Texas law allows police to keep details about deceased suspects confidential

Benefits for Texas teachers have been a point of contention between educators and lawmakers for years — and often a hot topic at the Legislature. But where does Texas fall nationally when it comes to teacher pay, health care and retirement benefits?

While President Trump's order sending National Guard to address a "crisis" to the border has garnered national attention, those living in the Rio Grande Valley see a gap between perception and reality.

The November general elections are still ahead, but they won't by themselves determine all of the important spots in the Texas Legislature. Watch the empty chairs — they can be almost as important as the occupied ones.

Gov. Greg Abbott is seeking guidance from Attorney General Ken Paxton on whether he can suspend certain laws he believes are standing in the way of a timely special election for the congressional seat recently vacated by Blake Farenthold. 

The Tyler-based 12th Court of Appeals also said the law is overly broad. The case is now likely headed to the state's highest criminal court. 

House Speaker Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, endorsed Steve Allison on Thursday to replace Straus in House District 121. Straus is not seeking re-election after representing the district since 2005.

This time, the fight is happening in the courts after attempts to overturn short-term rental ordinances failed in the Legislature. 

Texas Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian told House lawmakers on Wednesday that the biggest threat to a burgeoning oil boom is "the acceptance of the politically-correct-driven environmental anti-oil and gas science."

On this week's TribCast, Emily talks to Ross, Patrick, Alexa about the Supreme Court-bound Texas redistricting case, Ted Cruz's latest fundraising numbers and former U.S. Rep. Steve Stockman's criminal conviction. Democratic congressional candidate Rick Trevino joins the conversation.