read full article: Voter confusion and headaches for election officials follow hasty GOP push to redraw US House seatsRepublican state officials are confusing voters and creating logistical headaches for local election officials across the South by redistricting U.S. House seats as primary season is underway.
Texas took their licenses. Now these immigrant truckers face lost livelihoods, sense of betrayal
Read full article: Texas took their licenses. Now these immigrant truckers face lost livelihoods, sense of betrayalTexas was among the first states to heed Trump administration directives to revoke commercial driver’s licenses from some immigrants as a safety measure.
GOP hardliners aren’t buying into U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar’s bipartisan immigration bill
Read full article: GOP hardliners aren’t buying into U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar’s bipartisan immigration billThe latest version of the El Paso Democrat’s Dignity Act includes a key change to make it more palatable to Republicans. Some have gotten on board, but others are firmly opposed.
Teachers with national certification earn more, but Texas is questioning its worth
Read full article: Teachers with national certification earn more, but Texas is questioning its worthThe National Board Certification is widely considered the most demanding for teachers. Texas leaders are examining whether it fits the state’s merit-based system.
Older Americans say it’s a good time to find a job. Younger people aren’t buying it, new poll finds
Read full article: Older Americans say it’s a good time to find a job. Younger people aren’t buying it, new poll findsA new poll finds that younger Americans are more pessimistic than older ones about the state of the job market.
Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar faces removal attempt following federal fraud indictment
Read full article: Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar faces removal attempt following federal fraud indictmentCuellar has denied that he defrauded the sheriff’s office during the COVID-19 pandemic. His brother is Democratic U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar.
Oregon Democrats found a way to improve roads. Now their gas tax goes before voters as prices soar
Read full article: Oregon Democrats found a way to improve roads. Now their gas tax goes before voters as prices soarA referendum on Oregon's primary ballot seeking to repeal a Democratic gas tax increase is complicating the affordability message central to the party's midterm election strategy.
Rejecting church and state separation is on the wish list for Trump's religious liberty commission
Read full article: Rejecting church and state separation is on the wish list for Trump's religious liberty commissionPresident Donald Trump's Religious Liberty Commission is preparing to make recommendations after more than a year of hearings.
Tennessee redistricting plan splits Memphis neighbors and reshapes midterms as other states follow
Read full article: Tennessee redistricting plan splits Memphis neighbors and reshapes midterms as other states followA new congressional map in Tennessee splits the majority-Black city of Memphis into three districts.
Feds investigate Houston ISD for plans to separate students with disabilities
Read full article: Feds investigate Houston ISD for plans to separate students with disabilitiesHouston school administrators say the move would give children who need the support more focused attention. But the U.S. Department of Education worries the plan amounts to segregation.
Big Bend border wall plans canceled for national park after backlash, Border Patrol commissioner says
Read full article: Big Bend border wall plans canceled for national park after backlash, Border Patrol commissioner saysTexans across the political spectrum opposed wall construction in the national park. Now the agency’s plans include roadways and digital surveillance to monitor the rugged region.
In legal dispute over 'The View,' ABC argues Trump administration is trying to chill free speech
Read full article: In legal dispute over 'The View,' ABC argues Trump administration is trying to chill free speechABC is accusing the Trump administration of trying to chill free speech and hinder open political discussion.
Virginia Supreme Court strikes down Democrats' redrawn US House maps, giving Republicans a win
Read full article: Virginia Supreme Court strikes down Democrats' redrawn US House maps, giving Republicans a winThe Virginia Supreme Court has struck down a Democratic congressional redistricting plan that had won voter approval.
The Latest: Trump says a 3-day Russia-Ukraine ceasefire may be 'beginning of the end'
Read full article: The Latest: Trump says a 3-day Russia-Ukraine ceasefire may be 'beginning of the end'President Donald Trump says the leaders of Russia and Ukraine have agreed to his request for a three-day ceasefire and an exchange of prisoners.
By threatening public safety grants, Greg Abbott exerts control over Texas cities
Read full article: By threatening public safety grants, Greg Abbott exerts control over Texas citiesThe governor’s threats have produced quick wins on hot-button issues important to the GOP base – immigration and perceived threats posed by Islam.
Texas’ 35th Congressional District primary runoffs: Who is running and what to know
Read full article: Texas’ 35th Congressional District primary runoffs: Who is running and what to knowTwo Democrats and two Republicans advanced to May runoffs for the open San Antonio-area seat, which was drawn to favor the GOP yet is considered winnable for Democrats in a wave year.
In parched Texas, a state fund to boost water projects falls almost $3 billion short of demand
Read full article: In parched Texas, a state fund to boost water projects falls almost $3 billion short of demandTen water projects received initial approval to split $1.28 billion in state money this year, but 13 others didn’t make the cut — including one that may supply drought-stricken Corpus Christi.
Alabama lawmakers pass plan for new US House primary if courts allow different districts
Read full article: Alabama lawmakers pass plan for new US House primary if courts allow different districtsAlabama lawmakers have approved a plan for new U.S. House primaries if courts allow the state to use different congressional districts in this year’s elections.
Deported Texas DACA recipient returned to U.S. freed after detainment
Read full article: Deported Texas DACA recipient returned to U.S. freed after detainmentJosé Contreras Díaz, 30, was deported by ICE despite having valid DACA status. ICE returned him to the U.S. but detained him on April 29 after he landed in Texas.
Federal drug raid near downtown Los Angeles spotlights public safety concerns during mayor's race
Read full article: Federal drug raid near downtown Los Angeles spotlights public safety concerns during mayor's raceA major federal raid around a park near downtown Los Angeles known for homeless encampments and out-in-the-open drug use came just as voters began selecting their next mayor.
Texas agency that inspects jails doesn’t go far to find its new director
Read full article: Texas agency that inspects jails doesn’t go far to find its new directorRicky Armstrong had been interim director of the Texas Commission on Jail Standards, which monitors county lockups that mainly hold people awaiting trial, since February.
What to know about the federal rule that Texans have used to mail in abortion pills
Read full article: What to know about the federal rule that Texans have used to mail in abortion pillsIn 2023, the Food and Drug Administration started allowing mifepristone to be delivered by mail. The federal courts are deciding whether to pull that permission.
US will start revoking passports for thousands of parents who owe child support, AP learns
Read full article: US will start revoking passports for thousands of parents who owe child support, AP learnsThe State Department will begin revoking the U.S. passports of thousands of parents who owe a significant amount of unpaid child support.
The Latest: US military says it intercepted Iranian attacks on 3 Navy ships in Strait of Hormuz
Read full article: The Latest: US military says it intercepted Iranian attacks on 3 Navy ships in Strait of HormuzThe U_S_ military says it intercepted Iranian attacks on three Navy ships in the Strait of Hormuz and “targeted Iranian military facilities responsible for attacking U_S_ forces."
Gas power leapfrogs wind for first time in 10 years in Texas’ grid connection queue
Read full article: Gas power leapfrogs wind for first time in 10 years in Texas’ grid connection queueData centers are largely driving the sudden rise in natural gas power projects on the waiting list to connect to Texas' grid.
Texas Republicans have a data center problem
Read full article: Texas Republicans have a data center problemData center construction is unpopular among locals, and a majority of the facilities are being proposed in red, rural counties. That puts Texas Republicans in a tough spot, as the White House has encouraged states to let the centers flourish.
Justice Department can keep 2020 election ballots seized from Georgia’s Fulton County, judge rules
Read full article: Justice Department can keep 2020 election ballots seized from Georgia’s Fulton County, judge rulesThe federal government doesn't have to return the 2020 election ballots from Georgia’s Fulton County that were seized by the FBI from a warehouse near Atlanta.
Pearland’s rapid growth brings historic political shift with election of first Black mayor
Read full article: Pearland’s rapid growth brings historic political shift with election of first Black mayorPearland has changed dramatically over the past two decades, growing from a fast-developing suburb into one of the most diverse cities in the Houston area.
Texas Tech cautions broadcasting research restrictions to prospective students
Read full article: Texas Tech cautions broadcasting research restrictions to prospective studentsExperts worry graduate students will learn too late about university’s ban on research work related to sexual orientation and gender identity.
Texas GOP senate race neck-and-neck as new poll gives Paxton slight edge
Read full article: Texas GOP senate race neck-and-neck as new poll gives Paxton slight edgeA new survey from the University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs shows a tight Republican primary runoff for U.S. Senate in Texas, with Attorney General Ken Paxton holding a slim lead over incumbent Sen. John Cornyn just weeks before voters head to the polls.
Shipping firms are being whipsawed by changing stances and risks as they wait for Hormuz to reopen
Read full article: Shipping firms are being whipsawed by changing stances and risks as they wait for Hormuz to reopenWith hundreds of vessels still stuck in the Persian Gulf and costs piling up, shipping companies are being whipsawed by uncertainty over how and when the Strait of Hormuz might reopen more than two months into the Iran war.
World Cup hotel bookings short of expectations in Texas amid anti-U.S. sentiment abroad
Read full article: World Cup hotel bookings short of expectations in Texas amid anti-U.S. sentiment abroadA recent survey of hoteliers in the Dallas area and Houston found anticipated demand is not translating into strong hotel bookings less than 40 days from the start of the tournament.
FBI searches Virginia Senate leader's office as part of corruption probe, AP sources say
Read full article: FBI searches Virginia Senate leader's office as part of corruption probe, AP sources sayThe FBI has searched the Democratic Virginia state Senate leader’s hometown office and her neighboring cannabis shop.
Trump's success at purging Republican dissenters may not help in midterm elections
Read full article: Trump's success at purging Republican dissenters may not help in midterm electionsThe primary election results in Indiana have shown how President Donald Trump can punish Republican lawmakers who defy him.
More green, less steel: Laredo proposes alternative border fencing for Rio Grande waterfront
Read full article: More green, less steel: Laredo proposes alternative border fencing for Rio Grande waterfrontLaredo is working with federal officials to minimize the disruptions a potential wall could pose.
Texas’ 33rd Congressional District Democratic runoff: Who is running and what to know
Read full article: Texas’ 33rd Congressional District Democratic runoff: Who is running and what to knowThe primary between predecessor and successor arose from a combination of redistricting and Allred’s move to exit the U.S. Senate race to make way for Rep. Jasmine Crockett.
For many Americans, Trump's immigration crackdown is personal, new AP-NORC poll shows
Read full article: For many Americans, Trump's immigration crackdown is personal, new AP-NORC poll showsA new AP-NORC poll finds about 6 in 10 U.S. adults say the country is no longer a great place for immigrants, though they believe it used to be.
Texas lawmakers repeatedly failed to pass flood protections. Some could have saved lives.
Read full article: Texas lawmakers repeatedly failed to pass flood protections. Some could have saved lives.Dozens of bills were rejected over nearly 60 years, ProPublica and The Texas Tribune found. Some measures would have prohibited youth camps and new construction in high-risk flood areas.
Southern Republicans press ahead with election-year redistricting of US House despite protests
Read full article: Southern Republicans press ahead with election-year redistricting of US House despite protestsRepublicans are rapidly pursuing redistricting efforts across the South following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that affects majority-Black congressional districts.
Texas lifts safety rule enacted after deadly flood, clearing the way for some summer camps to reopen
Read full article: Texas lifts safety rule enacted after deadly flood, clearing the way for some summer camps to reopenNineteen camps had sued over a regulation that required fiber optic connectivity. An agreement with the state allows sites to operate with other broadband internet service.
Corpus Christi to begin talks on privately built desalinization plant
Read full article: Corpus Christi to begin talks on privately built desalinization plantA new Houston company hopes to build a $1.3 billion facility in the area and wants the city, which is on the brink of a water crisis, to commit to 30 years of purchases.
Dan Patrick picks sides in Texas attorney general, Railroad Commission GOP runoffs
Read full article: Dan Patrick picks sides in Texas attorney general, Railroad Commission GOP runoffsThe lieutenant governor endorsed state Sen. Mayes Middleton over U.S. Rep. Chip Roy for the Republican attorney general nod. And he backed Railroad Commissioner Jim Wright over challenger Bo French.
Trump administration sues Denver over its 1989 assault weapons ban
Read full article: Trump administration sues Denver over its 1989 assault weapons banThe Trump administration has filed a lawsuit against Denver and its police department seeking to strike down an assault weapons ban that’s been in place for Colorado’s largest city since 1989.
The Presidential Physical Fitness Award is back as Trump revives annual fitness test in US schools
Read full article: The Presidential Physical Fitness Award is back as Trump revives annual fitness test in US schoolsPresident Donald Trump is reviving the Presidential Physical Fitness Award as he reintroduces a competitive physical fitness test in America's schools.