BREAKING NEWS
Will lawmakers let Texas’ maternal mortality committee review abortion deaths?
Read full article: Will lawmakers let Texas’ maternal mortality committee review abortion deaths?The Legislature is considering bills that would lift long-standing restrictions on how Texas’ panel can investigate maternal deaths and near-misses.
House GOP campaign chairman says voters will 'reward us' for the Trump-Musk DOGE cuts
Read full article: House GOP campaign chairman says voters will 'reward us' for the Trump-Musk DOGE cutsThe chairman of the House Republican campaign committee is already predicting his party will pick up seats in the midterm election that are some 20 months away.
As many top Democrats stay silent on Cuomo mayoral run, an accuser feels betrayed
Read full article: As many top Democrats stay silent on Cuomo mayoral run, an accuser feels betrayedLindsey Boylan helped drive Andrew Cuomo from office in 2021 when the former aide came forward as the first woman to accuse the governor of sexual harassment.
Trump's address to Congress showed the country's stark partisan divide
Read full article: Trump's address to Congress showed the country's stark partisan divideA president’s address to Congress — even without the formal gloss of a State of the Union address — is typically a time for a call to national unity and predictable claims about the country being strong.
Texas Democrats criticize school leaders for being too “nice” about their funding needs
Read full article: Texas Democrats criticize school leaders for being too “nice” about their funding needsLawmakers this week listened to testimony on House Bill 2, which would raise schools’ base funding per student by $220 — a figure that falls short of what many Texans say is needed.
Democrats seek to probe Musk conflicts and DOGE firings with resolutions of inquiry in the House
Read full article: Democrats seek to probe Musk conflicts and DOGE firings with resolutions of inquiry in the HouseDemocrats on the House Oversight Committee are introducing two resolutions demanding the Trump administration turn over information about billionaire adviser Elon Musk’s potential conflicts of interest and firing of federal workers.
Bill to ban trans athletes from girls' and women's sports teams fails to advance in Senate
Read full article: Bill to ban trans athletes from girls' and women's sports teams fails to advance in SenateThe Senate has rejected legislation aiming to bar transgender women and girls from participating in school athletic competitions designated for female athletes.
House GOP pushes 'big' budget resolution to passage, a crucial step toward delivering Trump's agenda
Read full article: House GOP pushes 'big' budget resolution to passage, a crucial step toward delivering Trump's agendaHouse Republicans have muscled their budget blueprint to passage, with a push from President Donald Trump.
Young Democratic social media star, frustrated by campaigns, sees another path to turn Texas blue
Read full article: Young Democratic social media star, frustrated by campaigns, sees another path to turn Texas blueOlivia Julianna, 22, loves politics but hates the in-fighting she sees in too many Democratic campaigns in the state.
Democrats channel their outrage over DOGE, Ukraine and more in marathon Senate session
Read full article: Democrats channel their outrage over DOGE, Ukraine and more in marathon Senate sessionThe budget resolution from Republicans was on the agenda in the Senate, but the nearly all-night debate encompassed so much more.
Trump's former personal lawyer defends him at a Senate hearing and decries 'partisan lawfare'
Read full article: Trump's former personal lawyer defends him at a Senate hearing and decries 'partisan lawfare'President Donald Trump’s former personal attorney, Todd Blanche, criticized the criminal cases against the Republican as “partisan lawfare” during his confirmation hearing to become the No. 2 Justice Department official.
Secrecy preceded the shutdown of the consumer protection agency's Washington headquarters
Read full article: Secrecy preceded the shutdown of the consumer protection agency's Washington headquartersPresident Donald Trump’s budget chief has sent an email to consumer protection agency employees telling them to stop working.
Musk team’s access to student loan systems raises alarm over borrowers' personal information
Read full article: Musk team’s access to student loan systems raises alarm over borrowers' personal informationDemocrats are opposing Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency as it turns its attention to the Education Department, with lawmakers raising questions about DOGE’s access to internal systems containing personal information on tens of millions of Americans.
Democratic senators protest after they say Trump gives Musk's staff access to classified info
Read full article: Democratic senators protest after they say Trump gives Musk's staff access to classified infoDemocrats on the Senate Intelligence Committee are demanding answers after they say President Donald Trump gave Elon Musk's staff access to sensitive and classified government information.
Texas bill that lets families use tax dollars for private schools swiftly sails through Senate
Read full article: Texas bill that lets families use tax dollars for private schools swiftly sails through SenateSenate Bill 2 now heads to the House, where top officials say they have the support to create education savings accounts.
State senator believes Houston ISD’s $2-million bond initiative was ‘electioneering’
Read full article: State senator believes Houston ISD’s $2-million bond initiative was ‘electioneering’Less than 24 after KPRC 2 Investigates exposed whether the Houston Independent School District did everything by the book regarding last November’s $4 billion bond, one Texas State Senator already is saying that he believes state law was broken.
Pennsylvania governor seeks more money for schools and transit, but relies heavily on surplus cash
Read full article: Pennsylvania governor seeks more money for schools and transit, but relies heavily on surplus cashPennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro will seek more money for public schools and public transit in his new budget proposal to lawmakers.
Texans split on immigration amid Trump’s policy push, survey reveals
Read full article: Texans split on immigration amid Trump’s policy push, survey revealsIn January 2025, a University of Houston survey of 1,200 Texans revealed mixed opinions on immigration policies under President Trump's intensified measures.
Justice Department drops criminal proceedings against Trump co-defendants in classified records case
Read full article: Justice Department drops criminal proceedings against Trump co-defendants in classified records caseThe Justice Department has abandoned all criminal proceedings against President Donald Trump’s two co-defendants in the classified documents case against him in Florida, foreclosing the chance the case against them could ever be revived.
Conservatives clinch longtime goal of booting Democrats from leadership ranks in Texas House
Read full article: Conservatives clinch longtime goal of booting Democrats from leadership ranks in Texas HouseConservative activists in the GOP caucus called any power sharing with the minority party a betrayal of Republican voters.
Senate passes immigrant detention bill that could be the first measure Trump signs into law
Read full article: Senate passes immigrant detention bill that could be the first measure Trump signs into lawThe Senate has passed a bill that would require federal authorities to detain migrants accused of theft and violent crimes.
Texas Democrats hope to benefit after boosting Dustin Burrows to House speaker
Read full article: Texas Democrats hope to benefit after boosting Dustin Burrows to House speakerThe Democrats’ short list of possible benefits: A leader who learned to keep promises, a chance at chairing committees, and what they see as more chances for a fairer playing field.
Rep. Mihaela Plesa survived a heated GOP challenge. Here’s how she thinks Democrats can prevail.
Read full article: Rep. Mihaela Plesa survived a heated GOP challenge. Here’s how she thinks Democrats can prevail.Plesa, a Dallas Democrat, said the party should embrace bipartisanship, and start talking about economic issues.
Trump has pressed for voting changes. GOP majorities in Congress will try to make that happen
Read full article: Trump has pressed for voting changes. GOP majorities in Congress will try to make that happenRepublicans in Congress plan to move quickly in their effort to overhaul the nation’s voting procedures, seeing an opportunity with control of the White House and both chambers of Congress.
Senate passes RFK Stadium land bill, giving the Washington Commanders a major off-the-field win
Read full article: Senate passes RFK Stadium land bill, giving the Washington Commanders a major off-the-field winThe Washington Commanders' path to returning to nation's capital is clear after an on-again, off-again saga in Congress ended with a late reprieve.
A power grab by Republicans in North Carolina becomes a referendum on democracy in the states
Read full article: A power grab by Republicans in North Carolina becomes a referendum on democracy in the statesDemocrats in North Carolina were celebrating big wins in the swing state after the November election, including victories for governor and other top statewide offices.
Trump's words of opposition stop a bipartisan budget deal in its tracks with Musk's help
Read full article: Trump's words of opposition stop a bipartisan budget deal in its tracks with Musk's helpPresident-elect Donald Trump has delivered a likely death blow to bipartisan congressional budget negotiations.
Trump sues Des Moines Register, pollster for 'election interference' after pre-election poll
Read full article: Trump sues Des Moines Register, pollster for 'election interference' after pre-election pollPresident-elect Donald Trump is accusing the Des Moines Register newspaper and its pollster of “brazen election interference” for publishing a poll the weekend before the election that showed Democrat Kamala Harris was leading by three percentage points in the midwestern state.
Americans end 2024 with grim economic outlook, but Republicans are optimistic for 2025: AP-NORC poll
Read full article: Americans end 2024 with grim economic outlook, but Republicans are optimistic for 2025: AP-NORC pollA new poll finds that Democrats are feeling more pessimistic about the U.S. economy after Donald Trump's victory.
A new Texas GOP rule could alter the House speaker’s race — and ban some Republicans from appearing in primaries
Read full article: A new Texas GOP rule could alter the House speaker’s race — and ban some Republicans from appearing in primariesRepublicans who vote against party leaders’ preferred candidate could be barred from running in primaries. Lawsuits could follow.
Manchin, Sinema prevent Democrats from locking in majority on labor board through 2026
Read full article: Manchin, Sinema prevent Democrats from locking in majority on labor board through 2026Senate Democrats failed in their bid to confirm a Democratic member of the National Labor Relations Board after the Senate rejected a razor-thin vote that hinged on the pivotal rejections of independent Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona.
Election Day has long passed. In some states, legislatures are working to undermine the results
Read full article: Election Day has long passed. In some states, legislatures are working to undermine the resultsVoters in some parts of the country are discovering that having their say at the ballot box is not necessarily the final word, even though this year's election was over a month ago.
Houston Rep. Gene Wu to lead Texas House Democrats through GOP-dominated legislative session
Read full article: Houston Rep. Gene Wu to lead Texas House Democrats through GOP-dominated legislative sessionWu defeated incumbent Trey Martinez Fischer on Thursday to become the next chair of the Texas House Democratic Caucus.
Democrats stick with Schumer as leader. Their strategy for countering Trump is far less certain
Read full article: Democrats stick with Schumer as leader. Their strategy for countering Trump is far less certainSenate Democrats reelected Chuck Schumer as party leader on Tuesday as the party moves into a deeply uncertain time, with no real consensus on a strategy as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office.
Wisconsin Democratic leader Ben Wikler enters the race to lead the national party
Read full article: Wisconsin Democratic leader Ben Wikler enters the race to lead the national partyBen Wikler, chair of the Democratic Party in Wisconsin, says he's joined the race to lead the national party after an election that swept Donald Trump and Republicans to power in Washington.
Democrat Derek Tran defeats GOP Rep. Michelle Steel in Southern California swing House district
Read full article: Democrat Derek Tran defeats GOP Rep. Michelle Steel in Southern California swing House districtDemocrat Derek Tran has defeated two-term Republican U.S. Rep. Michelle Steel in a Southern California House district that was specifically drawn to give Asian Americans a stronger voice on Capitol Hill.
"Somebody needs to get fired": Vicente Gonzalez blasts Dem strategy on abortion, trans issues
Read full article: "Somebody needs to get fired": Vicente Gonzalez blasts Dem strategy on abortion, trans issuesAfter Democrats underperformed nationally and in Texas, the McAllen Democrat had some sharp commentary for his party and said he won't be taking their advice.
Democrats plan to elect new party leader just days after Trump's inauguration
Read full article: Democrats plan to elect new party leader just days after Trump's inaugurationThe chair of the Democratic National Committee has informed party leaders that the organization will elect his successor just days after Donald Trump is inaugurated.
Why Democrats’ abortion messaging failed to resonate in Texas, despite unpopular bans
Read full article: Why Democrats’ abortion messaging failed to resonate in Texas, despite unpopular bansTexas’ strict abortion bans made it “ground zero” for Democrats hoping to rile up their base, but voters prioritized economic issues.
Virginia Democrats advance efforts to protect abortion, voting rights, marriage equality
Read full article: Virginia Democrats advance efforts to protect abortion, voting rights, marriage equalityDemocratic lawmakers who wield control of the Virginia Legislature are hoping to make good on promises made on the campaign trail, including becoming the first Southern state to expand constitutional protections for abortion access.
Lawmakers prepare for final lame-duck sprint before making way for next Congress
Read full article: Lawmakers prepare for final lame-duck sprint before making way for next CongressCongress has a short but important to-do list as lawmakers return to Washington this coming week for what is known as a lame-duck session.
Young Black and Latino men say they chose Trump because of the economy and jobs. Here's how and why
Read full article: Young Black and Latino men say they chose Trump because of the economy and jobs. Here's how and whyBlack and Latino voters moved toward Republican Donald Trump in this year's presidential election, and some of the biggest shifts were among men under age 45, and that helped expand his margin over Democrat Kamala Harris.
Texas Democratic Party chair steps down after dismal election performance
Read full article: Texas Democratic Party chair steps down after dismal election performanceGilberto Hinojosa’s resignation ends a 12-year run leading the state party, dating back to his election at the 2012 Texas Democratic Convention.
Texas Democrats underperformed yet again. Now what?
Read full article: Texas Democrats underperformed yet again. Now what?Tuesday was another electoral blowout in which Democrats underperformed expectations, weakening their case that Texas is a battleground state worthy of investment and attention from the national party.
Texas voter turnout falls in 2024 election despite record registration numbers
Read full article: Texas voter turnout falls in 2024 election despite record registration numbersA historic 18.6 million Texans were registered to vote in the 2024 election, and 61% cast ballots, a nearly 6% drop from the 2020 presidential race.
Why AP called the Wisconsin Senate race for Tammy Baldwin
Read full article: Why AP called the Wisconsin Senate race for Tammy BaldwinThe Associated Press declared that Democratic incumbent Tammy Baldwin won reelection to the U.S. Senate from Wisconsin after it determined that Republican Eric Hovde wouldn’t be able to take the lead once the remaining untabulated ballots were counted.
Republicans win Tarrant County, moving local government further to the right
Read full article: Republicans win Tarrant County, moving local government further to the rightFormer state Rep. Matt Krause’s win may push the commissioners court even further away from the bipartisanship on which it once prided itself.
Should Harris County have federal monitors on Election Day?
Read full article: Should Harris County have federal monitors on Election Day?Some state officials are pushing back on what they’re calling “the Department of Justice’s attempt to interfere with Texas Elections," while others argue it will ensure "fair and accurate" results.
North Carolina's historically Black colleges are mobilizing for Nov. 5, tapping an activist history
Read full article: North Carolina's historically Black colleges are mobilizing for Nov. 5, tapping an activist historyNorth Carolina's 10 historically Black colleges are going all out to get their nearly 40,000 students to vote.
In complaint, Ted Cruz says Democrats broke campaign finance laws to help Colin Allred
Read full article: In complaint, Ted Cruz says Democrats broke campaign finance laws to help Colin AllredCruz alleged that national Democrats illegally exceeded contribution limits when it spent more than $10 million for television ads in Texas benefiting Allred campaign.
Beyoncé endorses Kamala Harris while Donald Trump vows border crackdown in dueling Texas stops
Read full article: Beyoncé endorses Kamala Harris while Donald Trump vows border crackdown in dueling Texas stopsHarris talked about reproductive rights to a stadium full of supporters in Houston. In Austin, Trump stumped to supporters and reporters at a private jet terminal and appeared on Joe Rogan’s podcast.
Democrats invest $5 million to try to defeat Republican Ted Cruz in Texas Senate race
Read full article: Democrats invest $5 million to try to defeat Republican Ted Cruz in Texas Senate raceDemocrats backing Rep. Colin Allred’s bid to defeat Texas Sen. Ted Cruz are investing $5 million in an ad campaign focused on abortion.
Democrats invest $5 million to try to defeat Republican Ted Cruz in Texas Senate race
Read full article: Democrats invest $5 million to try to defeat Republican Ted Cruz in Texas Senate raceDemocrats backing Rep. Colin Allred’s bid to defeat Texas Sen. Ted Cruz are investing $5 million in an ad campaign focused on abortion.
In New York, a constitutional amendment provides election fodder for the left and the right
Read full article: In New York, a constitutional amendment provides election fodder for the left and the rightDemocrats pushed to get a constitutional amendment on New York’s ballot this November because they believed it could energize liberals eager to protect abortion rights.
Five races for the Republican-dominated State Board of Education to watch this year
Read full article: Five races for the Republican-dominated State Board of Education to watch this yearRevising the social studies curriculum could be among the divisive issues the Texas State Board of Education tackles next year.
Here are the Texas House races that Democrats and Republicans think they can flip
Read full article: Here are the Texas House races that Democrats and Republicans think they can flipDemocrats — riding a wave of enthusiasm sparked by Kamala Harris’ nomination — think they can flip just enough House seats to stop Republicans from passing school vouchers.
Republicans raise $1 million targeting South Texas House races as Democrats invest elsewhere
Read full article: Republicans raise $1 million targeting South Texas House races as Democrats invest elsewhereDemocrats have long held an edge in South Texas, but Republicans see an opening there to expand their House majority.
Republicans are more likely than Democrats to see Israel as a US ally: AP-NORC poll
Read full article: Republicans are more likely than Democrats to see Israel as a US ally: AP-NORC pollA new Pearson Institute/AP-NORC survey finds Republicans are more likely to see Israel as an ally that shares the U.S.'s interests and values, while Democrats are more likely to see Israel as a partner that doesn’t share U.S. interests and values.

Feds charge NYC mayor with selling his influence to foreign nationals. He says he won't resign
Read full article: Feds charge NYC mayor with selling his influence to foreign nationals. He says he won't resignNew York City Mayor Eric Adams has vowed to stay in office after federal prosecutors unsealed an indictment accusing him of letting Turkish officials and businesspeople buy his influence with illegal campaign contributions and lavish overseas trips.
Last original member of Kool & the Gang to represent group at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Read full article: Last original member of Kool & the Gang to represent group at the Rock & Roll Hall of FameAfter fueling so many other people’s parties, it will be time for Kool & the Gang to themselves finally celebrate when they are inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame next month in Cleveland.
Trump allies make another push to change Nebraska's Electoral College law
Read full article: Trump allies make another push to change Nebraska's Electoral College lawA top Donald Trump ally is pressuring Nebraska Republicans to award all of their state’s Electoral College votes to the statewide winner, a late-stage rule change that would potentially help return Trump to the White House.
Liz Cheney says Dick Cheney will vote for Kamala Harris, and she will support Democrat Colin Allred in Texas Senate race
Read full article: Liz Cheney says Dick Cheney will vote for Kamala Harris, and she will support Democrat Colin Allred in Texas Senate raceLiz Cheney endorsed Allred at The Texas Tribune Festival Friday.
Eight Texas independent voters share how they're sizing up the candidates heading into November
Read full article: Eight Texas independent voters share how they're sizing up the candidates heading into NovemberAmong independents, men lean toward Trump and women to Harris, according to polling. We talk to independents about the candidates they favor and the issues that matter to them.
State Rep. Shawn Thierry switches to GOP, says Democratic Party has “lost its way”
Read full article: State Rep. Shawn Thierry switches to GOP, says Democratic Party has “lost its way”The Houston Democrat lost her seat amid backlash from primary voters over her support for a GOP bill barring transition-related care for minors.
Trump calls for universal coverage of IVF treatment with no specifics on how his plan would work
Read full article: Trump calls for universal coverage of IVF treatment with no specifics on how his plan would workFormer President Donald Trump says that, if he wins a second term, he wants to make IVF treatment free for families.
After being denied a medically necessary abortion, Amanda Zurawski will do whatever it takes to beat Donald Trump
Read full article: After being denied a medically necessary abortion, Amanda Zurawski will do whatever it takes to beat Donald TrumpTwo years after a harrowing pregnancy where she was denied an abortion, the Texan has catapulted to being one of Democrats’ biggest messengers on reproductive rights.
Judge declines to order New York to include ‘abortion’ in description of ballot measure
Read full article: Judge declines to order New York to include ‘abortion’ in description of ballot measureA New York judge says he won’t force state election officials to tell voters that a proposed antidiscrimination amendment to the state’s constitution would protect abortion rights.
Jasmine Crockett at DNC says race is between career prosecutor and career criminal
Read full article: Jasmine Crockett at DNC says race is between career prosecutor and career criminalThe Dallas freshman congresswoman took to the national convention stage to ridicule former President Donald Trump and extol Vice President Kamala Harris.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo posts about bringing cat to DNC, appears to poke fun at Republican VP nominee JD Vance
Read full article: Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo posts about bringing cat to DNC, appears to poke fun at Republican VP nominee JD VanceHarris County Judge Lina Hidalgo is off to the Democratic National Convention and she isn’t going alone.
It’s not just South Texas. Republicans are making gains with Latino voters in big cities, too.
Read full article: It’s not just South Texas. Republicans are making gains with Latino voters in big cities, too.Republican gains among Latino voters in urban areas could spell big trouble for Democrats’ hopes of turning Texas blue.
Trump zigzags between economic remarks and personal insults at rally in critical Pennsylvania
Read full article: Trump zigzags between economic remarks and personal insults at rally in critical PennsylvaniaFormer President Donald Trump has repeatedly swerved from a message focused on the economy into non-sequiturs and personal attacks, including thrice declaring that he was better looking than Vice President Kamala Harris.
Harris to meet with Teamsters, but union president isn't invited to speak at Democratic convention
Read full article: Harris to meet with Teamsters, but union president isn't invited to speak at Democratic conventionTeamsters union members will host Vice President Kamala Harris for a roundtable discussion in the near future.
Border arrests drop 33% to a 46-month low in July after asylum restrictions take hold
Read full article: Border arrests drop 33% to a 46-month low in July after asylum restrictions take holdU.S. authorities say arrests for illegally crossing the border from Mexico plummeted 33% in July to the lowest level since September 2020, a result of asylum being temporarily suspended.
US consumer sentiment rises slightly on Democratic optimism over Harris' presidential prospects
Read full article: US consumer sentiment rises slightly on Democratic optimism over Harris' presidential prospectsA surge in optimism by Democrats over the prospects of Vice President Kamala Harris lifted U.S. consumer sentiment slightly this month.
Vance and Walz agree to a vice presidential debate on Oct. 1 hosted by CBS News
Read full article: Vance and Walz agree to a vice presidential debate on Oct. 1 hosted by CBS NewsMinnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Ohio Sen. JD Vance have agreed to debate each other on Oct. 1, setting up a matchup of potential vice presidents as early voting in some states gets underway for the general election.
Ruling: Fetus can be referred to as 'unborn human being' in Arizona abortion measure voter pamphlet
Read full article: Ruling: Fetus can be referred to as 'unborn human being' in Arizona abortion measure voter pamphletThe Arizona Supreme Court has ruled that an informational pamphlet for voters can refer to a fetus as an “unborn human being.”.
Harris campaign's new $90 million in battleground ads in August aims to sharpen contrast with Trump
Read full article: Harris campaign's new $90 million in battleground ads in August aims to sharpen contrast with TrumpKamala Harris’ presidential campaign is launching a $90 million advertising effort over the next three weeks to introduce the Democrat to voters and sharpen the contrast with Republican Donald Trump.
A proposed amendment lacks 1 word that could drive voter turnout: ‘abortion’
Read full article: A proposed amendment lacks 1 word that could drive voter turnout: ‘abortion’A proposed amendment to New York's constitution meant to protect abortion access is a crucial part of Democrats' plans to drive voter turnout in the state this fall and potentially flip vital congressional districts.
House Democrats dig in amid ongoing fight in Congress over compensation for US radiation victims
Read full article: House Democrats dig in amid ongoing fight in Congress over compensation for US radiation victimsA top Democrat in the U.S. House says it will take a shift of power in Congress to ensure that legislation is finally passed to extend and expand a compensation program for people exposed to radiation following uranium mining and nuclear testing carried out by the federal government.