SNAP recipients will see a cut in food benefits starting this month.

Latest News

• LGBTQ groups criticize Texas bill’s broad restrictions on school lessons and activities about sexuality and gender identity

  by Alex Nguyen March 23, 2023

  Senate Bill 8 supporters say the legislation protects the rights of parents who don’t want their kids to learn about gender identity and sexual orientation. Critics say it could force schools to ignore the existence of LGBTQ people. Full Story 

• In abrupt retirement letter, an investigations director decries Texas’ “untenable” child welfare agency

  by Sneha Dey Updated: March 23, 2023

  Sharon Fonvielle-Baughman said leadership has failed to support the special investigators division, a unit created in 2005 to handle the most high-risk cases. Full Story 

• Environmental group says Texas fails to hold repeat polluters accountable for unexpected emissions

  by Julia Forrest March 23, 2023

  A new report found that companies in Texas have had 21,000 unexpected pollution releases that emitted 400,000 tons of air pollution over six years, but only 1% of them prompted action by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Full Story 

• House panel advances new Texas budget with property tax cuts, teacher pay raises

  by Karen Brooks Harper Updated: March 23, 2023

  The proposal recommends spending billions on programs including property tax cuts, teacher pay raises, mental health services and border security. It leaves out requests for pay raises for retired state employees and funding for rent relief and childcare programs. Full Story 

• Watch a conversation about school safety and the mass shooting in Uvalde

  by Texas Tribune Events Staff Updated: March 23, 2023

  In this conversation moderated by Texas Tribune editor in chief Sewell Chan, panelists discussed lessons that must be learned after 19 children and two adults were fatally shot at Robb Elementary School. Full Story 

• Bills call for Texas teachers to be trained to administer lifesaving overdose drugs to students

  by Stephen Simpson March 23, 2023

  Texas is attempting to address the fentanyl crisis gripping schools by having staff learn how to administer lifesaving medication. Full Story 

• In Texas Senate hearing, education savings accounts raise questions about accountability and impact on public schools

  by Brian Lopez March 22, 2023

  More than 380 supporters and opponents signed up Wednesday to testify on the proposal, which would allow parents to use state funds to send their children to private schools. Full Story 

• Texas business interests and family values collide as lawmakers debate legalizing gambling

  by Zach Despart March 22, 2023

  House Bill 1942, written by Rep. Jeff Leach, R-Plano, would permit regulated sports betting that is already legal in 29 states. House Bill 2843, by Rep. John Kuempel, R-Seguin, would permit casino gambling in Texas. Full Story 

• Texas Senate passes $16.5 billion package to lower property taxes

  by Joshua Fechter and Brian Lopez March 22, 2023

  The proposals target the taxes homeowners pay and require school districts to lower their tax rates. Full Story 

• Caseworkers hampered by ’90s-era foster care software that the state hasn’t replaced

  by Sneha Dey March 22, 2023

  Caseworkers and foster care providers often get incomplete and inaccurate information about foster kids in their care because of the state child welfare agency’s archaic technology system. Full Story 

• Parents share their outrage during first public meeting over Houston ISD takeover

  by Brian Lopez March 21, 2023

  The Texas Education Agency announced on March 15 that it would replace the current superintendent and its democratically elected school board with a new board of managers as soon as June 1. Full Story 

• West Texas A&M University president cancels student drag show, saying it degrades women

  by Kate McGee Updated: March 21, 2023

  Students and First Amendment lawyers say President Walter Wendler’s portrayal of drag shows is off base and the cancellation violates free-speech rights. Full Story 

• Gov. Greg Abbott organizes “school choice” rally at the Capitol

  by Renzo Downey March 21, 2023

  Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has embraced Senate Bill 8, which will get its first committee hearing Wednesday. But House Speaker Dade Phelan hasn’t made school choice legislation a priority. Full Story 

• Biden designates Castner Range in El Paso a national monument

  by Julia Forrest March 21, 2023

  At a Tuesday summit, the president also declared Avi Kwa Ame, 500,000 acres of land in Nevada considered sacred to Native tribes, a national monument. Full Story 

• The EPA wants to limit how much soot you breathe. Here’s what it means for Texas and one of its historic Black towns.

  by Alejandra Martinez March 21, 2023

  Federal limits on particulate matter commonly known as soot could mean cleaner, safer air for Texans. But environmental experts worry Texas may snub rules. Full Story 

• Texas lawmaker again tries to block discriminatory hairstyle bans in schools and workplaces

  by Alejandro Serrano March 21, 2023

  Texas lawmakers could prohibit race-based hair discrimination at schools and workplaces. At least 20 states have already passed similar legislation, according to a group that champions the laws. Full Story