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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
‘Classic unfunded mandate’: San Antonio school districts reveal costs of new seat belt requirements
Read full article: ‘Classic unfunded mandate’: San Antonio school districts reveal costs of new seat belt requirementsTexas wants all school buses to have 3-point seat belts by 2029-30. But the price tag is high for local districts also facing budget challenges.
Texas’ 18th Congressional District Democratic runoff: Who is running and what to know
Read full article: Texas’ 18th Congressional District Democratic runoff: Who is running and what to knowThe Democratic runoff for the Houston-based seat — a longtime bastion of Black political power — pits the Texas delegation’s newest member, Christian Menefee, against one of its longest-tenured, Al Green.
Texans can continue to mail-order abortion pills for now, Supreme Court says
Read full article: Texans can continue to mail-order abortion pills for now, Supreme Court saysThe 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that mifepristone must be obtained in person, a decision the country’s highest court has temporarily blocked.
UNT approves buyouts for professors, faculty as it tackles budget shortfalls
Read full article: UNT approves buyouts for professors, faculty as it tackles budget shortfallsA drop in international student enrollment and state funding contributed to financial woes at the University of North Texas. Other state colleges face similar challenges.
Dan Patrick eyes closing “gambling loophole” for prediction markets. The feds stand in Texas’ way.
Read full article: Dan Patrick eyes closing “gambling loophole” for prediction markets. The feds stand in Texas’ way.A Trump administration agency has sued other states that sought to regulate Kalshi, Polymarket and other prediction operations under their gambling laws.
ICE warrants were central to Abbott’s immigration dispute with Texas cities. Here’s how they work.
Read full article: ICE warrants were central to Abbott’s immigration dispute with Texas cities. Here’s how they work.Unlike criminal warrants, ICE administrative warrants don’t require approval from an independent judge. ICE defends the practice, but legal experts say they can have errors and risk wrongful detention.
Once thriving, Laredo’s growth stalls under Trump’s immigration crackdown
Read full article: Once thriving, Laredo’s growth stalls under Trump’s immigration crackdownThe city's economic growth has taken a dip, falling short of expectations amid a steep decline in international migration, among other factors.
A Houston ISD exec tapped for Beaumont schools superintendent during its second state takeover
Read full article: A Houston ISD exec tapped for Beaumont schools superintendent during its second state takeoverFormer Houston school administrators now work as superintendents or key executives in three districts under Texas’ control. This is Beaumont’s second state intervention in recent years.
Texas inmate James Broadnax faces Thursday execution amid final appeal arguing he wasn’t the shooter
Read full article: Texas inmate James Broadnax faces Thursday execution amid final appeal arguing he wasn’t the shooterThe death row inmate has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to halt his execution, pointing to a codefendant’s confession in the shooting death of two people.
Texas DACA recipient will be allowed to return after Trump administration deported him
Read full article: Texas DACA recipient will be allowed to return after Trump administration deported himJosé Contreras Diaz, 30, was arrested earlier this year during an immigration-related appointment and missed his son’s birth. He was deported to Honduras, the country he left when he was 8.
Camp Mystic director apologizes to families of campers, counselors who died in flood
Read full article: Camp Mystic director apologizes to families of campers, counselors who died in flood“I think about the night of the flood every moment of every day,” Edward Eastland said at a committee hearing Tuesday. “We tried our hardest that night and it wasn’t enough to save your daughters.”
Texas wants to ban in-home ketamine and add more physician oversight during treatment
Read full article: Texas wants to ban in-home ketamine and add more physician oversight during treatmentKetamine industry leaders say Texas Medical Board’s proposal to require physician supervision or limit treatments to two people at a time will force clinics to close.
Poor preparation doomed Camp Mystic victims, investigator tells Texas lawmakers in harrowing account
Read full article: Poor preparation doomed Camp Mystic victims, investigator tells Texas lawmakers in harrowing accountThe summer camp hadn’t prepared counselors and staff with adequate emergency training, an evacuation plan or flood preparedness supplies, the investigator concluded.
Texas agency finds Camp Mystic emergency plan insufficient
Read full article: Texas agency finds Camp Mystic emergency plan insufficientThe camp has 45 days to revise its plan as it aims to reopen for campers this summer. Other youth camps also had deficiencies to correct in their plans, according to the agency that must review them.
Texas police can arrest people suspected of entering country illegally, federal court rules
Read full article: Texas police can arrest people suspected of entering country illegally, federal court rulesThe conservative 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the plaintiffs lacked standing to challenge Senate Bill 4, the 2023 law that lets state police arrest people suspected of entering the country illegally.
Texas child abuse investigations over gender-affirming care no longer blocked
Read full article: Texas child abuse investigations over gender-affirming care no longer blockedThe Texas Supreme Court lifted temporary injunctions protecting three families and members of PFLAG, Inc., after CPS cases were dropped.
Texas lieutenant governor Democratic runoff: Who is running and what to know
Read full article: Texas lieutenant governor Democratic runoff: Who is running and what to knowThe lieutenant governor’s office is one of the most powerful in Texas government, and the 2026 race features a Democratic runoff between Vikki Goodwin and Marcos Velez.
Austin, Dallas revise police policy allowing more ICE cooperation after Abbott funding cut threat
Read full article: Austin, Dallas revise police policy allowing more ICE cooperation after Abbott funding cut threatAustin, which on Friday became the third city to revise similar policies, had $2.5 million in public safety grants at risk before receiving a deadline extension to make the changes.
Texas’ foster care system is more likely to move children away from their communities
Read full article: Texas’ foster care system is more likely to move children away from their communitiesIn 2025, one in three children placed in foster care was sent to a different region, sometimes hundreds of miles away, a Texas Tribune analysis of state data shows.
Houston City Council approves gutting policy limiting ICE cooperation, civil rights groups say
Read full article: Houston City Council approves gutting policy limiting ICE cooperation, civil rights groups sayIn contrast to the civil rights groups’ assessment, Houston’s city attorney told council members that the amendment — crafted by the mayor’s staff and the governor’s office — brings no major changes.
Michael and Susan Dell become UT Austin’s first $1 billion donors
Read full article: Michael and Susan Dell become UT Austin’s first $1 billion donorsThe couple’s latest $750 million investment will help build a new Austin medical center that will provide specialized care, such as MD Anderson cancer treatment, and integrate AI into care.
Testing finds toxic metals where Tesla lithium refinery discharges wastewater in South Texas
Read full article: Testing finds toxic metals where Tesla lithium refinery discharges wastewater in South TexasThe drainage district that commissioned the testing has sent a cease-and-desist letter to the company, which says it is in compliance with all requirements for its state wastewater discharge permit.
Low-producing oil wells linger for years, causing headaches for Texas landowners
Read full article: Low-producing oil wells linger for years, causing headaches for Texas landownersJackie Chesnutt, who lives outside San Angelo, is tired of pollution from nearly inactive wells. Experts say Texas rules allow companies to defer plugging wells for far too long.
Cryptocurrency industry is on track to surpass 2024 spending on Texas midterm races
Read full article: Cryptocurrency industry is on track to surpass 2024 spending on Texas midterm racesSo far this year, cryptocurrency PACs have spent more than $2.5 million on Texas congressional candidates, up from $1 million in 2024.
Trump taps Texas’ top public health official as CDC chief medical officer
Read full article: Trump taps Texas’ top public health official as CDC chief medical officerJennifer Shuford, an infectious disease physician who oversaw the country’s largest measles outbreak in 30 years, is among a slate of CDC nominations with no apparent ties to the anti-vaccine movement.
Texas grid operator forecasts massive growth in demand, but says data is likely flawed
Read full article: Texas grid operator forecasts massive growth in demand, but says data is likely flawedThe Electric Reliability Council of Texas reported that peak energy demand could quadruple by 2032, but cautioned that its estimate is likely too high and must be revised.
Three dozen Texas Democrats urge Kendall Scudder not to seek reelection as state party chair
Read full article: Three dozen Texas Democrats urge Kendall Scudder not to seek reelection as state party chairIn an open letter, former staffers and other insiders said the state party has fallen short on strategy and failed to act with urgency under Scudder’s leadership.
Conversion therapy is legal. Therapists are torn on whether this will help LGBTQ+ Texans.
Read full article: Conversion therapy is legal. Therapists are torn on whether this will help LGBTQ+ Texans.The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled conversion therapy is free speech. Some LGBTQ+ advocates say the ruling applies to gender-affirming therapy, too, while others say the courts won’t protect them.
Gov. Greg Abbott threatens $200 million in funding from major Texas cities over ICE policies
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott threatens $200 million in funding from major Texas cities over ICE policiesThe governor’s letters to Austin, Dallas and Houston say the state will pull back state grants because of local policies that deter police from fully cooperating with immigration officials.
Texas oil and gas regulator Wayne Christian peddles oil-backed crypto coin
Read full article: Texas oil and gas regulator Wayne Christian peddles oil-backed crypto coinGovernment watchdogs raised conflict-of-interests concerns, but Christian said his involvement in the venture is “separate” from his elected position on the Railroad Commission.
Texas cities try to address citizen anger over immigration crackdown without riling state leaders
Read full article: Texas cities try to address citizen anger over immigration crackdown without riling state leadersFor much of President Donald Trump’s second term, Texas city leaders have avoided opposing his immigration crackdown, but that’s changing — and sparking tensions with the state.
Houston to consider repealing ordinance limiting its ICE cooperation amid state funding threat, investigation
Read full article: Houston to consider repealing ordinance limiting its ICE cooperation amid state funding threat, investigationGov. Greg Abbott’s office told Houston Mayor John Whitmire Monday that the state will withdraw $110 million in funding if the city doesn’t axe the ordinance.
Tesla’s Gigafactory water use surges in Austin as new chip plant looms
Read full article: Tesla’s Gigafactory water use surges in Austin as new chip plant loomsTesla’s Giga Texas water use jumped more than 200 million gallons — by about 60% — in two years, as massive chip plant proposal raises concerns about Austin’s strained supply.
Texas Tech discipline against law student over alleged Charlie Kirk comments stands after court ruling
Read full article: Texas Tech discipline against law student over alleged Charlie Kirk comments stands after court rulingUniversity officials issued a written reprimand for the alleged comments. The lawsuit argues Texas Tech violated her free speech rights.
Portrayals of Islam and people of color dominate discussion in Texas’ social studies rewrite
Read full article: Portrayals of Islam and people of color dominate discussion in Texas’ social studies rewriteThe State Board of Education approved an early draft of social studies changes, setting up a vote in June that will determine how students learn history over the next decade.
Texas Tech System leader cancels academic programs “centered on” sexual orientation, gender identity
Read full article: Texas Tech System leader cancels academic programs “centered on” sexual orientation, gender identityChancellor Brandon Creighton directed provosts to phase out the programs and ordered universities to recognize only “two human sexes.”
Texas’ ban on sodas, candies for SNAP benefits troubles diabetics and hypoglycemics
Read full article: Texas’ ban on sodas, candies for SNAP benefits troubles diabetics and hypoglycemicsSome Texans on SNAP say the ban on using food stamps to buy sugary drinks and candy prevents quick fixes to low blood sugar conditions.
Here’s how to cast a ballot in Texas’ May 2 local elections
Read full article: Here’s how to cast a ballot in Texas’ May 2 local electionsIn-person early voting runs from April 20-28. The last day to apply to cast a ballot by mail is April 20. Read more about who qualifies for that option, which is limited in Texas, in our guide.
Texas education board gives preliminary OK to required reading list that includes Bible material
Read full article: Texas education board gives preliminary OK to required reading list that includes Bible materialThe board will have multiple opportunities to revise the list before a final vote in June. Before recent changes, the proposal’s length, lack of diversity and Christian focus received criticism.
ProPublica and The Texas Tribune name five newsroom partners for investigative initiative
Read full article: ProPublica and The Texas Tribune name five newsroom partners for investigative initiativeBig Bend Sentinel, the Houston Chronicle, KRIS 6 News in Corpus Christi, KXAN Investigates in Austin and the Texas Observer will report on state and federal efforts to restrict local control.
Record oil production in West Texas helps stabilize U.S. supply amid Iran war
Read full article: Record oil production in West Texas helps stabilize U.S. supply amid Iran warProduction in West Texas has helped the U.S. stabilize its demand for foreign oil amid the Iran war, despite drilling fewer oil wells.
Texas 2026 election: Here’s who’s on your ballot in the May 26 primary runoff
Read full article: Texas 2026 election: Here’s who’s on your ballot in the May 26 primary runoffThe Republican and Democratic primary runoffs are May 26. See the full list of statewide candidates, as well as local races that will be on your ballot.
Texas summer camps sue to block new internet rule, saying it threatens their ability to operate
Read full article: Texas summer camps sue to block new internet rule, saying it threatens their ability to operateA group of 19 camps said fiber-optic internet that lawmakers ordered them to install after last year's floods is too expensive or impossible to get.
Democrats seek to pause Texas’ social studies revamp over $70K grant from conservative think tank
Read full article: Democrats seek to pause Texas’ social studies revamp over $70K grant from conservative think tankThe Texas Public Policy Foundation awarded the grant to Schreiner University’s Texas Center, which is led by a historian guiding the state in its social studies revision.
Dan Patrick says Republicans will “have a tough time” holding Texas House majority in November
Read full article: Dan Patrick says Republicans will “have a tough time” holding Texas House majority in NovemberThe lieutenant governor’s remarks are the latest sign that Republicans are worried about the fall midterms. The GOP has controlled the state House since 2003 and currently has an 88-62 advantage.
Amid license review, Camp Mystic being investigated by Texas Rangers and state health officials
Read full article: Amid license review, Camp Mystic being investigated by Texas Rangers and state health officialsCamp Mystic filed to renew its license in March. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has repeatedly urged state officials to reject the application.
Hours after statewide ban is reinstated, smokeable hemp is back on Texas shelves, court rules
Read full article: Hours after statewide ban is reinstated, smokeable hemp is back on Texas shelves, court rulesAfter a dizzying string of court actions on smokeable hemp this week, Texas 15th Court of Appeals agreed to allow the sale of the drug until May 14.
Texas expected to pay $700 million in penalties to the feds for SNAP errors by 2027
Read full article: Texas expected to pay $700 million in penalties to the feds for SNAP errors by 2027The federal government is penalizing states for having a high error rate in their payments to food stamp recipients.
Texas students urge education board to focus on inclusion over politics in social studies overhaul
Read full article: Texas students urge education board to focus on inclusion over politics in social studies overhaulStudents, parents and teachers say Texas’ new social studies plan feels rushed and will exclude key perspectives and historical events.
After 1,700 Sundays preaching outside and under bridges, a Central Texas pastor retires
Read full article: After 1,700 Sundays preaching outside and under bridges, a Central Texas pastor retiresUrban minister Jimmy Dorrell bade farewell Sunday to his outdoor Waco congregation after baptizing a dozen people in the chilly waters of the Middle Bosque River.
These Texans want better schools for Black students. They disagree on vouchers as the answer.
Read full article: These Texans want better schools for Black students. They disagree on vouchers as the answer.One Black Texan sees education savings accounts as an escape from a burning house. Another fears they threaten a robust public school system.
This state agency was created to investigate Texas universities. How that works is a mystery.
Read full article: This state agency was created to investigate Texas universities. How that works is a mystery.Office of the Ombudsman has no written policies on how to investigate allegations that education laws are being broken, even though it’s been accepting complaints for three months.
Texas attorney general’s office under scrutiny for letting donors use hotel room bookings
Read full article: Texas attorney general’s office under scrutiny for letting donors use hotel room bookingsThe attorney general’s office reallocated taxpayer-funded rooms to donors and other private citizens, some of whom initially failed to cover the cost of the stay.
At least 175 measles cases reported in Texas this year, most of them in West Texas Detention Facility
Read full article: At least 175 measles cases reported in Texas this year, most of them in West Texas Detention FacilityTexas has added 28 more measles cases in the last two weeks. Most infections so far this year have occurred inside West Texas Detention Facility in Hudspeth County.
Judge allows Attorney General Ken Paxton to withdraw from representing comptroller’s office in voucher case
Read full article: Judge allows Attorney General Ken Paxton to withdraw from representing comptroller’s office in voucher caseThe Houston federal judge said Paxton’s office can pull out of the case as soon as acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock finds new lawyers. The unusual request comes amid a bubbling feud between the two Republicans.
Texas is cutting undocumented immigrants off from school, work and driving
Read full article: Texas is cutting undocumented immigrants off from school, work and drivingThe sweeping rule changes, all enacted outside the typical legislative process, have upended life for noncitizens, including those who are here legally.
White Texans, students previously in private school or home-school make up bulk of voucher applicants
Read full article: White Texans, students previously in private school or home-school make up bulk of voucher applicantsThe demographic breakdown of applicants shows Texas’ voucher program will likely not reflect the diversity of Texas public school students.
AI-aligned super PACs are pouring millions into Texas congressional races
Read full article: AI-aligned super PACs are pouring millions into Texas congressional racesGroups funded by artificial intelligence industry leaders have spent more than $2.8 million in the state, mostly on U.S. House GOP candidates who favor a light regulatory touch.
Texas will launch its own clinical trials into ibogaine psychedelic after failing to find a drug company to help
Read full article: Texas will launch its own clinical trials into ibogaine psychedelic after failing to find a drug company to helpThe state’s effort will get a boost from the federal government thanks to a new executive order from President Donald Trump.
Texas judge rejects push to let churches make political endorsements
Read full article: Texas judge rejects push to let churches make political endorsementsA group of Texas churches and the IRS agreed to nix the Johnson Amendment, which prohibits nonprofits from endorsing candidates. A Trump-appointed judge said no.
TribCast: Assessing the rollout of Texas school vouchers
Read full article: TribCast: Assessing the rollout of Texas school vouchersIn this week’s episode, hosts Matthew and Eleanor talk with Tribune K-12 education reporter Jaden Edison about who in Texas applied for school vouchers and why Muslim schools were shut out of the program.
Hardline conservative donors Tim Dunn, Farris Wilks ballooned Bo French’s Railroad Commission campaign
Read full article: Hardline conservative donors Tim Dunn, Farris Wilks ballooned Bo French’s Railroad Commission campaignTim Dunn and Farris Wilks made their fortune in the oil business. They’ve deployed millions of dollars to pull the Texas GOP and Legislature toward their hardline stances.
Thousands of Texas students lose college credits when transferring. Here are pitfalls to avoid.
Read full article: Thousands of Texas students lose college credits when transferring. Here are pitfalls to avoid.Early planning and paying attention to which classes are relevant for their major can help students save time and money.
Federal trial over air conditioning in Texas prisons starts with dispute over alleged heat-related deaths
Read full article: Federal trial over air conditioning in Texas prisons starts with dispute over alleged heat-related deathsThe plaintiffs are asking for the entire Texas prison system to be air-conditioned by the end of 2029 in a trial that is expected to last two weeks.
“Don’t take me to the hospital”: Undocumented immigrants in Texas are delaying medical care
Read full article: “Don’t take me to the hospital”: Undocumented immigrants in Texas are delaying medical careSince Gov. Greg Abbott ordered Texas hospitals to start asking patients for their citizenship status in November 2024, reported visits by undocumented immigrants have dropped.
Strict schedules, long days, high pay: What Waco schools can expect from new charter operator
Read full article: Strict schedules, long days, high pay: What Waco schools can expect from new charter operatorThe Waco school district is expected to be the latest to contract with the charter operator founded by Mike Miles, the state-appointed superintendent of Houston schools.
How a 27-year-old upstart unseated longtime Texas House Democrat Chris Turner
Read full article: How a 27-year-old upstart unseated longtime Texas House Democrat Chris TurnerJunior Ezeonu, a Grand Prairie City Council member, defeated Turner in the Democratic primary, becoming the representative-elect for the southeast Tarrant County House district.
After Minnesota scandal, Texas reviewed its child care spending. It found little fraud.
Read full article: After Minnesota scandal, Texas reviewed its child care spending. It found little fraud.An investigation ordered by Gov. Greg Abbott found that less than half a percent of federal money spent on child care scholarships in Texas was considered “improper.”
Speaker Dustin Burrows lists data centers, property taxes and annexing slice of New Mexico among 2027 priorities
Read full article: Speaker Dustin Burrows lists data centers, property taxes and annexing slice of New Mexico among 2027 prioritiesThe Republican speaker’s interim charges also covered water resources, foreign threats and government accountability.