GOP state Sen. Brian Birdwell says he won’t seek reelection
Soon after Birdwell announced his retirement, state Rep. David Cook, R-Mansfield, said he was running for the seat. Full Story
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![Senator Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury, during a Texas Senate meeting on March 25, 2025.]()
Credit: Lorianne Willett/The Texas Tribune -
Texas capital murder case attempts to severely punish abortion pill use by treating a fetus as a person
A North Texas man charged with capital murder after slipping mifepristone into his girlfriend’s food signals another attempt to rein in abortion pills. Full Story
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![A pharmacist poses with pills of Misoprostol, made by Lupin Pharmaceuticals, at a pharmacy in Provo, Utah, on June 19, 2019.]()
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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. Full Story
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![Dense fog blankets the dome of the Capitol in Austin on March 12, 2019.]()
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Gov. Greg Abbott sets Nov. 4 special election for open state Senate seat
The 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. Full Story
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![Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick presides over the Senate on July 14, 2021.]()
Credit: Sophie Park/The Texas Tribune -
“It will affect all families”: Challenges await Texas parents if birthright citizenship ends
The U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for President Donald Trump’s executive order ending birthright citizenship to take effect in certain states in 30 days. Full Story
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![Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks on border security and immigration, in Austin, Texas, Oct. 25, 2024.]()
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Gov. Greg Abbott, AG Ken Paxton do not have to release Uvalde or Jan. 6 emails, Texas Supreme Court rules
The decision, stemming from a 2022 lawsuit, narrows the public’s legal options to challenge Texas officials under the state’s open records law. Full Story
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![Family members and friends participate in a march in support of those killed and injured in the school shooting at Robb Elementary, in Uvalde on July 10, 2022.]()
Credit: Evan L'Roy/The Texas Tribune -
Texas can require porn websites to verify users’ ages, Supreme Court rules
The 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. Full Story
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![Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks to the media outside the Supreme Court building in Washington on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025 following arguments in the case “Free Speech Coalition, Inc., et al. v. Ken Paxton, Attorney General of Texas.”]()
Credit: Luke Johnson for The Texas Tribune -
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. Full Story
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![Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick speaks during a press conference at the Texas Captiol in Austin, Texas on Monday 23, June 2025.]()
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Christian parents sue to stop Ten Commandments requirement in Texas schools
The lawsuit contests a state law that requires the biblical directives be displayed in classrooms, saying it violates First Amendment and parental rights. Full Story
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![The 10 Commandments monument at the state Capitol in Austin on June 22, 2025.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich/ZUMA Press Wire via REUTERS -
Top Paxton deputy accused of witness tampering during impeachment trial
In 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. Full Story
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![Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks about impending impeachment proceedings against him at a press conference in Austin on May 26, 2023. Behind Paxton from left: Tommy Tran, executive assistant; James R. Lloyd, associate deputy attorney general for civil litigation; Austin A. Kinghorn, associate deputy attorney general for legal counsel; Ryan Fisher, director of government relations; Joshua Reno, deputy attorney general for criminal justice; Suzanna Hupp, special adviser; Brent Webster, first assistant attorney general; Lesley French, chief of staff; George Lane, adviser; Paige Willey, deputy communications director; and Ralph M. Molina, deputy attorney general for legal strategy.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich for The Texas Tribune -
Gov. Greg Abbott orders preemptive strike on screwworm in Texas
Abbott 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. Full Story
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![Cattle at a ranch in Cedar Creek on March 28, 2021.]()
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Majority of Texans oppose total THC ban like the one vetoed by Gov. Greg Abbott, poll finds
The statewide survey also found that Texas Republicans are closely divided on the issue. Full Story
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![Hemp plants at Caprock Family Farms in Lubbock on May 23, 2025.]()
Credit: Annie Rice for The Texas Tribune -
Texas Lottery Commission to be disbanded as state game gets new restrictions
Gov. Greg Abbott on Sunday signed Senate Bill 3070, which will also criminalize the online sale of lottery tickets through couriers. Full Story
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![Texas Lottery stand at an Austin convenience store on Feb. 20, 2025.]()
Credit: Leila Saidane for The Texas Tribune -
Robert Nichols, the most senior Texas Senate Republican, won’t run for reelection
After Nichols announced his retirement, Rep. Trent Ashby said he would run for the open seat. Full Story
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![Left: state Sen. Robert Nichols, R-Jacksonville, on the Senate floor on April 9, 2019. Right: State Rep. Trent Ashby, R-Lufkin, on the House floor on May 3, 2017.]()
Credit: The Texas Tribune -
Texas to create its own psychology licensing test amid pushback on national exam
Texas 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. Full Story
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![Chair John Bielamowicz speaks during a a Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists meeting Thursday, April 11, 2024 in Austin. During the meeting, the state board met with the Association of State & Provincial Psychology Boards to discuss the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology.]()
Credit: Maria Crane/The Texas Tribune -
State Rep. Nate Schatzline drops Texas Senate bid, endorses conservative activist Leigh Wambsganss
The 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. Full Story
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![State Rep. Nate Schatzline, R-Fort Worth,
addresses the crowd during a rally at the Tarrant County Republican Party Headquarters in Fort Worth on Jan. 6, 2025.]()
Credit: Emil T. Lippe for The Texas Tribune -
With prospects of a THC ban eroded, Texas hemp industry supports age restrictions, more regulation enforcement
Hemp industry leaders say they agree with regulations similar to how the state regulates alcohol. Full Story
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![The Texas Original cannabis farm on Sept. 26, 2024. The red light is an experimental form of growth where the light bleaches the flower of the plant.]()
Credit: Lorianne Willett/The Texas Tribune -
Lt. Gov. Patrick rips Gov. Abbott for vetoing THC ban, digs in against calls for regulation
The 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. Full Story
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![Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick speaks to a reporter during a press conference at the Texas Captiol in Austin, Texas on Monday 23, June 2025.]()
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Gov. Greg Abbott vetoes funding for federal summer lunch program for low-income children
Abbott cited uncertainty over federal funding of the program as his reason for rejecting the state’s participation. Full Story
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![Students eat lunch in the cafeteria at Chapa Middle School in Kyle on Aug. 24, 2021.]()
Credit: Jordan Vonderhaar for The Texas Tribune -
Rural Americans more likely to live with chronic pain than urban peers, UT-Arlington study finds
More than 3 million people call rural Texas home, and many lack access to a primary care doctor. Full Story
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![Medical equipment and tools line the walls above a hospital bed in Cedar Park Regional Medical Center in Cedar Park, Texas on Mar. 13, 2024.]()
Credit: Maria Crane for The Texas Tribune