BREAKING NEWS
Experts cast doubt on state’s report that undocumented immigrants cost Texas hospitals $122M in a month
Read full article: Experts cast doubt on state’s report that undocumented immigrants cost Texas hospitals $122M in a monthPolicy experts say undocumented immigrants' cost to hospitals is a small fraction of the total cost from uninsured Texans.
How the public's shift on immigration paved the way for Trump's crackdown
Read full article: How the public's shift on immigration paved the way for Trump's crackdownSince returning to the White House, President Donald Trump has launched an unprecedented campaign of immigration enforcement that has pushed the limits of executive power and clashed with federal judges trying to restrain him.
Gov. Abbott, lawmakers weigh in on bill that would bring back funding for stolen SNAP benefits
Read full article: Gov. Abbott, lawmakers weigh in on bill that would bring back funding for stolen SNAP benefitsA day after legislation was announced by Congressman Al Green that would bring back federal funding to replace stolen SNAP benefits, elected leaders are already chiming in.
Abbott signs first bill of session into law, creating a Texas DOGE
Read full article: Abbott signs first bill of session into law, creating a Texas DOGEThe first bill to reach Abbott’s desk this session creates a regulation-cutting state agency under the purview of the governor. It was passed with bipartisan supermajorities.
Gov. Greg Abbott to speak one-on-one with KPRC 2 | What questions do you have for him?
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott to speak one-on-one with KPRC 2 | What questions do you have for him?SOUND OFF: As we prepare for our interview, KPRC 2 would like to hear from you, the viewer, on what questions you’d like us to ask the governor.
Texas may study the impact of immigration again, but focus only on costs
Read full article: Texas may study the impact of immigration again, but focus only on costsThe only time the state conducted such an assessment two decades ago, it found that undocumented Texans contributed more to the state’s economy than they cost the state.
The Texas Lottery's top executive resigns as scrutiny over big jackpot winners intensifies
Read full article: The Texas Lottery's top executive resigns as scrutiny over big jackpot winners intensifiesThe executive director of the Texas Lottery Commission has resigned in the latest shake-up at the state’s retail gambling enterprise amid multiple investigations into large jackpots in 2023 and earlier this year and threats from some lawmakers to shut it down.
Early Texas hospital data shows millions spent in care for non-U.S. citizens
Read full article: Early Texas hospital data shows millions spent in care for non-U.S. citizensA state employee testified Monday that tens of thousands of people in the U.S. unlawfully were treated, but it was unclear how long the data had been collected.
With the border quiet, Texas ponders spending another $6.5 billion on border security
Read full article: With the border quiet, Texas ponders spending another $6.5 billion on border securitySome are questioning whether lawmakers should commit billions more to border security with illegal crossings dwindling and a Trump immigration crackdown.
Trump's transportation officials buck a long-held practice of using 'road diets' to slow speeders
Read full article: Trump's transportation officials buck a long-held practice of using 'road diets' to slow speedersRemoving lanes to slow down speeding drivers is a long-embraced strategy for improving safety on city streets.
Dan Patrick endorses Texas House’s voucher plan, clearing path to final approval
Read full article: Dan Patrick endorses Texas House’s 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.
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.
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 children’s private schooling. Lawmakers also signed off on a sweeping $7.7 billion package to boost public school funding.
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.
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 Trump’s immigration policies. Records reveal that the reality is more nuanced.
Texas governor calls November election for vacant US House seat as Democrats criticize timing
Read full article: Texas governor calls November election for vacant US House seat as Democrats criticize timingTexas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has announced that the special election to fill the late Democratic U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner's seat won’t be held until November.
Gov. Greg Abbott announces 18th Congressional District special election
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott announces 18th Congressional District special electionA month after U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner’s death, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott finally issued a proclamation announcing Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025 as the special election date to fill the 18th Congressional District seat.
Gov. Greg Abbott sets Nov. 4 special election to fill U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner’s seat
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott sets Nov. 4 special election to fill U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner’s 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.
Gov. Abbott calls Harris County ‘a repeat failure’ in elections, explains delay in calling special election
Read full article: Gov. Abbott calls Harris County ‘a repeat failure’ in elections, explains delay in calling special electionA month after U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner’s death, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott explains his reasoning on why he has delayed in calling for a special election to fill the seat representing parts of Houston, a Democratic stronghold, in Congress.
Despite Texas defendant’s death in Louisiana prison, lawmakers unlikely to end reliance on out-of-state lockups
Read full article: Despite Texas defendant’s 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.
Cracking down on fuel crime: Senate passes bill to target organized fuel theft rings in Texas
Read full article: Cracking down on fuel crime: Senate passes bill to target organized fuel theft rings in TexasThe Texas Senate has passed a bill that will crack down on organized fuel theft rings across the state.
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.
‘Don’t play games:’ Menefee calls out Abbott for not calling 18th Congressional District special election
Read full article: ‘Don’t play games:’ Menefee calls out Abbott for not calling 18th Congressional District special electionHarris Co. Attorney Christian Menefee, who is running to replace late Rep. Sylvester Turner, will hold a news conference calling on Gov. Greg Abbott to call a special election for the 18th congressional district.
New wave of smaller, cheaper nuclear reactors sends US states racing to attract the industry
Read full article: New wave of smaller, cheaper nuclear reactors sends US states racing to attract the industryU.S. states are positioning themselves to compete for newer, cheaper nuclear reactors being developed as communities and tech giants compete in a race for electricity.
No timetable from Texas governor on filling late Democratic congressman's vacant seat
Read full article: No timetable from Texas governor on filling late Democratic congressman's vacant seatThe race to fill a Texas congressional seat has candidates but no election date more than three weeks after Rep. Sylvester Turner’s death left a vacancy in a stronghold for Democrats, who are eager to cut into Republicans’ narrow U.S. House majority.
Texas officials’ claim that school funding is at an all-time high ignores inflation and temporary federal money
Read full article: Texas officials’ claim that school funding is at an all-time high ignores inflation and temporary federal moneyA Tribune analysis also found the state’s share of the funds that schools receive per student significantly decreased in the last decade until recently.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says he’ll push for special session if THC ban, bail changes fail
Read full article: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says he’ll 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.
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 Turner’s seat, which would likely be filled by a Democrat.
Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett mocks Greg Abbott, who uses a wheelchair, as 'Gov. Hot Wheels'
Read full article: Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett mocks Greg Abbott, who uses a wheelchair, as 'Gov. Hot Wheels'Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett mocked her state’s governor during a weekend appearance, referring to Greg Abbott — who uses a wheelchair — as “Gov. Hot Wheels” while speaking at a banquet in Los Angeles.
FEMA approves grant to assist in Pauline Road fire in San Jacinto, Montgomery Counties
Read full article: FEMA approves grant to assist in Pauline Road fire in San Jacinto, Montgomery CountiesGov. Greg Abbott announced Thursday that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved the state’s request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant for the Pauline Road Fire in San Jacinto and Montgomery counties.
Justice Department moves to drop lawsuit that would allow Texas police to arrest migrants
Read full article: Justice Department moves to drop lawsuit that would allow Texas police to arrest migrantsThe Trump administration has moved to dismiss a lawsuit against Texas over a law that would allow local police to arrest migrants who enter the country illegally.
Galveston County to stop sending deputies to the border amidst massive decrease in illegal crossings
Read full article: Galveston County to stop sending deputies to the border amidst massive decrease in illegal crossingsStarting this April, Galveston County will be bringing back its deputies from the southern border.
Texas has created more jobs than any other state in last year, data shows
Read full article: Texas has created more jobs than any other state in last year, data showsTexas Governor Greg Abbott celebrated Texas’ position as the leading state in job creation, following the release of January employment data by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
In Texas, private firms cash in on property tax late fees, piling debt onto struggling homeowners
Read full article: In Texas, private firms cash in on property tax late fees, piling debt onto struggling homeownersTexans who fall behind on their property taxes face one of the most punitive systems in the nation, where private collection companies can tack up to 20% onto their bill.
FEMA launches review of migrant shelter aid, suggesting smuggling laws were violated
Read full article: FEMA launches review of migrant shelter aid, suggesting smuggling laws were violatedThe Trump administration has launched a review of organizations that provide temporary housing and other aid to migrants, suggesting they may have violated a law used to prosecute smugglers.
How state lawmakers are trying to crack down on illegal immigration
Read full article: How state lawmakers are trying to crack down on illegal immigrationFrom requiring law enforcement agencies to cooperate with federal officials to forcing state contractors to use E-Verify to spot undocumented workers, here are the bills that could reshape the state’s immigration policies.
Two Texans in Congress defend CHIPS Act in the face of Trump’s criticism
Read full article: Two Texans in Congress defend CHIPS Act in the face of Trump’s criticismAlthough the president has said he wants to “get rid of” the act, Rep. Michael McCaul and Sen. John Cornyn say it supports jobs and national security.
Venezuelan parents watch from home as their son is laid to rest in Texas after drowning
Read full article: Venezuelan parents watch from home as their son is laid to rest in Texas after drowningThe cries of a mother watching from Venezuela through a cellphone pierced through the somber Christian music and gusts of wind as her son's casket was lowered into the ground.
California and Texas join push to end remote work among state employees
Read full article: California and Texas join push to end remote work among state employeesHundreds of thousands of state employees across the U.S. are being ordered back into the office as governors move to shadow President Trump’s mandate for federal workers.
Christi Craddick, Don Huffines announce bids for Texas comptroller after Hegar tapped for A&M chancellor
Read full article: Christi Craddick, Don Huffines announce bids for Texas comptroller after Hegar tapped for A&M chancellorHegar’s impending departure from the comptroller’s seat creates a rare opening for one of Texas’ coveted statewide offices.
Gov. Greg Abbott orders flags statewide to be flown at half-staff in honor Sylvester Turner
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott orders flags statewide to be flown at half-staff in honor Sylvester TurnerIn Turner's honor, Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered flags statewide to be flown at half-staff until March 8.
Following Trump’s lead, Gov. Abbott pushes state agencies to end telework
Read full article: Following Trump’s lead, Gov. Abbott pushes state agencies to end teleworkThe directive comes as some state agencies have downsized their office spaces after the pandemic forced many employees to work remotely.
Here’s what happens next with late Congressman Sylvester Turner’s House seat
Read full article: Here’s what happens next with late Congressman Sylvester Turner’s House seatTwo months after being sworn into U.S. Congress, Rep. Sylvester Turner’s House seat will now be vacant after he passed away Wednesday at 70.
The Supreme Court confronts a national headache: What to do with the growing pile of nuclear waste
Read full article: The Supreme Court confronts a national headache: What to do with the growing pile of nuclear wasteThe Supreme Court will hear arguments in a fight over plans to store nuclear waste at sites in rural Texas and New Mexico.
Voucher bills want to prioritize low-income families and be open to all students. Those goals might be at odds.
Read full article: Voucher bills want to prioritize low-income families and be open to all students. Those goals might be at odds.Neither of the Legislature’s voucher bills require private schools to accept certain students, which some warn could block the neediest children from access.
Texas House and Senate lawmakers have laid out their property tax cut proposals. How do they compare?
Read full article: Texas House and Senate lawmakers have laid out their property tax cut proposals. How do they compare?House and Senate lawmakers plan to spend at least $6 billion on property tax cuts, but haven't yet agreed on how much relief should go to homeowners over businesses.
Texas GOP leaders defend appointee after tense exchange over diversity hiring
Read full article: Texas GOP leaders defend appointee after tense exchange over diversity hiringSeveral of Texas’ top Republicans are defending Gov. Greg Abbott’s pick to head the state’s water agency following pointed questions from a GOP lawmaker over the agency’s diversity hiring policies.
Texas leaders defend Black official after lawmaker’s public interrogation of DEI policies left her in tears
Read full article: Texas leaders defend Black official after lawmaker’s public interrogation of DEI policies left her in tearsThe topic was a budget request from a state agency. The exchange grew emotional when a lawmaker pressed for answers about a strategic plan that praises diversity.
Trump's early backing of Ramaswamy for Ohio governor seen by some as meant to avoid a nasty primary
Read full article: Trump's early backing of Ramaswamy for Ohio governor seen by some as meant to avoid a nasty primaryThe timing of President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Republican Vivek Ramaswamy for Ohio governor has stunned and intrigued Ohio political observers.
Trump tariffs set to hit Texas’ biggest trading partners beginning next week
Read full article: Trump tariffs set to hit Texas’ biggest trading partners beginning next weekThe president said Mexico and Canada have failed to curb the flow of drugs into the U.S. after giving the countries 30 days to do so before enacting the tariffs.
Texas says this doctor illegally treated trans youth. He says he followed the law
Read full article: Texas says this doctor illegally treated trans youth. He says he followed the lawDr. Hector Granados treats children with diabetes at his El Paso clinics and makes hospital rounds under the shadow of accusations that have thrown his career into jeopardy: providing care to transgender youth.
Investigations into the Texas Lottery grow after courier controversy
Read full article: Investigations into the Texas Lottery grow after courier controversyAG Ken Paxton’s office joins two other investigations by state officials into the commission as one service suspends operations due to the agency’s ban.
Texas lottery drawings that paid out big jackpots are the focus of widening investigations
Read full article: Texas lottery drawings that paid out big jackpots are the focus of widening investigationsTwo of the biggest lottery jackpots in Texas history are under investigation over claims that the winners may have benefitted from more than good luck.
Feds target “criminals and illegal immigrants” in Houston-area development, Abbott says
Read full article: Feds target “criminals and illegal immigrants” in Houston-area development, Abbott saysThe Colony Ridge development has long been under scrutiny from conservative lawmakers, think tanks and influencers who cast it as a hotbed for undocumented immigrants and cartel crime.
Under Texas House bill, value of education savings accounts would be tied to public school funding
Read full article: Under Texas House bill, value of education savings accounts would be tied to public school fundingThe proposal sets a few possible points of contention between the House and Senate, including how much money should families get through the program.
National leaders mount pressure campaign on Texas House GOP to pass voucher bill
Read full article: National leaders mount pressure campaign on Texas House GOP to pass voucher billSupporters of voucher-like education savings accounts are trying to press their advantage early and build a sense of inevitability.
Governor Abbott to address Texas’ winter storm preparations
Read full article: Governor Abbott to address Texas’ winter storm preparationsGovernor Greg Abbott will hold a press conference to update on Texas's winter weather preparations, focusing on the state's power grid, roadways, and emergency services.
Idle buses, empty Border Patrol boats: Arrests for illegal crossings fall in the Rio Grande Valley
Read full article: Idle buses, empty Border Patrol boats: Arrests for illegal crossings fall in the Rio Grande ValleyBorder Patrol agents in the Rio Grande Valley have seen a sharp drop in apprehensions along the southern border since the new administration started.
Texas could sell 100 miles of border to feds, Abbott says
Read full article: Texas could sell 100 miles of border to feds, Abbott saysAbbott is in Washington this week to lobby Congress for $11 billion to compensate Texas for money spent on his Operation Lone Star, to secure the border during the Biden Administration.
Texas now has more top-tier research universities than any other state, report finds
Read full article: Texas now has more top-tier research universities than any other state, report findsThe designations come at a tumultuous time for universities as funding could be cut off and efforts to end tenure continue.
Texas appeals court hears attorney general’s arguments for questioning Catholic Charities director over migrant services
Read full article: Texas appeals court hears attorney general’s arguments for questioning Catholic Charities director over migrant servicesThree Republican judges heard oral arguments Wednesday after a lower court blocked Attorney General Ken Paxton’s efforts to depose the charity’s leader.
Burrows, Patrick and Abbott: Texas’ “Big Three” have big plans and a wary new dynamic
Read full article: Burrows, Patrick and Abbott: Texas’ “Big Three” have big plans and a wary new dynamicThe aggressive Republican agenda’s success depends on how well the three leaders harmonize their tactics and goals for the legislative session.
Rep. Roger Williams introduces bill to reimburse Texas for Operation Lone Star
Read full article: Rep. Roger Williams introduces bill to reimburse Texas for Operation Lone StarThe new bill reinforces Gov. Greg Abbott’s push for the federal government to repay the $11 billion Texas has paid for the border security operation.
District court blocks part of Texas’ social media law which would limit online access to minors
Read full article: District court blocks part of Texas’ social media law which would limit online access to minorsA district court has blocked the enforcement of a law passed in Texas that would have limited online access to minors.
Texas lawmakers may ban certain lessons at state colleges under expanded DEI crackdown
Read full article: Texas lawmakers may ban certain lessons at state colleges under expanded DEI crackdownLegislators are expected to take up a $360 million proposal that would change the landscape of financial aid in the state.
Governor Greg Abbott urges federal reimbursement for Texas border security costs in discussion with President Trump
Read full article: Governor Greg Abbott urges federal reimbursement for Texas border security costs in discussion with President TrumpIn a recent meeting between President Donald Trump and Governor Greg Abbott, discussions centered around improving border security and addressing the growing challenges at the U.S.-Mexico border.
After teasing border security rollback, Texas plunges in deeper
Read full article: After teasing border security rollback, Texas plunges in deeperTexas’ border spending exploded after Joe Biden’s election, then state leaders signaled a new willingness to reduce it when Trump won. That didn’t last long.
Texas Republicans want more property tax cuts. Here’s how they may do it.
Read full article: Texas Republicans want more property tax cuts. Here’s how they may do it.Gov. Greg Abbott said cutting taxes is a top priority, however, state lawmakers don’t have as much money to plug into tax cuts as they did two years ago.
Texas National Guard can now arrest and detain people who illegally enter the US
Read full article: Texas National Guard can now arrest and detain people who illegally enter the USTexas National Guard soldiers can arrest and detain people for entering the U.S. illegally from Mexico under an agreement with the Trump administration that expands the military’s role in immigration enforcement.
Abbott’s State of the State address targets property tax relief, education, and infrastructure in Harris County
Read full article: Abbott’s State of the State address targets property tax relief, education, and infrastructure in Harris CountyIn his sixth State of the State address, Governor Greg Abbott presented a comprehensive agenda focusing on property tax relief, education, and infrastructure in Harris County.
With plans in the works and troops on the way, military assumes a mostly familiar role on the border
Read full article: With plans in the works and troops on the way, military assumes a mostly familiar role on the borderUntil now, the military has limited itself to a supporting role at the border: surveilling for illegal crossings by ground and air, repairing vehicles and building barriers.
‘Divide us rather than unite us:’ Texas Governor Abbott bans DEI policies across Texas state agencies
Read full article: ‘Divide us rather than unite us:’ Texas Governor Abbott bans DEI policies across Texas state agenciesTexas Governor Greg Abbott has issued an executive order banning Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies in all state agencies, emphasizing merit-based advancement over race-based preferences.