An anti-abortion program will receive $100 million in the next Texas budget, but there’s little data on what’s being done with the money

Latest News

• State Rep. James White, an East Texas Republican, won't seek another term in Texas House

  by Patrick Svitek and Colleen DeGuzman June 11, 2021

  White, chairman of the House Homeland Security and Public Safety Committee, has served in the lower chamber since 2011. Full Story 

• In a period of conflicts and crises, Gov. Greg Abbott goes all in on the border

  by Patrick Svitek June 11, 2021

  The governor's announcement Thursday that Texas would build its own border wall was Abbott's boldest move yet in an intensifying focus on the region. Full Story 

• Gov. Greg Abbott wants to build a border wall, but does Texas have the ability — or money — to do so?

  by James Barragán and Heidi Pérez-Moreno June 11, 2021

  Critics have denounced Abbott's proposal as "political theater" that won't pass legal muster. But the two-term Republican governor says it's time to secure the border. Full Story 

• 1 out of 3 Texans are now fully vaccinated as the state reports lowest number of hospitalized COVID patients in a year

  by Texas Tribune Staff Updated: June 11, 2021

  The Texas Tribune is using daily data from the Texas Department of State Health Services to track coronavirus vaccinations, cases, hospitalizations and deaths. Full Story 

• TribCast: Will Texas build its own border wall?

  by Matthew Watkins and Justin Dehn June 11, 2021

  In this week's TribCast, Matthew speaks with Ross, Patrick and James about Gov. Greg Abbott's border wall idea, the politics of South Texas and the GOP statewide ticket in 2022. Full Story 

• Republicans think they can take South Texas — especially after a win in McAllen

  by James Barragán June 11, 2021

  Statewide officials are campaigning in the Democratic stronghold and GOP groups are now targeting statehouse districts. Full Story 

• Gov. Greg Abbott says Texas will build a border wall, but doesn’t yet give details on cost or location

  by Heidi Pérez-Moreno Updated: June 10, 2021

  The governor suggested more details would be released next week. The announcement Thursday of several initiatives is the latest in an ongoing conflict between Abbott, a Republican, and Democratic President Joe Biden's administration. Full Story 

• Kamala Harris to host White House meeting with Texas Democrats who blocked voting bill

  by Patrick Svitek Updated: June 10, 2021

  The meeting will take place Wednesday, according to Harris' office. Full Story 

• Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price announces run for Tarrant County judge

  by Patrick Svitek Updated: June 10, 2021

  One of the last remaining Republican mayors of a big city is jumping back into the political arena after not seeking reelection. Full Story 

• Gov. Greg Abbott has lifted almost all Texas pandemic restrictions. But not the one limiting jail releases.

  by Jolie McCullough June 10, 2021

  As he was fighting for the Legislature to change state bail laws, the governor continued his emergency order to restrict no-cost jail releases during the pandemic. At least several Texas courts have deemed the order unconstitutional. Full Story 

• Analysis: Ken Paxton’s attractive troubles

  by Ross Ramsey June 10, 2021

  The 2022 political season is just starting, but there are already three Republicans with statewide experience running for attorney general — including the incumbent. Full Story 

• Fear of coronavirus will no longer be acceptable reason for Texans on unemployment to turn down job offers

  by Isabella Zou June 9, 2021

  The state's unemployment agency is ending that exemption June 26, when out-of-work Texans will also stop receiving an extra $300 in federal jobless benefits. Full Story 

• Lawyers prosecuting Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s fraud case challenge decision to move trial back to his home county

  by James Barragán Updated: June 9, 2021

  Last month, a divided three-judge panel ruled that the case should move back to Collin County. Prosecutors are asking the full 1st Court of Appeals to review and reverse that ruling, potentially further delaying the 6-year-old case. Full Story 

• Texas power generation companies will have to better prepare for extreme weather under bills Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law

  by Isabella Zou Updated: June 9, 2021

  Senate Bills 2 and 3 are aimed at overhauling the state’s power grid after the devastating winter storm in February and the widespread power outages that followed. Full Story 

• After 2020 disappointments, Democrats look to prioritize year-round organizing

  by Patrick Svitek June 9, 2021

  Two former congressional candidates, Julie Oliver and Mike Siegel, are hoping to help Democrats learn the lessons of 2020 with a new group called Ground Game Texas. Full Story 

• Texas’ 1836 Project aims to promote “patriotic education,” but critics worry it will gloss over state’s history of racism

  by Heidi Pérez-Moreno June 9, 2021

  The project is essentially an advisory committee designed to promote the state’s history to Texas residents, largely through pamphlets given to people receiving driver’s licenses. Full Story