Analysis: Texas voters signal a turn to normal, in more ways than one

Latest News

• More than a quarter of Texans are fully vaccinated against COVID-19

  by Texas Tribune Staff Updated: 9 hours ago

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

• "You need that help": Mom wishes she had better care after giving birth on Medicaid

  by Alana Rocha, Justin Dehn and Todd Wiseman May 8, 2021

  In the weekend edition of The Brief podcast, Juanita Raji says she could have used more time on Medicaid postpartum and supports lawmakers' efforts to extend coverage for new moms. Full Story 

• Top political aide to Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller arrested in alleged scheme to take money in exchange for hemp licenses

  by Patrick Svitek Updated: May 7, 2021

  Todd M. Smith was arrested Thursday and released from Travis County Jail on Friday, according to the Travis County Sheriff's Office. Full Story 

• Texas GOP’s voting restrictions bill could be rewritten behind closed doors after final House passage

  by Alexa Ura May 7, 2021

  In a 78-64 vote, the House Friday passed a pared down version of priority GOP legislation to place new restrictions on voting. Now the bill will likely be reshaped in conference committee with the Senate, largely out of public view. Full Story 

• Texas’ larger cities would face financial penalties for cutting police budgets under bill approved by House

  by Jolie McCullough and Juan Pablo Garnham Updated: May 7, 2021

  Previously, the Senate approved a bill that would ask for an election if cities decide to reduce law enforcement budgets. Full Story 

• Democrat revives Texas bill restricting transgender students' sports participation in apparent act of retaliation against his party

  by Megan Munce and Kate McGee Updated: May 7, 2021

  The bill previously lacked the votes to advance out of House committee. After House Democrats spiked one of his bills, Rep. Harold Dutton, D-Houston, revived it. Full Story 

• As hot-button issues dominate Texas legislative session, Gov. Greg Abbott sends clear signals on some conservative priorities

  by Patrick Svitek Updated: May 7, 2021

  His approach differs somewhat from past sessions, when Abbott kept legislators in suspense on whether certain hot-button proposals would have his support. Full Story 

• Medicaid expansion for uninsured Texans had bipartisan support, but lawmakers won't pass it this session

  by Karen Brooks Harper May 7, 2021

  Nothing is truly dead until the session ends. But committee chairs in both chambers have blocked bills from getting hearings, and supporters have dim hopes that Republican leaders will revive it in time. Full Story 

• State Rep. John Raney tests positive for coronavirus after being inside Capitol this week

  by Cassandra Pollock May 6, 2021

  Raney, who has been fully vaccinated since February, "went home immediately and, as of this evening, is doing well," his office said in a statement. The CDC says a "small percentage" of people who have been vaccinated can still contract COVID-19. Full Story 

• “Serious, harmful consequences”: Texas continues placing foster children in harm’s way, court monitors find

  by Reese Oxner May 6, 2021

  A federal judge in 2015 found that Texas violates foster children's constitutional rights. At a hearing this week, court monitors found some progress in reforming the foster care system — but also noted several concerns. Full Story 

• Texas lawmakers propose electricity market bailout after winter storm

  by Erin Douglas May 6, 2021

  Lawmakers argue that spreading costs through the whole market — which will get passed through to consumers’ bills — is necessary to stabilize the state’s electricity market and prevent even higher costs. Full Story 

• Attorney General Ken Paxton unblocks nine Texans on Twitter after lawsuit claiming he violated First Amendment rights

  by Megan Menchaca May 6, 2021

  It’s unclear if Paxton has unblocked others on Twitter who were not named in the lawsuit. Full Story 

• Protesters who obstruct emergency vehicles could face felony charges under bill passed by Texas House

  by Jolie McCullough Updated: May 6, 2021

  The bill is in response to nationwide protests against police brutality last year. Full Story 

• Fetal “heartbeat” bill, which could ban abortions at six weeks, nears passage in the Legislature

  by Shannon Najmabadi Updated: May 6, 2021

  Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, has signaled that he is looking forward to signing the bill. Full Story 

• Austin's camping ban returns Tuesday, but it's not clear when — or how — it will be enforced

  by Juan Pablo Garnham May 6, 2021

  While city leaders are analyzing possible housing options for people experiencing homelessness, advocates warn against using aggressive tactics to enforce the ban. Full Story 

• Texas House advances bill that would ban homeless encampments in public

  by Karen Brooks Harper and Duncan Agnew May 5, 2021

  The bill still needs final approval by the House — usually a formality after it's passed in the chamber's first vote — and then will head to the Senate. Full Story