BREAKING NEWS
Death row inmate Robert Roberson claims judicial misconduct in bid for new trial
Read full article: Death row inmate Robert Roberson claims judicial misconduct in bid for new trialA new petition claims Anderson County judges acted unconstitutionally multiple times in both Roberson’s case and in recognizing custody of his daughter.
“My daughter was stolen from me": Grieving parents point to Texas camp failures at Capitol hearing
Read full article: “My daughter was stolen from me": Grieving parents point to Texas camp failures at Capitol hearingSenate Bill 1, which would require more oversight of emergency plans and evacuation procedures at summer camps, was advanced after the emotional hearing Wednesday.
El Paso judge blocks Ken Paxton from taking legal action against Beto O’Rourke’s political group
Read full article: El Paso judge blocks Ken Paxton from taking legal action against Beto O’Rourke’s political groupThe order bars Paxton from prosecuting O’Rourke’s nonprofit or otherwise bringing legal action aimed at revoking Powered by People’s charter.
Texas House approves GOP congressional map after two-week delay from Democrats’ walkout
Read full article: Texas House approves GOP congressional map after two-week delay from Democrats’ walkoutRepublican lawmakers are pursuing the unusual mid-decade redistricting plan amid pressure from President Donald Trump to protect the GOP’s slim majority in the U.S. House.
Texas Senate fast tracks THC ban, flood prep and bathroom restrictions for transgender people
Read full article: Texas Senate fast tracks THC ban, flood prep and bathroom restrictions for transgender peopleSenators moved fast on Gov. Greg Abbott’s agenda for the second special session. With House Democrats back in Texas, bills can now move through that chamber.
Texas Republicans’ redistricting map: How the GOP could increase its stronghold.
Read full article: Texas Republicans’ redistricting map: How the GOP could increase its stronghold.The proposed congressional districts are fueling a redistricting battle at the Texas Capitol and could have national consequences. A bipartisan war is already brewing across the U.S.
Debates over THC, abortion pills, STAAR and more resume as Democrats return for second special session
Read full article: Debates over THC, abortion pills, STAAR and more resume as Democrats return for second special sessionNow that the Texas House has a quorum following Democrats’ two-week absence, lawmakers are back to debate a wide range of issues, including redrawing congressional maps to benefit Republicans.
Texas House Democrats return to Capitol, ending walkout over redistricting plan
Read full article: Texas House Democrats return to Capitol, ending walkout over redistricting planAfter two weeks out of state, Democratic lawmakers returned to Austin, paving the way for Republicans to pass their proposed congressional map.
Vaccine exemption requests in Texas spike in July, as some experts fear more families will opt out
Read full article: Vaccine exemption requests in Texas spike in July, as some experts fear more families will opt outFederal funding cuts to immunization efforts and a new law that allows exemption forms to be downloaded, instead of mailed, could drive up exemptions in the future.
Five Texas school districts at risk of a state takeover after ratings’ release
Read full article: Five Texas school districts at risk of a state takeover after ratings’ releaseThe state can take control of a school district if at least one of its campuses receives a failing grade five years in a row.
Abbott calls second special session as first round ends with Democrats still out of state
Read full article: Abbott calls second special session as first round ends with Democrats still out of stateThe second session is set to consider the same agenda that stalled in the first, with redistricting and disaster response at the top of the governor’s priorities.
Texas megadonor Alex Fairly will fund legal bid to keep GOP lawmakers on the primary ballot
Read full article: Texas megadonor Alex Fairly will fund legal bid to keep GOP lawmakers on the primary ballotThe Amarillo businessman said he would tap into the $20 million political action committee he launched last year to preserve ballot access for censured Republicans.
Riding political wins, a once-restrained Gov. Greg Abbott is increasingly steamrolling foes
Read full article: Riding political wins, a once-restrained Gov. Greg Abbott is increasingly steamrolling foesThe third-term governor appears determined to win any battle — even if it means scorched-earth primary crusades or trying to boot duly elected legislators from office.
Kratom poisoning calls climb in Texas as the state fails to enforce ban on synthetic version
Read full article: Kratom poisoning calls climb in Texas as the state fails to enforce ban on synthetic versionTexas law bans the sale of synthetic kratom, but it isn’t enforced. Earlier this year, legislation died in the Texas House to ban the natural plant, too.
Texas Democrats say they will return to state once session ends, California unveils retaliatory map
Read full article: Texas Democrats say they will return to state once session ends, California unveils retaliatory mapIn a statement, the House Democratic Caucus said its lawyers had advised returning “to build a strong public legislative record for the upcoming legal battle” against the GOP’s map.
History repeated itself when the Guadalupe River swept away Camp Mystic. Why few lessons were learned after the 1987 flood.
Read full article: History repeated itself when the Guadalupe River swept away Camp Mystic. Why few lessons were learned after the 1987 flood.The Fourth of July flood bore a striking similarity to the Hill Country flood that killed 10 summer campers in 1987. In the following years, officials took little action to protect against the next storm.
Bill protecting sex trafficking victims from some criminal charges passes Senate
Read full article: Bill protecting sex trafficking victims from some criminal charges passes SenateSenate Bill 10 would shield victims from prosecution from some crimes if they’re threatened or coerced into the act by their trafficker.
Illinois court rejects Texas request to enforce arrest warrants against House Democrats
Read full article: Illinois court rejects Texas request to enforce arrest warrants against House DemocratsJudge Scott Larson ruled that the Texas speaker and attorney general had “failed to present a legal basis for the court” to take up the issue.
If Texas were to ban or regulate THC, crime labs say they would need more resources
Read full article: If Texas were to ban or regulate THC, crime labs say they would need more resourcesCrime lab officials told lawmakers Wednesday they are struggling to keep up with deadlier drugs like fentanyl and a THC ban or new regulations would add to the challenge.
Texas Republicans and Democrats, locked in redistricting battle, weaponize flood response
Read full article: Texas Republicans and Democrats, locked in redistricting battle, weaponize flood responseWith Democrats’ walkout over redistricting bringing the House to a standstill, both parties are accusing each other of abandoning Central Texas flood victims.
Texas Senate approves new congressional lines as House Democrats remain out of state
Read full article: Texas Senate approves new congressional lines as House Democrats remain out of stateDemocrats' absence has halted work in the Texas House, which must also approve the new boundaries, for more than a week.
Abbott vows to immediately call Texas lawmakers back to work if special session ends without new maps
Read full article: Abbott vows to immediately call Texas lawmakers back to work if special session ends without new mapsThe leaders of both chambers said they would adjourn for the session Friday if Democrats do not return, while the governor said he might add more items to his agenda.
Texas Supreme Court won’t rule for weeks on GOP requests to expel Democrats who left the state
Read full article: Texas Supreme Court won’t rule for weeks on GOP requests to expel Democrats who left the stateThe governor and attorney general have asked the court to find that Democratic lawmakers abandoned their seats when they left Texas to delay a new congressional map.
In redistricting clash, Texas GOP flexes power to shut down Democrats' last tool of resistance
Read full article: In redistricting clash, Texas GOP flexes power to shut down Democrats' last tool of resistanceSince Democratic lawmakers left Texas to delay Republicans’ new map, state leaders have challenged the limits of traditional democratic norms to break the impasse.
After local agencies release Uvalde shooting records, calls continue for Texas DPS to follow suit
Read full article: After local agencies release Uvalde shooting records, calls continue for Texas DPS to follow suitLocal records released this week — after a yearslong lawsuit —affirm previous reporting about law enforcement’s flawed response to Texas’ deadliest school shooting.
Judge blocks Beto O’Rourke from financially supporting Texas Democrats who left the state
Read full article: Judge blocks Beto O’Rourke from financially supporting Texas Democrats who left the stateThe order came at the request of Attorney General Ken Paxton, who O’Rourke accused in a separate lawsuit of going on a “fishing expedition, constitutional rights be damned.”
Ken Paxton asks Texas Supreme Court to expel 13 House Democrats over redistricting standoff
Read full article: Ken Paxton asks Texas Supreme Court to expel 13 House Democrats over redistricting standoffGov. Greg Abbott previously asked the court to expel Rep. Gene Wu, the House Democratic leader. Paxton disputed the governor’s authority to make the request.
Rep. James Talarico mulls U.S. Senate bid as his profile rises amid Texas Democrats’ redistricting standoff
Read full article: Rep. James Talarico mulls U.S. Senate bid as his profile rises amid Texas Democrats’ redistricting standoffThe Democratic state lawmaker has inquired about Senate television ad rates, two sources told the Tribune.
Paxton, Burrows ask Illinois court to enforce Texas arrest warrants against Democrats who left the state
Read full article: Paxton, Burrows ask Illinois court to enforce Texas arrest warrants against Democrats who left the stateThe attorney general is calling on the “full faith and credit” clause of the U.S. Constitution, which says states should typically honor each other’s judicial proceedings.
After being wrongfully deported, a South Texas man and his family navigate realities of shifting immigration policies
Read full article: After being wrongfully deported, a South Texas man and his family navigate realities of shifting immigration policiesJaime Galvan Sanchez has lived in the U.S. for more than 20 years. He was deported in less than 24 hours without due process and allowed to return. But his family is still suffering from the aftermath.
Abbott’s bid to expel the House Democratic leader goes to a court filled with his appointees
Read full article: Abbott’s bid to expel the House Democratic leader goes to a court filled with his appointeesThe Texas Supreme Court said in 2021 the Constitution allows members to thwart legislation by leaving the state. Abbott wants them to reconsider.
Texas youth camps tell lawmakers they need better coordination, emergency plans during disasters
Read full article: Texas youth camps tell lawmakers they need better coordination, emergency plans during disastersTwo youth camp owners told lawmakers more layered disaster plans would create critical backstops and improve communication with first responders.
House Democrats helped Dustin Burrows win the gavel. Their departure from the state marks a pivotal moment for him.
Read full article: House Democrats helped Dustin Burrows win the gavel. Their departure from the state marks a pivotal moment for him.The situation is an opportunity for the speaker to bolster his credibility with the right, but he has limited tools to combat a prolonged Democratic absence.
Federal appeals court sides with Texas on ID requirements for voting by mail
Read full article: Federal appeals court sides with Texas on ID requirements for voting by mailThe U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals found that the state’s voter ID requirements for mail-in ballots do not violate the Civil Rights Act.
Gov. Greg Abbott asks Texas Supreme Court to expel House Democratic leader who left state
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott asks Texas Supreme Court to expel House Democratic leader who left stateLegal experts say it’s “inconsistent with the Texas Constitution” to argue that leaving the state to halt legislative action qualifies as abandoning an office.
Beto O’Rourke’s political group is a top funder for Texas Democrats’ exodus to block GOP congressional map
Read full article: Beto O’Rourke’s political group is a top funder for Texas Democrats’ exodus to block GOP congressional mapThe former El Paso congressman also contributed to House Democrats’ 2021 quorum break. A PAC backed by Democratic donor George Soros is also involved in this year’s effort.
Texas AG can't depose Catholic Charities leader in migrant aid case, appeals court rules
Read full article: Texas AG can't depose Catholic Charities leader in migrant aid case, appeals court rulesThe three-judge panel agreed with a lower court that Ken Paxton’s office can’t question officials from Catholic Charities under oath without first filing a lawsuit.
The Texas redistricting fight spurring a legislative standoff: What you need to know
Read full article: The Texas redistricting fight spurring a legislative standoff: What you need to knowTexas Republicans are trying to redraw congressional districts to pick up five additional U.S. House seats. Democrats face financial and political risk in their bid to block the GOP plan.
Senate OKs latest bill restricting use of government and school bathrooms by transgender people
Read full article: Senate OKs latest bill restricting use of government and school bathrooms by transgender peopleSenate Bill 7 would require people to use restrooms that match their birth gender and fine institutions up to $25,000 for repeated violations.
Flood relief, THC regulation and more in limbo after House Democrats leave Texas
Read full article: Flood relief, THC regulation and more in limbo after House Democrats leave TexasDemocrats fled the state to stop Republicans’ attempt to redraw congressional districts, but bills aimed at everything from a THC product ban to bolstering flood response are now in doubt.
Texas House issues arrest warrants for Democrats who left state to block congressional redistricting
Read full article: Texas House issues arrest warrants for Democrats who left state to block congressional redistrictingThe warrants apply only within state lines, making them largely symbolic as most of the legislators in question decamped to Illinois, New York and Massachusetts.
Denying quorum has been a Texas political strategy since 1870
Read full article: Denying quorum has been a Texas political strategy since 1870While the Democrats could technically derail the GOP’s redistricting map, such efforts have been largely symbolic and had limited success blocking past legislation, experts say.
In draft congressional map, Texas Republicans bet big that gains with Latino voters will persist
Read full article: In draft congressional map, Texas Republicans bet big that gains with Latino voters will persistThe plan increases the share of Hispanic voters in three of the five districts targeted by the GOP, banking that enough will turn out and vote for Republicans without Donald Trump on the ballot.
Texas Lottery to pay winner of $83.5M jackpot after withholding prize for months
Read full article: Texas Lottery to pay winner of $83.5M jackpot after withholding prize for monthsThe agency initially blocked the payout because of two state investigations into now-banned lottery courier services, one of which sold the winning ticket.
Some rural Texans see THC as a lifeline for their health and economy
Read full article: Some rural Texans see THC as a lifeline for their health and economyAs lawmakers continue to debate banning hemp-derived THC, some rural Texans say it helps ease addiction, health concerns and economic woes that hit their communities the hardest.
Texas bills increasing youth camp safety face long odds, even after Hill Country floods
Read full article: Texas bills increasing youth camp safety face long odds, even after Hill Country floodsCompeting legislative priorities and an industry that has pushed against certain regulations could challenge a suite of camp safety bills this special legislative session.
Former Sid Miller allies told police the ag commissioner feared the DEA, told a friend to get rid of marijuana
Read full article: Former Sid Miller allies told police the ag commissioner feared the DEA, told a friend to get rid of marijuanaMiller denies wrongdoing after allegations surfaced during an investigation into one his aides, who pled guilty to bribery. The agriculture commissioner has not been charged with a crime.
Texas Democrats are fundraising to potentially leave the state to block GOP-backed redistricting
Read full article: Texas Democrats are fundraising to potentially leave the state to block GOP-backed redistrictingThe money could be used to cover the $500-a-day fines lawmakers would incur under House rules set to discourage members from absconding after Democrats fled the state in 2021.
Texas buys land for new state parks that will be developed using $1 billion voter-approved fund
Read full article: Texas buys land for new state parks that will be developed using $1 billion voter-approved fundThe fund opens a new era of public land acquisition and park development for Texas, which ranks 35th nationally in state park acreage per capita.
Texas GOP Rep. Giovanni Capriglione admits affair, denies abortion allegations
Read full article: Texas GOP Rep. Giovanni Capriglione admits affair, denies abortion allegationsA conservative news site published an interview with a woman who alleges a 17-year affair with the Southlake representative, who said this week he wouldn’t seek reelection.
Texas Senate committee doubles down on THC ban, saying state and local governments don’t have the resources for regulations
Read full article: Texas Senate committee doubles down on THC ban, saying state and local governments don’t have the resources for regulationsSenate Bill 5 would ban products containing any detectable amount of any cannabinoid, creating criminal offenses for possession of hemp-derived THC.
THC-related poison control calls tripled in Texas after hemp became legal. Experts say there’s more to the story.
Read full article: THC-related poison control calls tripled in Texas after hemp became legal. Experts say there’s more to the story.Experts say poison control data don’t specify which calls are related to hemp versus more dangerous K2, but show that most THC poisonings cause minor side effects.
Ken Paxton sues adult swimming organization for allowing transgender competitors at San Antonio event
Read full article: Ken Paxton sues adult swimming organization for allowing transgender competitors at San Antonio eventThe Texas attorney general said U.S. Masters Swimming violated the state’s Deceptive Trade Practices Act by allowing trans athletes to compete in women’s events.
Gov. Abbott orders special session on Hill Country flooding, redistricting, THC and unfinished GOP priorities
Read full article: Gov. Abbott orders special session on Hill Country flooding, redistricting, THC and unfinished GOP prioritiesThe Republican governor laid out an ambitious agenda that includes an unexpected array of conservative bills that failed during the regular session.
Kerrville mayor says he wasn’t aware of state resources that Gov. Abbott said were in place ahead of flooding
Read full article: Kerrville mayor says he wasn’t aware of state resources that Gov. Abbott said were in place ahead of floodingThe governor said Tuesday that the state had “assets, resources and personnel” in place before the July 4 floods. On Wednesday evening, the death toll rose to 120.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.