The state budget approved by the Texas Senate on Tuesday is just the start: Lawmakers still have to decide what to do with billions in federal COVID-19 relief money. Full Story
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The suit is the latest in a series of legal challenges Paxton has brought against the Biden administration since January. Full Story
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The budget does not factor in over $35 billion in federal aid. Senators said they don't yet know when that money will come in and what strings could be attached. Full Story
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Texas courts have long been criticized for keeping people in jail pending trial who can't afford to post bond. Two priority bills this session would change the bail system, but they're primarily aimed at keeping potentially dangerous defendants behind bars. Full Story
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Texas officials mandated that students take the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness in person this year at monitored test sites, although millions of students are still learning remotely because of the coronavirus pandemic. Full Story
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The smaller battlefield — at least initially — comes after the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee targeted 10 seats last election cycle in Texas and flipped none of them. Full Story
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St. Edward’s is one of a handful of universities across the country to require the COVID-19 vaccine for students and faculty on campus as schools prepare for a more normal college experience this fall. Full Story
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This comes as vaccine credentials, often referred to as vaccine passports, are being developed around the world as a way to quickly prove someone’s vaccination status, particularly with private companies. Full Story
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In the latest episode of our podcast about the Texas Legislature, Evan Smith talks to Chris Turner and Carol Alvarado, the chairs of the Democratic Caucuses of the Texas House and Texas Senate, about a challenging year for their party. Full Story
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The momentum follows a shake-up in House leadership and comes as the practice is gaining traction in statehouses across the country. Meanwhile, gun control advocates are sounding the alarm about making it easier to carry guns after recent mass shootings. Full Story
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Collier was the 2018 Democratic nominee against Patrick and lost by 5 percentage points. Full Story
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As apprehensions of migrants soar again at the border, Texas Republicans blame Biden's immigration moves, while Democrats question what they call the GOP's newfound concern for migrants' well-being. Full Story
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The effort comes as Abbott and some Texas legislators are pushing a proposal to punish social media companies for “canceling conservative speech.” Full Story
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Abbott also said Monday he was declining to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the Texas Rangers' home opening game. Full Story
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Members of the Texas Railroad Commission were quick to blame renewable energy for power outages across the state. All sources of energy struggled to produce power during the storm. Full Story
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Corporations generally stay out of legislative fights that don’t directly affect their business, but some are weighing in against proposed Republican restrictions to voting laws. Full Story
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Two of Sery Kim's biggest backers — the first Korean American Republicans to serve in Congress — withdrew their endorsements Friday after she said she doesn't want Chinese immigrants to come to America. Full Story
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Although the iconic theater chain is facing bankruptcy, League is optimistic about the future of his Texas-born business. Listen in the weekend edition of The Brief podcast. Full Story
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“Nothing’s changed and nothing I said would preclude me from considering a run in the future,” he told the Tribune. Full Story
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Seven Collin County detention officers have been fired for their role in allegedly restraining Marvin Scott III, blasting him with pepper spray and placing a hood over his head as he suffered through what his family has described as a mental health emergency. Full Story
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