https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/kayla-guo/The latest news by Kayla Guo.enWed, 23 Apr 2025 14:49:26 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2025/04/23/texas-doge-bill-signed-abbott/The first bill to reach Abbott’s desk this session creates a regulation-cutting state agency under the purview of the governor. It was passed with bipartisan supermajorities.By Kayla GuoWed, 23 Apr 2025 14:49:26 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2025/04/23/texas-doge-bill-signed-abbott/Flanked by House Speaker Dustin Burrows and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Gov. Greg Abbott signs his first bill into law this session on April 23, 2025. The bill establishes a DOGE office in state government. Looking on from behind are the bill's sponsor, state Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, R-Southlake, and its author, state Sen. Phil King, R-Weatherford.Flanked by House Speaker Dustin Burrows and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Gov. Greg Abbott signs his first bill into law this session on April 23, 2025. Senate bill 14 establishes a DOGE office in state government. Looking on from behind are the bill's sponsor, state Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, R-Southlake, and its author, state Sen. Phil King, R-Weatherford.Kaylee Greenlee for The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2025/04/18/dan-patrick-school-vouchers-house-senate/The lieutenant governor proposes that the Texas Senate adopt the House bill, which would eliminate a negotiation over the two versions and cement the victory for supporters.By Jaden Edison and Kayla GuoFri, 18 Apr 2025 12:45:00 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2025/04/18/dan-patrick-school-vouchers-house-senate/Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says he wants the Texas Senate to approve the House version of the school voucher bill, a step that would speed the legislation to the governor for his signature.Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick speaks during a press conference regarding school vouchers on March 25, 2025.Lorianne Willett/The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2025/04/15/texas-house-ken-paxton-back-pay/The vote instructs lawmakers who are negotiating a budget with the Senate to advocate for awarding Paxton the salary he missed while impeached over corruption allegations.By Kayla GuoTue, 15 Apr 2025 12:30:45 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2025/04/15/texas-house-ken-paxton-back-pay/During his impeachment, Attorney General Ken Paxton was on leave without pay. Since his acquittal in the Texas Senate, supporters have pushed for him to received that back pay.Ken Paxton stands with attorneys Tony Buzbee and Mitch Little during prayer on the ninth day of suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton’s impeachment trial at the state capitol in Austin, Texas, on Sept. 15, 2023.Julius Shieh/The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2025/04/11/texas-house-budget-approval/The lower chamber’s plan largely aligns with the Senate’s proposal and puts billions toward teacher pay, border security and property tax cuts.By Jasper Scherer, Kayla Guo and Ayden RunnelsFri, 11 Apr 2025 03:09:30 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2025/04/11/texas-house-budget-approval/Texas House Parliamentarian Sharon Carter, listens as state Reps. Cody Vasut, R-Angleton (from left), Richard Hayes, R-Hickory Creek, Tom Oliverson, R-Cypress, and Trey Martinez Fischer, D-San Antonio, negotiate in the lower chamber on April 10, 2025.House Parliamentarian Sharon Carter, left, listens as state Reps: Cody Vasut, Richard Hayes, Tom Oliverson and Trey Martinez Fischer, negotiate in the Texas House on April 10, 2025.Bob Daemmrich for The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2025/04/10/texas-house-budget-day/Among the hundreds of amendments were ones that focused on school vouchers, the attorney general’s office and the Texas Lottery.By Jasper Scherer and Kayla GuoThu, 10 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2025/04/10/texas-house-budget-day/The Texas House voted on a $337 billion state budget early Friday.Texas House of Representatives Members convene in the House Chamber in Austin on April 10, 2025.Kaylee Greenlee for The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2025/04/09/texas-measles-legislation-vaccines/Much of the outbreak is concentrated in the districts of Texas House leaders, including Speaker Dustin Burrows. The crisis appears to have done little to change support for “vaccine choice.”By Kayla GuoWed, 09 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2025/04/09/texas-measles-legislation-vaccines/Signs in English, Spanish and German inform people about measles prevention in the Gaines County Court House in Seminole, Texas.Signage in English, Spanish and German inform people of measles prevention in the Gaines County Court House in Seminole on April 6, 2025.Justin Rex for The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2025/04/07/greg-abbott-special-election-sylvester-turner/The decision to wait until November means a narrowly divided Congress will be down a Democratic representative for most of 2025.By Jasper Scherer, The Texas Tribune, Natalia Contreras, Votebeat, and Kayla Guo, The Texas TribuneMon, 07 Apr 2025 16:34:48 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2025/04/07/greg-abbott-special-election-sylvester-turner/Gov. Greg Abbott addresses the Federalist Society during an event at The University of Texas Law School in Austin on April 3, 2025.Gov. Greg Abbott addresses the Federalist Society during an event at The University of Texas Law School in Austin on April 3, 2025.Kaylee Greenlee for The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2025/04/03/ken-paxton-corruption-clear-senate-campaign/The federal criminal investigation into corruption allegations was the most serious inquiry Paxton faced. Its end nearly clears his slate of numerous legal battles.By Kayla Guo and Katharine WilsonThu, 03 Apr 2025 17:18:39 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2025/04/03/ken-paxton-corruption-clear-senate-campaign/Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has all but declared a run for U.S. Senate. As a legal cloud created by a federal investigation lifts, he can see a clearer path toward a primary campaign against the incumbent, John Cornyn.Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks during the Texas GOP Convention Thursday, May 23, 2024 in San Antonio.Eli Hartman/The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2025/04/02/justin-berry-texas-senate-confirmation/One Senate Democrat joined Republicans, providing the margin needed to approve Justin Berry to the state law-enforcement board.By Kayla GuoWed, 02 Apr 2025 18:57:16 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2025/04/02/justin-berry-texas-senate-confirmation/Austin Police officer Justin Berry during a protest in front of Austin City Hall on May 31, 2020. His actions led most Democrats in the state Senate to oppose his nomination to a state board.Former Austin Police officer Justin Berry holds a weapon with non-lethal rounds during a protest in front of Austin City Hall on May 31, 2020. The protestors had gathered in response to the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer.Jordan Vonderhaar for The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2025/03/29/texas-democrats-party-chair/Scudder takes over after a difficult 2024 election for the party.By Kayla Guo and Renzo DowneySat, 29 Mar 2025 12:12:01 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2025/03/29/texas-democrats-party-chair/Newly elected party chair Kendall Scudder addresses Texas Democratic Party members during an election in Austin on March 29, 2025.Newly elected party chair Kendall Scudder addresses Texas Democratic Party members during an election in Austin, Texas on Saturday, March 29, 2025.Leila Saidane for The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2025/03/28/texas-democrats-vote-new-chair/The State Democratic Executive Committee will meet on Saturday to elect the successor to party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa.By Renzo Downey and Kayla GuoFri, 28 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2025/03/28/texas-democrats-vote-new-chair/The first day of the Texas Democratic Convention in El Paso, Texas on June 6, 2024.The first day of the Texas Democratic Convention in El Paso, Texas on June 6, 2024.Justin Hamel for The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2025/03/27/texas-legislature-thc-ban-dan-patrick-special-session/Only Gov. Greg Abbott can call for a special session. But in his role presiding over the Texas Senate, Patrick can block any bill from passing, giving him leverage to compel overtime sessions by killing must-pass legislation.By Jasper Scherer and Kayla GuoThu, 27 Mar 2025 10:02:18 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2025/03/27/texas-legislature-thc-ban-dan-patrick-special-session/Lt. Governor Dan Patrick speaks during the Texas GOP Convention Thursday, May 23, 2024 in San Antonio.Lt. Governor Dan Patrick speaks during the Texas GOP Convention Thursday, May 23, 2024 in San Antonio.Eli Hartman/The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2025/03/26/greg-abbott-sylverster-turner-democrat-special-election/Republicans hold a tiny majority in the House, creating an incentive for Abbott to hold off on calling an election for Turner’s seat, which would likely be filled by a Democrat.By Kayla GuoWed, 26 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2025/03/26/greg-abbott-sylverster-turner-democrat-special-election/Gov. Greg Abbott speaks at "Parent Empowerment Night" at San Antonio Christian School, in San Antonio on February, 17, 2025.Gov. Greg Abbott speaks at "Parent Empowerment Night" at San Antonio Christian School, in San Antonio on February, 17, 2025.Scott Stephen Ball for The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2025/03/25/texas-senate-budget-approval/Next step will be action in the state House, where budget writers have different plans for distributing property tax help.By Jasper Scherer and Kayla GuoTue, 25 Mar 2025 15:18:54 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2025/03/25/texas-senate-budget-approval/Senator Joan Huffman, R-Houston, speaks with Senator Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston, during a Texas Senate meeting on Budget Day, March 25, 2025.Senator Joan Huffman, R-Houston, speaks with Senator Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston, during a Texas Senate meeting on March 25, 2025.Lorianne Willett/The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2025/03/19/texas-senate-hemp-ban-thc-dan-patrick/Patrick says the measure will shut down the dangerous THC products business. The House’s proposal would tighten oversight of the industry without a full ban.By Kayla GuoWed, 19 Mar 2025 15:03:05 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2025/03/19/texas-senate-hemp-ban-thc-dan-patrick/The backers of the THC ban approved by the Texas Senate said they support an expansion of the medical marijuana program in the state.A flowering cannabis plant at Texas Original cannabis farm on Sept. 26, 2024.Lorianne Willett/The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2025/03/16/christian-menefee-congress-sylvester-turner/The district has been a Democratic stronghold, held for decades by Sheila Jackson Lee and most recently by former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, who died March 5.By Kayla Guo and Pooja SalhotraSun, 16 Mar 2025 21:21:42 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2025/03/16/christian-menefee-congress-sylvester-turner/Christian Menefee speaks at the Texas Democratic Convention in El Paso on June 7, 2024.Harris Co. Attorney Christian Menefee speaks at the first general session at the Texas Democratic Convention in El Paso on June 7, 2024.Justin Hamel for The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2025/03/13/texas-sylvester-turner-memorial-state-house/Turner, who spent nearly three decades in the Texas House and died last week, was remembered as a passionate Democrat committed to working across the aisle.By Kayla GuoThu, 13 Mar 2025 16:36:44 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2025/03/13/texas-sylvester-turner-memorial-state-house/Rep. Sylvester Turner was honored with a memorial service on the floor of the Texas House of Representatives where he served for nearly three decades before becoming mayor of Houston and then a Congressman.Two men embrace after Congressman Turner’s memorial service on the floor of the Texas House of Representatives on March 13, 2025.Lorianne Willett/The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2025/03/12/keith-self-sarah-mcbride-transgender-congress/On social media, Self later wrote “it is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female.”By Kayla GuoWed, 12 Mar 2025 09:57:25 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2025/03/12/keith-self-sarah-mcbride-transgender-congress/https://www.texastribune.org/2025/03/06/texas-legislature-energy-renewables-power-grid/The Legislature has tried to clamp down on renewable energy resources in the past, but many lawmakers are recognizing the need to support all types of generation to meet record demand growth.By Kayla GuoThu, 06 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0600https://www.texastribune.org/2025/03/06/texas-legislature-energy-renewables-power-grid/Vistra Corp.’s Midlothian Power Plant.Vistra Corp.’s Midlothian Power Plant opened its doors to media on October 15, 2021 to show the plant’s weatherization process. The Midlothian plant managed to avoid freezing during the Winter Storm Uri in February, and Vistra’s plants provided 25-30% of electricity on the grid during the storm despite its approximately 18% share of generation capacity in ERCOT.Shelby Tauber for The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2025/02/25/texas-power-grid-ercot-mobile-generators-centerpoint-energy-san-antoni/All Texans connected to the state grid will now pay for the generators rather than just CenterPoint customers.By Kayla GuoTue, 25 Feb 2025 14:37:24 -0600https://www.texastribune.org/2025/02/25/texas-power-grid-ercot-mobile-generators-centerpoint-energy-san-antoni/The ERCOT Board of Directors convene for a meeting at the organization's headquarters in Austin on Dec. 3, 2024.The ERCOT Board of Directors convene for a meeting at the organization's headquarters in Austin on Dec. 3, 2024.Noah Devereaux for the Texas Tribune