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Report: UT investigating sexual misconduct allegation levied against state Sen. Charles Schwertner

by Shannon Najmabadi Sept. 25, 2018

A spokesperson said Schwertner "categorically denies any knowledge of the accusations leveled against him" and added that the senator "is eager to cooperate with the University of Texas and hopes to make clear he played no part in the behavior described.”

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Anti-nuclear waste tour kicks off in Houston

by Matt Zdun Sept. 25, 2018

Organizers of the "Protect Texas from Radioactive Waste Tour" plan to travel to five Texas cities over the next week in protest of a proposed plan to store used nuclear materials in West Texas.

Attorney General Ken Paxton defends Texas law requiring students to stand for Pledge of Allegiance

by Emma Platoff Sept. 25, 2018

Students can be excused from the requirement if their parents give written permission. But a lawsuit claims the law violates students' free speech rights.

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After sexual assault charges, Cody Wilson resigns from 3D-printed gun company

by Emma Platoff Sept. 25, 2018

The company is "resilient," its new head said Tuesday, and "we have no intention of stopping."

Ted Cruz heckled in Washington restaurant over Kavanaugh controversy

by Abby Livingston Updated: Sept. 25, 2018

According to a pair of videos posted online, a group of opponents to the U.S. Supreme Court confirmation of Judge Brett Kavanaugh hounded U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, out of a Washington, D.C., restaurant Monday evening.

Migrants get a second chance at asylum. But it’s still "an uphill battle."

by Hannah Wiley Sept. 25, 2018

Although migrant families separated at the border this summer are getting a second chance to make their case for staying in the country, immigration lawyers say the Trump administration is working overtime to upend the nation's asylum process.

Ken Paxton is fighting to kill Obamacare. Can a Democrat win on a campaign to stop him?

by Emma Platoff Sept. 25, 2018

Justin Nelson, a Democrat running for attorney general, is positioning himself as the champion of protections for pre-existing conditions, one of the most popular provisions of the landmark health care law.

Texas' violent crime rate increased in 2017, while the number of police per resident shrank

by Matt Zdun and Elbert Wang Sept. 25, 2018

Experts cautioned against saying the slight increase in crime was due to the decreased police-to-resident ratio.

Watch Chip Roy, Joseph Kopser virtually debate in their bids for Lamar Smith's seat in Congress

by Alana Rocha, Jianing “Holly” He, Justin Dehn and Todd Wiseman Sept. 25, 2018

In Texas' 21st Congressional District, where U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith is retiring, Republican Chip Roy and Democrat Joseph Kopser virtually debate in the latest episode of our "Split Decision" video series.

Amber Guyger fired from Dallas Police Department after shooting of Botham Jean

by Jolie McCullough Sept. 24, 2018

Guyger shot Jean after she said she mistakenly entered his apartment on Sept. 6.

Analysis: A few Texas Republicans are singing the blues

by Ross Ramsey Sept. 24, 2018

It's not unusual for former opponents to turn around and endorse their party's candidates, or to go quiet in general elections — to say nothing at all. But it's unusual to endorse the other party's general election candidates. And yet, that's happening in several Texas races this year.

Texas farmers on edge as $430 billion farm bill runs up against deadline

by Andrew Eversden Sept. 24, 2018

Funding for crucial safety net programs for thousands of Texas farmers expires Sept. 30. Congress has four working days to act.

Trump administration seeks to limit access to U.S. for immigrants who use or are likely to use public assistance

by Nick Miroff, The Washington Post Sept. 22, 2018

The proposed changes amount to a broad expansion of the government’s ability to deny visas or residency to immigrants if they or members of their household benefit from programs like Medicare Part D or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

"Modern-day Jim Crow." "We're going to protect pre-existing conditions." Here’s a closer look at claims made at Ted Cruz and Beto O'Rourke's debate.

by Emma Platoff Sept. 22, 2018

At the first of three U.S. Senate campaign debates, Ted Cruz and Beto O'Rourke lobbed attack after attack. Here's the history behind some of their claims.

Watch Ted Cruz and Beto O'Rourke in first Senate debate

by Alana Rocha Sept. 22, 2018

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and his Democratic opponent, U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, held the first of their three hourlong debates at Southern Methodist University. Here's the full video, courtesy of KXAS-TV.

Ted Cruz and Beto O'Rourke clash over immigration, Trump, guns during intense debate

by Patrick Svitek and Brandon Formby Updated: Sept. 21, 2018

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Democratic opponent Beto O'Rourke held a feisty debate Friday evening at Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

Texas’ Teacher Retirement System will not raise health premiums for retired teachers

by Matt Zdun Sept. 21, 2018

The decision means TRS will need to ask the state for $238 million to keep the health insurance program running through 2021.

Federal officials unveil plans for four-mile, 18-foot-tall wall on Texas-Mexico border

by Julián Aguilar Sept. 21, 2018

The El Paso "wall" — a steel bollard fence — is a reminder that the White House is doing what it can to make good on one of President Trump’s signature campaign promises.

Texas Attorney General warns Austin ISD: Don’t stop churches from renting school facilities

by Emma Platoff Sept. 21, 2018

Austin ISD is considering a policy change that would limit rental use of its facilities, including to a church that uses one building for Sunday sermons.

Number of migrant children in Texas shelters reaches new high despite end of "zero tolerance"

by Darla Cameron, Edgar Walters and Ryan Murphy Sept. 21, 2018

New data shows the number of migrant children held in privately run shelters in Texas reached a new high in September, even after the Trump administration said it would reunify families separated under the now-paused “zero tolerance” policy.