Texas is on the verge of making illegal border crossings a state crime. Here’s what you need to know.

Latest News

• Texas judge orders release of Uvalde shooting records, but DPS could still delay

  by Zach Despart Nov. 30, 2023

  The Department of Public Safety for 18 months has blocked the release of its investigation of the shooting, and it could choose to appeal this latest ruling, too. Full Story 

• Texas attorney general sues Pfizer, claiming vaccines didn’t end pandemic quickly enough

  by Karen Brooks Harper Nov. 30, 2023

  Experts argue other assertions made in the lawsuit filing are completely unsubstantiated, such as one claiming that vaccinated people were more likely to die from COVID-19, which Texas health data disputes. Full Story 

• Rice University relocates its founder’s remains after reckoning with his ties to slavery

  by Stephen Simpson Nov. 30, 2023

  William “Willy” Rice, the founder of Rice University, will be buried at his family plot after students called for his removal due to his slave-owning past. Full Story 

• John Cornyn and Ted Cruz walk out of U.S. Senate hearing as Democrats vote on Harlan Crow subpoena

  by Matthew Choi Updated: Nov. 30, 2023

  The Texas Republicans opposed subpoenaing conservative donor Crow over his ties to Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, casting it as a partisan attack. Full Story 

• Judge denies Texas’ request to stop feds from cutting border razor wire

  by Uriel J. García Nov. 30, 2023

  Judge Alia Moses ruled in the federal government’s favor but chided the Biden administration for not allowing migrants to use international bridges to claim asylum. Full Story 

• More than 765,000 older Texans are struggling to cover housing costs

  by Joshua Fechter Updated: Nov. 30, 2023

  A new Harvard University study found an increase in the number of Texas households headed by people 65 or older spending more than 30% of their income on housing. Advocates say keeping older adults housed will require substantial public investment and reforms. Full Story 

• A Texas politician wants to provide emergency services to constituents who don’t have them. Will they let him?

  by Carlos Nogueras Ramos Nov. 30, 2023

  In unincorporated West Odessa, residents relish their freedom. And they also go without basic services. Ector County Judge Dustin Fawcett, a young Republican with Ronald Reagan good looks and politics, wants to change that. Full Story 

• Climate change, costly disasters sent Texas homeowner insurance rates skyrocketing this year

  by Erin Douglas Nov. 30, 2023

  Texas rates have increased 22% on average so far in 2023, twice the national rate. More billion-dollar disasters have occurred in Texas this year than any other year on record. Full Story 

• Federal appeals court questions Texas’ new school library regulations

  by Alejandro Serrano Nov. 29, 2023

  House Bill 900 seeks to rid school libraries of inappropriate books by requiring book vendors to rate materials. A legal challenge says the law is too vague and broad. Full Story 

• How one man's open records obsession sparked a fight over transparency and power in East Texas

  by Jess Huff Updated: Nov. 29, 2023

  Once a tool of journalists and concerned citizens to hold government accountable, open records requests have been increasingly used by political opponents and conspiracy theorists to slow down the pace of government. Full Story 

• Texas is not prepared for Austin-San Antonio population boom, experts say

  by Maia Pandey Updated: Nov. 29, 2023

  The neighboring regions are projected to collectively grow from 5.2 million to 8.3 million people by 2050. But the state still lacks an overarching plan to address critical housing and transportation issues, experts said. Full Story 

• Despite strong economy, Texas cities grapple with excess office space

  by Joshua Fechter Nov. 29, 2023

  As remote and hybrid working become the new normal, major Texas cities are facing a decline in office tenants. It’s too soon to tell what that means for the vitality of downtowns. Full Story 

• Texas Supreme Court considers abortion challenge

  by Eleanor Klibanoff Nov. 28, 2023

  In August, a judge ruled that the state’s near-total abortion ban should not apply to medically complicated pregnancies. The state appealed that ruling to the Texas Supreme Court, putting it on hold. Full Story 

• Greg Abbott begins offensive against school voucher opponents, endorsing first House primary challenger

  by Patrick Svitek Nov. 28, 2023

  Abbott on Tuesday backed Hillary Hickland, an activist mother who is running against Rep. Hugh Shine, R-Temple. Full Story 

• “How long can we keep this up?” Food banks are under pressure from Texas’ high level of food insecurity

  by Keaton Peters Nov. 28, 2023

  Inflation, stagnant federal funding for food programs and high housing costs mean that demand at food banks still hasn’t returned to pre-pandemic levels. Full Story 

• Kamala Harris touts White House record at Latino event ahead of 2024

  by Patrick Svitek Nov. 27, 2023

  The vice president’s Houston visit comes as the Biden campaign works to shore up Latino support ahead of a potential rematch against former President Donald Trump next year. Full Story