Watch: Virtual one-on-one interview with Vicente Fox for Texas Tribune Festival
Read full article: Watch: Virtual one-on-one interview with Vicente Fox for Texas Tribune FestivalThe former president of Mexico sat down for a virtual interview with Berenice Garcia, Rio Grande Valley reporter for The Texas Tribune.
Supreme Court’s map ruling sends Texas Democrats toward potential primaries, retirement or higher office bids
Read full article: Supreme Court’s map ruling sends Texas Democrats toward potential primaries, retirement or higher office bidsHouston Democrats are barreling toward a primary while North Texas Democrats await Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s Senate decision.
How will Texas’ voter-approved $3 billion dementia fund fare in court
Read full article: How will Texas’ voter-approved $3 billion dementia fund fare in courtIn 2023, Texas overcame lawsuits that sought to prevent constitutional amendments from going into effect, but one that voters approved in 2021 is still blocked.
If Texas measles outbreak is still spreading, U.S. could lose measles-free status, scientists say
Read full article: If Texas measles outbreak is still spreading, U.S. could lose measles-free status, scientists sayOne study estimates that an outbreak the size of the one in West Texas earlier this year costs about $12.6 million.
Supreme Court lets Texas keep new congressional map while legal battle continues
Read full article: Supreme Court lets Texas keep new congressional map while legal battle continuesThe ruling is a major win for the Trump administration and Texas Republicans, who engineered the map to give the GOP control of 30 of the state’s 38 congressional districts.
Running water will finally reach West Odessa thanks to $17 million from state lawmakers
Read full article: Running water will finally reach West Odessa thanks to $17 million from state lawmakersThe Legislature approved $600 million for standalone improvements, but one advocate worried the increase in direct spending undermines the Texas Water Development Board’s process.
TribCast: Did Texas quietly help with its child care crisis?
Read full article: TribCast: Did Texas quietly help with its child care crisis?In this week's episode, Matthew and Eleanor speak with K-12 education reporter Jaden Edison and early learning advocate David Feigen about the shortage of affordable child care in Texas.
Donald Trump to pardon Texas Democrat Henry Cuellar
Read full article: Donald Trump to pardon Texas Democrat Henry CuellarCuellar had faced a dozen charges of bribery, money laundering and conspiracy. On Wednesday, he filed for reelection as a Democrat, quieting speculation that he migh switch parties.
Kerr County was among dozens of Texas communities to turn down state flood money, saying it wasn’t enough
Read full article: Kerr County was among dozens of Texas communities to turn down state flood money, saying it wasn’t enoughTexas earmarked $1.4 billion to help fund flood prevention projects. But after learning that so many communities turned down the money, two lawmakers who approved the program acknowledged it was flawed.
Texas removes women and minorities from Historically Underutilized Business program for state contracts
Read full article: Texas removes women and minorities from Historically Underutilized Business program for state contractsThe program will now only be eligible for service-disabled veterans. It will be called Veteran Heroes United in Business.
Texas will unveil its newest state park with a guided hike on New Year’s Day
Read full article: Texas will unveil its newest state park with a guided hike on New Year’s DayPalo Pinto Mountains State Park in North Texas will open sometime next year. Visitors can reserve spots for a sneak peek on New Year’s Day.
Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina launches run for Congress, seeking to flip South Texas district red
Read full article: Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina launches run for Congress, seeking to flip South Texas district redNational GOP recruiters see Webb County’s top elected official as a promising candidate to unseat longtime U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar in 2026.
How Texas’ law banning DEI, LGBTQ+ topics in K-12 schools could fare in court
Read full article: How Texas’ law banning DEI, LGBTQ+ topics in K-12 schools could fare in courtCases challenging Florida and federal policies provide a glimpse into the possible outcome for the Texas case. It is scheduled for a court hearing in Houston on Dec. 10.
Texas is restricting the bathrooms trans people can use in government buildings. Here’s how the law works.
Read full article: Texas is restricting the bathrooms trans people can use in government buildings. Here’s how the law works.The “bathroom bill” doesn’t provide guidance for how government agencies, schools and universities should ensure people use facilities matching their sex assigned at birth.
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.
Texas proposes hiking licensing fees for summer camps by as much as 4000%
Read full article: Texas proposes hiking licensing fees for summer camps by as much as 4000%Some Texas overnight summer camps may start paying as much as $19,500 per year to renew their license with the state. Currently, they pay $464.
A West Texas county wants to better prepare for floods. Paying for it will be tricky.
Read full article: A West Texas county wants to better prepare for floods. Paying for it will be tricky.Ector County has boomed since the 1970s, when the drainage system was last updated. Officials hope state and federal funds will help pay for the update despite some grant programs ending under the Trump administration.
A slate of new Texas laws go into effect December and January. Here’s what to watch.
Read full article: A slate of new Texas laws go into effect December and January. Here’s what to watch.Laws include restricting transgender people’s access to public bathrooms, allowing lawsuits against abortion pill providers, and replacement of the STAAR test.
Texas hoped $100 million would help more families pay for child care. Here’s why it didn’t.
Read full article: Texas hoped $100 million would help more families pay for child care. Here’s why it didn’t.Increased costs in food and payroll at child care centers effectively wiped out the one-time investment state lawmakers approved earlier this year, a new report found.
Texas summer camp owners brace for more mental health issues among youth
Read full article: Texas summer camp owners brace for more mental health issues among youthMental health experts expect the July 4 floods have resulted in post-traumatic stress disorder, unhealthy hypervigilance and recurring thoughts on disasters among campers.
Head of Texas’ largest business organization accused of sexual assault in lawsuit
Read full article: Head of Texas’ largest business organization accused of sexual assault in lawsuitAn unidentified woman on Monday sued Glenn Hamer, Texas Association of Business president and CEO, alleging he sexually harassed and assaulted her, then retaliated when she rejected his advances.
Texas is getting far less in federal money for broadband expansion than expected
Read full article: Texas is getting far less in federal money for broadband expansion than expectedRural leaders who have worked years to improve broadband access said they were disappointed by the sharp decrease in federal dollars.
Supreme Court temporarily restores Texas’ new congressional map
Read full article: Supreme Court temporarily restores Texas’ new congressional mapThe administrative ruling is a first step before the court decides whether to pause the use of the 2025 map, drawn to increase GOP seats in the U.S. House, for the rest of the legal battle.
Abbott, Republican lawmakers’ comments cited in court order overturning Texas’ congressional gerrymander
Read full article: Abbott, Republican lawmakers’ comments cited in court order overturning Texas’ congressional gerrymanderJudge Jeffrey Brown pointed to comments from the governor and GOP legislators as the basis for his ruling that the new map can’t be used in 2026.
After blocking redistricting map, Judge Jeffrey Brown draws fire from Texas Republicans who once praised him
Read full article: After blocking redistricting map, Judge Jeffrey Brown draws fire from Texas Republicans who once praised himUntil being labeled as the "radical left," Brown was widely supported by Texas Republicans, including Gov. Greg Abbott, who previously hired him as his clerk. Abbott called the ruling “clearly erroneous.”
Texas Republicans started a national redistricting arms race. They may be losing.
Read full article: Texas Republicans started a national redistricting arms race. They may be losing.With Texas’ new map blocked by a federal court, California Democrats are emerging victorious — though the Supreme Court has yet to weigh in.
What’s next after a court blocked Texas’ gerrymandered maps
Read full article: What’s next after a court blocked Texas’ gerrymandered mapsThe state is expected to ask the U.S. Supreme Court to temporarily pause the ruling, which would allow Texas to use the more recent map while the appeal plays out.
A small Texas think tank cultivated COVID dissidents. Now they’re running U.S. health policy.
Read full article: A small Texas think tank cultivated COVID dissidents. Now they’re running U.S. health policy.People with ties to Brownstone Institute have significant authority over access to vaccines and scientific research.
Federal court blocks Texas from using new congressional gerrymander in 2026 midterms
Read full article: Federal court blocks Texas from using new congressional gerrymander in 2026 midtermsThe decision is a major blow for Republicans, in Texas and nationally, who pushed through the mid-decade redistricting at the behest of President Donald Trump. Attorney General Ken Paxton said he would appeal.
Islamic group sues after Gov. Greg Abbott directs DPS to investigate them
Read full article: Islamic group sues after Gov. Greg Abbott directs DPS to investigate themThe CAIR Legal Defense Fund and another group claim the governor's proclamation identifying them as terrorists “is defamatory and finds no basis in law or fact."
Why some Texas teachers are being forced to “deadname” trans students under a new state law
Read full article: Why some Texas teachers are being forced to “deadname” trans students under a new state lawThe law requires school employees to use names and pronouns that conform to students’ sex at birth.
Former Alamo Trust President Kate Rogers sues over exit
Read full article: Former Alamo Trust President Kate Rogers sues over exitRogers resigned from her position after Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick criticized a 2023 dissertation in which she asserted the importance of Indigenous people’s history at the Alamo.
Trump administration considers moving FEMA to Texas and tapping state’s top emergency official, report says
Read full article: Trump administration considers moving FEMA to Texas and tapping state’s top emergency official, report saysAccording to Politico, federal officials could relocate the agency here and tap Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd to lead it.
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.
Texas National Guard troops to be recalled from Illinois soon, according to reports
Read full article: Texas National Guard troops to be recalled from Illinois soon, according to reportsSeveral media outlets, quoting anonymous federal officials, reported that hundreds of Texas troops could be coming home soon from the Chicago area after their activation was halted by a federal court.
Joaquin Castro on why a Democratic Senate logjam stopped him from running for AG
Read full article: Joaquin Castro on why a Democratic Senate logjam stopped him from running for AGThe San Antonio Democrat said at The Texas Tribune Festival that he hoped to form a statewide slate with Colin Allred, Beto O’Rourke and James Talarico, but the group couldn’t find consensus.
Democrats “defined everything by identity,” Pete Buttigieg says in critique of his party
Read full article: Democrats “defined everything by identity,” Pete Buttigieg says in critique of his partyThe former U.S. transportation secretary said the Democratic Party should focus more on issues gripping the country, such as health care and housing affordability.
Texas still needs a plan for its growing water supply issues, experts say
Read full article: Texas still needs a plan for its growing water supply issues, experts sayPanelists at The Texas Tribune Festival shared their opinions on what the state should do after voters approved a historic investment in water infrastructure.
Former Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan says he’s “not a MAGA Republican” and couldn’t carry Trump’s agenda
Read full article: Former Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan says he’s “not a MAGA Republican” and couldn’t carry Trump’s agendaAt a Texas Tribune Festival event on Thursday, the Beaumont Republican said his opposition to Trump and his agenda informed his decision to give up the speaker’s gavel last year.
Texas House Democrats say they are keeping their options open for speaker in 2027
Read full article: Texas House Democrats say they are keeping their options open for speaker in 2027Speaking at the Texas Tribune Festival, Democratic Rep. Donna Howard acknowledged that Republicans have unified around Speaker Dustin Burrows to the point that he “may not need us” to retain the gavel.
Fresh off defeating state THC ban, Texas hemp industry faces wipeout under federal deal to end shutdown
Read full article: Fresh off defeating state THC ban, Texas hemp industry faces wipeout under federal deal to end shutdownThe issue roiled Texas politics earlier this year when Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed a ban on THC products spearheaded by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.
How building a new hospital cost this rural Texas town a place to deliver babies
Read full article: How building a new hospital cost this rural Texas town a place to deliver babiesOlney Hamilton Hospital joins the nearly 60% of rural Texas hospitals that do not deliver babies, leaving large swaths of the state without a nearby place to give birth.
Former state Rep. Chris Paddie fined $105,500 for violating revolving door lobbying law
Read full article: Former state Rep. Chris Paddie fined $105,500 for violating revolving door lobbying lawThe Marshall Republican began lobbying less than two years after donating campaign funds to other state lawmakers, according to a Texas Ethics Commission order.
Texas lawmakers say colleges have to balance free speech with duty to keep discourse civil
Read full article: Texas lawmakers say colleges have to balance free speech with duty to keep discourse civilLegislative panels were created after Republican leaders criticized students mocking or celebrating conservative activities Charlie Kirk’s death.
Tarrant County GOP Chair Bo French announces run for Texas Railroad Commission
Read full article: Tarrant County GOP Chair Bo French announces run for Texas Railroad CommissionFrench will face commission Chair Jim Wright in the Republican primary. The three-person panel is in charge of the agency that oversees Texas’ oil and gas industry.
Older Texans among those facing the largest price hikes for Affordable Care Act insurance
Read full article: Older Texans among those facing the largest price hikes for Affordable Care Act insuranceAbout 1 million Texans with ACA health plans are over the age of 45, and many of them will pay monthly premiums that are more than $1,000.
Cash-strapped Texas city defies AG warning not to raise taxes
Read full article: Cash-strapped Texas city defies AG warning not to raise taxesCiting a new state law, Attorney General Ken Paxton told four cities to cancel planned tax hikes. But La Marque leaders say their tax increase is critical to keeping the city afloat financially.
Pro-gambling interests struggling to gain foothold in Texas after Senate special election loss
Read full article: Pro-gambling interests struggling to gain foothold in Texas after Senate special election lossJohn Huffman was the best-funded candidate in the Senate District 9 special election thanks to casino interests, but failed to make the runoff. Gambling proponents still have millions more to spend on Texas races.
Texas Sens. Cornyn, Cruz vote for funding deal to end government shutdown
Read full article: Texas Sens. Cornyn, Cruz vote for funding deal to end government shutdownIf approved by the House, the agreement would fund the government through the end of January, with certain agencies funded through September, including those that provide food assistance.
AG Ken Paxton sues Texas Latino civic group, alleging ‘unlawful voter registration scheme’
Read full article: AG Ken Paxton sues Texas Latino civic group, alleging ‘unlawful voter registration scheme’The nonprofit Jolt, which was targeted by Paxton in 2024, said it is again asking the court to dismiss the "meritless" lawsuit.
Dan Patrick calls for DPS to investigate Texas Southern University over financial mismanagement findings
Read full article: Dan Patrick calls for DPS to investigate Texas Southern University over financial mismanagement findingsState Auditor Lisa Collier said university staff vacancies for “critical” financial responsibilities have contributed to delays in financial reporting, as well as poor asset oversight and weak contracting processes.
Heart O’ the Hills summer camp moving away from Guadalupe River after July 4 flood
Read full article: Heart O’ the Hills summer camp moving away from Guadalupe River after July 4 floodHeart O’ the Hills Camp for Girls will construct new facilities out of the Guadalupe River floodplain, according to its new operators Elisabeth and John Hay.
Gov. Greg Abbott launches reelection campaign for fourth term
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott launches reelection campaign for fourth termAbbott framed his campaign as a means to keep Texas as a conservative bastion, touting efforts to lower property taxes, bolster education and strengthen public safety.
“You woke us up”: California Gov. Gavin Newsom, energized by Prop 50 redistricting win, thanks Texas
Read full article: “You woke us up”: California Gov. Gavin Newsom, energized by Prop 50 redistricting win, thanks TexasThe Democrat took a victory lap on rival Gov. Greg Abbott’s home turf Saturday and called on other blue states to push back on a GOP effort to retain control of the U.S. House.
Rep. Al Green switches congressional districts in bid for reelection
Read full article: Rep. Al Green switches congressional districts in bid for reelectionThe veteran lawmaker whose current district was redrawn to benefit Republicans would face the winner of the 18th Congressional District special election runoff.
Longtime GOP state Rep. John Smithee of Amarillo will not see reelection
Read full article: Longtime GOP state Rep. John Smithee of Amarillo will not see reelectionSmithee has represented the Panhandle in the Texas House for 40 years. He ran for speaker last year and most recently served as chair of the criminal jurisprudence committee.
Dan Patrick pledges $1 million in campaign funds to install Turning Point USA at every Texas college and high school
Read full article: Dan Patrick pledges $1 million in campaign funds to install Turning Point USA at every Texas college and high schoolTurning Point USA was founded by the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Texas sues Roblox, alleging the online gaming platform endangers children
Read full article: Texas sues Roblox, alleging the online gaming platform endangers childrenTexas is the third state to sue the platform, alongside dozens of private plaintiffs who say Roblox didn’t do enough to protect their kids from sexually explicit content.
Will Texas actually run out of water? Your questions about the state’s water supply answered.
Read full article: Will Texas actually run out of water? Your questions about the state’s water supply answered.You asked our AI chatbot about Texas’ water supply. We answered some of the questions that it couldn’t.
Texas voters said no to property tax hikes this week, as Republican leaders signal more cuts ahead
Read full article: Texas voters said no to property tax hikes this week, as Republican leaders signal more cuts aheadEven voters in Austin, one of the state’s most liberal cities, shot down a measure to raise property taxes.
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.
“We don’t know what we’re going to eat”: Texans are still waiting for November SNAP benefits
Read full article: “We don’t know what we’re going to eat”: Texans are still waiting for November SNAP benefitsAlthough the federal government has said it will deposit half of November benefits, Texans are still unsure when money will land in their accounts.
Texas voters poised to approve stricter bail rules in state Constitution
Read full article: Texas voters poised to approve stricter bail rules in state ConstitutionUnder Proposition 3, judges will be required to deny bail for certain violent offenses if the state demonstrates that doing so is necessary to ensure public safety or the defendant’s appearance in court.
TribCast: The neediest Texans are feeling the pain of the government shutdown
Read full article: TribCast: The neediest Texans are feeling the pain of the government shutdownTexas Tribune reporters Terri Langford and Gabby Birenbaum join the Tribcast to discuss how Texans are coping with the loss of SNAP benefits, chaos at airports and rising health care premiums amid partisan fighting in Washington.
Democrat Rehmet, Republican Wambsganss head to runoff in special election for North Texas Senate seat
Read full article: Democrat Rehmet, Republican Wambsganss head to runoff in special election for North Texas Senate seatWith the GOP vote fractured between Wambsganss and another Republican, Rehmet led the three-person contest for the red-leaning district.
Texas sent $223 million to rural communities to fix water infrastructure after 2023 election
Read full article: Texas sent $223 million to rural communities to fix water infrastructure after 2023 electionTexas voters will decide Tuesday whether the state should continue spending $1 billion a year to secure the state’s water supply. Part of that investment will be spent to find new water supply.
Texas cities grapple with order to remove rainbow crosswalks as state deadline approaches
Read full article: Texas cities grapple with order to remove rainbow crosswalks as state deadline approachesAt the direction of Gov. Greg Abbott, state transportation officials told local leaders to remove crosswalk art often used to mark historically LGBTQ+ neighborhoods or risk losing millions in funding.
Judicial conduct ballot proposal would expand Abbott’s growing influence over courts
Read full article: Judicial conduct ballot proposal would expand Abbott’s growing influence over courtsProposition 12 would allow the governor to appoint a majority of the commission that disciplines judges, as Abbott condemns “activist judges.”
New York judge dismisses Ken Paxton’s legal challenge in abortion pills case
Read full article: New York judge dismisses Ken Paxton’s legal challenge in abortion pills caseThe Texas attorney general wanted a New York court to enforce a civil judgment against a doctor accused of prescribing abortion pills. The suit was a test of New York’s “shield law.”
Texas put its chief financial officer in charge of school vouchers. Here’s what you need to know.
Read full article: Texas put its chief financial officer in charge of school vouchers. Here’s what you need to know.The Texas comptroller holds tremendous power over the program, including choosing which companies the state will pay millions to help manage it. Voters will decide who runs the agency next year.
Texas freezes program to help minority-owned businesses
Read full article: Texas freezes program to help minority-owned businessesThe state comptroller’s office said it would stop issuing or renewing certifications under the Historically Underutilized Business program. Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock said it was the latest step toward ending DEI in Texas.
Texas Democrats urge Gov. Greg Abbott to direct emergency funds to address the looming food crisis
Read full article: Texas Democrats urge Gov. Greg Abbott to direct emergency funds to address the looming food crisisDemocrats say Abbott has used his authority during COVID-19, the Uvalde shooting and border operations to free up emergency funds.
Many Texans will pay more for ACA health insurance. Here’s what to know about open enrollment.
Read full article: Many Texans will pay more for ACA health insurance. Here’s what to know about open enrollment.The federal marketplace’s health insurance premiums will cost more for many people. Enrollment runs Nov. 1 to Jan. 15.
Explosion of data centers causes planning struggles for Texas power grid
Read full article: Explosion of data centers causes planning struggles for Texas power gridAs companies look to build projects that consume more power than cities, the state’s grid manager is trying to plan how to provide enough electricity to meet the demand.
Majority of Texans oppose National Guard deployment to cities out of state, poll finds
Read full article: Majority of Texans oppose National Guard deployment to cities out of state, poll findsAt President Trump’s direction, Gov. Greg Abbott authorized the deployment of hundreds of troops to Illinois to “safeguard” U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.