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Court orders immigration officials to restore legal status of three people who came to Texas on student visas
Read full article: Court orders immigration officials to restore legal status of three people who came to Texas on student visasThe three former students went to UT-Arlington and UT-Dallas. While they have prevailed in court so far, many other international studentsā education futures remain uncertain.
Dan Patrick endorses Texas Houseās voucher plan, clearing path to final approval
Read full article: Dan Patrick endorses Texas Houseās voucher plan, clearing path to final approvalThe lieutenant governor proposes that the Texas Senate adopt the House bill, which would eliminate a negotiation over the two versions and cement the victory for supporters.
Texas hemp farmers fear full THC ban would nip industry in the bud
Read full article: Texas hemp farmers fear full THC ban would nip industry in the budAs lawmakers work to close loopholes that allow minors access to cannabis consumables, hemp farmers warn a total THC ban would strangle a once-hailed crop.
San Antonio lawmakers react to private school voucher program moving forward to Senate
Read full article: San Antonio lawmakers react to private school voucher program moving forward to SenateSan Antonio lawmakers explained how a $1 billion private school voucher program could impact South Texas.
In private school voucher push, Gov. Abbott breaks through by playing hardball
Read full article: In private school voucher push, Gov. Abbott breaks through by playing hardballAnti-voucher Republicans said they voted for the bill so they could fight to improve it, and also to fend off political retribution.
Bill would stop Texas oil drillers from secretly burying toxic waste on private property
Read full article: Bill would stop Texas oil drillers from secretly burying toxic waste on private propertyHouse Bill 4572 would introduce new requirements for pits where drillers bury oil and gas waste.
House Republicans refuse to pass ceremonial resolution honoring Cecile Richards
Read full article: House Republicans refuse to pass ceremonial resolution honoring Cecile RichardsNormally, memorial resolutions to honor Texans who have died are passed without controversy. But the resolution for Richards, a former president of Planned Parenthood who died this year, sparked a cascade of outrage from conservatives.
East Texans united to stop a water sale to Dallas suburbs ā for now
Read full article: East Texans united to stop a water sale to Dallas suburbs ā for nowAfter a deal to pipe water from Lake Oā the Pines to North Texas came to light, residents voiced opposition everywhere they could to block it.
In historic first, Texas House approves private school voucher program
Read full article: In historic first, Texas House approves private school voucher programThe bill would let families use taxpayer dollars for their childrenās private schooling. Lawmakers also signed off on a sweeping $7.7 billion package to boost public school funding.
UT-Rio Grande Valley students caught in nationwide sweep sue Homeland Security over immigration status
Read full article: UT-Rio Grande Valley students caught in nationwide sweep sue Homeland Security over immigration statusThe four students were involved in minor criminal cases that have been resolved, which they argue shouldnāt be used to justify ending their higher ed goals in Texas.
Texas bill increasing public school funding and teacher pay gets final House approval
Read full article: Texas bill increasing public school funding and teacher pay gets final House approvalThe lower chamber overwhelmingly voted in favor of House Bill 2, a sweeping $8 billion piece of legislation that would also limit schoolsā reliance on teachers without formal classroom training.
Texas law students warn that bill to quash āterrorist activityā in universities could trample free speech rights
Read full article: Texas law students warn that bill to quash āterrorist activityā in universities could trample free speech rightsThe bill would require universities to report any visa-holding students who support terrorism, but its vague language could be dangerous, civil rights groups say.
Texas House OKs bill that gives schools more latitude to discipline students
Read full article: Texas House OKs bill that gives schools more latitude to discipline studentsA last-minute amendment would require students to go to alternative education settings if they attack a teacher or make terroristic threats.
Sen. Mayes Middleton announces bid for Texas attorney general
Read full article: Sen. Mayes Middleton announces bid for Texas attorney generalMiddleton is the second Republican to join what is expected to be a growing field of candidates angling to succeed Attorney General Ken Paxton as the stateās top legal official.
Texas House approves push to award Attorney General Ken Paxton back pay
Read full article: Texas House approves push to award Attorney General Ken Paxton back payThe vote instructs lawmakers who are negotiating a budget with the Senate to advocate for awarding Paxton the salary he missed while impeached over corruption allegations.
Mayra Flores to challenge Henry Cuellar in the 28th District
Read full article: Mayra Flores to challenge Henry Cuellar in the 28th DistrictHours after the announcement, the Flores team said that the new candidate had been hospitalized and is now recovering. There were no details about her condition.
Texas House Democrats could hold GOP priorities hostage to force statewide school vouchers vote
Read full article: Texas House Democrats could hold GOP priorities hostage to force statewide school vouchers voteFrom The Blast: More than 50 House Democrats have signed on to a plan to spike all constitutional amendments unless the House allows voters to decide whether school vouchers will be legalized.
San Antonio ISD board approves pay increase for district employees
Read full article: San Antonio ISD board approves pay increase for district employeesOn Monday, the San Antonio Independent School District Board of Trustees approved a pay increase for all full-time permanent employees for the 2025-2026 academic year.
āThe Valley matters to usā: Texas Democratic Party leader makes first pitch to reclaim South Texas
Read full article: āThe Valley matters to usā: Texas Democratic Party leader makes first pitch to reclaim South TexasIn 2024, President Donald Trump won all four counties in the Rio Grande Valley, once considered a reliable Democratic stronghold.
Trump officials cut planning grant for Texas high-speed rail between Dallas and Houston
Read full article: Trump officials cut planning grant for Texas high-speed rail between Dallas and HoustonTransportation Secretary Sean Duffy said if the private sector wants the rail line, it should cover planning costs.
String of law enforcement suicides rattles first responders and exposes gaps in state support
Read full article: String of law enforcement suicides rattles first responders and exposes gaps in state supportFour people tied to the Harris County Sheriffās Office committed suicide recently, calling attention to ongoing mental health struggles among law enforcement.
Abbott gave Trump credit when Texas closed a border site for booking migrants. But arrests were already low.
Read full article: Abbott gave Trump credit when Texas closed a border site for booking migrants. But arrests were already low.Gov. Greg Abbott said Texas was able to close the Jim Hogg County facility because of Trumpās immigration policies. Records reveal that the reality is more nuanced.
The Texas Legislature is having big battles over gender and sexuality. Track them here.
Read full article: The Texas Legislature is having big battles over gender and sexuality. Track them here.Lawmakers are quietly pushing bills that would limit access to bathrooms and measures preventing trans people from changing government documents.
A message from our CEO, Sonal Shah
Read full article: A message from our CEO, Sonal ShahSince 2023, we have worked diligently to reach new audiences in Texas, increase trust in our work and expand into local news. At the end of this year, with a strong leadership team in place, I will be transitioning.
Meet the tent company making a fortune off Trumpās deportation plans
Read full article: Meet the tent company making a fortune off Trumpās deportation plansDeployed Resources, a privately held tent company, is set to operate a new ICE tent camp to hold people awaiting deportation in El Paso, Texas.
Five news organizations join Texas Tribune and ProPublica investigative initiative
Read full article: Five news organizations join Texas Tribune and ProPublica investigative initiativeEl Paso Matters, Fort Worth Report, Houston Chronicle, The Texas Newsroom and WFAA will join us to support accountability journalism in Texas.
To avoid a water crisis, Texas may bet big on desalination. Hereās how it works in El Paso.
Read full article: To avoid a water crisis, Texas may bet big on desalination. Hereās how it works in El Paso.Desalination can create millions of gallons of fresh water a day. But it is expensive and there are many environmental concerns.
Texas Republican lawmakers unwilling to change abortion laws to address doomed pregnancies
Read full article: Texas Republican lawmakers unwilling to change abortion laws to address doomed pregnanciesFor the first time since Texas outlawed nearly all abortions, lawmakers are clarifying the ālife of motherā exception. But they donāt plan to address cases where the fetus wonāt survive.
Bill to create a Texas Homeland Security Division passes state Senate
Read full article: Bill to create a Texas Homeland Security Division passes state SenateSenate Bill 36, a priority bill for Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, would create an office within the Department of Public Safety focused on immigration enforcement, organized crime and threats to state infrastructure.
Toilet to tap: El Paso is about to embark on a whole new way to save its limited water supply
Read full article: Toilet to tap: El Paso is about to embark on a whole new way to save its limited water supplyEl Pasoās dry climate ā it rains just 9 inches annually ā is one of the reasons the city has taken water management so seriously.
Texas Senate approves bill that could reshape how history and race are taught in state universities
Read full article: Texas Senate approves bill that could reshape how history and race are taught in state universitiesAn overhauled version of Senate Bill 37 would also allow anyone to file complaints that could lead schools to lose funds.
Sales tax receipts will be closely watched as Texas tracks economic jolt of tariffs
Read full article: Sales tax receipts will be closely watched as Texas tracks economic jolt of tariffsAs the Texas House prepares to vote on the budget, officials and other experts monitor national policy and state tax revenue.
More than 250 international studentsā immigration statuses revoked across Texas universities
Read full article: More than 250 international studentsā immigration statuses revoked across Texas universitiesThe people affected include a University of Houston professor from Korea who was teaching upper level math under a type of student visa that allows graduates to work in their field of study.
State offers specific measles guidance for 10 West Texas āoutbreakā counties
Read full article: State offers specific measles guidance for 10 West Texas āoutbreakā countiesState health officials added four more counties to what they consider āoutbreak areasā and advise those visiting or living in those counties to consult measles vaccination guidance for those areas.
Verifying hand-counted ballots in Texas elections may be easier under GOP bill
Read full article: Verifying hand-counted ballots in Texas elections may be easier under GOP billThe proposal would require counties who opt for hand counts to use ballots that can be scanned and tabulated by a voting machine.
Proposed Texas bill to end NDAs for child sex abuse cases passes House unanimously
Read full article: Proposed Texas bill to end NDAs for child sex abuse cases passes House unanimouslyA proposed bill that would make non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) for child sexual abuse cases (CSA) void and unenforceable has passed the Texas House, according to a spokesperson for the bill.
Push for Texas to weaken vaccine mandates persists as measles surge
Read full article: Push for Texas to weaken vaccine mandates persists as measles surgeMuch of the outbreak is concentrated in the districts of Texas House leaders, including Speaker Dustin Burrows. The crisis appears to have done little to change support for āvaccine choice.ā
Texas AG Ken Paxton officially joins U.S. Senate race challenging John Cornyn
Read full article: Texas AG Ken Paxton officially joins U.S. Senate race challenging John CornynThe attorney general positions himself as a disruptor against the Republican establishment embodied in the longtime Senate fixture.
15 Texas A&M international students might have quietly lost their ability to stay in the U.S.
Read full article: 15 Texas A&M international students might have quietly lost their ability to stay in the U.S.The Trump administration has said it has revoked the visas of more than 300 international students across the country in the last three weeks.
Renewable energy companies face little regulation in Texas. A state lawmaker wants to change that.
Read full article: Renewable energy companies face little regulation in Texas. A state lawmaker wants to change that.The legislation would put new requirements on wind and solar companies that oil and gas companies in Texas do not face.
National Democrats to target GOP Rep. Monica De La Cruzās South Texas district in 2026
Read full article: National Democrats to target GOP Rep. Monica De La Cruzās South Texas district in 2026The battlefield for both parties is again converging on South Texas, where De La Cruz scored one of the GOPās high-profile wins last year when she secured a second term.
Bipartisan support for Texas bill clarifying when doctors can perform an abortion shows early cracks
Read full article: Bipartisan support for Texas bill clarifying when doctors can perform an abortion shows early cracksWhile Democrats and abortion access advocates pushed to ensure pregnant women arenāt criminalized, some conservatives questioned whether this bill is needed.
Gov. Greg Abbott sets Nov. 4 special election to fill U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turnerās seat
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott sets Nov. 4 special election to fill U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turnerās seatThe decision to wait until November means a narrowly divided Congress will be down a Democratic representative for most of 2025.
Eagle Pass park reopens more than a year after the state seized it for border security
Read full article: Eagle Pass park reopens more than a year after the state seized it for border securityThe Texas Department of Public Safety and National Guard presence has largely disappeared from Shelby Park, which sits next to the Rio Grande.
Trump wants to dismantle the Education Department. That could hurt students with disabilities in Texas.
Read full article: Trump wants to dismantle the Education Department. That could hurt students with disabilities in Texas.In a state with a checkered history with federal special education law, advocates say Texas students will see an erosion of their disability rights protections.
The Rio Grande Valley was once covered in forest. One man is trying to bring it back.
Read full article: The Rio Grande Valley was once covered in forest. One man is trying to bring it back.The Tamaulipan thornforest once covered 1 million acres on both sides of the border with Mexico. Restoring even a fraction of it could help the region cope with the ravages of a warming world.
Attorney General Ken Paxtonās former aides win $6.6 million in whistleblower case
Read full article: Attorney General Ken Paxtonās former aides win $6.6 million in whistleblower casePaxton vowed to appeal the ābogus rulingā 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 havenāt 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 Paxtonās legal woes are lifting, clearing a path for a likely Senate run
Read full article: Ken Paxtonās 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 defendantās death in Louisiana prison, lawmakers unlikely to end reliance on out-of-state lockups
Read full article: Despite Texas defendantās 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.
The Dan Patrick Show: How to build an audience ā and political power
Read full article: The Dan Patrick Show: How to build an audience ā 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 stateās 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 stateās 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 senatorās embrace of the state party chair could neutralize a potential threat as Cornyn faces a challenging primary terrain.
Texas House committee expected to discuss school vouchers funding proposal on Thursday
Read full article: Texas House committee expected to discuss school vouchers funding proposal on ThursdayThe Committee on Public Education in the Texas House of Representatives is expected to hold a hearing on school vouchers sometime Thursday.
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 policyPaxtonās office launched an investigation into the districtās policy after an administrator was caught on tape discussing a possible loophole in the stateās ban.
āWater is the new oilā as Texas cities square off over aquifer pipeline plans
Read full article: āWater is the new oilā 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.
Texas superintendents hope bill curbs violence against teachers in classrooms
Read full article: Texas superintendents hope bill curbs violence against teachers in classroomsDozens of Texas superintendents met with lawmakers this month in Austin to back a bill some believe could curb violence against teachers in the classroom.
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 officialsā claim that school funding is at an all-time high ignores inflation and temporary federal money
Read full article: Texas officialsā claim that school funding is at an all-time high ignores inflation and temporary federal moneyA Tribune analysis also found the stateās 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 stateās investigation
Read full article: Lawyers for Houston-area midwife accused of illegal abortions condemn stateās investigationMaria Rojasā 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 arenāt given instructions and do not receive follow-up care.
Amid support from doctors group, bill to clarify Texasā abortion ban does little to save lives, critics say
Read full article: Amid support from doctors group, bill to clarify Texasā abortion ban does little to save lives, critics saySenate Bill 31 supporters say it would clarify when doctors should intervene to save a pregnant womanās 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 HealthPlanās CEO, whom lawmakers grilled about the companyās alleged hiring of private investigators, was reportedly fired after the inquiry was announced.
NY county clerk refuses to file Texasā fine for doctor accused of prescribing abortion pills
Read full article: NY county clerk refuses to file Texasā 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 stateās law by prescribing abortion medication via telemedicine.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says heāll push for special session if THC ban, bail changes fail
Read full article: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says heāll 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 doesnāt require air conditioning
Read full article: Federal judge rules prison heat conditions are unconstitutional, but doesnāt 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 Turnerās 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 Texasā House Bill 8 took effect, some schools have offered free tuition, grown dual credit programs or helped studentsā credits transfer when they move on to four-year schools.