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.
Texas universities say Trump administration restored immigration status of some international students
Read full article: Texas universities say Trump administration restored immigration status of some international studentsMore than 250 students in Texas had their status revoked in recent weeks. Despite the reversal, federal attorneys say they’re developing policies to resume terminations.
Texas House Republicans flex their might after Democrats threaten legislative priorities
Read full article: Texas House Republicans flex their might after Democrats threaten legislative prioritiesAfter Republicans and Democrats fight over the budget and constitutional amendments, GOP members stake out a new battlefield.
Requiring voters to prove citizenship spurs concern that eligible Texans won’t be able to cast ballots
Read full article: Requiring voters to prove citizenship spurs concern that eligible Texans won’t be able to cast ballotsDemocrats and other critics say Texas legislation threatens to keep citizens who can’t easily access the right documents from voting.
Texas lawmakers consider barring counties from mailing unsolicited voter registration forms
Read full article: Texas lawmakers consider barring counties from mailing unsolicited voter registration formsVoting rights advocates worry that legislation approved by House and Senate committees could make it harder to get more people on the rolls.
Immigration crackdown: Know your rights at the U.S. border and other ports of entry
Read full article: Immigration crackdown: Know your rights at the U.S. border and other ports of entryWhat immigrants and citizens should know about federal agents’ power to question and search people at airports and the border.
Courier’s lawsuit seeks to block Texas Lottery from banning its services
Read full article: Courier’s lawsuit seeks to block Texas Lottery from banning its servicesLotto.com’s suit, which was filed Thursday, comes less than a week before the state agency votes to ban the third-party services.
Texas may officially recognize Gulf of America change after Senate gives first OK
Read full article: Texas may officially recognize Gulf of America change after Senate gives first OKSenate Bill 1717 would require the name of Gulf of Mexico to be changed in every official reference made by a state agency, resolution, rule or publication.
Texas school districts got their first A-F grades in five years. See how your school did here.
Read full article: Texas school districts got their first A-F grades in five years. See how your school did here.The Texas Education Agency released the 2022-23 school year ratings on Thursday after a 19-month legal battle over how those ratings are calculated.
1 in 5 Texas schools got a D or F rating under new performance standards
Read full article: 1 in 5 Texas schools got a D or F rating under new performance standardsFailing grades for districts were made public for the first time since 2019. They showed schools with the poorest students were more likely to get a low score.
Bill to create dementia research institute approved in House, but could face $3 billion funding hurdle
Read full article: Bill to create dementia research institute approved in House, but could face $3 billion funding hurdleSome Republicans have bristled at the hefty cost of the bill, and Democrats could reject the funding for it over the school voucher dispute.
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.
School districts stay quiet as lawmakers push to limit when they can sue the state
Read full article: School districts stay quiet as lawmakers push to limit when they can sue the stateSchool leaders have privately criticized a bill that would make it harder to contest their performance ratings in court. But they did not testify against it to avoid lawmakers’ ire.
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.
Amended bill clarifying Texas abortion laws receives Senate panel approval
Read full article: Amended bill clarifying Texas abortion laws receives Senate panel approvalThe revised bill, which seeks to clarify when a doctor can perform medically necessary abortions, aims to address concerns from abortion advocates and conservative groups.
Why Texas Republicans are trying to rein in high home prices and rents
Read full article: Why Texas Republicans are trying to rein in high home prices and rentsThere’s political urgency for Republicans to deal with housing affordability, especially as surveys find most Texans say housing costs are a top concern.
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.
Texas Lottery executive director resigns as lawmakers’ scrutiny mounts
Read full article: Texas Lottery executive director resigns as lawmakers’ scrutiny mountsThe Texas Lottery Commission did not immediately clarify why Ryan Mindell chose to resign, as lawmakers have discussed abolishing the lottery outright.
“It’s what’s best for a very select few”: Some Texans are skeptical about vouchers as they near the finish line
Read full article: “It’s what’s best for a very select few”: Some Texans are skeptical about vouchers as they near the finish lineTexas Republican lawmakers in regions known for support of public schools defended voting for vouchers, saying they gained leverage to seek concessions.
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.
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 students’ education futures remain uncertain.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 shouldn’t 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 schools’ reliance on teachers without formal classroom training.
Texas law students warn that bill to quash “terrorist activity” in universities could trample free speech rights
Read full article: Texas law students warn that bill to quash “terrorist activity” 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 state’s 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.
“The Valley matters to us”: Texas Democratic Party leader makes first pitch to reclaim South Texas
Read full article: “The Valley matters to us”: 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.
Texas House debates removing short-barrel firearms from prohibited weapons list
Read full article: Texas House debates removing short-barrel firearms from prohibited weapons listHouse Bill 259, introduced by State Rep. Richard Hayes, proposes removing short-barrel firearms from the prohibited weapons list.
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 Sheriff’s Office committed suicide recently, calling attention to ongoing mental health struggles among law enforcement.
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.The Senate voted Wednesday to give initial approval to a bill that would require buildings, including public schools and universities, among others to segregate private facilities, like bathrooms, by sex.
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.
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.
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.
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 “life of mother” exception. But they don’t plan to address cases where the fetus won’t survive.
To avoid a water crisis, Texas may bet big on desalination. Here’s how it works in El Paso.
Read full article: To avoid a water crisis, Texas may bet big on desalination. Here’s 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.
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 Paso’s dry climate — it rains just 9 inches annually — is one of the reasons the city has taken water management so seriously.
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.
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.
More than 250 international students’ immigration statuses revoked across Texas universities
Read full article: More than 250 international students’ 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 “outbreak” counties
Read full article: State offers specific measles guidance for 10 West Texas “outbreak” countiesState health officials added four more counties to what they consider “outbreak areas” 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.
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 “vaccine choice.”
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 Cruz’s South Texas district in 2026
Read full article: National Democrats to target GOP Rep. Monica De La Cruz’s South Texas district in 2026The battlefield for both parties is again converging on South Texas, where De La Cruz scored one of the GOP’s 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 aren’t criminalized, some conservatives questioned whether this bill is needed.
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.
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 Paxton’s former aides win $6.6 million in whistleblower case
Read full article: Attorney General Ken Paxton’s former aides win $6.6 million in whistleblower casePaxton vowed to appeal the “bogus ruling” that found he improperly fired the four plaintiffs after they reported him to the FBI on allegations of corruption.
House panel passes bill requiring air conditioning in Texas prisons by 2032
Read full article: House panel passes bill requiring air conditioning in Texas prisons by 2032Weeks after a federal judge declared hot conditions in Texas prisons unconstitutional, a bill requiring air conditioning in those facilities by 2032 has gained traction in the House.
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 Paxton’s legal woes are lifting, clearing a path for a likely Senate run
Read full article: Ken Paxton’s 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 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.
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 state’s 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.