Texas Gov. Greg Abbott joins other key Republicans in supporting repealing the “tampon tax”

Latest News

• TribCast: Texas’ drought is likely to persist

  by Matthew Watkins and Todd Wiseman 1 hour ago

  In this week’s episode, Matthew speaks with Jayme about how this week’s rain likely won’t mean the end of the drought. And he speaks with Eric about the soon-to-be-over congressional career of Louie Gohmert. Full Story 

• U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez and his wife defied property tax law for eight years by claiming two homestead exemptions

  by Patrick Svitek Aug. 19, 2022

  In Texas, married couples generally can claim only one such exemption, meant to provide some tax relief on properties considered “principal residences.” Homestead exemptions cannot typically be claimed on commercial properties, second homes or income properties. Full Story 

• Wetter weather is coming this weekend. But it won’t be enough to end Texas’ drought.

  by Allison P. Erickson and Jayme Lozano Aug. 19, 2022

  Rain is in the forecast across much of the state. But it won’t be enough to reverse the drought that has gripped Texas since last fall. Full Story 

• Texas public schools required to display “In God We Trust” posters if they are donated

  by Brian Lopez Aug. 18, 2022

  The law passed last year says schools must display the national motto in a “conspicuous place” but only if the poster is “donated” or “purchased by private donations.” Full Story 

• Louie Gohmert leaves Congress having passed one law and spread countless falsehoods

  by Eric Neugeboren Aug. 18, 2022

  Gohmert was a precursor to former President Donald Trump’s brand of populist, establishment-bucking conservatism that delights in offending progressives and makes no apologies for spreading misinformation. Full Story 

• A West Texas coffee shop owner is giving away Plan B for free as fight over contraception access takes hold

  by Jayme Lozano Aug. 18, 2022

  Last May, Lubbock became the biggest city in Texas to ban abortion within city limits. Now, with abortion outlawed throughout the Lone Star State, the fight over reproductive rights is taking a new turn. Full Story 

• Watch: Why some Texas churches support access to reproductive health care despite the state’s abortion ban

  by Fabiana Chaparro Aug. 18, 2022

  After Roe v. Wade was overturned, some faith leaders in Texas rallied in favor of abortion access and offer supportive spiritual counsel for those who have sought abortion. Full Story 

• Texas executes Kosoul Chanthakoummane for the 2006 murder of a real estate agent

  by Jolie McCullough Updated: Aug. 17, 2022

  DNA evidence tied Chanthakoummane to Sarah Walker’s murder at a model home in Collin County. In last-minute appeals, his attorneys argue the evidence was not conclusive. Full Story 

• Republican James White resigns from Texas House early to take leadership job at Texas Funeral Services Commission

  by James Barragán Aug. 17, 2022

  White, the only Black Republican in the Legislature, leaves office after 11 years and a failed run for agriculture commissioner. Full Story 

• Not 1925: Texas’ law banning abortion dates to before the Civil War

  by Eleanor Klibanoff Aug. 17, 2022

  The restriction, which was revived after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, was put in place amid concerns about declining white birth rates and as the medical profession formalized. Full Story 

• Coronavirus in Texas: Track hospitalizations, vaccinations, cases and deaths

  by Texas Tribune Staff Updated: Aug. 17, 2022

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

• Nearly all unplanned chemical releases in Texas go unpunished

  by Savanna Strott, Public Health Watch Aug. 17, 2022

  Thousands of “emissions events” from chemical plants each year exceed permitted limits, but only a small fraction result in penalties from the state’s environmental agency. Full Story 

• Keller school officials order 41 books — including the Bible and an Anne Frank adaptation — off of library shelves

  by Brian Lopez Aug. 16, 2022

  A new policy scraps community recommendations from last fall that some books that had been questioned should remain on shelves. Full Story 

• Uvalde school officials to discuss firing Pete Arredondo on Aug. 24

  by Brian Lopez Aug. 16, 2022

  The meeting will happen exactly three months after Arredondo was among the first law enforcement officers to arrive at Robb Elementary, where a gunman killed 19 students and two teachers. Full Story 

• AP, Texas Tribune and other newsrooms ask court to unseal Henry Cuellar search warrant

  by Matthew Choi Aug. 16, 2022

  The Tribune and a host of news organizations are seeking records related to a January raid on U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar’s Laredo home. Full Story 

• Millions donated after Uvalde shooting still haven’t reached victims and families

  by Uriel J. García Aug. 16, 2022

  The largest fund for those affected by the May 24 massacre is still months away from distributing most of the $16 million it has raised. Some families are turning to smaller donations to get by. Full Story