BREAKING NEWS
What to know as Texas' search for flood victims stretches into a 3rd week
Read full article: What to know as Texas' search for flood victims stretches into a 3rd weekThe search for victims of deadly flooding in Texas Hill Country is headed into its third week as officials try to pin down exactly how many people remain missing.
Texas legislature’s special session begins Monday: How to contact your representative and make your voice heard
Read full article: Texas legislature’s special session begins Monday: How to contact your representative and make your voice heardWant your voice heard? Now's the time to reach out to your local representatives and express your concerns.
Most Texas prisoners don’t have AC access and it’s unclear when they will get it
Read full article: Most Texas prisoners don’t have AC access and it’s unclear when they will get itDespite receiving substantial state funding to air-condition prisons in the last few years, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice has stayed mum on when it will install cooling across the system.
Appeals court orders release of Uvalde school shooting records
Read full article: Appeals court orders release of Uvalde school shooting recordsEighteen news organizations including The Texas Tribune have been seeking the records since 2022, when 19 children and 2 teachers were killed at Robb Elementary School.
Trump tells Texas Republicans to redraw the state congressional map to help keep House majority
Read full article: Trump tells Texas Republicans to redraw the state congressional map to help keep House majorityPresident Donald Trump is pushing Republicans in Texas to redraw the state's congressional maps to help ensure the party keeps its majority in the U.S. House in next year's midterm elections.
Can sirens help save lives in the next flood? Yes, but there’s more to it.
Read full article: Can sirens help save lives in the next flood? Yes, but there’s more to it.While sirens can help in areas with shaky cell service, experts say officials also need to consider alert fatigue and provide education on what to do in an emergency.
Sen. John Cornyn outraises AG Ken Paxton by $1 million in first three months of Senate primary matchup — but there’s a catch
Read full article: Sen. John Cornyn outraises AG Ken Paxton by $1 million in first three months of Senate primary matchup — but there’s a catchCornyn will need to use his deep coffers to overcome an early polling deficit to Paxton, who is looking to deny the GOP incumbent’s bid for a fifth term.
Agenda for upcoming special session of Texas Legislature includes 3 items specific to Hill Country flood response
Read full article: Agenda for upcoming special session of Texas Legislature includes 3 items specific to Hill Country flood responseTexas Governor Greg Abbott has announced the agenda for the upcoming special session of the Texas Legislature.
Texas lawmakers failed to pass a bill to improve local disaster warning systems this year
Read full article: Texas lawmakers failed to pass a bill to improve local disaster warning systems this yearA GOP state lawmaker who represents Kerr County says he likely would vote differently now on House Bill 13, which would have established a grant program for counties to build new emergency communication infrastructure.
Hill Country flooding: Here’s how to give and receive help
Read full article: Hill Country flooding: Here’s how to give and receive helpFlooding in Central Texas and the Texas Hill Country has killed at least 119 people, with 161 still missing in Kerr County. Rescue crews are still searching for missing people as more rain is expected. Here is a guide on how to help those affected.
Texas says undocumented immigrants visited local hospitals 80K times in three months. That’s 2% of all visits.
Read full article: Texas says undocumented immigrants visited local hospitals 80K times in three months. That’s 2% of all visits.While the state says undocumented patients cost hospitals $329 million over three months, critics say the data lacks payment information and more context.
Senate passes GOP’s tax and spending bill with Cornyn, Cruz priorities included
Read full article: Senate passes GOP’s tax and spending bill with Cornyn, Cruz priorities includedThe package includes $13.5 billion to reimburse states for border spending. It is expected to meet resistance in the House from some Texas Republicans.
Judge dismisses Ken Paxton lawsuit challenging State Fair of Texas gun ban
Read full article: Judge dismisses Ken Paxton lawsuit challenging State Fair of Texas gun banTexas’ attorney general alleged the City of Dallas and the fair were violating state law and the second amendment with the ban, which was adopted after a 2023 shooting.
Texas capital murder case attempts to severely punish abortion pill use by treating a fetus as a person
Read full article: Texas capital murder case attempts to severely punish abortion pill use by treating a fetus as a personA North Texas man charged with capital murder after slipping mifepristone into his girlfriend’s food signals another attempt to rein in abortion pills.
Texas lawmakers have gotten used to state budget surpluses. That era may be ending.
Read full article: Texas lawmakers have gotten used to state budget surpluses. That era may be ending.As federal pandemic aid ends and sales tax revenues cool, analysts say it could constrain the Texas Legislature in coming years. But they don’t see an immediate budget crisis on the horizon.
Top Texas Democrats ponder the state’s future at forum amid questions about what’s next for their party
Read full article: Top Texas Democrats ponder the state’s future at forum amid questions about what’s next for their partyFormer U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke was joined at his San Antonio town hall by U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro and state Rep. James Talarico, whose names have been floated for statewide office.
Gov. Greg Abbott sets Nov. 4 special election for open state Senate seat
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott sets Nov. 4 special election for open state Senate seatThe contest coincides with the state’s November uniform election, when voters across Texas will already be at the polls to decide local offices and ballot measures.
Texas education board approves Native Studies course, skirting concerns about state’s K-12 DEI ban
Read full article: Texas education board approves Native Studies course, skirting concerns about state’s K-12 DEI banThe long-awaited vote survived objections from the panel’s most right-leaning Republicans, who criticized the lessons as “un-American woke indoctrination.”
Gov. Greg Abbott, AG Ken Paxton do not have to release Uvalde or Jan. 6 emails, Texas Supreme Court rules
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott, AG Ken Paxton do not have to release Uvalde or Jan. 6 emails, Texas Supreme Court rulesThe decision, stemming from a 2022 lawsuit, narrows the public’s legal options to challenge Texas officials under the state’s open records law.
Texas can require porn websites to verify users’ ages, Supreme Court rules
Read full article: Texas can require porn websites to verify users’ ages, Supreme Court rulesThe case involves a 2023 state law requiring adult websites to verify users’ ages, but the ruling is expected to have broader implications for free speech law.
Ted Cruz wants to stop states from regulating AI. Some of his Republican colleagues aren’t so sure
Read full article: Ted Cruz wants to stop states from regulating AI. Some of his Republican colleagues aren’t so sureSenate Republicans, Democrats and outside groups are mounting an offensive against Cruz’s push to withhold AI money from states that regulate the technology.
Fate of birthright citizenship order unresolved after Supreme Court limits nationwide injunctions
Read full article: Fate of birthright citizenship order unresolved after Supreme Court limits nationwide injunctionsThe ruling was a partial victory for President Donald Trump who has made immigration his signature issue.
Proposed Pell Grant cuts threaten college access for nearly 500,000 Texas college students
Read full article: Proposed Pell Grant cuts threaten college access for nearly 500,000 Texas college studentsProposals in the federal budget bill would cut the maximum Pell Grant award amount by $1,500 and take away eligibility for students enrolled less than half-time.
Is THC as dangerous as Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick makes it out to be?
Read full article: Is THC as dangerous as Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick makes it out to be?Although Patrick and hemp industry leaders have quarreled over the risks and benefits of THC, cannabis researchers say it can be addictive but doesn’t usually cause widespread psychosis or brain damage.
Texas A&M, university systems in other red states will create their own agency to review schools’ quality standards
Read full article: Texas A&M, university systems in other red states will create their own agency to review schools’ quality standardsThe creation of the new accrediting agency comes as Republicans have criticized existing ones for reinforcing a liberal bias in the country's higher ed institutions.
Top Paxton deputy accused of witness tampering during impeachment trial
Read full article: Top Paxton deputy accused of witness tampering during impeachment trialIn dueling lawsuits, current and former employees of the attorney general’s office sling allegations that threaten to intrude on Paxton’s U.S. Senate bid.
Gov. Greg Abbott orders preemptive strike on screwworm in Texas
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott orders preemptive strike on screwworm in TexasAbbott ordered two Texas agencies to begin working together and with residents and business leaders to stop the spread of the invasive fly before it even starts.
Texas Lottery Commission to be disbanded as state game gets new restrictions
Read full article: Texas Lottery Commission to be disbanded as state game gets new restrictionsGov. Greg Abbott on Sunday signed Senate Bill 3070, which will also criminalize the online sale of lottery tickets through couriers.
Progressive Rep. Greg Casar has a playbook he wants Democrats to use in 2026
Read full article: Progressive Rep. Greg Casar has a playbook he wants Democrats to use in 2026Casar, the chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, thinks economic populism and “authentic candidates” can win back recently converted GOP voters.
Texas to create its own psychology licensing test amid pushback on national exam
Read full article: Texas to create its own psychology licensing test amid pushback on national examTexas and other states have criticized a decision by the national psychologist licensing board to add another expensive test in order for psychologists to become certified.
State Rep. Nate Schatzline drops Texas Senate bid, endorses conservative activist Leigh Wambsganss
Read full article: State Rep. Nate Schatzline drops Texas Senate bid, endorses conservative activist Leigh WambsganssThe North Texas district opened up last week when Republican Kelly Hancock resigned from the upper chamber to take over as the state’s acting comptroller.
What Texas lawmakers did this session to close the state’s workforce gaps
Read full article: What Texas lawmakers did this session to close the state’s workforce gapsLegislation approved this year is partly aimed at helping Texas meet its goal of helping 60% of working-age Texans get a postsecondary degree or credential by 2030.
Texas directs public universities to identify undocumented students
Read full article: Texas directs public universities to identify undocumented studentsThe directive comes after a court rescinded undocumented students’ eligibility for in-state tuition. It’s unclear what information schools might ask from students and how their immigration data will be protected.
With prospects of a THC ban eroded, Texas hemp industry supports age restrictions, more regulation enforcement
Read full article: With prospects of a THC ban eroded, Texas hemp industry supports age restrictions, more regulation enforcementHemp industry leaders say they agree with regulations similar to how the state regulates alcohol.
Sen. Joan Huffman joins GOP field vying to succeed Ken Paxton as Texas attorney general
Read full article: Sen. Joan Huffman joins GOP field vying to succeed Ken Paxton as Texas attorney generalIn her announcement, Huffman framed herself as the most experienced candidate, pointing to her time as a prosecutor, judge and chair of key Senate committees.
Lt. Gov. Patrick rips Gov. Abbott for vetoing THC ban, digs in against calls for regulation
Read full article: Lt. Gov. Patrick rips Gov. Abbott for vetoing THC ban, digs in against calls for regulationThe clash marks a rare break between two of the most powerful Republicans in Texas after a legislative session that ushered in a series of conservative victories.
Gov. Greg Abbott vetoes funding for federal summer lunch program for low-income children
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott vetoes funding for federal summer lunch program for low-income childrenAbbott cited uncertainty over federal funding of the program as his reason for rejecting the state’s participation.
Did Texas lawmakers do enough for children with disabilities? These child care advocates say no.
Read full article: Did Texas lawmakers do enough for children with disabilities? These child care advocates say no.Lawmakers added $100 million to a child care scholarship program but failed to expand access to free preschool for children with disabilities.
Rural Americans more likely to live with chronic pain than urban peers, UT-Arlington study finds
Read full article: Rural Americans more likely to live with chronic pain than urban peers, UT-Arlington study findsMore than 3 million people call rural Texas home, and many lack access to a primary care doctor.
Gov. Greg Abbott orders special legislative session after vetoing 26 bills
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott orders special legislative session after vetoing 26 billsAbbott will call lawmakers back to Austin to tackle Senate Bill 3, a proposed ban on THC products that he vetoed, as well as five others from his veto list.
Former U.S. Rep. Blake Farenthold of Corpus Christi dies at 63
Read full article: Former U.S. Rep. Blake Farenthold of Corpus Christi dies at 63Farenthold, a local radio personality, served in Congress from 2011 to 2018 and is credited with securing funding for the port. He resigned amid allegations of sexual harassment.
Texas is illegally keeping people with disabilities in nursing homes, federal judge rules
Read full article: Texas is illegally keeping people with disabilities in nursing homes, federal judge rulesA federal judge determined the state illegally institutionalized severely disabled people for decades, often in poorly run facilities.
Meals On Wheels waiting lists grow as Texas braces for federal funding cuts
Read full article: Meals On Wheels waiting lists grow as Texas braces for federal funding cutsState chapters of the nonprofit group that provide meals to seniors are waiting to hear from Washington how much of a hit their battered budgets will take.
Former Texas state Sen. Kelly Hancock to become acting comptroller, run for permanent job
Read full article: Former Texas state Sen. Kelly Hancock to become acting comptroller, run for permanent jobHancock, a North Richland Hills Republican, announced his candidacy shortly after being sworn in as chief clerk at the comptroller’s office.
Amid Trump immigration crackdown, Texas reins in border spending and shifts focus to deportations
Read full article: Amid Trump immigration crackdown, Texas reins in border spending and shifts focus to deportationsWith border crossings at record lows, state authorities are being sent to arrest people accused of committing crimes in Texas after entering the country illegally.
Once again targeting higher ed, Texas lawmakers limited faculty influence, campus speech this session
Read full article: Once again targeting higher ed, Texas lawmakers limited faculty influence, campus speech this sessionLawmakers also approved direct pay for student athletes and sought better pathways from college to the workforce.
Judge convicts Ecuadorian migrant of trespassing on newly formed National Defense Area near El Paso
Read full article: Judge convicts Ecuadorian migrant of trespassing on newly formed National Defense Area near El PasoThe Ecuadorian man was acquitted by a jury on a separate charge after crossing into the new military zone in May.
To fight screwworm, the U.S. is opening a South Texas facility to disperse sterile flies
Read full article: To fight screwworm, the U.S. is opening a South Texas facility to disperse sterile fliesScrewworm is a parasitic fly that targets warm-blooded animals and has the potential to disrupt Texas’ $15 billion cattle industry.
What the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on gender-affirming care ban means for Texas
Read full article: What the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on gender-affirming care ban means for TexasThe court split 6-3 along ideological lines on a case from Tennessee. About two dozen states have similar bans in place.
Texas again lowers restrictions on certain firearms, passes on regulations
Read full article: Texas again lowers restrictions on certain firearms, passes on regulationsLawmakers passed a handful of bills aimed at easing access to guns as a new pediatric study links state legislation to increased firearm deaths.
Texas students make gains in reading but struggle with math, STAAR scores show
Read full article: Texas students make gains in reading but struggle with math, STAAR scores showThe mixed-bag results showed early literacy improvements, a key indicator of future academic success, but underline the challenges of preparing children for STEM-related jobs.
Texas made sweeping changes to bail and parole, along with increasing penalties for stolen goods
Read full article: Texas made sweeping changes to bail and parole, along with increasing penalties for stolen goodsTexas lawmakers approved a sweeping package to overhaul the state’s bail system, a longtime priority of Gov. Greg Abbott’s.
Some Texans fear a looming THC ban could return them to opioids, illegal options
Read full article: Some Texans fear a looming THC ban could return them to opioids, illegal optionsTexas hemp users stockpile products and consider moving out of state as ban looms, saying the medical marijuana program is currently an untenable alternative.
With only 8% built, Texas quietly defunds state border wall program
Read full article: With only 8% built, Texas quietly defunds state border wall programTexas officials suggested the federal government could pick up construction. However, during President Trump’s first term, his administration built about one-third of what the state was able to put up in the same amount of time.
“They’re taking Shirly”: An Army sergeant in Houston thought his family was safe, then ICE deported his wife
Read full article: “They’re taking Shirly”: An Army sergeant in Houston thought his family was safe, then ICE deported his wifeFor tens of thousands of U.S. service members with undocumented family members, there’s no guaranteed protection from immigration raids.
South Padre Island officials worried about FEMA’s potential disaster spending cuts
Read full article: South Padre Island officials worried about FEMA’s potential disaster spending cutsThe Trump administration is proposing limits to the recreational facilities — including beaches — that are eligible for federal assistance.
After El Paso joined Abbott’s border crackdown, the number of dead migrants in the New Mexico desert surged
Read full article: After El Paso joined Abbott’s border crackdown, the number of dead migrants in the New Mexico desert surgedSince El Paso joined Operation Lone Star in 2022, migrant remains discovered in the desert west of the city have increased every year, even as they have declined in every other border sector.
Here are some of the Texas Democrats eyeing statewide runs in 2026
Read full article: Here are some of the Texas Democrats eyeing statewide runs in 2026Democrats will need to sort through a pileup of potential candidates who see an opportunity to harness backlash to the Trump administration in next year’s midterms.
As Trump celebrates military, Texans protest president’s aggressive immigration enforcement
Read full article: As Trump celebrates military, Texans protest president’s aggressive immigration enforcementDemonstrations in McAllen, Midland, Odessa, Austin and elsewhere in Texas have been largely peaceful, as some protests are expected to go well into the night.
Texas DPS makes arrest after warning state lawmakers of “credible threats” tied to Capitol protest
Read full article: Texas DPS makes arrest after warning state lawmakers of “credible threats” tied to Capitol protestThe agency said there was no additional active threat, as Austin demonstrators took aim at the Trump administration.
What to know about Texas ending in-state tuition for undocumented students
Read full article: What to know about Texas ending in-state tuition for undocumented studentsSome implications of the ruling ordering the policy’s end are still unknown. College access experts urged affected students not to withdraw from school while they assess their options.
Undocumented students rethink their college dreams after Texas cuts their access to cheaper tuition
Read full article: Undocumented students rethink their college dreams after Texas cuts their access to cheaper tuitionThousands of undocumented students who grew up in Texas now face college tuition costs that are more than twice what other state residents pay.
New Texas legislation offers relief to struggling restaurants post-pandemic
Read full article: New Texas legislation offers relief to struggling restaurants post-pandemicThe COVID-19 pandemic devastated Texas’ restaurant industry — and for many, the recovery has been painfully slow. As profitability plummeted, restaurant owners across Texas joined forces with the Texas Restaurant Association, pushing for change at the state level. Their voices were heard.
See how your representatives in the Texas Legislature voted on this year’s major bills
Read full article: See how your representatives in the Texas Legislature voted on this year’s major billsOur interactive tool allows you to search how state lawmakers voted on the most consequential proposals debated during the session, which ended June 2.
U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales draws GOP primary challenge from Cotulla rancher Susan Storey Rubio
Read full article: U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales draws GOP primary challenge from Cotulla rancher Susan Storey RubioStorey Rubio plans to launch her campaign by attacking the Republican incumbent as a “spineless moderate” who has not taken a hard enough line on border security.
A $20 billion effort to avoid calamity: Here’s what Texas lawmakers did to save the state’s water supply
Read full article: A $20 billion effort to avoid calamity: Here’s what Texas lawmakers did to save the state’s water supplyAmong other changes is a new law that says homeowner associations can no longer fine Texans for not watering their grass during a drought.
Aaron Reitz, former top DOJ official and Paxton aide, launches bid for Texas attorney general
Read full article: Aaron Reitz, former top DOJ official and Paxton aide, launches bid for Texas attorney generalReitz, formerly a key cog in Texas’ conservative legal pipeline, once said the AG’s office is at war with “the forces that want to destroy the American order.”
Texas parents and teachers worry bills to root out liberal sway from public schools pave the way for conservative bias
Read full article: Texas parents and teachers worry bills to root out liberal sway from public schools pave the way for conservative biasAdvocates say the bills will give parents more power over their children’s schools. Critics say they don’t give parents anything they didn’t already have and will only strain their relationship with teachers.
Gov. Greg Abbott to deploy 5,000 Texas National Guard to sites of planned immigration protests
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott to deploy 5,000 Texas National Guard to sites of planned immigration protestsDemonstrations against immigration raids began in Los Angeles last week and have spread across the country, including to Texas. More are planned this weekend.
Undocumented students ask judge to let them challenge sudden loss of in-state tuition
Read full article: Undocumented students ask judge to let them challenge sudden loss of in-state tuitionTheir filing says the lawsuit that struck down in-state tuition for undocumented students was “contrived” to keep their voices out.
Former Houston Mayor Annise Parker announces run for Lina Hidalgo’s seat atop Harris County government
Read full article: Former Houston Mayor Annise Parker announces run for Lina Hidalgo’s seat atop Harris County governmentIf Hidalgo decides to seek another term, she and Parker would face off in the March 2026 Democratic primary.
Trump aides want Texas to redraw its congressional maps to boost the GOP. What would that mean?
Read full article: Trump aides want Texas to redraw its congressional maps to boost the GOP. What would that mean?The plan would shift voters from safely red districts into blue ones. Members of the state’s Republican delegation aren’t sold on the idea.
With Rick Perry’s backing and $50 million from the state, Texas set to become a leader in psychedelics research
Read full article: With Rick Perry’s backing and $50 million from the state, Texas set to become a leader in psychedelics researchLawmakers have approved funding clinical trials for ibogaine as a treatment for addiction and brain trauma. It comes as Texas contemplates banning THC.
Texas high school students’ STAAR scores show gains in STEM fields, struggles in reading and literacy
Read full article: Texas high school students’ STAAR scores show gains in STEM fields, struggles in reading and literacyEducation policy experts say the results align with Texas’ workforce goals but note that students still need help.
Amarillo breaks ground on psychiatric hospital, part of the state’s $1.5B investment in mental health
Read full article: Amarillo breaks ground on psychiatric hospital, part of the state’s $1.5B investment in mental healthThe facility will bring mental health resources closer to the largely rural region that’s home to nearly 436,000 people.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s push to ban THC in Texas draws rare backlash from the right
Read full article: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s push to ban THC in Texas draws rare backlash from the rightIt’s an unusual situation for the lieutenant governor, long viewed by GOP activists as a stalwart conservative responsible for driving the Legislature rightward.
Hundreds protest in Austin against nationwide ICE detentions
Read full article: Hundreds protest in Austin against nationwide ICE detentionsThirteen people were arrested on various charges during the protest Monday, which ended when officers fired tear gas into a crowd that neared a federal building.
Texas foster care agency chief to step down this summer
Read full article: Texas foster care agency chief to step down this summerTwo years after Stephanie Muth became Department of Family and Protective Services commissioner, staff turnover is down and the number of children without a placement has dropped.