For Texas GOP, immigration politics show signs of fading potency
Read full article: For Texas GOP, immigration politics show signs of fading potencyTexas voters have listed immigration and border security among their top issues for years, but recent polling found they are less of a priority than at any point in recent history.
Companies moving their legal homes to Texas is good PR, but don’t expect many new jobs
Read full article: Companies moving their legal homes to Texas is good PR, but don’t expect many new jobsA company’s legal home determines which state taxes and laws governing corporations it will be subject to. Some are fleeing Delaware in search of a friendlier environment in Texas.
Teachers with national certification earn more, but Texas is questioning its worth
Read full article: Teachers with national certification earn more, but Texas is questioning its worthThe National Board Certification is widely considered the most demanding for teachers. Texas leaders are examining whether it fits the state’s merit-based system.
By threatening public safety grants, Greg Abbott exerts control over Texas cities
Read full article: By threatening public safety grants, Greg Abbott exerts control over Texas citiesThe governor’s threats have produced quick wins on hot-button issues important to the GOP base – immigration and perceived threats posed by Islam.
Gas power leapfrogs wind for first time in 10 years in Texas’ grid connection queue
Read full article: Gas power leapfrogs wind for first time in 10 years in Texas’ grid connection queueData centers are largely driving the sudden rise in natural gas power projects on the waiting list to connect to Texas' grid.
More green, less steel: Laredo proposes alternative border fencing for Rio Grande waterfront
Read full article: More green, less steel: Laredo proposes alternative border fencing for Rio Grande waterfrontLaredo is working with federal officials to minimize the disruptions a potential wall could pose.
Voting Rights Act ruling could change representation on city councils, school boards across Texas
Read full article: Voting Rights Act ruling could change representation on city councils, school boards across TexasThe 1965 federal law helped Latino and Black voters gain representation in city and school boards across Texas but now that could change.
How the Voting Rights Act reshaped Texas’ electoral maps by empowering voters, candidates of color
Read full article: How the Voting Rights Act reshaped Texas’ electoral maps by empowering voters, candidates of colorThe Supreme Court weakened Section 2, the linchpin of the 1965 civil rights legislation that prohibits diluting the electoral power of voters of color. But the statute’s fingerprints can be seen all over Texas’ maps.
FIFA could make billions from the World Cup. Texas host cities will get little in return.
Read full article: FIFA could make billions from the World Cup. Texas host cities will get little in return.Almost all of the costs for organizing the tournament fall on the cities, whose ability to collect revenue is limited. In Texas, that could leave taxpayers on the hook.
Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Republican runoff: Who is running for Place 3 and what to know
Read full article: Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Republican runoff: Who is running for Place 3 and what to knowThe criminal court decides death penalty case appeals and rules on petitions for those who believe they’ve been wrongfully detained. Alison Fox and Thomas Smith are in the runoff for Place 3’s Republican nominee.
Two years after a judge recommended her murder conviction be tossed, Melissa Lucio still waits for freedom
Read full article: Two years after a judge recommended her murder conviction be tossed, Melissa Lucio still waits for freedomA district judge provided two recommendations to the Court of Criminal Appeals in 2024, but the court’s process provides no details on when it will rule on the death row inmate’s innocence.
Top Democratic PAC books $22 million in ads, Republican counterpart reserves $14 million for U.S. House seats in South Texas
Read full article: Top Democratic PAC books $22 million in ads, Republican counterpart reserves $14 million for U.S. House seats in South TexasHouse Majority PAC is targeting five majority-Hispanic seats, including the 23rd Congressional District, which was recently vacated by Republican Tony Gonzales. The top Republican group is spending $13.9 million on two seats.
Houston City Council approves gutting policy limiting ICE cooperation, civil rights groups say
Read full article: Houston City Council approves gutting policy limiting ICE cooperation, civil rights groups sayIn contrast to the civil rights groups’ assessment, Houston’s city attorney told council members that the amendment — crafted by the mayor’s staff and the governor’s office — brings no major changes.
On the issues: A Q&A with Ken Paxton and John Cornyn
Read full article: On the issues: A Q&A with Ken Paxton and John CornynAs Cornyn and Paxton head to the runoff, we updated our Q&A to reflect the two candidates. Both declined to participate, so we used their past statements and voting history to show where they stand on foreign policy, AI and other key issues.
Conversion therapy is legal. Therapists are torn on whether this will help LGBTQ+ Texans.
Read full article: Conversion therapy is legal. Therapists are torn on whether this will help LGBTQ+ Texans.The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled conversion therapy is free speech. Some LGBTQ+ advocates say the ruling applies to gender-affirming therapy, too, while others say the courts won’t protect them.
Texas oil and gas regulator Wayne Christian peddles oil-backed crypto coin
Read full article: Texas oil and gas regulator Wayne Christian peddles oil-backed crypto coinGovernment watchdogs raised conflict-of-interests concerns, but Christian said his involvement in the venture is “separate” from his elected position on the Railroad Commission.
Tesla’s Gigafactory water use surges in Austin as new chip plant looms
Read full article: Tesla’s Gigafactory water use surges in Austin as new chip plant loomsTesla’s Giga Texas water use jumped more than 200 million gallons — by about 60% — in two years, as massive chip plant proposal raises concerns about Austin’s strained supply.
Rep. Tony Gonzales could face expulsion from Congress amid furor over sexual misconduct
Read full article: Rep. Tony Gonzales could face expulsion from Congress amid furor over sexual misconductU.S. House members say they will bring resolutions to the floor this week to expel the Republican Gonzales and Democrat Eric Swalwell. Each motion would require a two-thirds majority.
Here’s how to cast a ballot in Texas’ May 2 local elections
Read full article: Here’s how to cast a ballot in Texas’ May 2 local electionsIn-person early voting runs from April 20-28. The last day to apply to cast a ballot by mail is April 20. Read more about who qualifies for that option, which is limited in Texas, in our guide.
In South Texas, quinceañera dig becomes campaign fuel for Tejano musician Bobby Pulido
Read full article: In South Texas, quinceañera dig becomes campaign fuel for Tejano musician Bobby PulidoSince GOP Rep. Monica De La Cruz said the race “isn’t about who you want performing at your niece’s quinceañera,” the Democrat has played at a dozen such events in the 15th Congressional District.
After 1,700 Sundays preaching outside and under bridges, a Central Texas pastor retires
Read full article: After 1,700 Sundays preaching outside and under bridges, a Central Texas pastor retiresUrban minister Jimmy Dorrell bade farewell Sunday to his outdoor Waco congregation after baptizing a dozen people in the chilly waters of the Middle Bosque River.
Texas to launch a statewide food truck permit on July 1
Read full article: Texas to launch a statewide food truck permit on July 1Business owners are applauding the new law because currently, anytime they want to operate in another city or county, they have to pay that jurisdiction’s permitting fee.
This state agency was created to investigate Texas universities. How that works is a mystery.
Read full article: This state agency was created to investigate Texas universities. How that works is a mystery.Office of the Ombudsman has no written policies on how to investigate allegations that education laws are being broken, even though it’s been accepting complaints for three months.
South Texas woman loses wrongful arrest lawsuit in controversial abortion case
Read full article: South Texas woman loses wrongful arrest lawsuit in controversial abortion caseA federal judge on Tuesday dismissed Lizelle Gonzalez’s suit seeking $1 million in damages in which she accused local officials of malicious prosecution and conspiracy.
AI-aligned super PACs are pouring millions into Texas congressional races
Read full article: AI-aligned super PACs are pouring millions into Texas congressional racesGroups funded by artificial intelligence industry leaders have spent more than $2.8 million in the state, mostly on U.S. House GOP candidates who favor a light regulatory touch.
Thousands of Texas students lose college credits when transferring. Here are pitfalls to avoid.
Read full article: Thousands of Texas students lose college credits when transferring. Here are pitfalls to avoid.Early planning and paying attention to which classes are relevant for their major can help students save time and money.
Strict schedules, long days, high pay: What Waco schools can expect from new charter operator
Read full article: Strict schedules, long days, high pay: What Waco schools can expect from new charter operatorThe Waco school district is expected to be the latest to contract with the charter operator founded by Mike Miles, the state-appointed superintendent of Houston schools.
After Minnesota scandal, Texas reviewed its child care spending. It found little fraud.
Read full article: After Minnesota scandal, Texas reviewed its child care spending. It found little fraud.An investigation ordered by Gov. Greg Abbott found that less than half a percent of federal money spent on child care scholarships in Texas was considered “improper.”
Forced to sell medications at a loss, rural Texas pharmacies seek new survival tactics
Read full article: Forced to sell medications at a loss, rural Texas pharmacies seek new survival tacticsIndependent rural pharmacists are starting other businesses or selling baby shower gifts to keep their stores operating. Pharmacy deserts affect 4 million Texans.
Ken Paxton won’t represent Comptroller Kelly Hancock in school voucher suit amid grudge match
Read full article: Ken Paxton won’t represent Comptroller Kelly Hancock in school voucher suit amid grudge matchIn a Thursday letter, Paxton said Hancock jeopardized the state’s defense in the case by leaking a separate letter he sent to the AG’s office on Tuesday.
After years of pushing for better jobs, Rio Grande Valley leaders land high-skilled manufacturing plant
Read full article: After years of pushing for better jobs, Rio Grande Valley leaders land high-skilled manufacturing plantMcAllen leaders hope the new Valeo manufacturing plant is a sign that the region, one of the most impoverished in the state, can attract better-paying jobs for its college graduates.
Dead gardens, dusty cars: Frustrated Corpus Christi residents take precautions as water crisis nears
Read full article: Dead gardens, dusty cars: Frustrated Corpus Christi residents take precautions as water crisis nearsThe city’s water supply has been nearly depleted by a prolonged drought and a recent boon of oil refineries in the area. Locals have been limiting outdoor watering, shower time and car washes.
Texas has taken over issuing permits to store carbon underground. Here’s what to know.
Read full article: Texas has taken over issuing permits to store carbon underground. Here’s what to know.The move of authority to the Texas Railroad Commission from the federal government now makes it easier for energy companies to apply for permits to store carbon underground.
Texas inmate seeks to stop looming execution after codefendant confesses to double murders
Read full article: Texas inmate seeks to stop looming execution after codefendant confesses to double murdersIn his appeal, James Broadnax, who also wants a new trial, included a signed confession by his cousin saying he committed the 2008 Garland murders.
Judge orders Texas to extend school voucher deadline in response to lawsuit from Islamic schools
Read full article: Judge orders Texas to extend school voucher deadline in response to lawsuit from Islamic schoolsThe application period, set to close Tuesday night, must now remain open until March 31, according to an attorney representing Islamic schools.
With Tony Gonzales out, Democrats sense an opening against new hardline GOP nominee Brandon Herrera
Read full article: With Tony Gonzales out, Democrats sense an opening against new hardline GOP nominee Brandon HerreraHerrera’s history of brash comments, and the leftward drift of Hispanic voters, has renewed Democrats’ interest in the 23rd Congressional District, which runs from San Antonio to El Paso.
Cornyn voices support for nixing filibuster, reversing course as he courts Trump’s endorsement
Read full article: Cornyn voices support for nixing filibuster, reversing course as he courts Trump’s endorsementCornyn’s change of heart comes amid a grueling primary battle with Attorney General Ken Paxton, who said he'd consider dropping out if Republicans scrapped the filibuster to pass a voter ID law.
Politicians want to stop companies from buying homes. A ban wouldn’t bring down costs.
Read full article: Politicians want to stop companies from buying homes. A ban wouldn’t bring down costs.President Trump, who wants to stop profit-driven companies from buying residences in bulk, spotlighted the struggles of a Houston woman who was regularly outbid by firms on homes in the pandemic.
Trump floods Texas primaries with his endorsements, testing limits of political reach
Read full article: Trump floods Texas primaries with his endorsements, testing limits of political reachWhile he has stayed out of some blockbuster contests, the president has otherwise spread his endorsement generously in Texas. The strategy has helped him form politically beneficial alliances in the past.
President Trump endorses Sid Miller and Don Huffines, countering Abbott’s picks
Read full article: President Trump endorses Sid Miller and Don Huffines, countering Abbott’s picksTrump’s last-minute primary endorsements that directly oppose the Texas governor’s selections came hours after he spoke at an event in Corpus Christi on Friday.
West Texas congressional candidates split on campaign strategy: Defend farmers or Trump
Read full article: West Texas congressional candidates split on campaign strategy: Defend farmers or TrumpAs front-runners in a seven-person Republican primary, Tom Sell is running on local issues, while Abraham Enriquez is making it all about Trump.
Texas Senate candidate says “no strings attached” to $2 million donation from businessman
Read full article: Texas Senate candidate says “no strings attached” to $2 million donation from businessmanRhonda Ward, a first-time candidate for elected office who previously served on the state GOP’s policy committee, is challenging Trent Ashby for the East Texas seat.
Dan Crenshaw vs. Steve Toth primary is a fight over who’s the real RINO
Read full article: Dan Crenshaw vs. Steve Toth primary is a fight over who’s the real RINOCrenshaw, fighting to remain in his Houston-area congressional seat, has drawn criticism from right-wing media and a challenge from Toth, among the most conservative members of the Texas House.
In Senate Democratic primary fraught with racial tensions, Black voters could be decisive
Read full article: In Senate Democratic primary fraught with racial tensions, Black voters could be decisiveJasmine Crockett has built enormous enthusiasm among Black voters based in part on her reputation as a fighter, while her opponent in the Texas primary, James Talarico, has struggled to win their support.
Rep. James Talarico raises $7.4 million in first six weeks of 2026 in bid for U.S. Senate
Read full article: Rep. James Talarico raises $7.4 million in first six weeks of 2026 in bid for U.S. SenateTalarico’s haul, announced days before early voting, already outpaces what he raised over the last three months of last year.
Texans born without traditional sex traits worry new law will force them to choose a gender they don’t identify with
Read full article: Texans born without traditional sex traits worry new law will force them to choose a gender they don’t identify withIntersex Texans fear House Bill 229, which defines gender based on the reproductive system, could increase surgeries on intersex children and create challenges to obtaining sex changes on government documents.
Texas court district leads U.S. in immigrants challenging legality of federal detention
Read full article: Texas court district leads U.S. in immigrants challenging legality of federal detentionThe administration’s push for mass deportations has resulted in more than 18,000 habeas petitions, a historic high. Texas and California account for about 40% of cases this year.
Texas Railroad Commission primary: Who is running and what to know
Read full article: Texas Railroad Commission primary: Who is running and what to knowThe Railroad Commission regulates energy infrastructure across Texas. Here’s a look at who’s running in the 2026 Democratic and Republican primaries and where they stand.
In fiercely competitive Democratic Senate race, social media influencers increasingly drive the conversation
Read full article: In fiercely competitive Democratic Senate race, social media influencers increasingly drive the conversationThe near-constant stream of takes from content creators has come to frame the primary between Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico as a referendum on identity politics in the Democratic Party.
Texas Tech struggles with new rules that changed what students learn about race, gender, sexuality
Read full article: Texas Tech struggles with new rules that changed what students learn about race, gender, sexualityThe system’s chancellor said he meant to instill clarity and accountability, but three weeks into the spring semester, some instructors say the standards are vague and have led to censorship.
Texas Education Agency warns districts of potential state takeovers for “encouraging” student protests
Read full article: Texas Education Agency warns districts of potential state takeovers for “encouraging” student protestsThe state education agency issued guidance to districts after Gov. Greg Abbott directed its commissioner to investigate the student protests of killings by federal agents.
Texas Supreme Court primaries: Who is running and what to know
Read full article: Texas Supreme Court primaries: Who is running and what to knowThe high court, currently made up entirely of Republicans, decides some of the most consequential cases impacting everyday Texans’ lives. Here’s a look at who’s running for the court’s four seats on the 2026 ballot.
After two Houston Congress members died in office, Al Green defends his seniority to voters
Read full article: After two Houston Congress members died in office, Al Green defends his seniority to votersThe 78-year-old Democrat is up against two younger opponents, including Rep.-elect Christian Menefee, in a district left vacant for 11 months after the death of Sylvester Turner.
Judge orders 5-year-old Liam Ramos and his dad released from detention in Texas
Read full article: Judge orders 5-year-old Liam Ramos and his dad released from detention in TexasImages of Liam Conejo Ramos, with a bunny hat and Spiderman backpack being surrounded by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Officers, sparked even more outcry about President Donald Trump's administration's immigration crackdown.
After a death at an El Paso ICE facility was ruled a homicide, will prosecutors pursue a criminal case?
Read full article: After a death at an El Paso ICE facility was ruled a homicide, will prosecutors pursue a criminal case?Because Geraldo Lunas Campos died at a military base, the El Paso District Attorney says any criminal case may fall to federal prosecutors. But criminal law experts say the state doesn’t have to defer to them.
New Talarico campaign ad puts spotlight on his role in passing bill that caps insulin costs
Read full article: New Talarico campaign ad puts spotlight on his role in passing bill that caps insulin costsWhile GOP lawmakers accused the Austin Democrat of overstating his role in passing a statewide cap on insulin copays, his Democratic colleagues said his personal battle with diabetes generated key momentum for the effort.
El Paso’s plan to build natural gas power plant for massive data center kicks up opposition
Read full article: El Paso’s plan to build natural gas power plant for massive data center kicks up oppositionMeta’s planned data center could be El Paso’s biggest electricity user. Some residents worry that a new power plant to run it would worsen air pollution and guzzle water.
Jasmine Crockett, James Talarico to face off in first debate of Senate Democratic primary
Read full article: Jasmine Crockett, James Talarico to face off in first debate of Senate Democratic primarySaturday’s debate, hosted by the Texas AFL-CIO, gives voters their first side-by-side glimpse of the candidates’ contrasting styles and proposals ahead of the March 3 primary.
Removal of LGBTQ+ option from 988 hotline is straining overburdened Texas crisis centers
Read full article: Removal of LGBTQ+ option from 988 hotline is straining overburdened Texas crisis centersThe groups that operate Texas’ 988 system face a convergence of challenges this year, from expiring federal money to heavier workloads since the Trump administration eliminated the special option for LGBTQ youth.
Texas governor primary: Who is running and what to know
Read full article: Texas governor primary: Who is running and what to knowThe governor is Texas’ chief executive, with a hand in everything from enforcing laws to setting budget priorities and responding to crises. Here’s a look at who’s running in the 2026 primary and where they come from.
Paxton investigating Texas schools to ensure posting of Ten Commandments
Read full article: Paxton investigating Texas schools to ensure posting of Ten CommandmentsTexas can enforce the state's law requiring Ten Commandments posters in public schools. Here's what to know about the latest legal challenges.
As data centers jostle to get on Texas’ grid, ERCOT promises new rules for planning
Read full article: As data centers jostle to get on Texas’ grid, ERCOT promises new rules for planningERCOT is making a first attempt at a planning process in which multiple requests will be considered simultaneously.
LGBTQ+ San Antonio residents criticize city’s plan to replace rainbow crosswalks with rainbow sidewalks
Read full article: LGBTQ+ San Antonio residents criticize city’s plan to replace rainbow crosswalks with rainbow sidewalksAfter a lawsuit failed to stop the crosswalk’s removal, caused by a threat to funding, some residents called its replacement a consolation that ignores a larger fight in the state.
Texas House Democrats raised record-breaking $2.2 million in 2025
Read full article: Texas House Democrats raised record-breaking $2.2 million in 2025The majority of the Democratic caucus’ haul came when the party broke quorum over the summer to delay the GOP-controlled Legislature from redrawing the state’s congressional map.
Several major Texas death row appeals loom in 2026 amid drop in executions
Read full article: Several major Texas death row appeals loom in 2026 amid drop in executionsAmong the cases that are headed back to court is that of Robert Roberson, who argues he was wrongfully convicted of killing his daughter based on now-debunked science.
Texas, facing doctor shortage, eases path for foreign-trained physicians
Read full article: Texas, facing doctor shortage, eases path for foreign-trained physiciansTexas joins 17 other states that are making it easier for foreign medical graduates to work as doctors here. About a quarter of the state’s licensed doctors were trained outside the U.S.
Panhandle history museum scrambles to protect 2 million artifacts as it fights permanent closure
Read full article: Panhandle history museum scrambles to protect 2 million artifacts as it fights permanent closureWith a steep price tag, saving the landmark museum won’t be easy, but area residents and leaders are looking for solutions.
From school vouchers to flood warning systems, these are the Texas developments to watch in 2026
Read full article: From school vouchers to flood warning systems, these are the Texas developments to watch in 2026Several court hearings and policies affecting education, health and more will roll out in the new year.
Texas to receive $281 million in federal funds for rural health care
Read full article: Texas to receive $281 million in federal funds for rural health careTexas will get the biggest portion of the first rollout of the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program, which was created in tandem with legislation slashing Medicaid funding.
Here are the most important stories from Texas Tribune’s data visuals team in 2025
Read full article: Here are the most important stories from Texas Tribune’s data visuals team in 2025The Tribune’s team of data journalists produced a congressional redistricting tool, covered several education data releases, visualized the measles outbreak and more.
“Construction can’t continue”: South Texas builders say ICE arrests have upended industry
Read full article: “Construction can’t continue”: South Texas builders say ICE arrests have upended industryMore than 300 people attended an impromptu meeting that industry leaders in the Rio Grande Valley hosted to draw attention to the chilling effect ICE arrests have had on construction.
Trump administration weighing new South Texas land exchange with Elon Musk’s SpaceX
Read full article: Trump administration weighing new South Texas land exchange with Elon Musk’s SpaceXFederal officials are considering swapping 775 acres of the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge with the aerospace company, according to The New York Times.
Indigenous groups fight to save rediscovered settlement site on Texas coast
Read full article: Indigenous groups fight to save rediscovered settlement site on Texas coastFlanked by a chemical plant and an oil rig construction yard, the site on Corpus Christi Bay may be the last of its kind on this stretch of coastline, now occupied by petrochemical facilities.
Texas’ next top lawyer: What does the attorney general do and how has Paxton remade the office?
Read full article: Texas’ next top lawyer: What does the attorney general do and how has Paxton remade the office?Texans will elect a new attorney general next year for the first time in over a decade. The office handles legal matters impacting everyday life and, currently, plays a leading role in the conservative movement.
Texas lawmakers from both parties oppose Trump’s order targeting state AI laws
Read full article: Texas lawmakers from both parties oppose Trump’s order targeting state AI lawsTexas’ new law regulating AI is set to take effect Jan. 1, two months after Trump’s executive order threatening to cut off some federal money if states pass “onerous” AI laws.
Texas AG Ken Paxton and Sen. Angela Paxton agree to unseal divorce records
Read full article: Texas AG Ken Paxton and Sen. Angela Paxton agree to unseal divorce recordsThe agreement comes after a judge put the Paxtons’ records under seal, prompting The Texas Tribune and other outlets to challenge the order.
Texas Democrats fill every state and federal race on 2026 ballot, a first for either party
Read full article: Texas Democrats fill every state and federal race on 2026 ballot, a first for either partyTexas Majority PAC and the Texas Democratic Party recruited 104 candidates to fill uncontested races. Gov. Greg Abbott’s strategist said it amounts to a gimmick “if they don’t back it up with serious resources.”
Residents protest high-voltage power lines that could skirt Dinosaur Valley State Park
Read full article: Residents protest high-voltage power lines that could skirt Dinosaur Valley State ParkOne of three possible routes would border the North Texas park. The project is part of a statewide effort to keep pace with Texas’ rapidly growing energy needs.
Trump’s pardon of Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar leaves local Republicans surprised and disappointed
Read full article: Trump’s pardon of Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar leaves local Republicans surprised and disappointedSome county GOP officials said the president’s pardon could complicate their plans to unseat the Laredo Democrat in South Texas’ battleground 28th Congressional District.
A Lubbock County commissioner announced his congressional campaign. Then he was removed from office.
Read full article: A Lubbock County commissioner announced his congressional campaign. Then he was removed from office.Lubbock County Judge Curtis Parrish removed Commissioner Jason Corley from office this week, the latest twist in the Republicans’ fraught relationship.
Gov. Greg Abbott wants a tighter lid on home values. Tax policy experts warn that’s a bad idea.
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott wants a tighter lid on home values. Tax policy experts warn that’s a bad idea.Conservative and liberal tax policy experts said Abbott’s proposal would lead to higher housing costs and tax benefits flowing disproportionately to wealthy homeowners.
Why Gov. Greg Abbott wants to let taxpayers decide whether cities can raise — or cut — taxes
Read full article: Why Gov. Greg Abbott wants to let taxpayers decide whether cities can raise — or cut — taxesTexas cities and counties already face limits on how much revenue they can generate. Local leaders have warned that further restrictions would mean fewer services like parks and libraries.
Texas AG probe of nearly 1,000 cities’ finances to seek violations of new property tax law
Read full article: Texas AG probe of nearly 1,000 cities’ finances to seek violations of new property tax lawWhile Ken Paxton did not allege any wrongdoing, his move is intended to enforce a new law that prevents cities from raising property taxes if they fail to follow transparency requirements.
Paxton’s crusade against immigrant-serving groups gets boost from court rulings
Read full article: Paxton’s crusade against immigrant-serving groups gets boost from court rulingsCourts have said that the attorney general can use a 100-year-old law to demand entities’ internal records and sue to shut them down if he believes they’re violating the law.
Texas AG Ken Paxton files second suit targeting Muslim housing project in North Texas
Read full article: Texas AG Ken Paxton files second suit targeting Muslim housing project in North TexasPaxton began investigating the East Plano Islamic Center in March for potential violations of consumer protection laws.
Running water will finally reach West Odessa thanks to $17 million from state lawmakers
Read full article: Running water will finally reach West Odessa thanks to $17 million from state lawmakersThe Legislature approved $600 million for standalone improvements, but one advocate worried the increase in direct spending undermines the Texas Water Development Board’s process.
Despite bribery charges, many Democrats still favor Henry Cuellar to hold his Laredo district
Read full article: Despite bribery charges, many Democrats still favor Henry Cuellar to hold his Laredo districtDays out from the filing deadline, Cuellar has yet to draw a serious primary challenger — a sign that many in his party view the anti-abortion congressman as their best bet to stave off the GOP in November.
Texas Rep. Gary VanDeaver, a private school voucher holdout, won’t seek reelection
Read full article: Texas Rep. Gary VanDeaver, a private school voucher holdout, won’t seek reelectionVanDeaver, who represents northeast Texas, was one of two House Republicans to oppose a school voucher program this year after he narrowly beat a pro-voucher primary challenger in 2024.
Texas is restricting the bathrooms trans people can use in government buildings. Here’s how the law works.
Read full article: Texas is restricting the bathrooms trans people can use in government buildings. Here’s how the law works.The “bathroom bill” doesn’t provide guidance for how government agencies, schools and universities should ensure people use facilities matching their sex assigned at birth.